Gatehouse News
NEWS, INFORMATION & WHAT’S ON IN GATEHOUSE OF FLEET | Winter 2011
From the Editor As winter approaches (and it could be another cold one), I hope this edition of the Newsletter will provide you with some good reading and useful information about the many winter community activities to be enjoyed, some by the fireside with family and friends. My thanks are again due to Ken Smyth for his presentation work in assembling material and pictures, and to our army of distributors who make sure that the Newsletter drops through your letter box. The next Newsletter is not due until early April to welcome the spring. My appeal for help with the Newsletter project in the summer Newsletter has not fallen on deaf ears, and I am very pleased that those two community stalwarts, Margaret and Graham Wright have stepped forward and begun their apprenticeship with an appreciation of Jack Pickthall’s business for which they should be congratulated. Graham and Margaret are keen to see the quality of community information improved and will also make efforts to strengthen our links with the regional press and media so that stories about Gatehouse events and people get more and better quality coverage (phone 815022). Last but by no means least, I am very grateful to David Ott for his excellent piece on Thomas Muir and his courageous radicalism which, among other ideas of the late 18th century, inspired Robert Burns to create “Scots wha’ hae” during his visit to Gatehouse over 200 years ago. The story has a modern feel to it as well, in that the late Robert Bryson of Victoria Street was a descendant of Thomas Muir. The compliments of the Season to all our readers!
Save our Library!
Last year the well-used Gatehouse library was threatened with closure due to the high cost of running this building. There was no question of lack of demand for the library’s services. Protests from local residents, the Community Council and the GDI resulted in this and other libraries being retained for the time being, but if the library is to stay open in the face of further Local Authority cuts, the high running costs must be reduced. The GDI is determined to raise sufficient funds to replace the expensive storage heaters with a much more efficient heat exchange system and to provide the building with loft insulation, and has the support of the building’s owners, the Murray Usher Foundation.The proposed improvements could reduce the current high heating costs by up to 80%. Other measures such as fitting photovoltaic panels could make the building energy-neutral. So far the GDI with the support of the Community Council has raised over £4000, sufficient to go ahead with the heat exchangers. We cannot guarantee that the Local Authority will keep the library open but with a bit more financial support we could make the building so energy efficient that the chance of enforced closure would be much reduced. Any financial contributions would be most welcome.
Gatehouse of Fleet YMCA Drop-in Centre At a special ceremony on October 15th, YMCA Drop-in Centre celebrated its 15th birthday. Invitations were sent to volunteers and young people who had been involved with the Drop-in Centre since 1996. There was a display of photographs of young people who had attended the facility over the years highlighting some of the exciting events and activities which have taken place. Special guest Ted Milburn CBE, President of YMCA Scotland, attended the celebrations and gave an interesting and informative speech adding that “YMCA Gatehouse of Fleet was one of the premier YMCAs in Scotland” and that “looking around at all the photographs of happy, smiling young people was what successful youth work is all about”. A birthday cake made of 60 cup cakes and decorated by the young people was displayed in the shape of 15, and Chairman Denis Samways welcomed everyone present to this very special occasion before he and some of the young people blew out the candles.
... and now we make the scones to go with our jam
coffee shop gifts cards
Galloway Lodge Preserves
Around the Community Day of the Region
From the Community Fayre in the Spring to the Day of the Region weekend, community groups have organised over 25 different Day of the Region events in Gatehouse. School children have taken part in a sea shore project; they have sung in the Bunkeroo children’s show and danced at the family ceilidh; they have joined in forest schools and magikal woodland walks, sung at the scout camp fire and helped to plant fruit trees in Garries Park. There have been practice sessions for green bowlers and there has been a tournament for the indoor bowlers. There has been expert coaching for snooker players, a dyking competition at Rainton and clearing work on the River Fleet. There has been the Mid-Summer Music Festival and a James Faed exhibition at the Mill on the Fleet. There has been foraging for wild foods and High Street residents have displayed the history of their houses. At the Community Centre over the Day of the Region weekend on October 1st and 2nd there was great interest in the family history project, there was crook-making, lantern making and other activities for youngsters, there was a display of school children’s and adults’ poetry and children’s artwork - and the WRI provided teas throughout the weekend. The Bunkeroo sang, and there was dancing and folk singing. Visitors to the Community Centre can now compare the splendid photo-montages of the Fleet Street residents from both 2000 and 2011. There is a new booklet on the early history of Gatehouse and there is now enough material for a photo record of the town. The organisers would like to thank Dumfries & Galloway Leader for promoting the Day of the Region and all the different groups and individuals in Gatehouse who have made the celebrations possible.
Gatehouse Community Centre
The Management Committee of the Community Centre would like, through this Newsletter, to remind groups that use the Community Centre to fill in the appropriate Booking Form if they are to avoid the risk of double-booking with other groups who have already made bookings correctly. From January 2012 invoices will no longer be issued and payment will be made on the returned booking form. By January, a new website will be available for downloading a booking form. If you are an existing user you will either be able to download a booking form or collect one from the hallway at the Centre. New users will be directed to the website. This should eliminate the need for telephone calls to make bookings in future.
Gatehouse of Fleet Citizen of the Year
The Gatehouse of Fleet Community Council are once again on the hunt for the 2011 Citizen of the Year. Applications (votes) may be made by one of the following means • Written on paper and deposited in the “Citizen of the Year” box which is on display in the Post Office. • By e-mail to info@cbwalker.co.uk. Applications/votes should nominate their proposed nominee for the award and record their own name and address, together with a few words to say why they consider their nominee deserves the award. The closing date for applications/votes will be December 1st and the result will be announced when the Christmas lights are lit at 5.30pm on December 4th. There will be carols, music from the Creetown Silver Band, Santa with presents for the children, mulled wine and mince pies, so come along!
dividuals keen to share their enthusiasm for natural history. Contact Cecilia Franklin 814190 or visit www.foresteducation.org.
Horses for Courses in the Cally Oakwoods
Over the winter of 2007/08, the Forestry Commission carried out an exercise to thin out unwanted trees in the Cally Oakwoods. Their aim was to remove some of the conifers and, where some of the hardwood trees were too close together, remove the weaker ones. Heavy forest harvesting machinery was used to cut, forward and remove the unwanted trees. One area was considered to be particularly sensitive (behind the Murray Centre), and the operations needed to be carried out carefully using lightweight equipment, namely a chainsaw and ... a horse. The horse was a mare called Lisa and her breed was Belgian Ardennes. She was 8 years old and in foal to a Comtois stallion from the Swiss/Italian border. The foal was due in June 2008, and she would work in the forest up until one week before giving birth. Two weeks after giving birth she would resume work in the forest with her foal alongside her – early training for forest work later in life! The horse was owned by Mr Johnstone from Auldgirth. He controlled her by rein or by verbal command. The rein is operated on a single jerk system; a single line comes from each side of the bit and combines to form a single line held by the operator. Sharp tugs on the rein and the horse will turn right, a single slow tug and she will turn left. The whole operation was carried out successfully with minimal damage to the forest floor, preserving the naturally growing forest flora.
Gatehouse Forest School
In response to a need for children to re-learn the fun of playing outdoors, and to benefit from hands-on learning and safe free play, forest schools are developing across Scotland. In Gatehouse our group runs regularly at weekends and during the holidays and is proving popular with families and in-
THE MURRAY ARMS Hotel & Restaurant
Gatehouse of Fleet
NEW OWNERS - NEW MENUS Lunches now also served in the garden and courtyard. Extensive evening menus. Weddings, parties and all functions catered for. Tel: 01557 814207
Email: info@murrayarmshotel.co.uk
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.
Entertainment, Leisure & Culture The Dorothy L Sayers Society Gatehouse Singers In August this year over 50 members of the Society gathered in Gatehouse for their annual convention, bringing a much-needed boost to the local economy. The Society had chosen Gatehouse as it is 80 years since the publication of The Five Red Herrings. In the foreword the author asks Joe Dignam, owner of the Anwoth Hotel, to tell Provost Laurie that she has not forgotten that, by the time the book is published, the people of Gatehouse will be able to read it by electric light! A lamp given to Provost Laurie to mark the occasion has recently been handed for display to the Mill on the Fleet.
Gatehouse Monday Club
The Monday Club’s Annual Outing on June 27th was a visit to Dowhill Farm Shop and Restaurant near Girvan for lunch followed by a visit to Dobbies Garden Centre at Ayr for afternoon tea and some retail therapy. Members had a great day out and were blessed with dry, if somewhat cloudy weather. A successful fund-raising coffee morning was held on July 16th for which many thanks to all who attended and supported the Club. The Gala Tea took place on August 1st, when members welcomed the Gala Queen and her entourage. For the coming winter season, the programme which commenced on Monday October 3rd, will take place in the Church Hall between 2 and 4pm on alternate Mondays until midMarch. Members meet for a friendly chat, some gossip, a game of dominoes or cards, followed by entertainment and a delicious home-made afternoon tea. Old and new members are welcome. More information from Kate on 814134.
Gatehouse Scottish Country Dancers
We are delighted to have had 130 people, both locals and holiday makers, at our Day of the Region “Toon Ceilidh”. With easy ceilidh dances played by our local band Doon Scottish Sound, four great acts by local entertainers and good food, it was fun for all involved and many requests were made for it to be repeated. Monday classes continue in the Community Centre until our annual dance on Saturday 3 December in the primary school hall, again to live music with a buffet supper. Both dancers and spectators are welcome. 44 The High Street Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2HP
On Friday 16th December the Gatehouse Singers will present their annual concert of seasonal music in Gatehouse Parish Church. In addition to well-loved traditional items, the programme will include “A gospel Christmas”. This exciting work by Daryl Runswick contains settings in gospel style of several well-known Christmas spirituals. In preparation for the concert, the Singers have again been invited to perform a selection from the programme at Threave House on Sunday December 4th. Conductor John Duncan (860628) and Chairman Peter Carpenter (814432) are always keen to hear from competent singers who may be interested in joining us. As John has indicated that this will be his last year as musical director, we would also like to hear from any potential successor! John’s final performance will be on May 11th, 2012; the programme for the Singers Spring Concert will be announced later.
to our concerts, all in the Parish Church. Tickets £10 or £28 for the season of all four concerts. Please see the Community Diary for details of concerts into 2012 or contact Helen Keating on 814376 for information.
Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club
The Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club will be holding its 59th Annual Burns Supper on Saturday January 28th 2012 in the Murray Arms Hotel. There will be a three course meal including haggis (optional) followed by the traditional toasts including the Address to the Haggis, the Immortal memory delivered by Professor Alastair McGowan from Stranraer and the Toast to the Lassies. There will also be recitations by the winners of the school poetry competition and traditional Scottish songs and recitations. Tickets will cost £20 and can be purchased in January from Pauline Logan, the Secretary of the Burns Club, on 814667.
Gatehouse Music Society
The first concert this season is to be given by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, well-known to us in Gatehouse and internationally recognised for their “in-depth” performances, beauty of tone and immaculate techniques. They present an opportunity not to be missed. The second concert features Dutchman Tim Kliphuis who numbers among the world’s finest violinists. Firmly rooted in classical music and jazz, he has been hailed as “the legitimate heir to Stefan Grappelli’s crown”. His particular mix of styles has something for everyone (even the purists among us), ranging from the classics to music of today, and is something different for Gatehouse. He will be joined by David Newton (piano) and Roy Percy (double bass). “This is real stylish music” (The Strad). Members and non-members are warmly invited
Bookings 01557 814175 07891 803027
The Bakehouse : Literary Arts Live
Jessica Hannay addressing the Haggis at the 2010 Burns supper
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
Our small dancing group (a branch of the Royal Scottish Counry Dance Society) continues to meet in the Church of the Resurrection Hall, Riverbank on Monday evenings. Our teacher, Moira Stacey, takes us through Scottish reels and jigs, and it does not matter if you are a beginner or an established dancer, all are very welcome for an evening of fun and friendship. See the Community Diary for details of our Annual Dance and weekly classes which cost £25 for a session of 12 classes. Enquiries to 815205 or 339308.
Footprints
Julie Allan BSc. MChS.
Podiatry & Chiropody Services 35 High St. Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2HR Tel 01557 814999
www.footprintspodiatry.co.uk ... and introducing Gillian Vance RMT MFHT
Remedial and Sports Massage
www.thebakehouse.info
every Wednesday at Footprints - call Gillian direct for an appointment on 07740 605065
Festival Music – June is busting Stewartry Flower Club’s out already! Sapphire Anniversary While memories of the past summer’s music fade gracefully into the autumn mist, your Festival Group is busy building for 2012. A similar weekend format will follow this year’s summer (June 22nd to 24th) with a mixture of firm favourites and new discoveries. Nods of assent have come from accordion maestro Harry Hussey and the ever friendly Jellyroll Gumdrop, while we await replies from Julian Cope, Trembling Bells and those harmonious Humberside hoboes the Shiznitz - plus the strong body of local talent. So if you would like to entertain, there’s plenty of space in the cast-list! Sensible suggestions to Ted Percy 814461 or at the Masonic Arms on Thursday evenings when all players, singers, listeners and real-ale fans are welcome to our weekly all-music sessions.
Stewartry Flower Club celebrated its 45th anniversary on October 13th with a delicious lunch at the Cally Palace Hotel. President Val Hunter welcomed all to the lunch with a special welcome to the Club’s Honorary Member Phemie McCarlie, who has been with the club since 1966. Together they cut the anniversary cake, which had been made and decorated with sugar flowers by Addie Clarkson. Val also presented an engraved vase to Mary Dow and spoke warmly of her 20 years of service on the Committee and 11 years as Club Treasurer. During the meal, good friends Elma Heuchan and Nancy Sloan, with past President Nancy Duncan, entertained everyone with short humorous reminiscences. The lunch finished with a toast to the Club for its continuation for many years to come.
Fleet Valley National Scenic Area Volunteers
For almost 10 years the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area (NSA) Volunteers have been working on environmental projects in and around Gatehouse. They have worked with the NSA Ranger on the Japanese knotweed and rhododendron problems, the Port McAdam Riverside Walk, the Wildflower Meadow in Garries Park and drystone wall repair. They have also carried out surveys of butterflies, birds, wildflowers and marine life. The excellent work of the NSA Countryside Team was recognised this year when they were joint winners of the Environment Award in the Stewartry Celebration of Achievement Awards on September 1st. Earlier, their work on the Cally Designed Landscape won a Scottish Civic Trust “My Place” Award. They are now working with a Scottish Forestry Commission Ranger in Cally Woods and with the Galloway Fisheries Trust on the River Fleet. Why not join the Fleet valley NSA Volunteers? It gives you exercise in the fresh air, no previous experience is needed and it is fun. Volunteers meet once a week for 2 hours and you can do as much or as little as you like. Contact Ron Forster (814727) or Anna Johnson, National Scenic Area Officer (01387 260242), for further information.
Bank of Fleet Hotel u
Ensuite Rooms u Bar Meals u Restaurant & Beer Garden
01557 814302
u
www.bankoffleet.co.uk
Excellent food and a friendly atmosphere
A Poet’s Inspiration in Gatehouse
by David Ott On a summer day in 1793 history and poetry met on the High Street in Gatehouse. History came in the form of a dismal procession of soldiers guarding a notorious prisoner as he was being trundled in chains on a rough cart along the road to Edinburgh. The prisoner was 28-year-old Thomas Muir of Huntershill, convinced Christian, well-read and intelligent thinker, principled and crusading member of the Faculty of Advocates, champion of constitutional reform, and, above all, committed and determined Radical. Muir’s advocacy of outrageous things like human rights, fair trials, and honest elections put him high on the Establishment’s list of public enemies, and he barely kept one step ahead of the authorities as he travelled to meet like-minded men in Scotland, England, and Ireland. Finally apprehended
in Portpatrick in August 1793, Muir was despatched under guard to face a show trial in Edinburgh before the notorious “hanging judge” Lord Braxfield. Muir seized the opportunity to challenge the entire system with an impassioned plea for constitutional and legal reform, but Braxfield replied smugly that the “British constitution is the best that ever was since the creation of the world.” One account says that Muir then suggested that he was merely giving effect to the message of Jesus Christ, to which Braxfield rejoined: “Much guid did it dae him---he wis hingit.” After the inevitable verdict of guilty, Braxfield gleefully sentenced Muir to 14 years transportation to Botany Bay. This unprecedentedly harsh sentence was meant to intimidate other radicals, but one man at least was actually inspired to carry on the struggle in his own inimitable way, because in the crowd that watched Muir being led through Gatehouse that August day stood none other than Robert Burns. A profoundly radical and anti-Establishment poet, Burns was incensed at the shameful treatment being meted out to a man he greatly admired, and he is said to have withdrawn to the Murray Arms Hotel and set to work in creative fury to write down the first draft of the great poem we now know as “Scots Wha Hae”. Burns hinted in a letter at the time of Muir’s trial that that case had “nursed my rhyming Mania”, and he made clear that although the poem’s ostensible subject was the medieval struggle of Wallace and Bruce for Scottish independence from England, it was in fact actually about a “struggle for Freedom” that was “not quite so ancient.” After crossing the path of Burns on the High Street of Gatehouse, Muir’s life became an adventure story of escape from Australia, arrest in California, a dangerous sea voyage to Spain, and an attack by marauding British warships off Cadiz during which Muir was badly injured, leading to several years of physical decline until his death in Paris in 1799 at the age of thirty-four. But Muir’s struggle had left an enduring example to those who believe in liberty and bequeathed to world literature one of its most stirring poems.
Sport Anwoth & Girthon Curling Club
Our season got underway in October, with the very first match being called off because it was too warm and made the ice dangerous! Hopefully this will be the only blip this season. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome anyone wanting to try curling to come and join us. This is a fun, all-inclusive sport suitable for all ages – all you need is clean indoor shoes (so as not to get grit on the ice), and enthusiasm. This is an ideal chance if you are new to the area or feeling you would like to try something new and meet new friends in and around Gatehouse. Our ambitions for the coming season are to improve our position in the league and hopefuly to regain the prestigious Cally Cup. Skips David Hawker, Annie-Margaret Johnstone and Bobby Carson will be expecting their rinks to perform at their best in these events and with a bit of luck thrown in, should do well. Contact Keith Kemp on 814152 for more details.
Gatehouse Golf Club
The 2011 season is now almost completed with all the major competitions successfully concluded. The Annual Presentation Night and Dinner was held in the Murray Arms on October 1st with 35 members present; most of the winners of competitions received their trophies. The Club champion and winner of the Freedom Trophy was, for the seventh time in all, Graham McMillan. He clinched his victory on the 18th hole from Robert Hope, a worthy runner-up. This year Gatehouse was the winner of the Kirkcudbrightshire Open Team Championship for the first time for 20 years. Congratulations to the team and especially to Greig Taylor who won the individual handicap competition. Mention is also due to Irvine Hannah who won the Kirkcudbrightshire Open Matchplay Championship. The Lady Golfers have had a busy and enjoyable season with a full programme of events, some a little more serious than others, but enjoyed by all who took part. The away day this year was at Dumfries &
Galloway where 15 ladies had a thoroughly enjoyable day out. Liz Dodds was the winner on the day and later in the year won the 3 club competition. The Open Competitions for the Cally Cup and Saucer were played in June. The saucer was won by Joyce Jarmy. Jean Prentice won the Murray Usher Trophy for the best Gatehouse Player and also won the Fergusson Cup. The Inaugural Fred Fairrie Trophy was won by Helen McQueen. In September, 10 ladies went to Matfen Hall for three days and Kate Benney was the overall winner. Fridays are the main playing day, but a number can be found playing on Mondays. Winter start time is 9.30 and new or prospective members are always welcome. The course has been kept in immaculate condition throughout the year, so thanks are due to Charlie Pickthall and to Paul Pickthall for their hard work and commitment. Membership numbers have held up well, with a number of new members from the local area joining for the first time. Winter membership is now available up to March 31st for just £50, a great bargain as there are few days in our winter when the course is unplayable. We have also had a reasonable year for visitors, despite the often miserable weather. As increased income will mainly come from more visitors we are updating our website, and we are now covered by the main SGU website, sgugolfcentral@scottishgolf.org which is the most widely visited by people wanting to play golf in Scotland. Lats month we were visited by Alan McPherson, who has set out to play every golf course in Scotland to raise money for Cancer Research UK. So far he has played over 400 courses with 250 still to play. You should be able to see a report on his visit to Gatehouse on www.scottishgolfcoursesallofthem.blogspot.com.
Gatehouse of Fleet Snooker Club
The Club’s premises continue to please regular players among the membership, and although there are competing outdoor activities during the summer months there have been some welcome holiday visitors who have made valuable use of our temporary membership facility. As we approach the end of our first year, we are looking forward to enlarging our membership. Dropin Centre junior members have kept their interest going at the fortnightly Monday evening sessions and more younger players would be very welcome. Thanks to the Day of the Region programme, we were able to benefit from a sponsored visit on October 1st from Paul Jamieson, a leading SW Scotland player who has been among the top-ranked players in Scotland. A thoroughly good afternoon of matches ensued, mainly due to Paul’s patience and some very generous handicapping in favour of his Gatehouse opponents! He was able to spend time demonstrating some of the finer skills which the game demands if it is to be played well and he emphasised the need to spend a great deal of time in practice work for anyone who wants to reach and stay in the top rank of players. He has also kindly offered to return and provide tuition to some of our younger members. Our next objective is to catch up on the backlog of matches in our club competition. The results will not only produce a club champion for the year, but also help us to develop a handicapping system which will make for more evenly balanced results in future competitions. So get out there and play your matches, there are some good prizes to be won! Your Chairman has also had contact with the Kirkcudbright Snooker Club, and it may be possible to have some interclub mtches at some time in the future.
Fleet Star Football Club
We are now approximately one third of the way through the season, having played 8 of 24 League games and 3 of the 7 Cup competitions. Results have not been great but
on Saturday October 1st we recorded our best victory of the season, defeating Crichton 4-1 at Garries Park, which moved us 2 places up the League to 10th. In our previous 6 games, we met the top 4 teams (some of them twice), and were without a few key players. Hopefully now we will have a good settled team and move upwards in the League towards Christmas. There have been quite a few postponements with the almost incessant and heavy rain making playing surfaces at times waterlogged. Garries Park has had a major drainage problem in the bottom corner for a number of years and is steadily deteriorating; remedial drainage work is required in the spring. At home matches we are now running a catering service which has gone down well with supporters: a half-time cup of tea and something to eat goes down well on a cold winter’s day. The draws that the Club runs – Weekly “3 from 20” and Weekly “Super 7” are going well – the jackpots at the moment are £400 and £600 respectively. Tickets are always available, just contact any Committee Member for details.
Green Bowling
The closing of the green was held on Saturday September 24th with a club tournament played for the President’s Prize. Tom Rogers was the winner. In the evening 27 members and friends went to the Bank of Fleet Hotel for Dinner and Prize Presentation. Club champion: Gordon Cochrane Runner up: Tom Rogers Club championship (Ladies): Lily Kiltie Runner up: May Lockhart Club Medal: Tom Rogers Runner up: Gordon Cochrane. The AGM will be held in the Club House on18th November at 7pm. Please come
Remembrance Sunday
The annual festival of Remembrance when, in common with communities across the land, we pay a special tribute to those, both past and present, who have given so much for their country, takes place this year on November 13th. The Ecumenical Service of Remembrance in Gatehouse Parish Church at 10am is followed at 10.45 by a Parade and March to the War Memorial organised by the Royal British Legion, leading to the ceremony of Remembrance and the playing of the Last Post at 11.00. The Gatehouse and District branch of the British Legion will also be represented at similar ceremonies in Twynholm and Ringford. This year our thoughts will be focussed on the welfare of our servicemen and women in Afghanistan, both those who are on the
along and let us have your views. Green will reopen in April 2012 when we hope to see a lot of new faces.
Carpet bowling
Gatehouse Carpet Bowling started on October 18th in the Community Centre at 7.30pm and will continue each Tuesday until the end of March. Open tournaments will be held in November, January, February and March, dates to be confirmed. New members are welcome.
Cricket
The season ended with the First XI staying in Division 1 of the Western Cricket Union by a small margin, while the Second XI’s young players displayed considerable talent and the Juniors enjoyed a very successful season, losing only one match. The new covers offered improvements to the Ground when they became fully operational, and the prospects for a new Pavilion and other general improvements to the Ground are now a realistic objective which will, if implemented tax the resources of the Club and its supporters to the full. Coaching continues through the winter at Gatehouse School and at Douglas Ewart. and is extended for Ladies and Juniors to Kirkcudbright and Dalbeattie on Wednesday and Thursday evenings respectively. Two members are also taking the Cricket Scotland Level 2 Coaching course with a view to improving the quality of the coaching. An enthusiastic group of Ladies is now enjoying coaching under the Scotland Ladies Captain, and hopes to start playing matches in 2012. A successful fund-raising Gentle Jazz evening in July will be repeated in November 2012, and a social evening and Music Festival are planned for next summer. ground today and also those who have lost their lives or are still suffering from devastating injuries incurred in the campaign. After the ceremonies there will be a Remembrance Sunday lunch from 12.00 noon in the Murray Arms at which the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and others who have taken part in the proceedings will be present. Tickets for the lunch are now on sale at the Murray Arms reception desk.
Churches Church of Scotland 01557 814233 Gatehouse Parish Church Sundays: 10.30am Morning Service
Roman Catholic 01557 330687 Church of the Resurrection, Riverbank Saturdays: Vigil Mass at 6pm Holy Days: Vigil Mass at 7pm
Scottish Episcopal Church 01557 330146
St. Mary’s Church, Dromore Road Sundays: 9.30am Sung Eucharist. (5th Sunday of month a joint service is held with Greyfriars, Kirkcudbright - see noticeboard) Weekdays: 9.30am on Wednesday.
Assemblies of God 01557 814894
Gatehouse Christian Fellowship, Gatehouse Community Centre Sundays: 10.30am Morning Service & Children’s Church (Communion 1st Sun in month)
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 J N Pickthall & Sons. History When he left school, Jack Pickthall had plans of becoming a shepherd. Soon afterwards he was offered an apprenticeship as a builder, working for William Clemie of Kirkcudbright, and he has never looked back since. He remembers Willie with great fondness and respect – it was he who instilled in Jack his strict sense of tidiness and order in the workplace. At the age of 23 Jack, still working for Clemie, was left in charge of 10 men who were laying the foundations for the “Colt” houses in Laurieston Road. His potential came to the fore and he claimed and extra 3p per hour and full recognition by the workforce that he was in charge. He recognised the difference between the rate that tradesmen were paid and the rate that businesses would charge clients. It wasn’t long before Jack realised that he should be in business for himself. He then worked with Jimmy Gilmour for a year before setting up in business with rented premises in Victoria Street. After spells at the Fleetvale Garage site, at Back Neilston and then in Ford Lane, he finally acquired his own premises at the Devil’s Elbow in 1974. After 37 years, still based at the Devil’s Elbow, Jack’s business is now the oldest in Gatehouse which has been continuously operating under the same management – a fact of which Jack is very proud. Current Business Climate Gatehouse is not insulated from the global economic situation and people and businesses do not have the cash available for development work. This is cause for some concern as Jack tries to help keep the business healthy. Work attitude As well as having strict codes of conduct for tidiness in the workplace, Jack is proud of his motto, that he would never ask an employee to do any job he wouldn’t tackle himself.
Succession Plan About 5 years ago Neil started his own business and 3 years ago Ian and Barry took over the reigns as directors of the newly registered J N Pickthall & Sons. Jack is still there as “manager”, job estimator and driver. At the age of 68 there is no sign that Jack will ever “give up the day job”. He still gets too big a kick out of it.
Range During his working life Jack has concentrated his business in and around Gatehouse with jobs taking him as far afield as Newton Stewart, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Dundrennan and Kirkcudbright. Biggest Job There are countless places where Jack and his team have left a lasting legacy but his biggest contract was 10-11 years ago when a single job lasted for 18 months. This was a “Rotary Parlour and Dairy Unit” for 350 cows at Coopon Carse, Palnure, and this job alone brought in over £1m. Last year Jack and the boys refurbished the toilet block and the snooker room ceiling at Gatehouse Community Centre, but probably his favourite job involves regular visits to refurbish Hensol House at Mossdale.
Football Talking of which, in his day Jack was no mean footballer. He played for Fleet Star, Tarff Rovers and Newton Stewart but has fondest memories of 8 years at Threave Rovers. He had a trial with Queen of the South and at the age of 19 went to Ewood Park for a 3-week trial with Blackburn Rovers. Football is still “in the blood” and he and his 3 sons all keep season tickets for Glasgow Rangers. Other Hobbies J N Pickthall & Sons provides sponsorship for Fleet Star FC where Barry is the current team manager. Jack is also very keen on game shooting and still enjoys “picking up” game with his gun dogs.
Staff Jack’s first employee was Cecil Lamont, and many locals have worked with and for Jack over the years including his 3 sons, Ian, Neil and Barry. The business currently employs a workforce of 5 but staff levels have been as high as 10. Saddest times Clearly the horrific tree-pruning accident which resulted in the death of Danny Meechan at Laurieston Road in 2009 is still too fresh in Jack’s mind to talk about, but his saddest moment in his business life was when William Telfer died as the result of a road accident in 1981 just 2 weeks before his 21st birthday.
Barry & Ian, sponsors of Fleet Star FC
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
Clubs, Societies & Voluntary Bodies Gatehouse Community Council Provost Mrs Pat Jacques 01557 814425
Gatehouse Development Initiative Chairman David Steel 01557 814226
Gatehouse Gala Committee
Chairman Mrs P Logan 01557 814667
Gatehouse Community Centre
Chairman Paul Jacques 01557 814425. Bookings 07563 758533
Mill on the Fleet
Chairman Ken Smyth 01557 814458
Anwoth & Girthon Curling Club Secretary Mr Keith Kemp 01557 814152
Bunkeroo (Young theatre & talent group) Sarah-leigh Cain 01557 814627
Earl Haig Poppy Fund
Mrs Wadsworth 01557 814349
Fleet Star Football Club
Secretary Mr A I Hannah 01557 814829
Galloway Cricket Club
Captain Pat Druce 07881585431
Gatehouse Bridge Club Mr G Swann 01557 814663
Gatehouse Burns Club
Pauline Logan 01557 814667
Gatehouse Carpet Bowling Club
Mrs Annie-Margaret Johnstone 01557 814059
Gatehouse Drop-in Centre (YMCA)
Chairman Denis Samways 01557 814095 Josephine King 01557 814704
Gatehouse Family History & Archives Margaret Torrance 01557 814620
Gatehouse Festival Music Ted Percy 01557 814461
Gatehouse Forest School Cecilia Franklin 01557 814190
Gatehouse Golf Club
Clubhouse 01557 814766 (messages will be dealt with by a Committee member)
Gatehouse Green Bowling Club
Mrs Annie-Margaret Johnstone 01557 814059
Gatehouse Horticultural Society Mrs Suzette Harris 01557 814511
Gatehouse Investment Club (”Spend a Penny”) Caroline Taylor 01557 814716
Gatehouse Lions Club
Secretary Arthur Brown 01557 814168
Gatehouse Monday Club Mrs P Benney 01557 814134
Gatehouse Music Society
Mrs Helen Keating 01557 814376
Gatehouse of Fleet Pre-School Under 5’s Group Sally Dunlop 01557 814242
Gatehouse Scottish Country Dancers Carol Clark 01557 814259
Gatehouse Scouts, Cubs & Beavers Mark Grieve 01557 814763
Gatehouse Singers
Chairman Peter Carpenter 814432
Gatehouse Tennis Club
Information from Barbara McDavid 814505
Gatehouse of Fleet Snooker Club Willie McKie 01557 815008
Gatehouse Women’s Rural Institute (WRI) Kathleen Gilligan 01557 814462
Royal British Legion Gatehouse Branch Chairman Willie McKie 01557 815008
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Barbara McFarlane 01557 814205
Stewartry Flower Club
Angela Paul 01557 870202 or Val Hunter 01557 814944
University of the Third Age (U3A) Anne Levi 01557 814738
Community Diary: Winter 2011 October 29 Football: Fleet Star vs. Newton Stewart, 2.00pm Garries Park. 29 Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Annual Dance, School Hall 7.30pm 31 Royal Scottish Country Dance Society weekly meetings start, 7.30 Catholic Church Hall. November 3 Music Society. Fitzwilliam String Quartet: Mozart, Puccini, Vaughan Williams, Schubert 7 Gatehouse Gala Committee AGM 7.30 Murray Arms 8 Parish Church Guild 2.30 Theme “Caerlaverock Birds” 10 Stewartry Flower Club. Workshop Stefan Urquhart “Fireworks” 11 Royal British Legion Bingo, Bank of Fleet Hotel 12 Football: Fleet Star vs. St.Cuthbert’s Wanderers, 2.00pm Garries Park 13 Remembrance Sunday. Remembrance Day service Parade and British Legion lunch. 17 Music Society: 2.00pm. Geoff Keating introduces the Solway Sinfonia concert (Nov.20th.) 18 Green Bowling Club AGM 7.00pm in the Club House. 19 Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church Christmas Fair: Community Centre 10am-3pm. 20 Gatehouse Forest School, Cally Woods. December 1 Closing date for voting for Gatehouse of Fleet Citizen of the Year 2011 3 Scottish Country Dancers Annual Dance. Primary School Hall 4 Christmas lights switch-on & Citizen of the Year announced 5.30pm. Murray Arms 4 Music Society: Tim Kliphuis Jazz Trio 4 Gatehouse Singers at Threave House 10 Gatehouse Forest School, Cally Woods. 13 Parish Church Guild 2.30 Christmas Party 16 Gatehouse Singers Christmas Concert, Parish Church. 17 Football: Fleet Star vs. Threave Rovers, 2.00pm Garries Park 25 Christmas Day January 1 New Year’s Day 8 Gatehouse Forest School, Cally Woods. 9 Royal Scottish Country Dance Society weekly meetings resume, 7.30 Catholic Church. 10 Royal British Legion AGM, 6.00pm Murray Arms. 11 Parish Church Guild 2.30 Theme “Zimbabwe” 12 Stewartry Flower Club. Competition “Winter Landscape” 28 Gatehouse of Fleet Burns Club: Annual Burns Supper, Murray Arms. February 9 Stewartry Flower Club. Audrey Slee: Talk “Story of Flower Arranging” 12 Music Society. Quintet Zambra: Classical Wind Quartet 14 Valentine’s Day. March 6 Stewartry Flower Club. Ada Paul “Something old, something new” 25 Music Society. Solway Sinfonia: Salleri, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert.
Useful Opening Hours Post Office
Monday to Friday 9.00 - 5.00 Saturday 9.00 - 12.30
Library
Monday 2.30 - 5.00 Wednesday 10.00 - 12.30 Friday 10.00 - 12.30; 2.30 - 5.00 6.00 - 7.30
Bank of Scotland
Monday 9.15 - 4.45 Wednesday 10.00 - 4.45 Friday 9.15 - 4.45
Spar Shop
Monday to Saturday 6.00 - 10.00 Sunday 6.00 - 9.00
Keystore Shop Monday to Saturday Sunday
7.00 - 8.00 8.00 - 4.00
Public Meetings Community Council & Gatehouse Development Initiative Meetings
are open to all
Community Council 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7pm, Community Centre.
Gatehouse Development Initiative Last Wednesday of every 2nd month, 7.30pm, Community Centre. Next meeting: 30th November.
Editor’s note: If your club or group is not listed or you wish to advertise your event, please provide details to the editor and I will make sure it features in the next issue of the Newsletter. Tel. 01557 815008.