Gatehouse News
NEWS, INFORMATION & WHAT’S ON IN GATEHOUSE OF FLEET | Summer 2013
From the Editor
Shining a light on Dark Ages Gatehouse.
After the snow, some welcome glimpses of spring and early summer sunshine have boosted outdoor sport and cheered the spirits of holiday visitors and residents alike. In line with better weather, this issue provides yet more welcome evidence of new community activity ranging from cheese making at Rainton through the launch of First Responders, a variety of heritage projects, some new outdoor fun for children, success for the Bakehouse in the Big Lit day and Shakespeare’s King Lear, and a lively Midsummer Music Festival. Above all, the Gala Committee have completed their preparations for what should be an excellent Gala programme, starting on July 28th with the crowning of the Gala Queen and the sashing of the Fleet Lad and Lass. Make sure you read the story of the Fun Run which is the main feature of the Sports page. My thanks are as usual due to our many subscribers whose support is making this Newsletter a regular feature of Gatehouse life, to Ken Smyth whose design skills make it all possible and attractive and to our teams of distributors who risk their fingers in pushing your copy of the Newsletter through letter-boxes. Best wishes to all our readers!
Back in April, over 130 people crammed into the Community Centre to hear archaeologists Ronan Toolis and Chris Bowles report back on the findings of the Trusty’s Hill dig. The archaeologists are convinced that Trusty’s hill is a major site of Dark Ages Britain. There are only two other sites outside the land of the Picts which have carved stones and these are at the royal sites of Dunadd and Edinburgh Castle. Trusty’s Hill, with its carved stone at one side of the entrance and rock-carved basin on the other, is very similar to Dunadd. The Trusty’s Hill finds also point to this being a very high status site. What seemed like a rusty nail when found in the soil last year has turned out to be an intricately produced decorative pin. A circular piece of metal, after analysis, is seen to be a delicately made piece of horse harness. Crucibles for melting metal for jewellery making show that high class objects were being produced on the site. There is also evidence of spinning and leather working. As part of the All Our Stories Gatehouse of Fleet in the Dark Ages project Ronan Toolis was invited back to Gatehouse in June to lead a Guided Walk Training Day. On a beautiful sunny day 33 people turned out to learn how to lead guided walks to Trusty’s Hill. Starting at the Mill of the Fleet, with a short presentation to put visual memories of the layout of the site and the finds from the excavation in people’s minds, the group, led by Ronan, then made their way to the hill. Split into groups and armed with notes of the key findings from the excavation, each group was given a part of the site (the Pictish carvings, the rock-cut basin, the vitrified ramparts and the interior summit) to explain to the other groups. As Ronan says, “Each group was very impressive on their turn at speaking. It seems unlikely that Trusty’s Hill will be forgotten, with such a large and enthusiastic number of people now willing and able to show their friends,
Have your Say Community Council and Gatehouse Development Initiative Meetings are open to all. COMMUNITY COUNCIL 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7pm, Community Centre.
GATEHOUSE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Last Wednesday of every 2nd month, 7.30pm, Community Centre. Next meetings: 31st July, 25th September.
family and visitors the rich archaeological heritage on their doorstep.” There will be a guided walk to Trusty’s Hill during Gala week. Guard Archaeology has now supplied the Gatehouse Development Initiative with a full set of images of the finds and text explaining the significance of the site. These will be put on information boards and displayed in the Mill on the Fleet. After the summer break school children will be doing their project inspired by Trusty’s Hill. The GDI acknowledges the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund which is helping to establish Gatehouse of Fleet as royal site of Dark Ages Britain.
First Responders are Live Monday 6th May 2013 may not be a date that is memorable to many people, but at 8am on that date Vanessa & John Martin made the phone call to the Scottish Ambulance Service that began the Gatehouse of Fleet First Responders live operations. Since that time a team of 18 volunteers have shared the “on-call” duties, 24 hours a day, in readiness to attend a serious emergency illness. No call-outs were received in May but several have been attended in June, and the people of Gatehouse and district can feel reassured that the team is ready for emergencies during the often vital few minutes prior to the arrival of an ambulance. All volunteers have received
training from the Ambulance Service and there are regular “refresher” sessions and ongoing training in dealing with different types of illnesses. We still need more volunteers to guarantee that we can continue to provide support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think you can help, please contact Margaret Carruthers on 01557 814502. Unlike the emergency services, our responders will often be travelling alone. With this in mind could we make a general request that all homes clearly display their house name or number so that as little time as possible is lost trying to find the location of an incident.
Around the Community Community hydro update
Keen readers of the Gatehouse News will remember that a small group of volunteers have been investigating the possibility of developing a community hydro-electric generation scheme for Gatehouse. The idea is to develop a scheme that sells electricity to the grid, receiving a feed in tariff payment and thereby creating an income stream that can be used to support other community projects. In March, with support from the CARES grant scheme run by Community Energy Scotland, we commissioned a feasibility study of potential sites in the Fleet valley. These included two sites on Forestry Commission land, in which we’d previously registered interest under the Forest Renewables Scheme. It also included a look at other sites, as one of the options we are interested in exploring is potential partnership with a private landowner. The conclusion, however, was that there are no remaining commercially viable sites. The best sites either already have schemes or are in planning. The two Forestry sites, as well as some others, all proved either potentially too expensive or challenging to make them worth trying to take forward as a community scheme. While this was disappointing, there are a number of positive outcomes. Firstly, we can be proud of the fact that there are now four private hydro schemes in the Fleet valley, either running or in development, which is great news for sustainable energy. Secondly, the team involved all learned a great deal about how a hydro scheme is developed, which is knowledge and experience we can use for other potential projects. Also a private company, Gilkes, has an option, through the same Forest Renewables initiative, to develop a hydro scheme on the Little Water of Fleet which, if it goes ahead, will automatically deliver a community benefit payment to Gatehouse. However, we also have the option of joint investment in the scheme, which would greatly increase the potential return. Gilkes are developing many other sites in South Scotland and it will be towards the end of this year before they come to Gatehouse to do their feasibility studies. So it will be a wee while before we know more about next steps for that particular project. On other fronts, the Mill on the Fleet is in discussion with the Council about a micro-hydro on the mill lade. As well as providing electricity to the mill, this would be a fantastic demonstration project and
give modern context to the long history of hydro power on that site. We’ll continue to provide updates to both the Community Council and Gatehouse Development Initiative when we have new information, as well as publicise details in the Gatehouse News. If you want to discuss anything hydro-related meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on 815340 or home@caragillespie.com
Wheels 4 Gatehouse?
Would you like to have easy, affordable access to a car, without all the hassle and expense of owning one? If so, then read on! We’re investigating the possibility of extending the successful Wheels 4 Creetown car club to Gatehouse and we need YOU to tell us if you’re interested. A car club is a community car rental scheme, available on your doorstep. Its run on a notfor-profit basis and any proceeds are reinvested in the car club itself. You simply sign up as a member, which is free, book your car online and away you go. Car clubs are already popular and schemes are under way in Dumfries and Moffat as well as Creetown. Car hire costs just £2.95 per hour, up to a maximum of £24 for a day, plus 12-15p per mile, depending on the car size. All of the costs of insurance, tax, breakdown, repairs and even fuel are included in this price, so there are no extras and none of the usual hassle that goes with owning a car. Membership is open to anyone over the age of 20 with a full driving licence, held for at least a year. If you only drive occasionally, you will save money by switching to the car club. Alternatively, for some people it can give you handy, affordable access to a second or larger car. The only people it is not really suited to are daily commuters. A couple of Gatehouse folk are already using the Creetown car club and we’re keen to extend the scheme to Gatehouse, so that we can collect a car more locally. We will need to apply for grants to buy the car and pay for insurance etc. up front and this is where YOU come in. Are you interested? If so, please REGISTER YOUR INTEREST online and fill in our short survey about your car use here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ FDF2R2N There is no obligation involved at any stage, just that this information will help us estimate likely demand for the scheme. You are also welcome to contact Cara Gillespie on 815340 or home@caragillespie.com for an inFormer ly known as Thirty four salon
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formal chat or more information. You can also join the existing Creetown scheme. Just call the Creetown Initiative on 01671 820654 or email kevin_creetown@yahoo.co.uk
The Memoria project European group to make study visit to Gatehouse
Just as the European Union’s Erasmus programme assists students to study abroad as part of their degree course, so the Grundtvig Life Long Learning programme assists learners of all ages to develop projects alongside others from across the Union. The Gatehouse Development Initiative has been fortunate to obtain funding to allow it to participate in a project with communities from the South of France, Corsica, Sicily, North West Greece and Slovakia. The project is called Memoria and it is about communities looking closely at their cultural and non-material heritage and considering how they can best use this to make the visitor experience more rewarding and also to assist communities in the information they are able to provide to visitors. The Memoria project is very relevant to the work of the GDI which, through many projects, seeks to enhance the heritage of the Gatehouse area and to make interesting information available to visitors and locals alike, as we are doing with the All Our Stories, Gatehouse of Fleet in the Dark Ages project. Working with the other groups from across Europe has encouraged us to think more carefully about our own heritage and how it can best be marketed. Gatehouse and the other communities have been drawing up inventories of their local heritage and the group has decided on five themes which are common to them all. These are: natural heritage, sacred sites, gastronomy, arts heritage, and craft skills. In September the whole group will be coming to Gatehouse and meeting at the Mill on the Fleet. On the first day of the visit, the group will have an opportunity of learning about the rich natural heritage of the Fleet valley, the work of promoting the Trusty’s Hill archaeological findings, local food and craft traditions and the rich cultural heritage associated with the artists and writers connected with Gatehouse and the surrounding area. On the second day the group will make a number of visits to places of special interest in the Gatehouse area.
Farmhouse cheese making at Rainton
Some history (with acknowledgment to James Finlay) For many years, before transport was easy, the only way the isolated milk producer could market his produce was to turn the milk into cheese and the whey into pigs, thus doubling his return from the milk from 3d to 6d per gallon. Farmers near inhabited properties could sell directly to the housewife or on their milk round. And so developed a respected class of craftsmen who undertook all the management of the cows in the larger herds. The cows calved in the spring ready to go out to graze the new grass so that the heavy chore of feeding turnips and straw in the byre and mucking out the dung up the greasy midden plank was replaced by the lighter and more interesting one of milking, feeding calves milk and pigs on the whey from the cheese making. Usually a single young man was employed, but these were hard to get so we had Herbert Heil, a German prisoner of war, who was at the Twynholm camp and stayed with the dairyman, becoming good family friends with whom “we still stay in touch.” The discipline of dairy boy produced some excellent young men; the profit from his pigs and the balance of the milk, after paying the rent, these men could often take on their own farm. Cheese is really a form of fermented milk and acid production is carried out by starter cultures. In 1873 Pasteur discovered “lactococcus cremoris” for cheese starters to accelerate and direct the fermentation. It was found to be the answer to discolouration by cooling the night milk and adding to the mixed morning milk. The process of cheese making is an ancient craft that dates back thousands of years and is still a complicated one the combines “art and science.” Milk is protein, fat, lactose and minerals and the basic step in cheese making is the adding of a starter bacterial culture to the mixed night and morning milk after milking. One hour later the coagulant rennet is added, producing a solid soft curd that is sliced by horizontal and vertical knives to small squares. These are
cooked by warming with steam from the double-sided vat as the whey is run off to feed the pigs. The firm curd is scooped into a rack with a cloth on draining boards to dry out and start the cheddaring process which forms a rubbery substance that is ready for milling into pieces that can absorb salt. This is firmly punched in the chisset inside a cloth and is gently pressed to form a solid mold that is bandaged after scalding creates a skin. Upstairs to the cheese loft and daily turning in the dales that turned 12 cheeses at 80lbs a time. Among James Finlay’s ancestors, his greatgrandfather is reported to have made 2,200 gallons of whisky at the Stell near Kirkcudbright and is quoted to “have made good whisky, good friends and no money,” so he landed at Ross, Borgue as a tenant farmer on the Isle Estate where James was born and bred. The 70-cow herd was managed by Sam Hogg, a piper cheese maker with whom James served as an apprentice in the dairy. James reports that this nearly killed him for the sheer slog of hard work 7 days a week, so he appreciates the heroes and heroines of family cheese endeavours. The dairy house and cheese dairy were together so that meals and work could be coordinated such as stirring curd while cooking. He was saved from hand milking by the milking machine invented by Nicholson of Bombie who thought there must be something better than facing fighting women who came to milk their quota of 10 cows night and morning. He remembers especially the carrying of whey to the pigs when Sam said that “it took Hitler to teach us to feed pigs profitably” as the war had cut out bought-in feed for pigs – they survived well on whey alone. As Sam slid off his clogs on the boiler house he used to say, “The end of a perfect day.” To James and his workmates it was a privilege to work and deal with the cream of the countryside in the cheese world until it finished at Ross Farm in 1971. The Finlays are making cheese again at Rainton (with acknowledgment to Wilma Finlay) The industrialisation of cheese making in the 1960s made farmhouse cheese uncom-
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petitive and the last batch of Rainton cheddar was made in 1972. When the Finlays launched Cream o’ Galloway ice cream in 1994, there was a growing market for luxury ice cream, whilst the farmhouse cheese market was only just beginning to make a resurgence, and they decided they had a better chance of success with ice cream than with cheese. But now, almost 20 years later, they have decided that the time is right to go back to their roots and make cheese. The seventies may feel like yesterday to many of us, but of course over the last 40 years most of the cheese making skills and knowledge have been lost. Experts say that it takes about 3 years to really understand the cheese-making process, so it is quite an undertaking. At the moment cheese is made 1 week in every 4, with the other 3 weeks being for ice cream making. Cheese is made in 300kg batches of milk, which will produce about 30kg of cheese and 270kg of whey! About 150kg of different varieties are made each month. Some soft cheeses are ready to eat within a few days, while hard cheese takes months to mature. So the first hard cheeses in significant volume will not be ready before the end of the year. 2013 is primarily a year of experimenting and getting feedback from customers in the visitor centre and farmers’ markets. “Something we hear many cheese makers say is that you will only make a profit from cheese if you make good use of your whey and are able to recover from your mistakes.” The Finlays plan to add the whey to the slurry that will go into the anaerobic digester which will be operational later this year. This will increase the amount of electricity they generate. And like all cheese makers they are finding that getting one stage of the cheese making process slightly wrong results in an entirely different cheese. “On one occasion I accidentally cooked the cheese instead of warming it up slightly. My first thought was that I had wasted 300 litres of milk, but after I stopped panicking, we ended up making a very acceptable Cheshire-type cheese. So watch this space, who knows what other cheeses will be developed over the next couple of years!”
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The weekly meetings of the group begin again on Monday Sept.16th. Whether you are a beginner or an old hand you will be made very welcome. We are delighted that Moira Stacey will continue as teacher and we will do our best to follow her lead. But above all, we will enjoy the company, the music and the exercise. Come and join a friendly group at 7.30 in the Roman Catholic Church Hall, Riverbank.
Fairy tales at the Cally Motte!
A large motte built some 900 years ago probably to control the Fleet Valley estuary is now visible once more thanks to the Forestry Commission who in the spring felled the pines growing on top of it. “As part of an Earth Action Group project we are clearing branches and replacing the interpretation board,” said David Steel. Thanks to enterprising local volunteers a new story telling area for children has also been created in the clearing at the foot of the motte. “I can see how I can have local children here to tell them stories, some true but some fantastical too. It’s a magic spot. I am grateful to the volunteers who helped make the space more accessible,” said local storyteller Susi Woodmass, aka Susi Sweet Pea the Fairy. The local community were all invited to come out recently to inaugurate this new facility. A local Forest School practitioner Cecilia Franklin led the group the short walk from the clock tower (approx. 850m). She gave a short talk about the motte’s history. Around 900 years ago the Lords of Galloway ruled in these parts. When King David came to the throne in 1124 he brought in Norman knights who built forts like the Motte at Cally. However, in the 1170s the local people rose up and the geophysical survey conducted in 2012 suggests that it was destroyed by fire. The children gathered eagerly to hear Susi Sweet Pea the Fairy who was waiting with her magic flute and her pixie friend Skid Addle. While the families ate their picnic they listened to enchanting stories of dragons, enchanted rocks and hibernating pixies. After the story,
everyone explored the space where the children pretended to be dragons and played a game about an enchanted rock that turned you to stone for a hundred years. “My two girls were surprised to see Susi Sweet Pea the Fairy at the end of our walk through the beautiful Cally Woods,” said Emmanuelle Preiu. “We loved listening to stories under the trees and exploring the motte as a family. It was very magical.” “Forest education and play is becoming very popular here and this makes a fourth site we can use,” said Cecilia Franklin. Check out gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk for future events in the woods for all ages.
Gatehouse – Music All Over!
The Midsummer Music Festival held in Gatehouse of Fleet over the Solstice weekend was another roaring success. Music rang out from the main venue at the town’s Primary School with smaller-scale events in the Community Centre, The Mill on the Fleet, Galloway Lodge Café, and the Masonic Arms. The Festival attracted large numbers, with locals joining a growing number of visitors from outside the area. Festival Chair Franca Bruno confessed to some relief at the attendance levels. “We know that money’s tight for a lot of people just now,” she said, “and there is a huge number of events in Dumfries & Galloway nowadays. But the reputation of our festival is growing, and the acts we booked do seem to have drawn some new faces to the town, which is great.” From the opening concert by local guitar/fiddle duo Stirrin’ the Stoor through to the closing pub session, participants ranged from teenagers through to an octogenarian jazz accordionist.
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Gatehouse of Fleet
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Scottish Album of the Year finalist Malcolm Middleton opened the main concerts, his impressive guitar style and wicked way with words impressing many who were unfamiliar with his work. Yorkshire-based reggae band Pepperjam and Glasgow’s Mosa Funk Club upped the rhythmic ante and had the dancefloor filled for the rest of Friday evening. Highlights of Saturday included folk-rock legend Shelagh Macdonald who silenced the room with a short but intense set demonstrating that her voice remains a thing of beauty, and that her guitar playing is also as strong as ever and she was joined for a powerful rendition of Dowie Dens of Yarrow by local folk-rockers The Razorbills. St Max & The Fanatics showed just why they are making such big waves. Edinburgh’s The Black Diamond Express generated an ecstatic reaction from a crowd who, in the main, had no prior knowledge of their music - well, they do now! The Festival is very much a family event, and young ones were entertained by Susi “Sweetpea” Woodmass and friends, whilst a very well-attended “Youth Showcase” showed that the supply of talent in the area is in no danger of drying up. Despite the sore legs (and heads) on Sunday morning, more music flowed at the Mill on the Fleet with Ted Percy and Marcus Wright and Glasgow’s Swing Guitars mesmerised the audience with a Django Rheinhardt-style set of jazz tunes. Down at the Community Centre a “Tea Dance With A Twist” featured tea, cakes and local bands The Indoor Kites, Under the Hammer and Whisky Galore, all enjoyed by a capacity crowd. And then the final session in the Masonic Arms lasted until closing time, with the last battle-hardened musicians wending their way to their beds, exhausted but very happy after another great weekend in Gatehouse. Franca Bruno summed things up: “It has been hard work, but really worth it. Everyone has been tremendously positive about the Festival again this year, which makes all the effort worthwhile. We’re about promoting Gatehouse as well as entertaining locals, and the mix of people at all the events was very pleasing. Just 12 months to go until next year’s event now.”
The Gatehouse Singers: Plans For 2013-14 Season
Following another successful season of choral music in Gatehouse in 2012-13, culminating in a most enjoyable and well-attended Spring Concert at the end of April, plans are already in hand for the coming season 201314. The Gatehouse Singers is a mixed voice choir, with 24 members at present – 8 sopranos, 8 altos, 4 tenors and 4 basses – performing a wide range of music both serious and light in nature, and both traditional and more modern. We normally give 2 concerts each season: the Christmas Concert this year will be on Friday 13 December; and the Spring Concert is scheduled for Friday 11 April 2014. The choir also occasionally performs for other events. Further details will be published closer to the concerts. This year, we are delighted to welcome Helen Keating as our Music Director and Conductor, following her short but extremely valuable stint as Accompanist for the choir during the second half of last season. Helen has a background in music teaching and will be well known to many folk in Gatehouse, and far beyond, not least as a double-bass player with the Solway Sinfonia orchestra, and she has both accompanied and conducted the Gatehouse Singers in the past. We are greatly looking forward to working with her again in this role. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening throughout the season, at 7.30pm – 9.30pm, in Gatehouse of Fleet Parish Church Hall. The first rehearsal this Autumn will be on 18 September. We are always pleased to welcome new members. Whilst an ability to read music is a distinct advantage, it is not essential; it is more important that you have a nice voice and enjoy singing! Why not come and give it a try? If you are interested, please get in touch with either Janet Byrom (01557 330365) or Andy McKean (01557 814887).
Gatehouse Scottish Country Dancers
As part of Gala week the dancers will perform for the newly crowned queen at Garries Park just after 2pm on Sunday 28th July and afterwards the audience is invited to join in the following dances – it’s easy so do come and join in. The Toon Ceilidh has proved very popular and will be held on Friday 2nd August in the school with entry £2 per adult and 50p for youngsters. Simple Ceilidh dances will be called, supper is included and 4 entertainments will showcase local talent. Dancing classes will restart on Monday 26th August and continue on
Monday evenings at the Community Centre form 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. The first 2 classes are free to encourage new dancers to try it out. Those who dance love the friendly atmosphere, live music and helpful teaching. It’s a fun way to keep fit. Why not give it a go? Contact: Carol Clark 01557 814259
The Masonic Arms Under its new owner, the Masonic is once more welcoming old customers and making new friends. The clink of glass as pints are pulled, lively conversation, fine food and friendly and efficient service are making for a return to a social atmosphere which is a credit to Gatehouse. We will have a fuller picture for our readers in the next issue of this Newsletter, but with school holidays and the Gala almost with us, the Masonic will be playing its part in offering visitors and residents an equally warm welcome. Cheers!
Kids Having Fun Outdoors
An exciting new project that gets children learning and playing outdoors has been received with great enthusiasm by the children and adults who have been participating. Fun Outdoors encourages primary school children to get out into their local woods after school and use their natural environment to play, learn skills and develop interests in a range of activities. To this end, 30 sessions have taken place on Mondays and Wednesdays after school since the beginning of March. So far, the project has incorporated elements of free play and learning through eight different activities with specialist leaders in: Nature Art; Bush-craft; Circus Skills; Orienteering; Foraging; Gardening; Cycle Training; and Storytelling. All taking place against the stunning backdrop of the woods, parks and playing fields in Gatehouse of Fleet. Parent Joanna McQuarry commented, “My son has thoroughly enjoyed it.” The leader of the Foraging sessions, Alex Ross, said, “It was wonderful seeing the kids enjoying themselves so much. And simultaneously understanding the benefits to them and the new skills they were learning.” Some of the children and adults who have taken part in the project will be showing off these activities and skills on Saturday 3rd August when they will be taking part in this year’s Gatehouse Gala. The project has given children the confidence to use their local woods whilst teaching them to respect and value it. “My boys have really benefited from the ideas and activities of Fun Outdoors. Initiatives like this are hugely important culturally and educationally” says Marcus Wright,
father of Max, 8, and Frankie, 6. The fresh air and exercise has been great for the children, especially after a day indoors. There is lots of great research showing benefits to children of getting outdoors to play, showing how important it is to emotional and physical health. It can help tackle problems like attention deficit, childhood obesity, anxiety and depression, and aid academic learning. The skills learnt have been great; one parent said, “the cycling has given my daughter much more confidence on her bike – she had never ridden holding on with only one hand before and has now done it several times.” This skill is very important to make sure that children are stable enough to look properly before crossing roads and to signal appropriately. We aim to continue this fantastic project in the new academic year – we have applied for funding from the Cooperative as one part of a harvest season of events so if you have a child of primary school age and would like to participate, please contact coordinators of the project Lusi Alderslowe and Karen Slattery. We would also like to thank all the adult volunteers who gave up their time to help out. The project has been made possible by grant funding from Awards for All to the Gatehouse Development Initiative.
Outdoor Playgroup Parents and carers -
Come and join us for music; stories; art & games in a stunning woodland setting.
WHERE: Entrance to woods (by river), main car park, Gatehouse of Fleet WHEN: 10am-2pm every Thursday, starting 11th July 2013 WHO: Bumps, Babies, Toddlers & preschoolers (with their grown-ups) And it’s FREE!
For more information contact Karen on 07530 911578 or email kazzaslattery@gmail.com
Sport 30 years of Fun Runs
The annual “Roon the Watter” Fun Run, which is one of the highlights of the Gatehouse Gala celebrations, will take place this year for the 30th time. This popular event has been conceived and organised since 1984 by Gerard Macnamara, until recently known as “Mac the Joiner” and, since retirement, now known affectionately as just “Mac”. But after 30 years the 2013 event will be Mac’s last as the principal organiser. It is testament to the esteem in which Mac is held that a regular team of helpers turn out every year to organise entries in many different categories, to man the “watering holes”, direct runners and traffic, record finishing positions and times and numerous other “extra bits and pieces” that need to be arranged in an event of this stature. Much of this help has for many years been coordinated by Mac’s daughter Gayle Little. Some of Mac’s proudest moments include the two occasions that his son John has won the race and last year Gayle won the ladies race. The event has also been regularly sponsored by local businesses, particularly Rogersons and Spar. The four hotels in the town contribute meal vouchers for the winners and drinks for all competitors around the course. But the time has come for new blood, and maybe we might even see Mac having the luxury of being able to take part in his own event. He is very proud that entry to this well-organised event has been kept at £3 for many years, and even this years’ entry fee of £5 is far cheaper than most other 10km / 6 mile races. The traditional route, well known to all, takes runners from outside the Community Centre, up Dromore Road for 2½ miles, across the Fleet at Nether Rusko and back to Gatehouse down the eastern side of the valley. In the late 1990s, Mac, ever one to promote an active interest in sport for all youngsters, introduced the now familiar 2km “round the cape” race primarily aimed at children, but open to all who feel that 6 miles is too far. The picture shows Mac on his traditional “perch” on the wall at the Community
Centre. From here his recognition of many of “his runners”, aided by the entry lists resting on his knee, help him to provide a very professionally delivered commentary at the finishing line. One year Steve Ovett actually entered the race but was prevented from taking part by an urgent family commitment. Many holidaymakers target their visit to Gatehouse specifically to take part in the race. There has even been a winner of the ladies race who came from Hong Kong. Gatehouse is definitely “on the map”! It is also worth noting that it may well be a “fun” run but it also attracts some very capable runners with the course record being under 31 minutes for the 6 mile race. Gatehouse owes a great deal to Mac and his family for the single-minded pursuit of developing and maintaining this iconic event which we sincerely hope will be continued by the Galloway Harriers running club. It will be a hard act to follow ! Well done Mac.
no visitors and substantial loss of income. The Opening Competition was twice postponed, first to the snow and then to torrential rain. The Cally Cup which was due to be played in the middle of May was also abandoned due to the rain and will now be played on Sunday 17th August. The Jubilee Greensomes Open was played in April and the winners were local pair Ian Prentice and Jack Armstrong. All other competitions have been played on time and the Club Championship is now entering the matchplay stages. The final is due to be played on 20th July. Many thanks must go the greenkeeping staff of Charlie Pickthall and his assistant, Paul Pickthall, who have the course in excellent condition despite the snow, rain and the dry spell in June. Member numbers are down on last year and should anyone wish to join for the rest of the year then special rates will apply. If anyone is interested please contact Robert Hope on 01557 814792 or 0774 9080871. Finally, on behalf of all the Committee we look forward to seeing you on the course.
Cricket
Gatehouse Golf Club
Yet again the weather has played havoc with the golfing season so far. The course was closed for 2 weeks after the heavy snowfall just before Easter which resulted in
The two local teams, Galloway and Gatehouse have enjoyed good cricket in the Western District Cricket Union leagues this season so far, thanks to much improved cricketing weather conditions in late sping and early summer. Reference to the Gatehouse website What’s On will show that matches are planned at the Cally Ground every weekend through to the end of September. The First XI has won two of its matches at time of going to press, while the second XI has not enjoyed the same level of success, influenced partly by unforeseen shortfalls in numbers. Interested potential cricket lovers would be interested to know that age is no bar: the age range of players in the second eleven run from the youngest at 11 years old to the eldest (skipper Matt Murdoch) who celebrated his 70th birthday in June! The Club Treasurer was recently approached by a newcomer to the area who expressed an interest but thought that his age of 62 would be a problem, to which the Treasurer FRESH FRUIT & VEG : LOCAL BUTCHER MEAT : IRVINES BAKERY : LOCAL HONEY, JAM & EGGS : FILLED ROLLS TO ORDER : WHEAT & GLUTEN FREE FOODS : ORGANIC RANGE
Open Daily: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 8am-4pm
M c CULLOCH KEYSTORE Tel 01557 814783
replied that he was young enough to start by joining the Juniors! Spectators are always made welcome at matches on the Cally Ground with a cup of tea and sandwiches, and enquiries about joining the Club should be directed to treasurer Bob Davidson on 01387 250422.
Snooker
Better late spring and early summer weather so far has encouraged outdoor sport and regular use of the table has confined most snooker to social occasions, without any major competitions. The Chairman has established a valuable contact with Paul Tebay, Chairman of the Kirkcudbright Snooker Club, with a view to a possible match between teams from each club, possibly in September. This will be followed by the Club Handicap Competition in the autumn, which we hope will attract a good field. The Club premises remain in good order, and after professional levelling the table is in excellent condition. Membership numbers are stable and we look forward to another good year.
management team to have a good look at the players in competitive matches. At the time of printing, the fixtures for the new season are not known, but in late July and August matches will be on Saturdays and Wednesdays. We are hoping for a home match on Saturday 27th July as we will be away on both Wednesday 31st July and Saturday 3rd August due to Gala Week commitments in Garries Park. Following the Club’s recent Annual General meeting a few places became available on the Club’s Committee and we are actively seeking 2 or 3 new good hard-working Committee Members. Anyone who thinks they would like to and is able to help out please contact Irvine Hannah, Secretary, on 07745 903610.
Fleet Star Football Club
Once again the season is almost upon us with the first League match taking place on Saturday 27th July 2013 (at this time the fixture list has not been produced by the League Secretary). The Club has a new management team in place for the new season with Andrew Davis and Mark Adams taking over as joint managers, with Kenny Shanks also coming in on the coaching side. Andrew, Mark and Kenny are all good experienced ex-players and are also good coaches and trainers. The players started training on Saturday 22nd June and also train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Excellent numbers are attending training - the training is hard but good and a good level of fitness all round will be attained in time for the new season. There will be quite a number of new faces in the playing squad with once again the emphasis on youth but there are also a number of good experienced players who will help out the younger lads. We will have a number of friendly matches (probably 4) before the season starts - this will allow the
New for 2013 tractor and trailer rides every day until the end of August, be sure to book: 01557 815 222. There’s heaps going on at Cream o’ Galloway this summer!
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION u
GOOD FOOD
For details of all events visit www.creamogalloway.co.uk
u
the perfect setting to relax and unwind tel: 01557 814217
www.theshipinngatehouse.co.uk
info@creamogalloway.co.uk
... and now we make the scones to go with our jam
coffee shop gifts cards
Galloway Lodge Preserves
Business in Focus
Each issue we feature an in-depth interview with a local business to highlight individual contributions by the business sector to the local economy. This issue our choice is The Cally Palace. In the well-documented history of the development of McMillan Hotels from its origins in the North West Castle in Stranraer, the chapter covering the acquisition and development of the Cally Palace in 1981 is aptly entitled “Growing the Business”. It marks the beginning of a relationship which has been of profound importance both economically and socially to the people and economy of Gatehouse of Fleet and to McMillan Hotels, which has since grown into a major provider of hospitality services in the south of Scotland. Following the acquisition of the former home of James Murray and the Murray-Usher family there was extensive restoration, rebuilding and expansion of the hotel’s then somewhat run-down premises, with care and attention to detail in sympathy with its traditional style, a new enclosed indoor swimming pool and improved staff living quarters. This was followed in the 1990s with the acquisition of land from the Forestry Commission and the development of the present golf course as a private facility for McMillan Hotels’ residents. As Robert McWhir, present General Manager, is proud to report, it is the policy of McMillan Hotels to recruit, train and develop employees locally. The Cally Palace today employs 50 locally recruited staff including Robert himself who, apart from a 3 year period with Cunard, has spent all his working life with McMillan, having started his career washing dishes in the kitchen. The Golf Course and Hotel Grounds and Garden maintenance engages 4 employees who also provide a grass cutting service to Galloway’s Cricket Club. Local maintenance and redecoration services are employed during the winter months when the hotel is closed, and, wherever possible, purchasing from local fresh food suppliers such as Galloway Smokehouse and Cream o’ Galloway is hotel policy. The maintenance of a historic property with sash windows and other traditional architectural features is a major undertaking.
This is a hotel whose market is drawn from holiday and leisure customers, principally but not exclusively from the retired segment living within less than 3 hours’ drive from Gatehouse of Fleet, who appreciate the traditions of Scottish hospitality offering modern, comfortable facilities in an impressively historic building and who enjoy the private golf course and surrounding woodland walks and countryside. Market reach extends from Scotland’s Central belt into the North of England as far south as Manchester. As Robert is keen to report, loyal repeat customers amount to 70% and many know him or are known by him personally. The Cally Palace is mindful of its local customers who require quality accommodation for visiting friends, need to book a table for a celebration dinner in the restaurant or a light lunch in the picturesque conservatory, or can enjoy through annual membership the indoor swimming pool and accompanying gym and sauna facilities. The spacious public rooms are ideal for wedding or other celebratory receptions or parties. Newly announced and excellent value is the opportunity for non-members to enjoy a two-hour morning swim in the pool combined with a light lunch in the conservatory, for £20.
Conservatory the
Open 7 days
Snacks and Sandwiches Available 12noon till 3.45pm SOUP - SANDWICHES - WRAPS - TOASTIES - SCONES - TRAYBAKES
Afternoon teA
Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at Cally Palace Hotel in our Magnificent Bow Lounge on the Second Sunday of the Month
Cally Palace Hotel Tel: 01557 814 341
F L E E T G A L L E RY C R A F T
&
D E S I G N
box “ a chocolate of a shop”
Open Daily 10am-5.30pm
7-9 Fleet Street, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2JT (over the bridge, next to The Ship)
01557 814228
www.fleetgallery.co.uk