Issue 49

Transcription

Issue 49

Glencairn Gazette
lssue 49
FREE to EVERY household in Glencairn & Tynron.
December/January 20081
http://www.moniaiveonline.com
Extra copies 50p
Photos: Sue Grant
Who are these people?
Photo: Susan Conway
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• DIY: Cement, Bricks, Blocks, Sand,
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Compost, Moss, Peat, Flower Tubs,
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Footwear from 6th to 29th Dec
• Xmas Trees - no needle drop • Holly Wreaths
Late Night Shopping on 6th Dec
Enjoy a glass of wine while you browse
www.jrkcampbell.co.uk
People’s Millions
Cheese & wine
Photo courtesy Olivia Massie, Moniaive Primary School
On Friday 9th we held a ‘come along
and support our school’ meeting
{cheese and wine}. Olivia Massie, Sean
Wicks, Ben Wicks and Rachel Shnapp
made a presentation and presented it
in front of all the people that came
along to our cheese and wine. We held
it for votes for People’s Million.
We told People’s Million about all the
work that we done to get our playground
a better place and Cathie Harley was the
one that started it all. One day Cathie
Harley came in and said I will enter the
school in this thing called People’s
Millions to get a bit more money to get
our playground a better place so Miss
McCrossan said OK so that is how it
happened.
Olivia Massie
Moniaive School went head to head with another school on Monday 26th
November on Border TV for funding from the People’s Millions.
The school had applied for a grant of £50,000 to enable them to provide the
children, and the community, with the type of playground and community area that
they wanted and deserved. They reached the final and went “head to head” with
another school project. The winner was decided by a public telephone vote which was
televised on Border News/Lookaround. Sadly Moniaive Primary did not win the vote.
Although very disappointed the children and staff are already planning other ways of
raising the funds. Below is a selection of pictures from the powerpoint presentation the
children prepared for the application.
Part of the
presentation which
shows how hard
the children
worked on the
project
2 • Glencairn Gazette 49 • December/January 2008
Oh so very lucky...
‘pulled’ down the stairs they are all fine.
Chief Inspector Phil Stewart of
Dumfries and Galloway Police paid
tribute to the rescuers. “Without the quick
thinking of the young woman and the two
brave neighbours who assisted her, we
would have been dealing with a tragic
incident,” he said.
The incident is believed to have been
caused by a faulty boiler. Mr Stewart
added that the incident was a ‘timely
reminder’ to people to ensure all gas fires
and heating systems were properly
serviced to ‘prevent the possibility of
such a tragedy’.
The family are currently in temporary
accommodation while the house is
cleared. Sadly it seems a lot of their
possessions are so badly damaged that
they will need to be thrown out.
“Looks like we’ll be starting from
scratch again,” said Kay, “But at least we
are all OK which is the most important
thing.”
Kay, Jimmy, Alan and Sarah would
like to thank everyone who helped with
their rescue and for the support and kind
wishes from friends since the incident.
Sue Grant
Evergreens 40th Anniversary
On October 10th we celebrated our
40th anniversary with a dinner at the
Craigdarroch Arms Hotel.
There were 12 members and two
visitors present. A lovely meal was served
and enjoyed by all.
Mabel Forteath, our president, called
on Elsie Henderson, as our longest
serving member, to join her in cutting the
cake which was made by Marchbanks of
Thornhill. The cake was kindly gifted by
Jean Stewart and Betty McMillan.
Teas and coffees were provided free by
the hotel.
Unfortunately our membership is now
down to 13, as opposed to around 70
when the club was started in 1967. We
would appeal to anybody (55 years and
over) who would like a game of whist or
dominoes to come and join us for a
couple of hours every Tuesday from 1.30
to 3.30pm at the Craigdarroch. The
Photo: Tommy Irving
Jimmy, Kay, Alan and Sarah Mensdorf
had a lucky escape thanks to the quick
thinking of Sarah and the help of
friends and the rescue services.
Jimmy had switched on the boiler in
the evening as a hard frost was expected.
“I remember going up to bed and
seeing Kay fall to the floor,” he said, “I
went to see what she was doing and the
next thing I remember is lying out on the
street.
“It seems I had collapsed on top of
her,” he added.
Sarah, who had been in the living
room with the door shut realised
something was wrong when she went into
the fume-filled kitchen to make a cup of
coffee. She acted quickly and called on
neighbours to help rescue her parents and
brother from the house at about four in
the morning.
Wattie Yule and John Martin entered
the house to try to help their friends.
The Mensdorfs and one of their
rescuers were taken to Dumfries
Infirmary for treatment for fume
inhalation.
Thankfully Kay, Jimmy and Alan were
released the next day and apart from
bruising sustained by Jimmy while being
The twins
Many thanks to everyone for the kind
thoughts and gifts. The girls are doing
great and hope to meet you all soon.
Morven, Tommy, Freja and Verity Irving xx
Please Help!
Moniaive Playgroup are seeking help
from the local community to help them
raise much needed funds.
They have joined the ‘Rag Bag’ textile
recycling scheme and need donations of
any old clothes, shoes, bags, hats, belts,
towels, curtains and all types of bed linen.
For every ton of clothes they collect
£200 goes towards the Playgroups funds.
So go on - have a good clear out - place
your unwanted items in bin bags and
leave them at the Playgroup any weekday
between 9am and 12 noon. You have until
20th December so please do what you can
and get as many friends and family
members as you can involved.
The more they collect the more money
they can raise as part of their essential
fundraising.
Thank you.
Dawn Frame, Moniaive Playgroup
JOHN STOTT
JOINER
01848 200325
community bus will pick you up from
your door if required.
Do come and join us and keep the
Evergreen flag flying.
We wish everyone a very happy
Christmas and New Year.
THE DOMINIES HOUSE
AYR STREET
MONIAIVE
Great care is taken
in all work
Moniaive Evergreen Club
Glencairn Gazette 49 • December/January 2008 • 3
Halloween
Photos: Sue Grant
The Craigdarroch Arms Hotel rang with assorted shrieks
and screams as it was taken over by vampires, ghosts, and
assorted ghouls on October 31st.
With games of ‘wrapping the mummy’, ‘dooking for apples’
and ‘pass the pumpkin’ the children had a fantastic time and I’m
sure the mulled wine helped the parents cope!
Josh and Adam did a wonderful job in transforming the
marquee into a veritable palace of horror with giant spiders,
skeletons, pumpkins and various dangly bits all of which added
to the fantastic atmosphere of the evening. With a resident
monster on BBQ duties and plenty of prizes and goody bags
sponsored by Watson’s Grocers, Dykes of Wallaceton and
Thistles Bistro the evening was a great success.
Congratulations and thanks to all those who helped make this
such an enjoyable and memorable evening for the children of
Sue Grant
Glencairn.
Left top: Enjoying
the party.
Middle: Naomi
and Izzy.
Moniaive Gala AGM
Friday 7th December 7.30pm
Memorial Institute, Moniaive
Come along and support your local gala.
We need more members and your ideas.
It’s
fun!
Right top:
Dracula feels
right at home.
Middle: Assorted
ghouls and
skeletons.
Bottom: Kian uses
his broomstick to
help tidy up...
aaahhh!
a
New Community Councillor
Parents enjoyed the evening too.
Wrapping a mummy.
Guides – End of an era?
This will be our last report on Girlguiding in Moniaive as
Penny Farr has had to leave due to family and work
commitments and no replacement has been found.
Despite posters in the local shops asking for a replacement no
firm offer has been received. I appeal through the Gazette for
someone who has two hours a week to help the girls out. Training
will be given and there is excellent back up from Elaine Wilson,
Maurean McIntyre and myself (Nan Tait). We also have a very
active ‘Friends of Guiding’ who are a wonderful team and raise
money for us each year.
Sadly, two girls, Leanne and Heather have just started their
‘Baden Powell’ Badge – the highest award in guiding – they would
have managed this without any difficulty but will now either have
to give up or travel to Dunscore Guides. They have been working
hard and arranged a wonderful Hallowe’en Party for the Brownies,
gained their ‘World Issues’ badge, Party ‘Go-for-its’ and lots more.
Why not be like the guides – Surprise yourself and Go-for-it –
register now. Ameila, Tilda and Chelsea have just moved to the
Guides and now sadly have to stop. They have agreed to come
along to the Brownies and help with craft, singing and games. I
asked them how they felt and they said:
Duncan Saunderson is the new
Glencairn Community Councillor.
Duncan filled the position which
became vacant on the resignation of
Douglas Milne.
Duncan can be contacted on 01848
200327
or
by
email
at
duncansa@supanet.com.
Remember all Community Councillors
are happy to raise issues on your behalf at
Council meetings if you are unable to
attend yourself.
‘Best Guitarist’ to play Moniaive
Martin Taylor MBE, described by The
Times as “The Acoustic Guitarist of his
generation” is appearing in Moniaive as
part of a short UK tour in February.
Taylor, who has been voted ‘Best
Guitarist’ in the British Jazz Awards for
the last eleven years will be performing in
the Marquee Club at the Craigdarroch
Hotel on Saturday 23rd February.
Tickets cost £14 (£10 for students, pensioners and unwaged)
are on sale in the Craigdarroch Arms Hotel.
Preview: www.myspace.com/martintaylormusic.
Hugh (no relation) Taylor
“Sadly after 80+ years the Guides have had to shut down. Guides
have lots of fun so please, pretty please, will someone be a
Girlguiding Guider for Moniaive”
Ameila Snape
“I have just moved to Moniaive and joined the Guides to make
friends – please someone come along and take the Guides, I miss
having fun with my new friends”
Chelsea Johnstone
“Guides are great fun and we have had to close because we have
no guider to take us, please, please someone help. I miss meeting
my friends”
Tilda Burrows
If you can help keep the Guides going please contact Nan Tait
on 01848 200403.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
“I am devastated about the guides having to close. I have had
wonderful adventures and friendship through the movement, there
are thousands of girls on the waiting list for leaders all over
Scotland and now Moniaive is going to be another statistic.”
Nan Tait
Photos: Paul O’Keefe
Moniaive & District Arts Association
Christopher Lee,
Jean Armour and a
mannequin!
On Thursday 15th November Moniaive’s very own
Christopher Lee stepped in to help the Arts Association
when advertised speaker Don Ramos was unable to attend.
‘Mrs Burns’ cookbook’ was the theme of a talk given by Dr
Lee. He explained that Burns’ wife – Jean Armour – used a
recipe book by Hannah Glasse. ‘The Art of Cookery’ made
Glasse the celebrity cook of the eighteenth century. Chris
prepared one of the recipes a salad dish called Salamongundy.
The spooky apparition bearing a plate of salad is a mannequin
of Mrs Robert Burns.
If you want to whip up a Salamongundy for supper, you need:
mince or poultry; some herring; boiled eggs – with the yolk ball
separated from the white which is chopped; salad items
including onions; and narsturtion flowers.
Some of the recipes and methods of cooking would certainly
give the ‘Food Standards Committee’ much food for thought but
I am quite sure nobody was any the worse for it. We were most
grateful to Dr Lee and the audience was most appreciative and
asked lots of questions.
Our next lecture is on January 17th 2008 when Gary Bonn
will give a demonstration and talk on painting with lacquered
oils, everyone is most welcome.
Moniaive and District Arts Association would like to thank
everyone for attending the lectures and may we wish you all ‘A
Very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.’.
Moniaive Gala
Sunday Feb 10th
Tickets available soon
ALLISON &
HUNTER OIL
Heating Oil • Fuel
Lubricants
Supplying a prompt efficient
service to Homes, Farms and
Industry
Suppliers of plastic and metal
tanks
Tel 01848 330398
Fax 01848 330378
126 Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill DG3 5LP
Brownie Points
The 1st Cairn Valley
Brownies have had
another busy term and
have completed their
‘Season’s Badge’. We are
working on ‘Right Now’
which looks at the ‘rights
and responsibilities of
the child’ which is very
interesting.
We had an evening on
‘disability awareness’, an
evening learning new
songs and a dance.
Our Hallowe’en party was a great success and the Guides did
a wonderful job arranging it. Caitlin Harley and Josie Keast won
prizes for a Halowe’en decoration and fancy dress. We played
games, ducking for apples and
had fab food.
We laid a wreath on the
Memorial and attended church.
Please
support
the
Brownies and let all seven
year olds try it.
Our numbers are low and
we don’t want to have to
close.
A Happy Christmas to
you all.
Photos: Nan Tait
2008
DUCK RACE
Paul O’Keefe and Nan Tait
Windfarm offical opening
Photo: Sue Grant
Photo: Peter Charlesworth
Martin Mathers of ScottishPower brought his own windmill to
the site.
Photo: Sue Grant
On Thursday 27th September ScottishPower Renewables
Director, Keith Anderson, joined pupils from Carsphairn
and Moniaive Primary Schools to officially open Wether Hill
windfarm.
This 14 turbine windfarm will deliver 18MW enough energy
for 10,000 households. Wether Hill is ScottishPower’s eighth
operational windfarm in Scotland.
To mark the opening the pupils were asked to design a mug.
The winning designs were created by Carsphairn’s Keiron
McCall and Moniaive’s Sally Hutcheson.
The launch started with short speeches and a presentation of
Community Council Chair, Scott McMillan, and turbine.
the winning mug designs. This was followed by an excellent
lunch in Craigdarroch House. Then it was a short drive up to the
site to see the turbines in operation.
It was certainly windy enough!
See page 16 for windfarm fund allocations.
Sue Grant
Left: Guests at the launch of Wether Hill gather outside
Craigdarroch House before leaving for the windfarm.
Below: Moniaive’s Sally Hutcheson proudly shows off her winning
mug design together with Kieron McCall of Carsphairn.
Photo: Sue Grant
Glencairn History Group
The History Group is settling in to a winter programme in
anticipation of a cold and frosty winter. We are continuing our
research on the history of the Institute, in anticipation of a small
published volume and accompanying exhibition. We have copies
of minutes from the first meetings held to discuss the setting up of
a Memorial committee. These contain details of the actions and
activities undertaken as the building changed from Church to
Community Hall, and go on to detail committee meetings from the
first days of the Institute. A lot of the surnames found in presentday Glencairn appear in the old minutes.
The book commemorating the parishioners who fell in the
Russell Brown MP
for Dumfries & Galloway
Constituency
Constituency Office
5 Friars Vennel
Dumfries
DG1 2RQ
Tel: 01387 247902
Call for an appointment for one of
Russell’s regular advice surgeries.
Great War (a project originally begun by Sandy Hall, Anthony
Murray Flutter and others) is almost complete. It has taken longer
to produce than was anticipated, but this has been a major
undertaking involving hours of detailed research, visiting sources
and archives throughout the UK in order to complete the book but
the finished article is well worth it containing photographs,
illustrations and detailed descriptions of those taken from their
families by the 1914-18 war – the people to whom the Memorial
Institute is dedicated. The History Group will be supporting the
launch of the book in 2008.
The Group has arranged a speaking schedule for our Spring
season. The first event will be on February 7th when Sam
Callander will give a talk on James Clerk Maxwell, the physicist
from Parton who is credited as ‘the man who changed everything’.
Whilst not an inventor, Maxwell was responsible for many
processes which led to scientific breakthroughs, including: colour
photography, television and communications. Maxwell's work led
Einstein to the Theory of Relativity, E=mc2 and the development
of nuclear energy. The second talk on April 3rd, given by Sheila
Crossthwaite from the Family History Centre in Dumfries, will
give details on how to carry out research projects such as tracing
your family history and will explain the various archives and
resources available to the local historian. The final talk of the
season will be on June 5th when Anna Campbell from Carsphairn
Heritage Centre will introduce a local subject. Each talk starts at
7.30pm. Tickets cost £3 for non-members and £1 for members
(includes refreshments).
For further information on the group contact Bob Martin
on 07772 87744.
Asheva Log Cabins
Quality log cabins for sale
Various styles/sizes available or design your own
2 metres x 2 metres
2 metres x 2.5 metres
2 metres x 3 metres
3 metres x 3 metres
£ 970
£ 990
£1100
£1150
£1250
£1350
Other sizes available. Cabin shown is 2 x 2 metres.
Stables
also available to order
3 x 2 x 3 metres
7.13 x 3 x 3.2 metres
£2400
£3500
Wooden Garages
Prices dependant on size
Wall thickness 28 mm
Roof and floor thickness 1.9 cm
Door measurements 80 x 180cm
Glass for door and window
Normal roofing felt supplied
other roof coverings available
Extra windows £66
With shutters £75
All order take 8 to 10 weeks for
delivery. Prices shown are for supply
only. Local delivery £30. Please ask
about construction costs which will
vary depending on size of hut
required. If you require a base for
your block house we can arrange this.
Contact Robert Telfer on 01848 200684
Mobile: 07921452390
SHOW CABINS – BEHIND MONIAIVE POST OFFICE
Moniaive Musical Theatre Group
We would like to start by saying a very
big thank you to all the local businesses
who supported us with our last
production. Without your help we
would not have been able to produce
such a spectacular show.
Additionally we would like to thank
all those who attended our recent
Halloween Fundraising Party on the 27th
October. The night was a great success
due to such enthusiasm from everyone
there and the effort that was put into all
the costumes worn.
Costume highlights of the evening
included Sam Hall and Liam Kennedy as
Demonic Dorothys, and the Hutcheson
family as ‘The Shining’ (they had no idea
what they would be dressing as until two
hours before they arrived – well done!)
Dancing accolades went to the 70’s pimp
Photos: Sue Grant
Halloween Fundraiser
Stuart Hall and the frightening Count
Dracula, Hayden McIntyre. A good night
was had by all, and it was tremendous to
see so many youngsters participating.
A fantastic buffet was produced by
Catherine Braid of The Green Tea House,
many thanks Catherine.
A huge thank you to Robin Edgar for
the use of the function room, and being so
accommodating overall whilst we have
been producing this show.
Thanks must also go to Janice and
Wendy for such wonderful raffle prizes
and overall organisation.
The ‘Wizard of Oz’ show will take
place at the St Ninian's Church in
Moniaive in December and a very warm
thank you to Christine Sime for once
again being so supportive and
encouraging towards our production.
Photos courtesy of Susan Conway give a
flavour of the Halloween party night.
Moniaive Musical Theatre Group
present
The Wizard of Oz
at
St Ninian’s Church, Moniaive
Thursday 13th, Friday 14th &
Saturday 15th December
7pm-9pm
Matinee on Saturday 15th
2pm-4pm
Tickets on sale from Dec 1st available
from the Post Office and Salon.
Adults £5, Children under 16 £3
Allan Davidson
Fencing Contractor
All types of fencing – agricultural & domestic
Timber Gates
• made to fit any requirements
• garden or driveway
• single or double
• choice of styles & materials
Timber Garden
Features:
• decking
• pergolas
• benches
Tel/ Fax : 01848 200 200
Mobile : 07775690624
Email : Adfenco@aol.com
CONCERT
Music of the Night
Saturday 29th December 2007
7.30pm
St Ninian’s Church
Produced and Directed by Samantha Schiller
A magical candlelight evening of Song
Featuring music from Phantom of the Opera, Lord of
the Rings, Romeo and Juliet and works by many and
varied popular artists.
Tickets available from Julie Richards Hair Salon & The Green Tea House
Adults £4, Children £2.50
For further information please contact Sam Schiller on
01848 200518
The CatStrand
A Stream of activities in the Glenkens
High Street, New Galloway
Coming soon: The Feral Choir Christmas
Tea Dance & Cookery Demo Children’s
arts & crafts workshops Tai-Chi, Film
nights Battle of The Bands Modern Jive
Night Storytelling Café Children’s Theatre
Dance Traditional Music Workshops with
the RSAMD Gentle Exercise classes and
lots more...
For a full programme of events
call 01644 420374 or visit
www.catstrand.com
Top Band for Moniaive Folk
Festival
Altan, one of the top bands at
next months Celtic Connections
Festival in Glasgow, have just
confirmed that they are to
headline the Saturday night
concert at next years Moniaive
Folk Festival.
Usually performing in large
concert halls it is unusual for this
Dublin/Donegal Band to appear at a wee village festival and I
am chuffed to bits that we have managed to book them.
We’ve also got The Omega 3 who twenty years ago were
known as Roaring Jelly and were the funniest act ever to come
out of Englandshire. They sold out every concert they ever
played in Scotland. At last summers Sidmouth Festival they
pulled in an audience of 800 for a reunion concert. Nowadays
they only play England’s south coast but have been persuaded to
come north for one gig in 2008. Moniaive. The nice people at
Virgin trains are sponsoring their travel.
The Paul McKenna Band, one of Scotland’s finest young
bands will be back supporting Altan and anyone who caught
their gig in the marquee recently will know what to expect.
We’ve also got Lionel McLelland, a festival stalwart and
Bellevue Rendezvous who play a mixture of folk and world
music. Plus a Late Night World Music Extra on Saturday
night featuring the music of Moishes Bagel and a host of
sessions, workshops and children’s events.
Hugh Taylor
Delivery of your Gazette
Lynda and Perry Bristow have taken over the co-ordination
of the delivery of the Gazette from Carol Godridge.
Your Gazette is delivered by a team of volunteers and we
would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to get
involved.
For any distribution queries or to be added to the Mailing List
contact Lynda or Perry on 200026. Our address is 'Glenwhisk'
(on the Dalry Road), Moniaive.
Lynda and Perry Bristow
Is your Christmas shopping list giving
you a headache? If so why not visit.. .
Hotchpotch
Chapel Street, Moniaive
and your problems could be solved!
Beautiful gifts, crafts, antiques, jewellery,
soaps etc
OPEN Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Contact Jackie on 07840 357724
SPOTLIGHT .... CHANGES IN MONIAIVE
Photos: Sue Grant
Watson’s Grocers - A Moveable Feast
“It’s like having our very own supermarket,” is just one of the
many favourable comments being made about Graham and
Elaine’s new shop premises.
They say moving house is one of the most stressful experiences
in life so moving house and shop premises (with two young
daughters) must surely be doubly stressful. The speed with which
Graham and Elaine moved, unpacked and set up their new shop and
home was very impressive.
Although not totally finished the shop is operational whilst the
finishing touches are made.
“I seem to be doing more of my shopping in the village now,”
said Jackie Lee, “the fruit and vegetable selection is fresh and
varied and there’s always something new that catches my eye!”
The new shop is well laid out although it will take a bit of getting
used to. The small coffee bar seems popular and the staff in their
smart purple uniforms are enjoying the extra space and light
afforded by the huge windows.
We look forward to the grand opening once everything is in
place.
Inside the new store
WATSON’S GROCERS
LICENSED GROCER • NEWSAGENT • COFFEE BAR
9 HIGH STREET, MONIAIVE DG3 4HN • 01848 200204
Graham,
Elaine and all
the staff would
like to wish
our customers
a very Merry
Christmas and
a Prosperous
New Year.
Graham and Elaine would like to thank all their
friends and customers for their continued support
particularly over the last couple of months.
The new shop, although open, is essentially still a
work in progress, with your help we can make it
something really special.
Watch for our Special Offers on our Christmas Fayre
and in particular our excellent range of wines, beers
and spirits.
Festive Season
Opening Hours:
Xmas Eve
6.30-19.00
Xmas Day
CLOSED
Boxing Day
9.00-14.00
Hogmanay
6.30-19.00
New Years Day
CLOSED
2nd Jan
9.00-15.00
All other opening
hours are as normal.
Keith and Alison Boon ran Bainoon B&B in the High Street
for 24 years.
They have moved to Thornhill where they hope to take life a bit
easier. “We’ll miss the B&B and 99% of our guests,” said Keith,
“but with Alison’s bad knee it was getting harder to cope.”
Both Keith and Alison feel lucky to have lived in Moniaive.
“We have made some good friends here,” said Alison. They
particularly wanted to say how fortunate Moniaive is to have such
wonderful doctors and staff at the surgery. “The doctors and
receptionists are fantastic and we have been really well looked
after,” said Alison, “we shall really miss the medical staff.”
Their new home is a bungalow with a small garden. “We’ll miss
the vegetable garden and hens,” said Keith, “but the new owners,
the Craigdarroch hotel, plan to keep the hens and grow fresh
vegetables for the hotel.”
Alison will miss the people she saw regularly on the High
Street. “You get into a routine talking to regulars, although I
noticed a difference when the shop moved premises,” she said.
They both plan to visit Moniaive though and continue to use
Moniaive Post Office. “We’ll both miss Sharon and all her help
and advice, the walks up the glen with Jade the dog, and people
popping in for eggs. We would like to have stayed in Moniaive, but
there was nowhere suitable.” said Keith.
Before moving to Moniaive they lived in Sheffield with
daughter Trina. Alison’s father stayed in John o’Groats so they
often holidayed in Scotland although never visited Dumfries and
Galloway. When Keith left his job for health reasons they started
looking for somewhere to live in the Perth area – somewhere with
a field for Trina’s horse, Henry. In August 1983 they were
travelling back to England when Alison saw Minnyhive
(Moniaive) on the map and thought it sounded ‘nice’. She
persuaded Keith to detour here. “We stayed in Dungalston which
was a B&B then,” said Keith. At breakfast they got talking to the
shepherd who told them there was a house for sale in the village.
“We saw the house and bungalow and thought it perfect as our
parents could live here too,” they said. They drove home to
Sheffield and signed for the house two days later!
“Moving here was great for Trina as the education system here
was far superior and encouraged academic studies which led to
Trina getting her first class honours degree.” said Alison.
“Scotland has been very kind to us,” she continued, “Keith’s health
improved amazingly and we had a good and happy home. Seconds
after I walked through the front door I fell for it, despite it’s aged
and somewhat cranky occupant Mrs Jackson, an old headmistress.
She was 88 and set in her ways.”
They moved into Bainoon on November 22nd. “It was a
freezing cold day, -10 degrees, all Alison’s plants had died in the
removal van!” said Keith, “when we walked into our new home
we found Mrs Jackson sitting in front of a small coal fire! She told
us it was traditional to keep a fire burning for the new occupants
and then got up and left.” he remembered.
We wish Keith and Alison every happiness in their new home
and look forward to seeing them on their visits to Moniaive.
Sue Grant
New B&B planned
Photos: Sue Grant
Farewell... Bainoon B&B
Wendy Wall and Derek Wilson have just bought the house ‘by
the cherry tree’ in the High Street and have plans to run a B&B
from it.
“I have always wanted to work for myself,” said Wendy, “I love
Moniaive and to be able to live and work here would be a dream
come true.”
The flit wasn’t too traumatic as Wendy, Derek and Richard only
had to move up the street from Dunreggan. Andy and Mel, the
original occupants, moved into Wendy’s old house.
“The house is fantastic,” said Wendy who already has plans of
how to best utilise the space for a successful bed and breakfast
enterprise.
With plenty of bedrooms, storage space, dining room, a large
kitchen and small garden in a very central location with a
gregarious hostess the business should do well.
“It will be next year before the necessary renovations are
complete, but we can’t wait to start,” she said.
Here’s wishing Wendy, Derek and Richard every success in their
new business venture and happiness in their new home.
Sue Grant
The George Hotel
Robin and Staff would like to thank customers for their
support and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and
Prosperous 2008
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday : Darts
Tuesday : Carpet bowls
Thursday : Pool competition
Sunday : 5pm Quiz
31st December: Live music night with local musicians
Tel: 01848 200203
Photos: Sue Grant
After some delays the shop is open at last
and the response so far has been wonderful.
The door opened at 10am on Saturday 17th
November and from that moment on the
customers flooded in - they were all delighted
at the large variety of goods and prices, as well
as the welcoming atmosphere.
The range includes jewellery, soaps,
knitwear, cushions, walking sticks, rock
sculpture, oil, silk or encaustic wax paintings,
photography, pressed leaf and flower pictures,
antiques and cards and there have already been
many dozens of very happy customers!
Everyone is made welcome and you are
invited to sit on the comfy sofa to relax with a
cuppa, take as long as you like to browse and
there is no pressure to buy - but if you are
looking for a Christmas present that is a little
bit 'different' why not come along to
Hotchpotch - you might be pleasantly
surprised.
Photo: Chris Frear
Hotchpotch opens
A selection of gifts from newly
opened ‘Hotchpotch’. New stock
is arriving all the time.
Jackie Goddard
The Post Office
New Office Premises in Moniaive
With the fate of rural Post Offices still in the balance and no
news yet as to which will be closed it is well to remember
what an asset to the village our local post office is.
Sharon and Paul are gearing up for the Christmas rush. The
British post more items at Christmas than just about any other
nation!
With the Moniaive tea towels being such a popular and easy
item to post Sharon has already giftwrapped and packaged some
up. So, when you buy one to post everything is done for you.
Postage costs for the tea towels are 1st class 48p; 2nd class 40p;
Europe air 1.19p; surface 77p; Zones 1 and 2 airmail 1.58p and
surface 77p.
Dykes of Wallaceton have moved into the shop premises on
the High Street vacated by Watson’s Grocers, from the
Forestry Commission huts in Dunreggan.
These bigger, more central premises, mean Fraser and Trevor
now have somewhere to hold meetings as well as run the
business. With a new project manager on staff the extra room is
welcome. The Gazette would like to wish them every success in
the future.
Sharon, Paul and staff would like to thank customers
for their continued support and wish everyone
‘Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year’
Dalwhat Garage thank their customers for their
continued support and wish everyone a
happy Christmas and New Year
Dykes of Wallaceton
wish their clients and friends a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS
There is plenty of choice of things to buy in the village this Christmas. And let’s not forget there’s a warm
welcome awaiting you in both The George and Craigdarroch Arms Hotels when you’ve shopped enough!
Moniaive Post Office: Cards, calendars, Moniaive teatowels, DVDs, CDs, wrapping paper, gifts, pens,
selection boxes, chocolates, bird nuts & tables, stationary, books, knitted garments, balloons, decorations
Watson’s Licensed Grocers Seasonal and speciality foods, Christmas drinks, wines and spirits, crackers,
fresh fruit and vegetables, magazines
Hotchpotch Local arts, crafts, soaps, jewellery, pictures, photographs, vases, cushions, sculptures, carvings
Green Tea House Fairtrade foods, Tearcraft gifts, cards, jewellery, pictures, photographs, sculptures, soaps
Julie Richards Hair Salon Beauty treatments
Dalwhat Garage For all your winter fuel requirements
Institute gets a make-over
Photos: Sue Grant
The
Memorial
Institute
has
u n d e r g o n e
refurbishment and
a facelift with a lift
finally installed
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Prize and Development Winners
Development draw winners in italics.
Jan: D Saunderson, D McLIntock, P Ronan, G James
Feb: M McClintock, Rodan Family, Dunse Family, S McIver
March: R Mensdorf, J Henderson, D McClintock, K Gillies
April: E Wilson, A Rodan , J Henderson, C Godridge
May: M Leech, A Rodan, Dunse Family, S & M Weaver
June: J & E Fletcher
July: J Stewart, L Irvine, E Wilson, S & M Weaver
August: L Kennedy, G Cross, S Todd, G James
Sept: A Wilson, Staples, E Wilson, J & E Fletcher
October: S Todd, B Glendinning, G Cross, D & J Gracie
November: NK Gillies
New Year’s Day Ceilidh
Memorial Institute, Moniaive
Tuesday 1st January 2008 • 8pm till late
Band plus full bar
Moniaive Gala Committee
a
Hogmanay Specials
Bookings now being taken for Thistles Bistro’s
‘Hogmanay Night Menu’
Live music with the
“Dangleberries”
plus supporting acts plus
‘Pipe in the New Year’
Join us for a night of music and
laughter as we party into 2008
The management and staff would like to
wish all our customers
a very Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year
Craigdarroch Arms Hotel
Glencairn Community Council Windfarm Fund
How the fund was allocated
On Tuesday October 23rd Glencairn Community Council
Windfarm Fund allocated the first of the funds received from
Wether Hill Windfarm.
Chairman, Scott McMillan, welcomed everyone and set out the
procedure they would follow. Treasurer, William Glencorse advised
there were nine applications to the fund totalling £16,222 with
available funds of £10,778 that meant a deficit of £5,444.
The list of applicants and the amounts requested were: Glencairn
Memorial Institute (£5,000); Kilnhouse Carpet Bowling Club
(£500); Glencairn Green Bowling Club (£1,500); Glencairn
Community Trust Glencairn Playcare (£2,500); Glencairn
Community Trust Folk Festival (£1,000); Moniaive in Flower
(£500); Glencairn Gazette (£1,000); Gala Fireworks (£600) and
A.B Hall Memorial Book (£3,622).
Community Council members declared any interest they had in
the applications and were then barred from voting on these: Institute
- William Glencorse; Glencairn Green Bowling Club - Scott
McMillan; Glencairn Playcare - Sarah Keast, Val McNeil and
Robert Hall; Folk Festival - Sarah Keast, Val McNeil, Robert Hall
and Sue Grant; Moniaive in Flower - Sue Grant; Gala Fireworks Scott McMillan and Sue Grant; Memorial Book - William
Glencorse and Robert Hall.
Sue Grant withdrew the application from Gazette at this point.
Sue will reapply in future as and when more funds are available. A
poll was then taken on the eligibility of applications, all of which
were accepted. Applicants were then invited speak on behalf of
their applications.
Institute. Duncan Saunderson gave an update on project and
advised further monies from outside bodies had been received but
nature of project meant that there was always another job to be
done. Sue Grant thanked Duncan for his honesty and asked if a
smaller allocation of funds would be acceptable – Duncan said he
would welcome any level of funding.
Kilnhouse Bowling Club. Scott McMillan spoke in favour of
application advising that the hall was a target of vandals through
summer and although work had been carried out to make premises
secure on a temporary basis work still needed to be completed to
get the work done properly. Kilnhouse attracts members both young
and old and is an established group within the community.
Glencairn Green Bowling Club. Eric Kirkpatrick gave a brief
history of the club. The club were seeking funding to carry out
repairs on a flat roof, this is a skilled job and although volunteers
carry out most of work in club no one has the skill required to carry
out this job. The roof is leaking at this time. The club welcomes
visitors.
Glencairn Playcare. Moira McCrossan spoke in favour of
Playcare application. Playcare is a before and after school club
based in Moniaive Primary school serving two thirds of families
who attend Moniaive Primary providing a safe and secure
environment staffed by trained staff. Funding was being sought for
revenue costs.
Glencairn Folk Festival. Wendy Stewart explained about funding
required to provide outreach music workshops to be run as part of
2008 Folk Festival which brings a lot of money to the village during
the weekend it is on and it involves the young within the
community and attracts people from out with the community.
Moniaive in Flower. Sharon Henshall outlined the application.
This is a new group who were looking to purchase a community
green house to grow plants for the tubs around the village.
Gala Fireworks. Wendy Wall asked for funding to help buy
fireworks and cover insurance costs. This community event taken
over by Gala from community council. Wendy pointed out that a
designated site and organised display means it is safer than lots of
small bonfires and fireworks around village. Heavy insurance costs
putting added financial pressure on Gala Committee.
Memorial Book. A.B Hall gave background to project, which
started as a millennium project. He explained that printing costs
meant the final production costs were going to be high which if had
to be recouped from sales meant the cover price of the book would
be excessive. Funding would be used to pay the printer and reduce
final cost of book. Any profits made on book would go to Erskine
Hospital.
Councillors then ranked applications (See chart opposite). Some
groups were proposed for 100% funding:
Playcare 7 eligible votes 6 for 1 against - carried.
Institute 9 eligible votes 2 for 7 against – not carried
Moniaive in Flower 9 eligible votes 5 for 4 against - carried.
Playcare and Moniaive in Flower received 100% funding.
The other applications were then discussed in ranking order:
Institute - The meeting acknowledged that the project was a worthy
cause but with funding already in place Sue Grant proposed an
allocation of £2,000. Robert Hall proposed £2,500 seconded by
Scott McMillan. Allocation of £2500 carried by 9 votes for 0
against.
Robert Hall proposed that as funds were still available the
remaining groups in top six being: Kilnhouse, Glencairn Green
Bowling Club and Gala Fireworks should also receive 100%
funding this was agreed.
This left funds of £2678 remaining. Scott McMillan proposed
the ‘formula’ be implemented this was seconded by John Wilson.
Vote taken 7 for with 3 abstaining. The ‘formula’ had previously
been agreed as: The total value of the remaining fund x the amount
applied for in that application. Divided by the value of the sum of
the remaining applications.
Members of the audience raised concerns that the ranking had in
fact made no difference to funding allocation; some present felt it
unfair that a project that ranked lower should receive funding in
excess of the project that had ranked higher.
Scott McMillan then brought meeting to conclusion stressing that
the allocation procedure could be altered and re-looked at if it was
felt that this was required.
Moira McCrossan thanked the members of the Community
Council.Meeting closed at 9.40pm
Complied from the minutes taken by Val McNeil.
Sue Grant
Allocation Rankings and Results
Individual scores added together divided by number of members eligible to vote giving mean score to allow order of allocations
to be determined. Funds then allocated.
Organisation
Individual Scores
Total
No elig to vote
Mean Score
Allocation order
Allocation
Institute
8,9,6,8,10,8,3,10,9
71
9
7.89
2
£2,500
Kilnhouse
6,4,6,8,6,4,7,5,7,9
62
10
6.20
6
£2,500
Green Bowling
6,6,8,4,7,8,7,9,7
62
9
6.89
4
£1,500
Playcare
10,10,8,10,10,9,7
64
7
9.14
1
£2,500
Folk Fest
4,9,6,6,6,5
36
6
6.00
7
£2,579
Mon in Flower
8,8,9,4,7,10,6,6,8
66
9
7.33
3
£2,500
Gazette
Withdrawn
Fireworks
9,7,7,4,6,5,8,8
54
8
6.75
5
£2,600
Memorial Book
4,3,5,4,3,4,7,4,
34
8
4.25
8
£2.098
Give Us The Money!
It’s not often you find large numbers attending Community
Council meetings but this one was special. This was the meeting
where they would be dishing out the windfarm money. All of
the members of the public in attendance had a vested interest
myself included for I was there on behalf of Glencairn
Community Trust/Moniaive Folk Festival.
We were looking for a Grand to help in the running of next years
festival. Sandy Hall needed money to publish the historical book he
has written (part of a previous project). The Institute needed dosh
for renovations and improvements. Playcare had staff wages to
cover. Somebody has to pay for the fireworks. The group who
produce the flower displays that helped the village win awards
wanted funding and a couple of bowling clubs needed help.
With not enough funds to give everyone what they had asked for
the Community Council had constructed what appeared to be a
rather complicated formula to disburse the cash. The meeting
started off well enough with each applicant being invited to speak
and answer questions then the councillors voted and a few
applications with the lowest votes were then dropped from the list.
Then it started to go pear shaped and a bit confused with
Community Councillors going into a huddle to discuss what to do
next. Eventually decisions were made, agreement reached and
every organisation, including those that had previously dropped off
the list, ended up with some money.
To say it was an entertaining meeting would be an
understatement. Chairman Scott McMillan did a grand job of
keeping the wheels on the bogie of what may prove to be the most
difficult meeting he ever has to run.
Allocating public funds is always a possible source of
aggravation and acrimony particularly with the Community
Council conducting the entire process, warts and all, under the
watchful eyes of the community.
While I personally think the formula they adopted was bordering
on the daft I have to say that they came across as a group who where
trying to be as fair as they possibly could be. And the whole process
was transparent which I think is very important.
So while the group I belong to only got £579 of the £1,000 we
were looking for I did not go to the pub and cry in my beer. Maybe
next year we’ll get more.
ANIMAL & HOUSESITTING
Security for your home and care
for your pets whilst you are
away on business or holiday.
From a hamster to a horse • Horses exercised
Call Dawn on 07745 289944
or 01848 200024
Hugh Taylor
Articles by Moniaive Primary Pupils
Moniaive Primary School
Harvest Service 2007
On Friday 2nd of
November Moniaive
primary school had
a harvest festival at
St Ninian’s Church.
Primary 1/2/3 sang
‘Magnificent Pizza’
beautifully.
Primary 4/5 sung ‘harvest soup’ - chef
Ewan and Sean & Olivia [primary 5] said
a poem - ‘The seasons come and go’.
Primary 6/7 sung ‘Why you wouldn’t’
brilliantly. And all sung ‘I’m going to be
your friend’.
And reverend Christine Sime said her
part. And took a collection.
Olivia Massie
The Haunted George
hotel
There
was
a
Halloween party at
the George hotel.
There was a scariest
costume competition,
a
best
dancer
competition and a best costume
competition. The Winner of the scariest
costume was Keith Hutcheson. The
winner of the best costume was Keith
Hutcheson, Haydn Payne, Sam Hall and
Liam Kennedy. The winner of the best
dancer was Stuart Hall. There was also a
buffet for the kids and drinks for the
adults. It was a great night for the whole
family.
Ewan Donald
Pupil Council
We chose these pupils for Pupil Council
2007 – 08. Each class voted for their own
councillor. House Captains – Red: Rachel
Shnapp. Blue: Oliver Massie. Yellow:
Tain Stevenson. Green: Connor Holland.
P7 Pupil Councillor: Hamish Brown. P6
Pupil Councillor: David Kilgour. P5
Pupil Councillor: Olivia Massie. P4 Pupil
Councillor: Robin Dearden. P3 Pupil
Councillor: Maia Smyth. P1/2 Pupil
Councillor: Nina Massie and Ellie
Arnold.
What has the pupil council done in the
past: Got a buddy stop; Got new benches;
Got new markings in the playground;
Changed the rules for football in the
playground; Helped to get the grass area.
At the first meeting they wanted
chasing games banned because it was
getting to rough and too much pupils
were getting hurt. They also wanted
lunches like they could have music and
we were put into tables. And some pupils
will have to wait till the last pupil is
finished. It will be better because so the
person can wait for their friends.
Caitlin Harley
The Gazette thanks
you all for your
support over the
past 6 years and
wishes everyone a
Happy Xmas and
Prosperous
New Year
Ding Dong
merrily on high
December is here again and
what a year this has been
for The Bells of St Ninian’s.
Muriel and Elna have put us through
our paces and are very complimentary
about our achievements, our grateful
thanks to them both. Our repertoire is
amazing and we hope you will have a
chance to hear us and judge for
yourselves.
Sadly Jessie McMillan and Fran
Woods have laid down their bells due to
family commitments and health
problems. We wish them both well and
look forward to them rejoining us when
they recover.
We had a visit from our friend Karl
from Kirkcudbright, (an expert handbell
ringer) to assess our progress and after
hearing us play he was most impressed
and wished us well for our performances.
We are playing at Thornhill’s
Christmas Open Night on December 3rd
and Penpont Christmas Concert on the
9th and Dumfriesshire Trefoil Guild on
the 10th.
Not to miss out on the festive
celebrations we are having a meal to
celebrate
Christmas
and
our
achievements on December 17th in The
Green Tea House and thereafter finish for
the holidays.
The ‘Belles’ from the ‘Bells of St
Ninian’s’ will ring our their ‘bells’ loud
and clear and wish everyone a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Fly Tying apology
The long promised report on the fly tying
classes has still to be written. Apologies
to Richard Nixon. I will be in touch!
Sue Grant
An apple a day...
Rafting on the Dunajec River
SURGERIES
Kirkgate, Dunscore 01387 820266
Surgery Opening Hours
Dunscore
Moniaive
Dumfries
Rosevale, Chapel St, Moniaive
01848 200244
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri
9.00 – 10.15am
3.45 – 5.45pm
9.00 – 10.15am
4.45 – 5.45pm
11.00 – 1.00pm
7 Buccleuch St, Dumfries 01387 262012
Thursday
9.00 – 10.15am
3.45 – 5.45pm
CLOSED
9.00 – 10.15am
Closed from 1pm
CLOSED
11.00 – 1.00pm
Saturday/Sunday
CLOSED
EMERGENCY CALL ARRANGEMENTS 01387 820266
There is a leaflet available detailing all services. Please ask for one at the surgery.
CLINICS • Asthma • Diabetic • 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
Living History
You may remember seeing Jackie Lee and Robert Menzies
practicing for the Museums Association International
Conference living history event back in the September issue
of the Gazette.
Here’s a photo of them on the day joined by Alyne Jones and
Chris Lee in front of the painting Mr. and Mrs. Campbell of
Kailzie by Raeburn at Glasgow Museums and Art Gallery,
Kelvingrove, around which they based their interpretation of
Georgian manners. The event itself was attended by over 600
people and while we were not able to involve that many in our
presentation we did have about 80 people involved in some
aspect of the presentation whether it was learning the etiquette
of the day or a dance straight from the drawing room of the most
stylish Regency hostess.
To add to the evening Robert played a piece of music that is
on display in one of the cases at Kelvingrove and which has not
been heard before - really bringing history alive.
It was a great night and enjoyed by all who took part.
Jackie Lee
Cairnhead Community Forest Trust Limited
Chairman’s Report to AGM
An edited version of the Chairman’s report follows:
The Annual General Meeting of Cairnhead Community Forest
Trust was held on 22nd November. We would like to thank
everyone who attended the meeting on such a cold evening.
Special thanks to our guest speaker, Dr Roddy Fairly, Scottish
Natural Heritage Area Manager (Strathclyde and Ayrshire)
who gave an excellent talk entitled 'The Landscape Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow - a Personal Odyssey'.
Striding Arches: While the first Arch at the Byre is complete
and in place, the remaining three arches are on loan to Yorkshire
Sculpture Park forming part of a retrospective of Andy
Goldsworthy’s work. They will be installed at Cairnhead at the
end of the Exhibition which is being visited by thousands of people
and the considerable interest and publicity will do much to
generate interest in Striding Arches at Cairnhead. The Arches will
be installed on the hilltop sites of Benbrack, Colt Hill and Bail Hill.
The proposed Interpretation Shelter Signage is progressing and
it is hoped to have solar-powered audio information - sounds from
Cairnhead Forest as well as a recording of Alec Finlay's wordmap
poem 'Hill of Streams'. The Byre, with the exception of glazing
the large window, is complete. The launch of Alec Finlay's Poetry
Walk 'Hill of Streams' took place on 5th August on one of the
wettest days possible. Agreement has been reached to have a
professionally recorded CD available within the village and there
is the possibility of a joint reading of the work by Moniaive
Primary School pupils. The launch arrangements for Striding
Arches are in hand and the launch is likely to be early June 2008.
Web-site: The design is being fine-tuned to provide maximum
access by all groups, music by Wendy Stewart will be included.
The launch will coincide with the launch of Striding Arches.
The Trust and its partners are now looking at the ongoing
educational and community use of the project as well as
maintenance and will be consulting the community.
School Involvement Project: The sterling work carried out with
Moniaive Primary School, the enthusiastic co-operation of the
Head Teacher and work of Trustee Robin McIver, Jim Henderson
of Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board and Robin Fuller of
Forestry Commission Scotland has resulted in great progress: 'Den
Building', 'Fish Release', 'Wee Beasties' expeditions, Tree Planting
and 'Art in the Forest'. More school visits are planned for next year.
Discussions have taken place with regard to 'Art and Environment'
workshops with an environmental artist being brought into school
to work with the children. Guided tours of Striding Arches for
some of the older children are being discussed, using 'Hill of
Streams' Poetry Walks as the basis.
Bailwood Lochan and Picnic Area: Regular grass cutting at the
Picnic Area, Quarry (as well as the Byre and Office area) is now
in place. Signage is still being finalised for the Picnic Area.
Annual Community Picnic Unfortunately the Annual Picnic on
5th August 2007 took place on an even more wet day than in 2007!
Nevertheless the special culinary skills of Robin McIver and
support of Molly Glencorse attracted a group of stalwarts (around
14 adults and children) to suffer wet and the midges - thank you to
all who attended. Many of those went on to the poetry launch at
the Byre immediately afterwards.
We continue to welcome new ideas for community projects and
events and would welcome your help. We also encourage people
to attend Trust meetings. These are open to the public and dates are
advertised in the Glencairn Gazette.
I would like to thank all those who have supported the Trust in
the past year. Thank you to our Trustees, Advisers and Partners, to
our Vice-Chairman Robert Schiller, Secretary Robert Kelly and
Treasurer Molly Glencorse.
Melville Brotherston,Chairman
VISITING CHIROPODIST
Bobbie Grundy, SRN MSSCh MBChA
07717 394092
between 6 and 9pm
LOCAL HISTORY...
The Roads to Auchenstroan Toll
Part of a map by John Cary 1816
The road which now goes westwards
from Moniaive towards Carsphairn was
not always a through road, although
doubtless it was a packhorse route for
many centuries.
The earliest tracks/roads went not from
village to village but from farm to farm. A
good example of this is Shillingland where
the road goes between the house and the
steading.
As John Corrie explained, “Down to
near the close of the eighteenth century the
present Ayr road did not extend much
beyond
the
mansion-house
of
Craigdarroch...” The Rev. William
Grierson expressed the hope that if the
road “from Ayr to Dumfries by
Dalmellington, [was] brought into this
parish, at the head of Craigdarroch, (which
only wants about 5 miles), considerable
advantage might be expected to this part of
the country in general, and particularly to
Minniehive.”
In April 1806 the committee of the
Road Trustees recommended £130 for:
“Two Bridges over Craigdarroch and
Auchenstroan Waters on the road from
Minnyhive up to the Bridge of Ken to
Ayrshire.” The following year – “A
branch of road from the Turnpike road
from Thornhill to Castlephairn to strike off
at Minnyhive by Craigdarroch to the
confines of the Stewartry towards
Ayrshire” was inserted into a new Road
Bill. The bridges at Bridge House and
Stroanshalloch were built by Hugh
Woodburn and John Seggie who were paid
in September 1809.
Among the toll gates which were put up
to let in 1828 were “Minnyhive, On the
road from Thornhill by Minnyhive to
Galloway” and “Auchenstroan, on the
road by Craigdarroch to Ayrshire.” This
must have been when the toll cottage was
built near the county boundary. Only the
bare outlines of this house now remain.
At some time the road was realigned
from Dungalston to near the bowling hut.
As Corrie says: “the Craigdarroch road ran
much higher up the hillside than it does
now.” Traces of the original line can still
be seen in front of Dungalston’s garden
wall; above the wood opposite the sawmill and through the wood behind the
’keeper’s house. This may have been to
make an easier route for the stage coach
which ran from Dumfries to Glasgow via
Ayr starting in 1833.
About this time the Road Trustees for
the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright were
considering, “Building a Bridge over the
Blackwater, [Butterhole Bridge], in the
parish of Dalry, on the new line of road
from the toll road at Millmark, by
Lochinvar,
[Auchenshinnoch
and
Fingland] to the road from Carsphairn to
Minnyhive.” They also had plans “for
Building five small Bridges over Rivulets
on the said line of road, all in the parish of
Dalry... 1st September 1834.”
The toll keeper at Auchenstroan Toll in
1841 was a widow, Mary Gray (née
Douglas), born in Carsphairn, who must
have had quite a busy time. As she was
also a spirit dealer she may have drummed
up a little business among the weary
travellers. She had three children –
William aged 15, Lilias 13 and David 8 –
to look after in her isolated, windswept
home 1,000 feet above sea level. Ten years
later Lilias, now a dressmaker, was still at
home and Mrs Gray’s sister Margaret,
aged 73, lived with them.
Several new Turnpike Gates and Bars
were established by the Stewartry of
Kirkcudbright, in 1841, including one
advertised as ‘the gate at Backhill of
Fingland’ or ‘the Backhill of Cairoch’ or
‘the Blackhill of Fingland’. The Trustees
specified that “the Sale of Spiritous
Liquors is to be prohibited at every
Tollhouse.” Robert Bell was a farmer in
1841 but a toll gatherer in 1851. The
Backhill of Fingland stood near the
present entrance to Carroch but has
entirely disappeared.
The published rates of tolls in Nithsdale district in 1848 were:
Carriage 1s. per horse; Gig 9d; Stage coach 9d per horse; Cart 6d
per horse; Saddle horse 3d plus rates for farm livestock per score.
Stage coaches “did not long survive the coming of the
railway,” and in 1853 the Trustees resolved to move the Toll Bar
at Auchenstroan to “a point at or near Strangshalloch”, but they
then decided “to remove the Toll Bar at Strangshalloch, on the
COUNCILLOR GILL DYKES
Councillor Gill Dykes
You can contact me on 07736 255423
or email Gill.Dykes@dumgal.gov.uk
Representing the Mid & Upper Nithsdale ward
First six months
Well I have now been in my post for six months and believe me,
it’s been hectic. I did promise an update and here it is. I have
attended many community events throughout this time, most very
enjoyable like the Sound of Music production, the Gala and the
fireworks to name but a few. I try to get to both Glencairn and
Tynron Community Councils and am always willing to do my
best to resolve any issues that are brought to me. I am delighted
to say that things seem to be progressing well and hopefully we
will see a start on the new disabled toilet access at the beginning
of the year along with additional car parking spaces for North
Street and the tar work being completed in the car park as well as
some nice new recycling bins.
I am delighted to have played my part in securing more than
£10,000 worth of funding to help revamp the Moniaive Folk
Festival with the possibility of another £5,000 being awarded to
help with an ‘all singing all dancing’ website to promote activities
in and around the village - good luck guys I’m looking forward to
seeing the final product. I am also pleased to announce that the
Council have allocated £36,000 from the Core Path Project Fund
and agreed to manage the works which will see a new walk bridge
and path put in at the bottom of Dunreggan, hopefully this will be
up and running for the spring.
Committees
I am on the following committees and sub committees so if you
wish to bring anything to my attention in relation to the following
please contact me on 07736 255423 or email me at
Gill.Dykes@Dumgal.gov.uk
Committees: Nithsdale Area Committee (Vice Chair); Education;
Police & Fire; Planning Housing & Environment; Resources
Sub Committees: PPP Schools; DG1; Health & Safety;
Combined Services, and Complaints against Police. I have also
been appointed as Events Champion and, believe it or not, Sports
Champion for the Council - let’s hope I only need to represent
them and not take part physically.
Wood Lorries
Last edition I mentioned the problems that we were experiencing
with lorries travelling on the wrong route - thank you to everyone
who contacted me regarding this situation. There has been a
meeting with Hauliers, Contractors, Police, Councillors and
Auchenstroan Road, from the Road altogether, at Whitsunday
next, 1854.”
Sources: The Statistical Account of Scotland – Sir John Sinclair
Vol. II 1792. Glencairn – The Annals of an Inland Parish – John
Corrie 1910. The Public Roads and Bridges in Dumfriesshire
1650-1820 – James Robertson 1993. Census 1841, 1851.
Dumfries Times. Dumfries and Galloway Courier. A. B. Hall
Council Officials and the Council and Police are continuing to
monitor this situation but unless the offending vehicles are
reported no action can be taken. In future please contact the Police
or Neil Dyson on 01387 260367 it is important to try to get as
much information as possible for example, name of haulier,
registration number, time and date. The same goes for anybody in
and around Tynron that is experiencing problems, the Community
Council have raised concerns about this issue to both the Council
and the Police.
Cowboys for Christ
I did mention in an earlier edition that a film company was
coming to town and I can confirm that we have been working hard
to keep as much of this in Nithsdale as possible. Moniaive will
be the main town in the production and the filming will start in
February, around 90 people will be descending on the village and
surrounding area as some of the filming will be taking place in
and around Drumlanrig and Penpont with the remainder being
shot in the Lochmaben area. The company will be looking for
extras, so keep an eye out, I will make sure that the Community
Council is kept informed as to what is happening.
Mark Geddes from the Council deserves credit for his efforts
to bring production companies to our area, he has worked hard to
secure this and there are a few more in the pipeline. It will
hopefully be a boost to the local economy and although we have
plenty of our own stars in and around the village I look forward
to welcoming some well known film stars to Glencairn.
Police Matters
On a more serious note, there have been a number of farm bikes
and tools stolen in and around Mid Nithsdale lately and although
a number of people have been charged with these offences the
police have asked that people be extra vigilant. It is important to
report any suspicious vehicles or persons, particularly in rural
areas. Vehicle make, model and registration number would be
extremely useful - better to be safe than sorry.
On a lighter note
I do hope by the time you are reading this that Moniaive School
has won the Peoples’ Millions - it would make a good Christmas
present for a great School.
I like Christmas and this year I am looking forward to it even
more than usual, it will be the first time that everybody will have
been at home together since September. I didn’t realise how much
I would miss Angus and Hannah until they left home for
University - the house is very quiet! Who would have thought that
I would look forward to the bags of washing and the squabbling
over the remote control?
In closing I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
MINISTER’S MUSINGS
At the time of writing I have not yet seen any Christmas
lights or decorations in Moniaive - but I have seen them in
shops and also in a few windows of houses I have driven
past. There is only one direction excitement levels are going
to go now - and that is up.
The excitement of Christmas can wind us up – up to our eyes
in debt or it can take us up somewhere over a rainbow, up
through the atmosphere, or can raise us up so we can stand on
mountains (name those songs!) and catch a vision of the world
as it should be and can be.
We can wrap up the story of Christmas in so much ‘stuff’ that
we don’t have to worry about it, or we can unwrap it and
discover the hopes for peace, reconciliation, harmony and love
for which Jesus came, the gifts he brought with him – the parts
of life and of our world which can’t be bought off a shelf, or
through the internet, but for which we need to work. A four
letter word which conjures up all sorts of images. And like that
other four letter word love, there are some who live for it, some
who dread it, some who throw themselves into it, and others
who shy away. But there is a form of work which we can be
involved in at Christmas time which does require effort, action,
perhaps money, definitely thought. It may mean us physically
working, it may mean writing cheques, it may mean offering
some time to others – all sorts of things. This form of work is
also known by another four letter word – care. Taking care of
others, considering others before self, being aware of needs to
those around us – real needs, rather than wants.
Most will have heard (and some perhaps ad nauseum) about
our trip to Lubuto Congregation in Zambia. Against that
background the seven who went are looking forward to
Christmas – our normal Scottish Christmas – with all the gifts,
the decorations, the fun associated with it, the services, the
readings that are part of our faith. We will also remember the
amazing faith in what are ‘challenging’ circumstances – lack of
clean water, food, shelter, families – young children looking
after younger children on the streets. And we will rejoice with
and for them as we know that through our visit, we learned of
their most basic need for clean water; and through the generosity
of this church and parish the community of Lubuto will have
clean water before Christmas as the bore hole is completed.
Early next year their much needed second ‘room’ for their
school. The generosity of this Parish has been astounding –
some large anonymous donations (you know who you are –
thank you). The folks who went to Zambia will continue to
speak of their time there because they care. They care about the
people they have met, and the thousands they didn’t. They care
about people in the belief that all deserve to be able to live rather
than exist. They care about the gospel which Jesus brought into
our lives, they know that he came for the vulnerable, they
believe we can make a difference by caring. Whether for those
far away, or those near at hand – consider this Christmas giving
to those who need help to simply live. You lift them up, and you
yourself will get a lift. Not quite like the new one in the
Institute – the lift you will get needs no planning permission but
your own!
PS Zambia Reflections booklet available £1, CD of Happy
Angels (one of the six Lubuto Choirs) £10 (all monies go to
Lubuto); and The Blessed Christmas Thing (Advent Reflections)
free - all available from Christine or at Church.
Christine
TREE SURGERY
Tree removal • Chainsaw work • Crown reduction and thinning
Dead wood and Stump removal • Hedge and grass cutting
UNIMOG & CHIPPER FOR HIRE
Unimog for rough terrain
Winch for stumps and felled trees.
NO JOB TOO SMALL OR LARGE
REASONABLE RATES • FULLY INSURED
Call STEVEN FORTEATH
on 01848 200676
Mobile: 07786 733836 or email sjf.treesurgeon@talk21.com
Iain Howat
Electrical Contractor
Whitedyke Farm, Dunscore, Dumfries
Home: 01387 820330
Mobile: 07710 779994
MacMillan Coffee Morning at the Green Tea
House
£555 was raised on the 28th September.
A big thank you to all who helped make the day such a
success. A special thanks goes to all the people who volunteered
to help on the day – Jean, Frances, Molly, and Gina and to Jean
Stewart for helping to organise the sale table and for her
invaluable help on the day.
Hope to see you all next year at the Coffee morning.
Catherine Braid
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from
The Green Tea House
* COMPETITIONS * PRIZES * CROSSWORD *
Caption Competition No 33
£5 PRIZE CROSSWORD
Sponsored by Julie’s Hair & Beauty Salon
Sponsored by H&S Property Solutions
2
4
3
5
“Aaagh get it off my shoulder”
6
8
7
9
10
12
11
13
15
14
16
19
18
20
22
23
Across
1. Singing to nonsense syllables (4)
4. Ancient Syrian City (6)
9. Speaker of the Upper House (4,10)
11. Begins (9)
12. The Belly-band of a saddle (5)
13. The land one has ownership of (6)
15. Stands against others in an election (8)
17. Long for this conifer? (4,4)
18. Unites? No, the opposite (6)
21. Stun gun (5)
22. Pitman invention (9)
24. Wanderings, as of Smollett’s Mr Pickle
(14)
25. Go up (6)
26. Force out (4)
Winning caption from Marjory
Little is: “Horse power! It’s
‘mare’ like a deid donkey
under the bonnet o’ this car”
24
25
Caption Competition
No 32
25
Down
2. Hidden store (5)
3. Deep, sleeplike state (6)
4. Become used to (8)
5. To free from prejudice and superstition (9)
6. He puts off till tomorrow – or some time
(14)
7. Serene, peaceful (6)
8. Churchill, Wilson, Thatcher (5,9)
10. Wee Charles (4)
14. Meddle with (9)
16. Criticised severely (8)
19. A lover of cruelty (6)
20. Largest Malayan Island (6)
23. NT Epistle of St Paul to one of his
disciples (5)
Last issue’s crossword winner was Peter Lamont of
Auchenshinnoch. Congratulations your prize is in Moniaive
Post Office. Hand in your completed entry to the Post Office by
20th January 2007.
Last issues answers: ACROSS 1. September; 8. Eiger; 9.
Breathers; 10. Ebb; 11. Even; 12. Climbs; 14. Sidles; 15. Fleece; 18.
Trials; 19. Sump; 21. Sow; 23. Immersion; 24. Gecko; 25. Nosebleed.
DOWN 1. Sabre; 2. Pretend; 3. Eats; 4. Beetle; 5. Resemble; 6. Ogres;
7. Probate; 13. Decision; 14. Sausage; 16. Erudite; 17. Slumps; 18.
Twice; 20. Pined; 22. Arab.
Fireworks
Moniaive Gala Committee would like to thank everyone who
attended and gave generous donations at the bonfire and
fireworks on November 5th.
Thanks to a grant from the Glencairn Community Council
Windfarm Fund and Mr Gault for supplying the excellent
fireworks we were able to once again arrange this popular event.
Donations to the firework fund were well up on previous
years and will go towards gala day 2008.
We hope you all enjoyed the fireworks and refreshments.
Congratulations Marjory your
chocolates are at the Post Office.
We also liked “Where’s my engine
gone?” from Robin Robertson and “ As easy as ABC? Looks
more like XYZ to me!” from Mary Steedman.
Poetry Competition
A national poetry competition, with a cash prize of £1,000 is
currently being held.
All you have to do it write a poem about your home town or area.
With so much going on in Glencairn how hard can it be?
You can enter up to three poems but each must be no more than
160 words and 20 lines long. The deadline for entries is December
31st 2007.
Poems should be sent to: ‘Local Poem’, United Press Ltd, Admail
3735, London EC1B 1JB. Further details can be obtained by calling
Peter Quinn on 0870 2406190.
ALLISON & HUNTER
Prop. David W. Bonn
APPROVED COAL MERCHANT
• Suppliers of all types of Smokeless Fuels
and House coal • Stockists of Fire Parts, Fire
Accessories and Coal Bunkers
TUESDAY DELIVERIES TO MONIAIVE AREA OR AS
NECESSARY
Call us and we’ll deliver
Tel: 01387 252486
Fax: 01387 254494
LEAFIELD ROAD, DUMFRIES DG1 2DP
Moniaive Gala Committee
Photo: Andrew Wilson
17
21
Can you come up with a funnier
caption? Leave it in the Gazette box
in the PO by January 20th. The
winning entry will be printed in the
next issue. The prize is a box of
chocolates from the PO courtesy of
Julie’s Hair and Beauty Salon.
Photo: Susan Conway
1
GLENCAIRN & TYNRON DIARY DATES
DECEMBER
Sunday 2nd Service St Ninian’s Church 10am.
Monday 3rd Bells of St Ninian’s Thornhill Xmas
Open Night.
Tuesday 4th The River Screening of film of
Rumer Godden’s novel at The Burns Film Centre
7.30pm. Introduced by Jane Murray-Flutter.
01387 264808.
Friday 7th Monaive Gala AGM 7.30pm Memorial
Institute, Moniaive. Please come along and
support your gala. Scott McMillan 200640.
Friday 7th Poker Tournament 7.30pm 200331.
Sunday 9th Service St Ninian’s Church 10am.
Sunday 9th Bells of St Ninian’s Penpont Xmas
Concert.
Monday 10th Bells of St Ninian’s Dumfriesshire
Trefoil Guild.
Thursday 13th Wizard of Oz St Ninian’s 7pm.
Friday 14th Wizard of Oz St Ninian’s 7pm.
Sat 15th Wizard of Oz St Ninian’s 2pm & 7pm.
Sunday 16th Family Service with JaM St
Ninian’s Church 10am.
Wednesday 19th Rural Life in SWRI talk. Linda
Stott 200325.
Friday 21st Midwinter Music Share music,
stories, dance, food and refreshments on the
longest night. 8pm Wallaceton Hall. Wendy
Stewart 820241.
Sunday 23rd Lessons and Carols in Glencairn
Church 10am
Monday 24th Christingle Family Service in
Dunscore Church 4pm. 11.30pm Watchnight
service in Dunscore Church
Tuesday 25th Christmas Morning Family
Service in St Ninian’s Church 10am.
Saturday 29th Music of the Night St Ninian’s
Church 7.30pm. Adults £4, children £2.50.
Tickets from Salon and Green Tea House. Sam
Schiller 200518.
Sunday 30th Service in Glencairn Church 10am.
Monday 31st Poetry Competition deadline for
entries. See page 23.
Monday 31st Hogmanay Special with the
Dangleberries Craigdarroch Arms Hotel 200205.
Monday 31st Hogmanay with music from local
musicians George Hotel 200203.
JANUARY
Tuesday 1st New Years Day Ceilidh Annual
ceilidh with full bar and band. 8pm Memorial
Institute, Moniaive. Gala Committee 200719.
Sunday 6th Service St Ninian's Church 10am.
Wednesday 16th Rural Amateur Dramatics.
Linda Stott 200325.
Thursday 17th Moniaive Arts Association Gary
Bonn. Demonstration and talk on painting with
lacquered oils. Masonic Hall 7pm for 7.30pm
prompt. Members £1, non-members £3 inclusiv
of coffee and biscuits. Nan Tait 200403.
Sunday 27th Service Glencairn Church 10am.
Wednesday 30th Craigdarroch Fishing Club
Meeting Craigdarroch Arms Hotel. Brian
Thompson 200433.
MONIAIVE REGULAR EVENTS
Yoga Wednesdays 7.30pm, Memorial Institute.
Carol Godridge 200681.
Fly Tying Memorial Institute, Moniaive. Ends 21st
February 2008. Richard Nixon 200710.
Bells of St Ninian’s Handbell Ringing Mondays
meet 7.30pm in St Ninian’s Nan Tait 200403.
Kickback Martial Arts Weds 5-7pm Memorial
Institute. Ages 5 to adult. Just turn up.
Happy Hour Quiz Every Sunday 5-6pm The
George Hotel. £1 per head – winner takes all!
Easy-obics Thursdays Institute 11am-12pm.
Wallaceton Carpet Bowling, Monday 7.30pm.
Wallaceton Hall. Bob Graham 01387 820288.
Glencairn Community Council First Monday of
every month, Memorial Institute 7.30pm. All
welcome. Robin McIvor 200412.
Glencairn History Group First Thursday of every
month, Memorial Institute 7.30pm. Bob Martin
0777 2877443.
Glencairn Memorial Institute Committee Fourth
Thursday of month in Institute. All welcome.
Sharon Henshall 200201.
Evergreen Club Tuesdays 1.30pm Craigdarroch
Hotel. Community bus available to collect. Call
Jean Stewart 200599 or Betty McMillan 200453.
Moniaive SWRI Every third Wednesday 7.30pm,
St Ninian’s. Mabel Forteath 200676.
Brownies Memorial Institute, every Tues of term.
6-7pm. Marysia Zoltowska 01848 200072.
Episcopal Service Fourth Sunday of every month
9.30am Maxwelton Chapel. Tony Freeman
200150.
Rock Solid Fridays (term-time) Church run Club
for 11-14 year olds. Glenriddell Hall, Dunscore
7.30-9pm. Christine Sime 01387 820245.
Toy Library St Ninian’s Thursdays of school term
2-3.30pm.
JaM (‘Jesus and Me’ Kids’ club) every Sunday
(except school holidays) Redpath Cottage, North
St 10-11am. Children from 3 years up welcome.
Third Sunday of the month is a family service at
St. Ninian's. Contact Anja Lyttle 01848 200272.
TYNRON HALL REGULAR EVENTS
Weekly Walks Eunice Laidlaw on 200343.
Tynron Carpet Bowling Club Thursdays 7.30pm.
Tynron Hall. Frank Irvine 200355.
Tynron Community Council Last Monday, odd
months. George Freeborn on 200439.
Tynron SWRI 1st Monday of the month. Madge
Rorison on 200305.
Tai Chi Fridays. Mary Newbold on 200379.
BOOKING CONTACTS
Cairn Valley Community Transport Charlie
McAllan on 01387 820877.
Glencairn Memorial Institute Elaine Wilson
200725.
Tynron Hall Phil Armstrong 01848 200225 or
07967 049 792.
Wallaceton Hall Wendy Stewart 820241.
KEIR GARAGE
R. Thomson
MOT Testing
Landrover Specialist
General Maintenance
NEW - Air Conditioner
Service
01848
330766
Diary dates for Feb/March issue to Sue by 20th
Jan. 01848 200331 sue@badpress.demon.co.uk.
Remember you will not be chased for dates
prior to publication.
If you like to sing for pleasure,
sing in the shower or aspire to be
the next X-Factor Superstar then...
Vocal lessons are now available
from an internationally trained and
experienced professional Singer.
All styles welcome, no previous
experience or musical knowledge
required.
Please phone Samantha Schiller
for further details on 01848
200518 or 07939 150687
FOR SALE
Car storage pod £35. Sanitary ware surplus to
requirements: 2 handbasins complete with taps, 1
toilet cistern, 1 urinal, 2 hand rails and brackets for
the disabled. No reasonable offer refused. proceeds
to the Glencairn Memorial Institute. Contact Duncan
on 200327
CONGRATULATIONS
Maurean McIntyre on your birthday. Have a
wonderful day. With best wishes from all your
friends in Glencairn.
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Wendy, Derek and Richard to High Street from
Waterside, Dunreggan • Mel and Andrew from High
Street to Waterside, Dunreggan • Alison and Keith
Boon from Bainoon to Thornhill • Robin Edgar from
Calside to The George Hotel • Dykes of Wallaceton
office to High Street • Sarah, Mark, Sophie, Thomas
& Chloe Lancaster to Fellview, Dunreggan, from
Manchester.
DISTRIBUTION
For distribution queries or to be added to mailing list
please call Lynda or Perry on 200026.
ADVERTISING
Contact Sue Grant on 01848 200331 or email:
sue@badpress.demon.co.uk.
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.
sue@badpress.demon.co.uk
Sandy Hall, Craiglearan, Moniaive 200292.
Jackie Goddard, Jasmine Cottage 200322.
Carol Godridge, Bendoran, Ayr St 200681.
DEADLINE FOR FEB/MARCH ISSUE IS 20TH JAN.
Layout and editing: Sue Grant.
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.

Issue 49

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