Digest Winter 2015 - Dunscore Parish Church

The Dunscore Digest
Dunscore Church and Community Magazine
Winter 2015
Tom and Ciara Enjoying Pond Dipping During the School Visit to Allanton – See Page 8
In this Issue
1
5
The Dunscore pirates return – what are they up to now?
8
Invitation to the open meeting about the changes to the church interior
10
The latest information about the proposed pylons through Dunscore
11
Art in stone – Aly meets local sculptor Max Nowell
Minister's Musing
Jannie du Plessis
Take It Slow
As a child, I couldn’t wait for Christmas to come. The days passed far too slowly for my liking. Nowadays it feels as
though time passes too quickly. I am always in a hurry with too little time to get things done.
During our visit to the Isle of Skye in August, we drove up to see the amazing sight of the Quiraing, with its rocky
pinnacle, “The Needle”, towering 37 metres high. As we stood looking out across the majestic landscape, we heard the
sound of bagpipes in the distance. Far below, in a small car park in the valley, a piper was playing Amazing Grace. It
was as if the Great Artist Himself had put us there, at that moment, to remind us of His grace and peace. He was inviting
us to trade in our amazing pace for his amazing grace.
After all, in the Book of Isaiah, God prepared his people for the great things he was going to do for them, especially
through his Son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He told them: “I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I
am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, ‘Faith that is firm is also patient.’” (Isaiah 28:16). Yes, we
can be patient because our Lord is trustworthy.
I guess sometimes God works slower than we would prefer. We pray for something, but are in a hurry to get to the final
result, the outcome that we can enjoy. Or we live at such a pace that we often miss out on the beauty and grace that
God gives us. But a true artist, as is God, never rushes. He is patient with his brush and canvas. Art is all about the
gentle touch, the patient stroke, repetition. And to enjoy art you need to slow down and take it in.
Let us take it slow. Christmas reminds us of God’s greatest artwork and that he can be trusted. He did as he had
promised. In Jesus he gave us a firm foundation and brought us new life. His grace is abundant, and firm faith makes us
patient...
Fairtrade Village Events
John Lowery
As we promised in the last edition of the Digest, the wildlife/eco/Fairtrade activity
events at Allanton World Peace Sanctuary took place in October and were enjoyed by
all those who came in spite of the rather unfriendly weather. The schools were
particularly happy, to such a level that it is hoped that it will be repeated in two years
time but with extra time allowed so that the children can enjoy more of the different
activities on offer.
The Fairtrade Fortnight is now coming over the horizon and we shall be organizing our
big event in the Glenriddell Hall on March 5th 2016. This time it will be somewhat
enhanced and, to give you an idea, it will not be called “The Big Brew” but instead it
will be entitled “The Big Breakfast”! We hope it will be even more fun and so please
put it on your “to-do” list. There will be more details in the next issue.
D & G – Fairtrade Zone?
Matthew Aitken
You will know that Dunscore is a Fairtrade Village but why is Dumfries and Galloway not a Fairtrade Zone?
Just over half of all local authority areas in Scotland are Fairtrade Zones (Scotland, itself, is a Fairtrade Nation) including
Highland, Aberdeenshire and Renfrewshire. So why not Dumfries and Galloway?
Sam Johnstone and I recently attended a meeting of Fairtrade groups across D & G to discuss the development of
Fairtrade throughout the region with the aim that, eventually, Dumfries and Galloway will join other local authorities in
Scotland to become a Fairtrade Zone.
Just as Dunscore had to achieve (and continue to achieve) five goals to become a Fairtrade Village, the region would
have to achieve the same five goals, just on a different scale.
The local council has to be supportive; Fairtrade products must be available in shops and catering outlets across the
region; workplaces need to support Fairtrade and there has to be a “flagship employer”; there must be media coverage
to promote Fairtrade and, finally, a steering group must be formed.
Dumfries and Galloway meets almost all of these goals but we are weak on the “spread” of Fairtrade awareness. Our
Fairtrade towns and villages are mainly concentrated in the centre of the region with very little by way of Fairtrade Town
activity beyond Dumfries to the east and Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright to the west (though Wigtown has recently restarted its Fairtrade group). Why is there no Fairtrade group in any of Annan, Lockerbie, Moffat, Newton Stewart or
Stranraer?
At the recent regional meeting (Chaired by Councillor Colin Smyth who is the Council “Fairtrade Champion”) this was
discussed and we decided to make contact with interested people in these towns to try to generate some interest.
I am proud that Dunscore is a Fairtrade Village and it would be wonderful if Dunscore was in the Fairtrade Zone of
Dumfries and Galloway in the Fairtrade Nation of Scotland!
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Dunscore Fairtrade Support
Dunscore Fairtrade Village asked Dunscore's businesses and organisations whether
they supported Fairtrade. We created certificates for all those that did (every single
one that we asked!). You can see from the photo opposite that there is a lot of
support for Fairtrade in Dunscore!
Tall Ship Tales
Aly Robertson
The tall ship La Malouine has had a busy summer after being brought back from
Normandy by Captain Roy Kerr and a crew which included Mark Zygadlo (it was Mark
who carved the cross in our church) and Johnny Robertson (who went to school in
Dunscore). Johnny had a very interesting time, calling at the Channel Islands, The Isle
of Man and West Cumbria on the way home. He also sailed her through a storm, which
put La Malouine through her paces. His dad, Peter, sailed the last leg from West
Cumbria to Kingholm Quay, where crowds thronged the coastline to welcome her. He
describes the experience of being on the tall ship as exhilarating.
La Malouine participated in the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, a gathering of many tall
ships from around the world. They also sailed to the Isle of Man and visited Kippford.
She took part in the pirate festival in Ballantrae, Ayrshire where the crew managed to
repel boarders. Closer to home they participated in Annan Harbour festival - a
La Malouine
tremendous piece of seamanship where Roy sailed the ship into the narrow channel
which has been dredged by the Annan Harbour group as phase one of the Annan Harbour redevelopment.
The tall ship is now berthed at Kingholm Quay, where the rigging is being replaced and the sails serviced. She is also
being painted. You can have a guided tour if there is a crew member on board. Please like their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/TallShipLaMalouine
Zambia Twinning News
John Drabble
Our twinned church in Lubuto has a new Minister, the Rev. Yona Mumba. We wish him all success and happiness in his
new mission.
Martha Lungu, who visited us sometime ago, sent us an update from the school:
There are 75 pupils this term, three less than the 78 that we had last term. We still
have four teachers, Mr Zyambo who, apart from managing the school, takes Grades
1 and 2, Mrs Nakamba teaches 3 and 4, Mr Chafunika 5, 6 and 7. We have Mrs
Lukwipa for the nursery school.
Enrolment for grade 1 has commenced and so far we have eight pupils already
enrolled for next year.
Rev. Yona Mumba
We received the £200 gift from our friends in Dunscore, Glencairn and Moniaive and
used it to open a separate bank account specifically for the school needs.
Dunscore Writing Group
Anne Hart
At our meeting last month we read and discussed our pieces of work. As usual, despite everyone using the same title, a
variety of tales resulted. Each piece was around 200 words. Keeping to a small word count provides an extra challenge.
We are planning a “Flicks in the Sticks” event in the New Year, the choice of film will have a literary theme.
For the next meeting on the 2nd December we have to write a conversation from the past. The speakers must be living at
a previous time and we must write in the style of speech of that era!
Anyone is welcome to join our group, or just come along to see what goes on. Call Jo Abbott for more information on
820367.
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A Rocha and Advent
Barbara Mearns
Q. What do you get if you cross the Paris Climate Change conference with Advent?
A. A Rocha’s fantastic online Advent Calendar!
The theme is ‘Hope for the World’: a traditional theme at Christmas as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, but this year, as
we hope for a good outcome to COP21, key figures from the worlds of conservation, church, business and development
(including Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel, Harriet Lamb from Fairtrade, and Former Director of Kew Gardens, Sir Ghillean
Prance) contribute a ‘Thought for the Day’. You can listen to the 2-3 minute podcasts or, if you prefer, you can read the
text. We hope you will use it as an opportunity to reflect on Christ and to pray for some of the earth’s big issues. Go to
www.advent.arocha.org.uk and if December is a busy month for you (!!) don’t worry, you can register for a daily email
reminder from 1st December.
A Rocha in Paris
From 30 November to 11 December, the UN Climate Change Conference, COP21, will take place. This conference is
crucial - the world’s governments need to agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep global warming below
2°C.
A Rocha will be taking part! Dr Jean-Francois Mouhot, Director of A Rocha France’s Les Courmettes Centre, will be
officially representing A Rocha France and the French evangelical church at COP21.
Several of my A Rocha International colleagues will be in Paris (including
Samuel Chiu who will be reporting on events to the Chinese-speaking
communities in Canada and East Asia) alongside colleagues from European
teams. Together with Tearfund and the Lausanne Movement, A Rocha will bring
a Christian voice to the climate discussions in various ways, including a
conference on 5 December with keynote speakers Bishop Efraim Tendero,
Leader of the World Evangelical Alliance and Dr Katharine Hayhoe. Please pray!
See arocha.org/COP21 for details.
Climate change is not just a temporary concern for A Rocha. Climate change
affects every living thing: species distribution on land and sea; migration
patterns of birds and other animals and the timing of plant germination including,
of course, our crops.
Therefore, climate change affects everything A Rocha does including our
research, our education programmes, our community training activities and you
can read about a few of these in the December A Rocha International News at A Rocha's Online Advent Calendar
www.arocha.org/en/publications.
Five Years Ago
From the Digest – Winter 2010
Dunscore Fairtrade cyclists in the national Fairtrade cycle: Not only did we enjoy breathtaking scenery,
fantastic weather and great company but we were also treated to delicious food along the way. We stopped off at
Dumfries, Annan and Carlisle to meet with Fairtrade campaigners who provided hospitality and FOOD! Helen Hinvest
from the Carlisle Fairtrade Group cycled with us to Brampton. She had celebrated her 60th birthday by cycling from
London to Paris so we were anxious not to seem like a bunch of amateurs...!
The community shop was being considered: The questionnaires have been collected and collated and are,
currently, being analysed. This is the first stage of preparing a business plan. This is an important process not only to
ensure that we are confident that we have the makings of a viable shop but will also be required by potential funding
organisations.
News from Zambia: The biggest news this quarter is of the successful visit in September by Evelyn Saka, a teacher,
James Chirwa, a senior Boys Brigade official, from the Lubuto congregation and their minister, Rev. Stephen Simumba.
The aims of the visit were for them to discover more about our lives and particularly about our school methods and
young people projects and for us to make new friends, to tap into their strong faith and to learn more about their culture.
They were a delight to meet and joined in absolutely everything that was going.
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What the pirates did next
Libby McFadzean
Regular readers of the Digest will remember the dastardly Dunscore pirates from the last edition. The story continues...
A chilly wind tossed various bits of rubbish along Dumfries High Street. The same old pre Christmas tunes assailed the
ears from every shop doorway. "Spend, spend, spend" we were urged. Outside Baker's Oven (where a charity shop was
doing a roaring trade) a rag-tag trio entertained the crowds with rousing shanties, unusual at this time of year. Two men
and a woman in pirate costumes were whooping up a storm, and receiving lots of cash, tossed into the scruffy cap on
the pavement.
At some point the artistes had clearly had enough, as Peg Leg (the one-legged pirate we encountered on Gala Day)
growled, "Aargh me hearties. That be enough for today. Shiver me timbers, there's a tenner in there!" Grabbing the loot
and packing up their instruments, the trio pushed their way into the charity shop, where soon they were up to no good. It
wasn't long after their departure before it was realised that a large sum of money had gone missing as had the dastardly
pirates!
Meanwhile back in Dunscore, a week before Christmas, a young couple sat at their kitchen table in despair. Paul was
scribbling furiously on a sheet of paper while Kerry sat beside him quietly sobbing. It was clear to them both that they
were in serious trouble. The rent was already overdue, their old banger of a car needed two new tyres and their
youngest child had outgrown his shoes. A Christmas dinner was an impossible dream.
A television news broadcast interrupted their thoughts: "Police were called to various stores in Dumfries this afternoon
after a series of thefts of clothes, food items and cash. There are no clues at present. Interestingly, several members of
the public have reported sightings of a large parrot flying around near the Midsteeple."
Later that evening the three pirates were gathered in Dunscore's Millennium Wood, making a lot of noise as they
downed bottles of rum. It was an extremely chilly night and no one was out. Grey Beard had long ago lost his fake beard
but the name stuck. He was tired of sitting in the damp wood and felt they should hurry up with their plan. Gloria, the
glamorous pirate, was painting her nails by torchlight and was equally impatient. "I vote Grey Beard goes", muttered Peg
Leg, and the others agreed. Soon the intrepid pirate was back, clutching an oven-ready turkey purloined from the fridge
of the young turkey breeder down the road. "It's Fairtrade and organic" he claimed to shouts of approval from the others.
The following morning Paul emerged from his house in the village, after a sleepless night. He nearly tripped over a huge
box, decorated with red ribbons (and several splodges of nail polish!) Red and green feathers littered the ground. There
was an envelope on the top of the box and he opened it with shaking fingers. "Please enjoy these gifts and use the
money wisely. From some friends". He called Kerry and together they carried the large hamper inside. They opened it in
great excitement, marvelling at the contents - everything they needed for a sumptuous Christmas dinner plus enough
money for the rent, a pair of shoes and two new tyres.
The Christingle service was taking place in the afternoon in the church. Paul and Kerry never normally went to church,
but with hearts full of joy they walked up for the service, entering shyly to the gentle strains of "Away in a Manger". The
church was lit with candles and they soon felt welcome. It was going to be a good Christmas!
The wind blew round the village that night, sending red feathers soaring into the air as one little family made their way
home.
Reader's Recipe
Kathleen Bartsh
As I was growing up my mum baked every week, buns, rock buns, pan scones and many other delights. When she
passed away I decided to try baking as I had all my mother’s equipment. After some practise using my mother’s recipes
I was happy with my efforts so here is a couple of my favourite recipes for you to try.
Custard Creams
2oz Sugar; 6oz Self Raising Flour; 4oz Margarine and 2oz Custard Powder
Cream the margarine and sugar, mix in the flour and custard powder. Roll into balls and press down with fork. Cook at
160°C for 15 - 20 minutes.
Ginger Bread
½ lb Margarine; 8 oz Caster Sugar; 12 oz Plain Flour; 2 teaspoons of cinnamon; 2 teaspoons ginger; 2 teaspoons mixed
spice; 1 cup milk with 1 teaspoon baking soda; 4 eggs; 2 tablespoons syrup and 2 tablespoons treacle
Mix all together and cook for 90 minutes at 160°C
Church-goers will be familiar with Kathleen's baking – these will be worth trying!
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Eco Congregation Update
Kath Aitken
As an Eco Congregation, we have inevitably been looking towards the critical COP 21 Summit in Paris in November and
December. The heads of the world's governments are coming together to agree a deal to prevent the worst effects of
climate change.
You will see reported elsewhere in the Digest that we arranged for the Riding Lights Theatre Company to include
Dumfries in the UK tour of their play Baked Alaska. Those that saw the play will not have left unaware of the importance
of the topic and what the world (and we) must do to limit the damage of climate change. There is no doubt that it is
already affecting the world and it is the poorest communities that are being hit hard.
Eco Congregation Scotland made a Climate Change Baton with a message to the world's leaders telling them that we
must act now! In June this year we had the baton in Dunscore Church. All the churches and organisations that “hosted”
the baton have been asked to include the prayer below (written by the Eco Congregation Chaplain Trevor Jameson) in
our worship of 29 November. Over 100 churches will be doing so at the same time.
A Prayer for the Paris COP21 (Conference of the Parties) Meeting, 2015
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
The world, and those who live in it;
For he has founded it on the seas,
And established it on the rivers. (Psalm 24: 1-2)
O God of this earth, as nations gather to meet in Paris,
We pray for the representatives of the rich and the powerful,
And for those sent there by the poor and the vulnerable.
Give to them all gifts of wisdom and discernment,
That they might truly understand what faces your world today,
And see what needs to be done in days ahead.
Give to them qualities of kindness, justice and determination,
That they may hear creation’s cry of distress,
And together take binding actions to safeguard the climate.
And stir up in us what we expect from others.
Make us wise and discerning, kind, and just,
Determined to play our part in caring for creation, now and for ever.
Amen
Guild Week
Judith Campbell
This year is the first in the Guild's strategy for 2015 – 2018: "Be Bold, Be Strong!" This is inspired by the song of the
same name and we need to remember the words of the second line: "for the Lord your God is with you!" This reminds
us that we don't operate in isolation from other people and we certainly don't do so without being able to place our trust
in, and get our courage from, God.
Being bold means "showing a willingness to take risks; being confident and courageous." Being strong means taking on
issues raised by our projects and doing that in a way that is based on theological and prayerful reflection.
Dunscore Guild has chosen to support: Street Pastors and Breaking the Cycle. Breaking the Cycle is a project which is
using education of girls in Kenya to address the issue of female genital mutilation which strikes at the heart of gender
roles and prejudices. It also aims to encourage education as the best way of fulfilling the potential of girls. It is in Christ
that we do these things.
The resilience of the Guild is legendary! It has survived for over 128 years. The Guild builds its work on the three pillars
of "worship, prayer and action", these three under-pinned by fellowship.
In this Guild week, we invite others to join us and to support us and to encourage us and we invite the church to re-affirm
it's support for our work and it's"ownership" of the Guild - a movement within the Church of Scotland.
We will be bold. We will be strong. But we will be those things in a spirit of peace, joy and love.
Sorry, but it's that time of year... The Three Wise Men sound very generous but you’ve got to remember
those gifts were joint Christmas and birthday presents.
I bought my son a fridge for Christmas. I can’t wait to see his face light up when he opens it.
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Outdoor Pre-School Learning
Lee Mackenzie
We've had a busy few months at Dunscore Pre-School as always.
As we live in a rural community and many of the
children are from farming backgrounds, harvest saw
us finding out all about our food and where it comes
from. Many thanks to those in the village who allowed
us to visit, dig, pick, taste and generally plunder their
vegetable plots. We discovered new foods that we had
never tried before and even found out that we liked
most of them. We had a wonderful visit to Kilnford
Barns courtesy of Jock Rome, where we investigated
produce that needs to be grown in poly tunnels, and
even got to name some of the animals.
We rounded this project off with a wonderful visit to
Allanton where we were helped by some kind
Dunscore friends. Colin led us on a Gruffalo story walk
It Was Fun at Allanton
in Scots, Billy showed us how to play lots of fun
games and, finally, John told us the story of the
enormous turnip, in the vegetable garden of course, at the end of which we all fell over! It was then time to head back to
the tent for some music with Frank, the children all loved
singing along to "Don't go for a poo in the dark!" and play
leaders thank Frank for including a new big bottomed verse
into the "Hokey Cokey"! Parents joined us for a special
ceremony at the Peace Henge where the children laid their
decorated stones, before heading back to the tent for some
soup, apple crumble and bramble sponge, all picked and
cooked by the children themselves. A huge thank you to all
those who helped make the day so special.
Halloween saw an invasion of little monsters at Pre-School
and, no, we're not referring to the children! We talked about
things which we sometimes find scary and created some
fabulous friendly monster puppets of our own. While listening
to some spine tingling classical music we discovered that
some of the children were unaware of the many different
instruments which can be used to make music. Frank kindly
Pre-School Decorated Stones at the Peace Pole
stepped into the breech again and brought along a multitude
of stringed instruments which we got to pluck and strum on. We may have discovered a budding Jimi Hendrix?! Frank
and Jake played some lively traditional Scottish music which we just couldn't resist dancing along to. In order to
experience a different kind of music, Mary very kindly agreed to let us tinkle the ivories on her keyboard and organ at the
church, or "tick tock clock". I'm not sure who had more fun, the children or Mary! Special thanks to Mary for the choccie
biscuits, don't worry we won't tell anyone otherwise they'll all want one on Sundays.
We love science experiments at Pre-School, and lately we've made volcanoes erupt, used shadows to draw silhouettes
and made a rain gauge - well we have had a lot of rain.
The children are currently getting ready for Christmas, writing their own words to Christmas songs and looking forward to
hearing the wonderful story of Christmas. We're also getting ready for our soup and pudding lunch and we've all been
busy making lots of craft and special treats. We hope you can join us!
Egrets, I have a Few...
Colin Mitchell
Birdwatching Group
In October we visited various sites on the north side of the Solway to the east of Dumfries. We timed the tide just right as
birds were pushed higher on the shore by the rising tide and the weather was kind to us too with warm sunshine.
We saw 45 different species of birds including a greenshank and an avocet (not common here especially in October)
In November we visited sites on the south shore of the Solway including Grune Point near Silloth where we quite a long
walk was rewarded by good views of a peregrine falcon, teal, curlew and lapwing.
We visited the RSPB reserve at Camphill Marsh where we enjoyed views of pintail, tree sparrows, shoveler ducks and
wigeon. By 3:15 pm the light was failing as we toured the coast towards Carlisle. We saw 37 different types of bird but
no egrets which is unusual
If you wish to join us on our bird walks please contact Colin or Pam on 820455 or c.mitchell50@btinternet.com .
Beginners very welcome.
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School Fun at Allanton
Matthew Aitken
All the children from Dunscore School and Pre-School headed to Allanton for fun outdoor activities. They had an
opportunity to try several activities including a woodland walk, pond dipping, a story in the woods, active games, samba
drumming, singing, a treasure hunt, dancing, drama and crafts.
The Pre-School visited in the morning and, in the afternoon, the Dunscore children met up with the children from
Duncow and Moniaive schools (about 150 in all).
The event was organised by Dunscore Fairtrade Village and there was a Fairtrade theme through the event. The
Dunscore School Fairtraders had designed a logo for the day and it the children printed the logo on a keyring which was
included in a Fairtrade goody bag that all the children took home. Other Fairtrade items in the bag were a pencil, a
chocolate heart and a banana. There were also some Fairtrade stickers and a mini peace pole or peace bookmark.
Many thanks to Allanton for hosting an amazing event.
Community Council Column
Colin Mitchell
Community Council elections took place in October. In Dunscore the number of nominations was not sufficient to
require an election. At the November meeting the previous office bearers agreed to continue. These are: Chairman –
Colin Mitchell; Vice Chairman – Archie Anderson and Treasurer – Joe Cook. Members are: William Crawford, Michael
Doyle, Kate Duffin, Anne Hart, Hugh Hannay, Morag McKie and Walter Patterson. Our secretary is Janet Johnstone.
Alistair McFadzean stood down from the Community Council but continues as our representative on the Annandale &
Nithsdale Community Benefit Company that distributes funds from the Harestanes windfarm.
At our first meeting of the new Community Council we discussed various items including:
Speeding Traffic We agreed to investigate buying an electronic traffic speed warning sign for the village.
Tom Carrick Rose Garden We agreed to plant this on the roadside ground to the east of the Health Centre.
Community Noticeboards It was agreed to investigate a local source for new noticeboards
In the Autumn issue of the Digest the awards from our windfarm funds was incorrect. The correct awards were: Auld
Alliance Twinning Association - £405; Dunscore Gala Committee – £2,000; Dunscore Pre-School Group - £2,200 and
Speddoch Community Association - £1,000.
Church Interior Project
John Drabble
Heritage Lottery Fund Project & Church Interior Changes
As part of the Heritage Lottery Fund project to carry out major repairs the church, internal changes are being considered
to install toilets with disabled access and make a room for meetings / children’s space and a Jane Haining exhibition and
heritage centre. The project architect has presented options which have been discussed by your Church Board.
Two members of the Church of Scotland Art & Architecture committee visited the church recently and were very
supportive of the general idea. Outline drawings of the proposals can be seen now in the Hall of Fellowship as you enter
the Church.
Before any final decisions are made by the Board, an open meeting is to be held in the Church at 2:00 pm on
Sunday 6th December. The project architect will present the different options and members of the congregation and the
community will have the opportunity to express their views. Everyone is invited to come and join the discussion and to a
light lunch in the Glenriddell Hall after the morning service and before the meeting.
Church Heritage Help
Sheila Anderson
We are now getting started in compiling a history of Dunscore Church to enable us to get Heritage Lottery Funding.
PLEASE, PLEASE can you look out any old photos of 'goings-on' at the Church - from the 20 th and 21st centuries! If you
have older relatives who may have some, please ask them to delve deep in their cupboards! Sales of Work and other
church-related events are also very relevant. Any stories - funny or serious - of past services - are also welcome.
Memories of our church and people are precious and so interesting. Photos will be promptly scanned and retur ned.
Stories can be recorded by machine or simply noted down.
We are relying on community participation so do please help. Phone me on 820236 or Pam Mitchell on 820455 in the not
too distant future! Many thanks.
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Auld Alliance Twinning
Mary Waugh
On Saturday 21st November some of the members of the association took part in a visit to France to celebrate 20 years
of the twinning of Dunscore, Penpont, Tynron and Keir with three villages in the Oise region of north west France. A very
enjoyable evening with a distinctly Scottish flavour was held in the village hall of Le Deluge, one of the French villages.
The meal which included haggis being piped in by a piper from Brittany was part of the soiree where good food and drink
were interspersed with music and dancing.
The Association which promotes cultural, social and educational links between Scotland and France features regular
exchange visits where everyone is made most welcome. The next visit to France will take place from 20 th - 24th October
2016. These trips to France which interchange with visits to Scotland of our French counterparts normally happen every
other year. This is an excellent opportunity to experience life in rural France from the ‘inside’. Various events are
arranged including visits to places of interest, social gatherings plus just getting to know people who live in a
neighbouring country. An ability to speak French is not necessary as many of the French hosts speak English. Anyone
interested in participating please contact Robert or Mary Waugh for further information. Telephone: 01387 820301 or
email: craigeller@hotmail.co.uk.
Bring on Baked Alaska
Aly Robertson
At a spring meeting of the Dunscore Church Board, it was agreed that it would be a fantastic idea to invite the Riding
Lights Theatre Company (Britain's only full time, professional Christian drama group) to Dumfries as a stop on their UK
tour.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Paris
from November 30th until December 11th 2015, so their production about
global warming was thought to be particularly relevant.
Kath
approached Riding Lights and we were off!
Putting on a major cultural and educational event is a bit daunting.
Riding Lights provides a list of the types of organisations and people
that are likely to be interested or could help promote the show (schools,
colleges, libraries, churches…). Dumfries High School was booked and
we got great coverage from the local press and Alive Radio. The Usual
Place hosted a Baked Alaska photo shoot where Bill Johnstone, their
chef, and their trainees had cooked a Baked Alaska to help generate
publicity.
The Photo Shoot with Baked Alaska
The great day dawned. The Riding Lights actors (and one technician)
arrived. Their first job was to unpack two large vans of heavy equipment and build their amazing circular set. It was
mounted at about a metre and a half high and showed the world from space and, by the use of clever flaps, showed
locations in the world which are at risk from global warming. The whole thing could be tilted to about 45° and rotated
through 360°. The actors performed on this stage but, before the show, they joined us for tea - Kath's legendary Cullen
Skink and Scottish cheeses which went down particularly well.
The show itself was fast paced, amusing and thought provoking. The actors were very talented musicians. They
explored various facets of global warming and how to look after the planet. We were taken round the globe to the
Micronesian island of Nauru and explored the way in which the island and the islanders had been cynically exploited
leading to disastrous environmental consequences. We also visited Bangladesh where climate change is causing
disastrous sea level rises and saw the harrowing effects for local people.
At the end of the production we were encouraged to write to our MP with concerns about climate change. The audience
left and that meant that the cast could then dismantle the set and pack the vans. It was after 11:00 pm when they finally
left and headed for their accommodation, hosted by members of Dunscore Church. It was a memorable evening leaving
the audience with plenty to mull over.
Mr Noah? We're from the Council
Planning Department
9
“… I haven't seen you at
church recently”
Pylon Campaign Progress
Deborah Galbraith
You should, by now, be aware that Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) plans to run enormous pylons through the
region. They have proposed a line of pylons (around 500 of them in total) up to 50m high, which is the same height as
Greyfriars Church steeple in Dumfries, from one end of Dumfries and Galloway to the other. We already have pylons in
our region but these new ones will be at least twice the height of the existing ones and around four times the height of
Dunscore Church tower.
If they get their way, SPEN's plan would have a line of these pylons, connected by multiple cables, running through the
region and right past Dunscore – from the Craigenputtock moor, somewhere between the village and Wallaceton then on
in the direction of Auldgirth and Holywood.
We all need power but we don't need the infrastructure to destroy this beautiful region. DumGal Against Pylons (DGAP)
was created to work with SPEN to offer them an alternative that meets the needs of the region; to transport the electricity
from wind farms within the region to areas that need it (mainly England and Wales) and to transfer power between
Scotland and Northern Ireland. Be assured there is a viable alternative including a sub-sea route and running cables
underground!
In addition to formulating an alternative to SPEN's proposal, we have been working hard in many other directions. We
have had meetings with our elected representatives including MPs and MSPs and we have communicated with all our
councillors to advise them of our concerns. We are also delighted to have the backing of 50 Community Councils
including all that lie within SPEN's preferred corridor. This gives us great strength by demonstrating the level of concern
and opposition from the “grass roots”.
We are working with many organisations such as the influential John Muir Trust and other environmental groups fighting
similar proposals.
There a plenty of things that you can do.
 Visit the Dumgal Against Pylons website: www.dumgalagainspylons.org. The news page is updated most days
 Join Dumgal Against Pylons. It costs just £5 for the duration of our campaign. Contact Penny Coles on
pmp.coles@gmail.com or 740608
 Like our Facebook page www.facebook/DumgalAgainstPylons and join the email list – just send an email to
no2pylons@gmail.com and ask to be added
 Take part in our “Targeted Campaign” where we write to organisations that should have an interest in SPEN's
plans. You can see more about this at: www.dumgalagainstpylons.org/targeted-campaign.
 Buy a “Dumfries and Galloway Unspoiled” calendar with 12 lovely views of the region. They are just £3 from
Matthew Aitken 820448.
Deborah is the DGAP Press Officer
Editorial
Alison Boyes
There can be few people who have seen this year’s John Lewis advert without shedding a tear. A little girl with a powerful
telescope spies a lonely old man sitting on his own on the moon. Somehow a Christmas present arrives for him...it’s a
telescope of his own, and with it he can see the little girl (who presumably sent the present) and they can wave at each
other across the miles of space which separate them.
The tagline of the advert is “Show someone they're loved this Christmas”.
While it’s easy to criticise a company who have spent £70 million on their festive season ’s advertising, the sentiment is
one with which none can argue - what else is Christmas for, if not to show love? The carol says “Love came down at
Christmas” and we celebrate the birth of a baby who we believe to be Love incarnate.
The advert was made with the help of Age UK and yesterday in the Independent newspaper, the charity reported that
“Thousands of people have been inspired by the...ad...to volunteer to help the elderly during the festive season”.
This is good news, though we shouldn't need to be prompted by a multi-million pound advertising campaign to do what
we already know to be the right thing.
Loneliness is a real problem in our communities, not just for the elderly, and we all have the power to tackle it. An
invitation, a visit, a kind word, a cup of tea...all better than an expensive gift.
Show someone they're loved this Christmas.
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Dunscore Arts and Crafts
Continuing our series of interviews with Dunscore artists and crafts-people, Aly
visited Max Nowell's workshop at Steilhead near Barjarg.
Robertson
Why did you start working with stone? I started working with stone while employed on
Barjarg Estate in the late '70s, working on the farm and mending the dykes was part of my remit.
I took to it and started doing some dyking at weekends and then went full-time as a dyker when I
was made redundant in 1981.
What are your main areas of work? My main areas of work now are hard landscaping in
gardens and sculpture. Sculpture is becoming more significant in terms of time but probably not
in terms of money.
How physically demanding is your work? Neither are
particularly physically demanding except through things like RSI
(from chiselling etc.) although since I'm outside most of the time I do
have to be able to endure the weather! Dry-stone dyking was
certainly a very physically demanding occupation, and I'm heartily
glad that I no longer have to do it although I still have the bad knees
and back that it gave me.
What are the characteristics of some stones that you
work with? I I don't mind working with any of the common types
of stone, except granite, and they all have their good and bad
points. Slate has a pleasing fineness of texture for carving and is
good for landscaping if I want a feature with
a defined grain. Whin is hard, can be good
Reef Knot
for walls etc. and is readily available but is a
bit resistant to the chisel. Sandstone is something I use a lot - easy to carve though
sometimes too soft for fine detail, but good for garden features because of its laminate
nature and adaptability.
Where has your work taken you? I've worked on a number of Show Gardens at
Chelsea Flower Show - while it is a chance to work to the highest standards and to see
other peoples' best efforts as well, the flip side is the time-pressure and the extremely
short life-expectancy of the work. It seems such a waste, although I've rebuilt gardens
permanently in Munich, Gothenburg and Edinburgh.
I worked for Andy Goldsworthy for a few of his projects in the USA in the late '90s, which
took me to California, New York and Canada. Since 2001 I've been working on a largescale garden transformation in Kent, not all the time, of course, but it could add up to
almost a couple of years!
Ties that Bind
Have you a favourite piece? Probably a sandstone reef-knot or another sandstone
sculpture entitled Ties that Bind. Also the Hutton Memorial Sculpture in Jedburgh.
Do you find that a piece of stone inspires you? The actual stone only rarely inspires the sculpture although
the sea-worn slate I sometimes use does encourage variations on the theme of stacking.
Does the landscape in Dumfries and Galloway inspire you? I like the local landscape but I can't say it
inspires my work. In fact, I get tired of reading other peoples' claims that they find it so inspiring! I usually have an idea
that I'd like to develop and select the stone to suit, rather than the other way around.
What has been the most unusual setting for one of your pieces? I once dug a piece into a banking beside
a forestry road so that it was virtually invisible. It was meant to be hard to find, and it certainly was!
Are you involved with Spring Fling? I've taken part in Spring Fling many times and I find it valuable, not just for
sales and commissions but as a chance to meet more people and to have them say nice things to me! Over the three
days, several hundred people might visit my studio where I have sculptures set in the large garden and woodland as well
as indoors. People seem to enjoy strolling around looking at my work and admiring Penny's garden.
Do you have any other interests or hobbies? My main hobby is thinking about going fishing. I never seem to
have the time to actually go, though. During the season, I do find time to follow Queen of the South a bit and sometimes
to go to Ayr, Cheltenham or Aintree for some racing. Cider-making has developed as a side-line here (Steilhead Cider),
growing from an interest into a business, so that takes a good deal of time too.
There is more at: www.maxnowellsculpture.co.uk and his Max Nowell Sculpture and Steilhead Cider Facebook pages.
11
Ethiopian Photo Assignment
Alison Boyes
In October this year, I was privileged to spend two weeks in Ethiopia taking photographs for the charity Facing Africa
(www.facingafrica.org). David, my husband, has worked with them as an anaesthetist and I have been to Ethiopia
before, so I knew what to expect.
Facing Africa sends a team of doctors and nurses out to Addis Ababa twice a year to carry out facial reconstruction
surgery. This is usually to correct the dreadful deformities caused by the disease NOMA, but, increasingly, they also treat
facial tumours and trauma, usually from hyena bites.
My job was to photograph the patients before and after their operations and to document the mission, taking pictures to
be used for publicity, on social media and for future fundraising. I was to work on the ward and in the operating theatre
but also to photograph the staff off-duty. This meant that it was important to get to know people (staff and patients) so
that they felt relaxed around my camera and it was important not to get in the way, especially during operations, when
tensions could run high and the sterile field had to be respected. It helped a lot that I had had experience of operating
theatres in the long distant past.
The team flew out together on an overnight flight from Heathrow, arriving in Addis at 7:00 am. There was time for a
shower and a quick breakfast at the hotel before the two hour bus ride up
to the Leonard Cheshire Home at Menagesha, where we would meet the
patients. They came in one at a time to be assessed by the surgeons and
anaesthetists and then I photographed them as the surgeons had asked
me to - from the front, right and left sides and then a “worm’s eye view”
(me kneeling on the ground looking up their nostrils). Some kind person
found me a pillow to kneel on.
There were 35 patients at the Home, but a further 30 had heard about us
and turned up on spec, so instead of the promised rest day on Sunday, we
were up at Menagesha again to assess them. Then it was back to the
hotel for a meeting to plan the operating schedule for the next two weeks.
After Surgery
We were staying at a hotel 10 minutes’ walk from the hospital. It wasn't a posh hotel and we were bitten by bedbugs and
mosquitoes. I was ill for two days and lay in bed listening to the sounds coming from the busy street outside. I hated
missing out on the action at the hospital and was glad to get back to work. It was a good thing that I was feeling better,
because the next day I was photographing a 13 hour operation on a five year old boy, Abel, who had been dragged 300
metres by a hyena before his mother pulled it off. The boy had lost an ear and the whole of his lower jaw and the
operation involved making a new jaw out of his fibula (leg bone) using a template which had been 3D printed in
Switzerland. The operation had been filmed for the Discovery Channel, but the cameraman had had to fly back to
London and asked me to take some video of Abel leaving theatre.
It was past 11:00 pm when he was wheeled into ICU and his distraught parents were allowed in. I put my camera away
and Abel’s father wept on my shoulder. At these moments, you know the responsibilities and privileges of documentary
photography.
I can’t begin to cover here everything I saw and did in my two weeks in Addis. There was work, laughter, tears and good
company. We went out for meals in the evenings. We grew very fond of some of the patients. I took a lot of
photographs. I went with one of the surgeons to visit Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute and Dying – an experience
I shall never forget.
On the last day, we went back to the Leonard Cheshire Home to see all the patients who had had surgery and were
recuperating. There was a bit of a party but I was too busy with my medical photography to join in. I had to get all the
photos processed and onto memory sticks for the surgeons before they flew back that evening so they laid on a special
taxi to take me back to the hotel and my laptop. I was glad in a way that I had to rush away because I don't like
goodbyes.
David and I were fortunate to be able to spend another 10 days travelling in Ethiopia after everyone else had left – up to
Bahir Dar, on the cargo ferry across Lake Tana, trekking in the Simien Mountains and an adventurous visit to see some
Italian nuns.
Operation Christmas Child
Mary Waugh
This initiative which has been operating for a number of years involves providing shoe boxes filled with gifts for children
in eastern European countries. Once again people in Dunscore have been generous and this year have provided and
filled 40 boxes which will go to the children this Christmas. A big thank-you to all those who provided and wrapped toys /
toiletries etc. for these boxes together with those who supported the coffee morning. Grateful thanks also to those who
donated money and / or time to achieve such a good result.
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Bird of the Month
Colin Mitchell
Barnacle Goose These amazing geese have now arrived from their breeding grounds in
Svarlbard (Spitzberben) to spend the winter around the Solway estuary. The WWT reserve at
Caerlaverock is one of the best local sites to watch the awesome sight of thousands of geese in
the air as they fly to and from roosting and feeding. The call of the barnacle goose sounds a bit
like a wee yapping dog!
The proposed powerline with pylons passes across the flight line of these superb geese as they
arrive in autumn and leave in spring.
Dunscore History
Roy Spence
School Heritor's Meetings in 1747
Roy has continued his research at the Scottish Archives into the history of the village and, in particular, the schools in the
parish.
Although the financing, number and design of the schools had been agreed, problems did occur. At a heritor’s meeting in
1747 Mr James Grierson of Dalgonar, whose lands lie around the church was approached to see if he would fue for a
perpetual rent as much ground needed for a building and yard, but he declined. The committee then decided to try to get
land on Newton then owned by Mr Neilson of Chappell and if he declined they would build on part of the church yard.
They were also to ask Mr Neilson about a building site for a school in the upper end of the parish. At the same meeting
Mr Grierson disagreed with the fact that the funds were being used to fund three schools, he and “his adherents” thought
that money was meant for only one school. It was also decided at this meeting that, as the schools were being founded
from a charitable donation, education for the children of the poor would be free. Families who wished to take advantage
of this would have to apply to the Kirk Session for their approval. All who could afford it would pay at least one Scots
Merk per quarter. The master at the kirk school is obliged if required by the Kirk Session to officiate as Precentor and
Session Clerk without fee or reward.
John Douglas of Nethertoun and William Smith of Drumshangan were being paid four pounds Scots for the rent of a
house used as a school at the upper end of the parish.
In 1750 William Falconer is teaching in the upper end of the parish and Richard Wilson at the lower. In 1752 Mr Halliday
master at the Kirk school is dismissed because “he doth by no means bring forward their children in learning as he ought
to do nor does he pretend to teach them writing”. Mr Andrew Peden is now school master at Burnhead.
The Dumfries Presbytery in 1754 considered Mr Grierson’s objections to the division of the legacy but rejected them. The
school near Burnhead has now been built and is to be considered the principal school in the parish and Mr Peden the
principal teacher. Mr Grierson objects in favour of a Mr Davidson. A petition is signed by 85 elders and heads of families
approving him in this position. Including, “Robert Riddell for Margaret Johnstone at her verbal desire declaring that she
cannot write”.
At this time it was decided to close the school at the Kirk for the summer as, the schools at Glenesslin and Burnhead
seldom had less than 30 or 40 scholars during the winter while the school at the Kirk only had six or eight. A suggestion
was made that the school at Burnhead should be moved to Merkland to accommodate all the scholars from Dalgonnar
bridge to the bottom of the parish.
The numbers of scholars seems to be reflected in the salaries paid to the teachers, as Mr Williamson is paid £4-5s for
teaching at Glenesslin from Martinmass 1759 to Whitsunday 1760 whereas Mr Martin only gets £2-10 for teaching “near
the Kirk” from Martinmass 1760 to Whitsunday 1761.
Gala Gears Up
Fiona Thompson
Dunscore Gala Committee held a soup and pudding lunch recently, which was very well supported. There was delicious
soups and puddings, all donated by committee members and volunteers. It is great to see there community spirit at work
in the area.
We also have a Dunscore Gala 2016 calendar for sale to raise funds. They are £3.00 each. Contact me, Julie Lancaster
or Jane Chalmers if you would like one (or more!). They will also be on sale at the School Christmas Fayre on Thursday
3rd December.
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Remembering Jane Haining
"Sunshine, Darkness and the Golden Stars".
A new book called Sunshine, Darkness and the Golden Stars has been produced to share the Jane Haining story with
primary school children. The text was written by our very own Aly Robertson, illustrations have been added and, after a
few, final details, it will be going to print. Here is how the book starts:
“Can you imagine being very brave? This is the story of someone who was very brave in a city far away during the
Second World War. She was born on June 6th 1897 and in 1909 she began her studies at Dumfries Academy. She was
very clever, and did well at school in Dumfries, the nearby town. During the week she stayed in a hostel because she
lived in the country. Jane knew what it was like to live away from home. Jane was so clever and in the summer of 1915
she was the Dux of the school, which meant she had the highest marks of all the girls.”
And from later in the book: “At this time in the 1930’s a group of people called the Nazis were in power in Hungary and
in other countries nearby. They had a terrible belief that Jewish people caused most of the trouble in the world. Their
solution was to treat Jewish people very badly, and then kill them.
The Nazis wanted to know which people were Jewish. Yellow stars, made out of cloth, had to be sewn on to a Jewish
person’s clothes. Miss Haining was very sad when she sewed the stars on to the clothes belonging to the children at the
school as she thought it was a terrible thing to do, so she cried.
Someone who was in the Nazi Party saw that Jane was upset, so they reported her to the Nazis who were in charge.
Jane worked for the Church of Scotland, which sent her to Hungary. The leaders realised that it was becoming
dangerous to work in Budapest, so they begged her to return home. She refused, saying ‘I have worked with them in
sunshine,
so
I
will
stay with them in darkness’. Jane was taken away from the school to be killed, at a place called Auschwitz. She died
there, because she refused to leave the girls whom she loved.”
The book will soon be available and we hope to have copies to give to any visiting school groups. Speak to Pam Mitchell
for more information.
Leslie McCubbin's Memoires
For some time I have had a copy of Leslie's memoires on my desk but while we have had Mac's Memoires as a Digest
feature I have held them back. These being completed, we can now dip into Leslie's. This time, we'll have a few from
the section on Primary School Years (1940 – 1949).
We learnt all sorts of things at Dunscore School. One was the use of milk bottle tops, which were made of cardboard.
We would take them off the botle and they had a small button in the centre that you pushed out. That was where you
would put your straw In to drink the milk. This is where we threaded wool through and rotund the outside until you could
not get any more through, then cut it at one side to make a tassel.
In summer we chalk-marked on the road and played hopscotch. We also played rounders, kick the can, hide-seek and,
once a year, we had the dentist and doctor to look us over. This they did in the washroom.
I remember being able to buy peanuts in the village shop. You got a handful from one of the assistants. One of them
had big hands so I would ask het to serve me – she could lift more nuts.
Most of the men would smoke either a pipe or cigarettes. Kensitas had a small pack of four attached to a 20 pack – it
said on it “for your friends”. My father and grandfather both chewed tobacco. At one time there were two brass
spittoons next to the fireplace for them. They just spat inot the fire. My father said that you are never bothered with
worms if you chew tobacco. All round their mouths was brown from the tobacco. The coal miners chewed tobacco in
the mines as they could not smoke. In fact, one tobacco was chewing tobacco or bogie roll.
Walking Group
Colin Mitchell
Our most recent walk was from Garroch (near Mitchellslacks) to Kettleton Reservoir via the Garroch Burn valley.
This route was chosen as an easy route due to bad weather and low cloud. However it turned into a bit of an epic! The
route crosses six burns which are usually straightforward to ford but due to the recent heavy rainfall all were in spate.
We could avoid some by traversing the hillside above the burns, but some had to be crossed. Fitter / younger members
of the group could jump across to the other side but some got wet feet! However everyone managed to reach easier
ground above Kettleton reservoir where we enjoyed a picnic in the open air with good views around.
The walk took place on 11 th November and at 11.00 am we stood in silence for two minutes remembering those who lost
their lives in the two world wars. It was very poignant to stand in such a quiet and remote place with our thoughts.
If you wish to join us on our walks (usually easier than this one!) please contact Colin or Pam on 820455 or
c.mitchell50@btinternet.com.
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Church Services and Village Events
Church services are held every Sunday at 11:45 am
Date and Time
Event
Thursday 3 December at 2:00 pm
School Christmas Fayre
Friday 4 December 9:00 pm
Christmas Quiz at the Flying Pig
Sunday 13 December at 11:45 am
Gift Service
Sunday 13 December at 7:00 pm
Evening Service
Sunday 20 December at 11:45 am
Service of Lessons and Carols followed by buffet and tombola
Sunday 20 December at 4:00 pm
Carol Service at Auldgirth Hall
Monday 21 December at 2:00 pm
School Christmas Service
Thursday 24 December at 4:00 pm
Christingle Service
Thursday 24 December at 11:30 pm
Watchnight Service at Dunscore
Friday 25 December at 10:00 am
Christmas Service at Moniaive (no service at Dunscore)
Sunday 27 December at 11:45 am
Joint Service at Dunscore
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the Digest are not necessarily those of the editor, the minister, the Church of
Scotland or the Community Council.
Church Contacts
Minister: Rev Jannie du Plessis
Phone: 01387 820245 email: jjhduplessis@gmail.com
Session Clerk: Colin Mitchell Phone: 820455 email: c.mitchell50@btinternet.com
Editor: Matthew Aitken Phone: 820448 email: dunscoredigest@gmail.com
Website: www.dunscorechurch.co.uk
Dunscore Parish Church – Registered Charity Number: SC016060
Community Council Contacts
Community Council Chair: Colin Mitchell Phone: 820455 email:
c.mitchell50@btinternet.com
Community Council Secretary: Janet Johnstone Phone: 740335
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