The
y r t r a tS ew
LINK
April 2011 RRP £1.00 Distributed to the entire Stewartry community, every household and business. That’s nearly 13,000 addresses!
Supporting the local community by linking Social and Business Networking Fossil hunters on Powillimount Beach during the 2010 Walking Festival
‘Dalbeattie Matters’ Newsletter pg11
New Monthly magazine Does your business need to reach out to more people? The Link will keep your advert in people's hands for longer.
Do you know the next front cover model? We would love some photos of people enjoying our local amenities.
VXR is pleased to sponsor Stewartry Link this month
Business Index:
Find the local supplier you need quickly in this handy guide...
Accountancy Serenity Bookkeeping ......….……. P19
Logs, Hardwood RM Hardwood Logs……………… p6
Art Gallery Scottish Showcase Gallery……… p5
Office Services Virtual Executive Resource……… p20
Bathroom Design Splash Bathrooms……………….. p6
Recruitment ABC Recruitment Agency ………. p19
Builders Simon Welsh……………………… p6
Reflexology Pat Archer, Clinical Reflexologist p14
Cafes The Mad Hatter…………………… p19 Riverside Cafe……………………. p4
Vending and Water Coolers Bryce Walker Vending…………… p16
Disco, mobile RK DJ .....….………………………. p9 Hair & Beauty Prana Hair & Beauty ……………… p15 Hotel / Restaurant The Anchor Hotel…………………..
Wedding Entertainment Corra - Live Band and Ceilidh….. p9 Wrought Iron, Decorative Ranchers………………………….. p6
p8
Readers Recommend:
Has there been someone who has given you really good service? Give them a mention here and let everyone know...
Ben Wilde, Heating Engineer, contact: 01387 730412 Mrs Went, Dalbeattie, says she was so pleased with Ben’s work she wanted to recommend him to everyone after cleaning up the Central Heating botch job by her previous installer. Drew Davidson, Driving Instructor, contact: 07732 305821 Alex Sweet, Dumfries, says Drew was happy to go at his pace and got him through to test level as quickly as possible.
Send your recommendations to info@stewartrylink.com Ask your customers to recommend you and get a FREE MENTION.
2
Next Month’s features: Castle Douglas Food Town Day and the Spring Fling
Editor’s Note:
Welcome!!!
Welcome to the first edition of The ‘Stewartry Link’, I hope everyone finds it both useful and fun. The idea of the magazine is to bring to every reader something from our local community, what events are being planned, what happened at the last function (including photos), a new business or an addition to an old one. Anything that you may find of interest, as well as encouraging the use of local suppliers. This also means that if you are planning anything or having something of interest to say that you want to tell others about feel free to post it to me. This could be a school, business or charity, anyone who would like a bit of free PR! We will also post activities on Facebook and Twitter, so even if they don’t get published we can get the message out there. And that includes those last minute offers businesses would like to extend our readers... So please sign up and follow our posts and tweets. Let’s face it as a thriving rural community we need to use what tools we can to keep our economy going and our spirits up in this time of economic doom and gloom, and as a born and bred Stewartry Girl it is something close to my heart. So please join me and the Link team in supporting the Stewartry community. Many Thanks Jo, The Ed.
Main Features: Readers Recommend… p2 Diary Dates…………….. P4 Community Focus Dalbeattie ………….. P11 Kirkcudbright……….. P12 Natural Health…………. P13 Competition…………….. P16 Puzzle Page……………. p18
Front Cover: Thanks to one year old Dean Linwood and his Mum enjoying the park in Castle Douglas. Send in your pictures for May’s front cover to info@stewartrylink.com Entries can be anyone or anything, the only requirement is to have some connection to this area. (Wildlife, landscapes, people using local amenities, or just enjoying a day out) All entries will be posted on Facebook
Advertise in this magazine for as little as £39 - No VAT 07875 209927 Be the first to find out about offers and events... www.stewartrylink.com www.facebook.com/stewartrylink Stewartry Link Fanpage www.twitter.com/stewartrylink @Stewartry Link Support local suppliers by being Sociable
Stewartry Link takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of advert contents or submitted articles and is purely the opinion of the company or author
3
Dates for the Diary
For more detailed information, contact details and other events check out the web site calendar on www.stewartrylink.com/events
Art Exhibitions / Craft Fairs 11-17/04 Ladies Fingers - CatStrand, New Galloway 13/04 Threave Artists' 38th Annual Exhibition - Castle Douglas Art Gallery 13-25/04 Homage to Wordsworth - Free Event - Gracefields Arts Centre 18-26/04 Ladies Fingers - Newton Stewart Library 28/04-07/05 A Retrospective Exhibition, Martin Collie - Castle Douglas Art Gallery 30/04-21/05 WEST FEST - Stranraer Museum Exhibition, The Old Town Hall 26/04-07/05 Ladies Fingers - Stranraer Library 27/04-08/05 In the Eye of the Beholder - Studio, Tollbooth Art Centre, Kirkcudbright Children’s Shows & Activities 04-15/04 School Holidays 14/04 Scarecrow, Ajtc Theatre Company - Ryan Centre, Stranraer, DG9 7AP 14/04 'By the Seat of your Pants' & 'Don't look down' + Skills Workshop, Plutot La Vie - Cat strand, New Galloway 22-25 School Holidays 22/04 Varanasi Nights - Castle Douglas Town Hall 25/04 Cloud Man, Ailie Cohen - The CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN 29/04 Varanasi Nights - St Georges, Dumfries 02/05 School Holidays 10/06 'Wicked Wildlife Fun Day' - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR 11/07-24/08 School Holidays Festivals, Shows and Civic Events 29/04 Thornhill Blues Festival - Thornhill - Various venues 28/05 Castle Douglas Food Town Day - Castle Douglas 28-30/05 Spring Fling Through out D&G Academy 16-19/06 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival 22-23/07 Wickerman Festival, Dundrennan DG6 4QW 24-30/07 Castle Douglas Civic Week 2011 - Castle Douglas 29/07-01/08 Kirkcudbright Arts & Crafts Trail, Various venues throughout Kirkcudbright 03/08 Wigtown Agricultural Show, Bladnoch Park, Wigtown DG8 9AB 04/08 Stewartry Agricultural Show, Castle Douglas 30/08 Kirkcudbright Tattoo - MacLellan Castle Kirkcudbright Evening Entertainment 02/04 Ritchie James Soul and Motown Night - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 02/04 Traditional Music, Heather Haywood - The Swallow Theatre, Whithorn, DG8 8DR 02/04 Bill O'Hara, Des Clarke, Comedians - Old Well Theatre Moffat 02/04 Dumfries Soul Club - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 03/04 Dumfries Soul Club - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 08/04 Comedy Club - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 08/04 The Manfreds in Concert - Ryan Centre Theatre, Stranraer, DG9 7AP 09/04 Freddie Mercury Tribute - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 12/04 The Johnny Cash Story - Theatre Royal, Dumfries 16/04 Kirkcudbright Choral Society Spring Concert - Cochran Hall, Kirkcudbright 16/04 Abba Tribute - Cairndale Dumfries DG1 2DF 18/04 5 short Chekov plays - European Arts Company - The Swallow Theatre, Whithorn, DG8 8DR 20/04 Coppelia - European Ballet - Ryan Centre Theatre, Stranraer, DG9 7AP 23/04 Cole Porter's High Society, Dumfries Musical Theatre Company - Theatre Royal, Dumfries
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23/04 Robbie Williams, Michael Buble Tribute - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 27/04 Woody Pines - The CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN 27/04 Farino with support - The Mill on the Fleet, Gatehouse, DG7 2HS 29/04 – 07/05 Dumfries Film Festival - Robert Burns Centre - Film Theatre 30/04 Ritchie James Soul & Motown Night - Cairndale, Dumfries, DG1 2DF 30/04 Blackout by Dave Anderson, Thickskin presents - The CatStrand, New Galloway DG7 3RN 14/05 Traditional Music - Dermot Kearney and Steve Sweeney, The Swallow Theatre, Whithorn, DG8 8DR 24/05 Marylin Middleton Pollock - The Mill on the Fleet, Gatehouse, DG7 2HS Outdoor 02 – 25/04 Wildlife Festival - Various - Dumfries and Galloway 21/04 RSPB Bird Event - Cream o’ Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR 01/05 Dawn Chorus Walk – Cream o’ Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR 06-12/05 Newton Stewart Walking Festival - Newton Stewart 31/05 Bird Calls for Beginners - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR 02/06 Bat Night - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR 03/06 Hedgerow Safari - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR Other 16/04 Romance in Moffat - Moffat Hs Hotel, High St, Moffat 02/07 Cancer Research UK Relay For Life D&G - Bladnoch Park, Wigtown
The Riverside Cafe @ The Mill-on-the-Fleet, Gatehouse-of-Fleet Tel:01557 814977
Homemade Cooking and Baking Great Atmosphere & Fantastic Service Enjoy Stunning Views & Wildlife from our Riverside Terrace
Scottish Showcase Gallery
Send your event to events@stewartrylink.com stating the event, location, dates and a short description. Not all events can be printed in the magazine but they can be placed in the web-site calendar Showcasing the very best of Scottish art and crafts from all over Scotland
Over 600 original works by established and new artists, limited edition prints, picture framing, art materials & cards.
Riverside Mills, Beaconsfield Place, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, DG6 4DP Tel: 01557 339400 (24 hrs.) Open 7 days 10am-5pm Sun 12noon-4pm
www.showcasegallery.co.uk 5
R ancher
Simple Safe Strong Tel: 01556 504888
www.rancher-equipment.co.uk
Decorative Ironwork
Your wish is our command
y r t r a w e t S LINK The
ü Competitive Prices ü Full Colour Glossy Adverts ü With a magazine your advert stays in front of prospective customers longer ü It’s distributed free so every single person will have access to a copy ü Free Graphic Design ü Long term Exposure on the Web ü FREE Social Media Marketing
Balconies, Gates, Railings Give us a visit to discuss your needs 1 & 2 Carlingwark St, Castle Douglas Tel: 01556 504888
ü Easy Payment methods, all major cards accepted
07875 209927, info@stewartrylink.com
www.rancher-equipment.co.uk
For all your bathing and showering requirements visit
SPLASH Bathrooms Ÿ From planning to completion Ÿ All budgets catered for Ÿ All work carried out by time served tradesman
SIMON I. WELSH General Builder mob: 07889 141083 tel: 01556 504313
RM
Hardwood Logs Pay us a visit or give us a ring at 24 New Market St, Castle Douglas (opposite Wallets Mart) Tel: 01556 504978 6
Dalbeattie Half Load £50 Full Load £80 Seasoned
07827 736500
P
RANA
Hair and Beauty
Castle Douglas Hair Stylists to compete internationally
Master Jam 2011: Some lucky members of Team Prana will be attending Master Jam Fashion Forward on 10 April at Old Billingsgate, London. This event is Aveda’s annual show where Salon professionals from United States, Europe and the UK come together to learn the latest techniques and trends and compete against each other, a unique opportunity for Prana to bring fresh inspiration and trends back to the Stewartry. The European ‘Fashionista’ Photographic Competition has been organised with the winners being announced at the Master Jam event in April. Aveda is searching for a winning look for Europe to be crowned as the Master Jam Fashionista look of 2011. Their mission is to find a winner from each area who will compete to win the overall Fashionista award for Europe. Prana is proud to have entered 3 of their top professionals in this competition. We wish all 3 well in this prestigious competition. It is a privilege to share our inspiration in Castle Douglas with such a wide audience. If you’d like to emulate these looks or create one of your own using Aveda’s natural plant and mineral based products kind on your hair and on the environment please telephone the salon today (01556 503652) where we would be delighted to arrange a consultation with one of our professionals. Alternatively try entering our competition on page 16.
Andrew Beatie, Snr Stylist, worked with model Rebecca Potts.
Gill Goldie,Salon Director, worked with model Lisamarie Houston.
Sarah Grieve, Stylist, worked with model Sarah Bruce.
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Locally renowned food created by using the very best local produce Located on the waterfront Stylish but affordable Newly refurbished function room for larger parties and weddings Several smaller rooms, allowing small intricate affairs.
Why not stay at the Anchor Hotel? Our six ensuite bedrooms with views over the estuary offer a good standard of accommodation and come with all mod cons. While our superb Scottish Breakfast will set you up for the rest of the day. 8
For further information about holding your party in our newly refurbished function room contact: The Anchor Hotel Kippford, Dalbeattie, DG5 4LN Tel 01556 620205 Email: sloananchor@yahoo.co.uk
100% Live Music Willing to travel UK wide Female and Male Vocalists Wide-ranging Selection of Music Ceilidh with Caller and Live Fiddle 10 years Event Management Experience Special Requests learned for your special night
For Corporate and Wedding Entertainment
Traditional Scottish tunes, mixed with infectiously funky grooves and through the ages classic tracks To make sure everyone at your event is catered for.
0131 4666 561 corra@redshoemusic.com www.corramusic.com.
Tel: 01556 568122 Email: info@rkdj.co.uk
Mob: 07912 391204 Web: www.rkdj.co.uk 9
Since this was an ‘Easter’ edition we thought we would look at a very important component…
A British survey has revealed that nine out of ten people like chocolate… The tenth lies!
Ok, so it’s an old joke but it has more than a ring of truth to it. Chocolate is sensuous, comforting and utterly delicious. What’s not to like? You may have guessed I’m something of an addict myself. But where did chocolate come from? Who invented it? It was the Aztec civilization, deep in the heart of equatorial Central America who first cultivated the tree from which chocolate derives. The tree is the Theobroma Cacao. Translated this means ‘drink of the gods’ from Theo (meaning god) and broma (meaning drink). Originally chocolate was always taken in liquid form. The Aztecs attributed all manner of powers to chocolate: spiritual wisdom, energy and even enhanced sexual prowess. Emperor Montezuma was reputed to drink over fifty flagons of chocolate per day. He also issued it to all his warriors to fortify them whilst on military campaigns. The Spanish explorer Herman Cortes referred to chocolate as, “The divine drink..,” he also noted that, “A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food.” The conquistadors ensured that chocolate made its way back to Spain. From there it followed the trade routes to Northern Europe and Britain then back across the Atlantic to America. Initially in Britain it was served as a drink. During the Industrial Revolution several eminent Quaker families - the Cadburys, the Frys, the Rowntrees and the Terrys - helped to transform the manufacture of drinking chocolate. It was the Fry family who created the first ‘eating’ chocolate and Cadbury quickly followed suit. Needless to say this new chocolate innovation was an astounding success. From it’s initial marketing at an 1849 trade fair demand grew and today the world consumption of cocoa beans is over 600, 000 tonnes per year. I blame the Aztecs! Easter Egg anyone? 10
Dalbeattie Matters Dalbeattie Community Initiative Who are we? Dalbeattie Community Initiative was formed in 1997 in response to a series of job losses in the area. Its aim was and still remains “to aid the physical, economic and community regeneration of Dalbeattie and surrounding area”. It was initially set up as a community organisation with membership made up of around 16 local groups and organisation. In 2002, due to increasing financial responsibilities from larger scale project developments, the organisation changed legal status to a company limited by guarantee and also became a registered Scottish Charity. Membership has also widened and as well as ongoing input from local groups, has over 120 individual members from the local community, many of whom support our activities as volunteers. What do we do? Some of our earlier projects included the completion of a pathway around Colliston Park to join up at the primary school; the replacement of the public slipway at Kippford; the Granite Festival in 2003 and providing volunteering opportunities for local people. We are currently involved in a wide range of activities which include: operating our own charity shop, ‘Preloved’ in the High Street, operating the visitor information centre and craft shop; the Carbon Action Project which advises local people how to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on household energy bills; organising the annual Hardrock Challenge mountain biking event and the Dalbeattie Walking Festival; a restoration project at the town’s former thriving port; providing information technology access for the visually impaired; environmental work in Rounall Wood, Old Port and Islecroft; producing a community newsletter 3 times a year; running and maintaining the Dalbeattie Matters community website; working with the three local schools on environmental and eco projects; as well as many other activities. What can YOU do? The Initiative currently employs 1 full time and 1 part time staff and therefore relies heavily on local volunteers to help either in the charity shop, visitor information centre, environmental projects and administration work. Volunteers can be any age, many are retired and enjoy the social contact of life in the charity shop, some are younger and unemployed and see volunteering as a way to get back into a work routine and will hopefully move on to further training or into work. We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you have time on your hands and a genuine interest in doing something to help the town then you can contact Graham Platt or Susan McLellan at: Dalbeattie Community Initiative 71 High Street Dalbeattie DG5 4HA Tel: 01556-612518 e-mail: graham.dci@fsmail.net
Volunteers at ‘Preloved’
11 11
The Haill Six Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright Clothiers, Hammermen and Glovers,Shoemakers, Squaremen, Tailors and Weavers The Haill Six Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright have existed, unbroken, since they were instituted by Charter granted under King Charles 11 on the 20th July, 1633. Their history before Incorporation however dates from 1425 when it was enacted that every Craft in every Burgh should choose a "Wise Man" as a Deacon to "Govern and Assay all its handiwork". They were, in effect, an early form of Trade Unionism and were set up in direct opposition to the Merchants Guilds who, through their position, amassed great wealth and held disproportionate influence in the community. It was soon realised that the powers enacted on the Trades conferred too much influence on the Deacons and their duties were soon restricted to a fortnightly enquiry into the skill of its members and the quality of work produced. The position of Deacon was thereafter summarily abolished. The Tradesmen refused to accept this and in defiance of Government they continued to elect their own Deacons and to hold gatherings, which were termed by the authorities as, "seditious meetings". There was such resentment and rebellion by the Trades that in 1456, by Royal Proclamation, it was enacted that every Trade in the Burgh should again be allowed to elect its own Deacon. The Tradesmen of Kirkcudbright were now rightly in control of their own destiny, had become a very powerful body, and had assumed the rights and privileges previously 12
assigned to the late Merchants Guilds. In 1587, the "Siller Gun", now the oldest sporting trophy in the United Kingdom and arguably the world, which is still used for its intended purpose, was presented by King James the I and VI of Scotland, "To be shot for occasionally, in order to accustoum the Lieges in the use of firearms". This trophy, on display in the Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright, continues to be shot for today by the Trades on Royal occasions, the results of which are still communicated to the Monarch. At the time of the Napoleonic Wars the Incorporated Trades were instrumental in the raising and equipping of the Privateer "Britannia" to prey on French shipping. When she was later disarmed, her canon were stored for many years in the Tollbooth and later mounted on concrete plinths and displayed on the Moatbrae. A further canon was later excavated from the mud of the High Street and now lies on a carriage in front of the Council Offices next door to the Selkirk Arms Hotel. The power of the Trades existed until fairly recent times when in 1846 by Act of Parliament the powers and privileges were abolished but not so the ceremonial role. The Clothiers, Hammermen and Glovers, Shoemakers, Squaremen, Tailors and Weavers, still meet today to elect their Office Bearers, discuss local issues, and elect their Deacon .
Complementary Alternatives! Pat Archer, a Clinical Reflexologist, explains the difference between Complementary Therapy and Alternative Medicine, and what you should look out for when choosing a therapist.
Are you interested in natural healthcare but don’t know where to start? Confused by the many different forms complementary medicine takes? Would you like to know more but don’t know where to look or have you been on the internet only to find too much information and are now even more confused? Let’s start with the basics – what is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary is generally the term used for a therapy that is practised alongside conventional medicine, whereas alternative is applied to a therapy that is used instead of conventional medicine, hence therapists are either complementary or alternative, depending upon which form of therapy they practice. Examples of complementary therapies include reflexology, massage, aromatherapy and reiki, alternative therapies include herbalism, homeopathy, osteopathy and chinese medicine. It’s difficult to give advice on choosing a specific therapy without first knowing the condition to be treated but don’t be afraid to ask questions! Make sure that the therapist is fully qualified, insured and experienced in the condition you need help with, ask what the cost of each treatment is and also try to establish how Ask questions! many sessions you are likely to need. It is Make sure that the therapist important that you feel comfortable with your is fully qualified, insured and chosen therapist and confident in his/her experienced ability to be able to help you. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine take an holistic approach and treat the whole person rather than just the disease, or the symptoms, they may have. This means that your first consultation with a complementary therapist will include an extended question and answer session, covering all aspects of your lifestyle as well as your medical history and any current symptoms As a practitioner of reflexology, a complementary therapy, I know first-hand how this gentle, natural yet very powerful therapy can help heal, relax and rebalance. It has shown to be effective in treating a wide range of health disorders, from depression and insomnia to hormone imbalance and headaches. 13
Like so many other natural therapies reflexology is wonderful at relieving stress and anxiety and given that over 80% of all illnesses are caused by stress, eliminating or reducing the amount of stress in our lives is essential to good health. Other factors, such as a change in lifestyle or diet may be required and perhaps also a re-assessment of your work/life balance but these should all be seen as positive steps towards achieving health and harmony in your life.
Next Month we will include a Natural Therapy Q&A. Do you have any ailments you would like to treat yourself naturally? Do you want advice on which therapies may help or any questions about alternative and complementary treatments in general? Send in your queries to health@stewartrylink.com
If you would like more information on natural therapies in general, you will find an explanation of all the major therapies on Pat’s web site, www.scottishtherapists.co.uk, in her Database of Practitioners, all of which are qualified and insured complementary and alternative therapists across Scotland. If you are looking for more information on reflexology please contact Pat at info@scottishtherapists.co.uk, or visit Prana Hair and Beauty, King St, Castle Douglas, 01556 503652, for an appointment , where she has her practice.
equilibrium
Organic BodyCare Shop
reflexology
8 Castle Street, Kirkcudbright tel 01557 332473
look and feel great - naturally! see our huge range of natural and organic bodycare products everyday to positively luxurious body-friendly, earth friendly not tested on animals
Clinically trained reflexologist experienced in a wide range of health issues and specialising in stress anxiety and sleep disorders Now practising at Prana 140-142 King Street Castle Douglas 01556 503652 www.equilibrium.vpweb.co.uk 14
Come in or shop locally online
www.theorganicbodycareshop.com
I would like to thank first the Stewartry Link for this opportunity to thank our customers. It's great to see a non political publication that wants to print what's really happening in the area for real people. Thanks also to our door step customers and shops whom we have supplied for years, and to the Businesses we supply with vending machines and water-coolers a thank you. Our new price list will be coming out shortly which guarantees to beat any soft drink prices you can find. We, like Stewartry Link, think it's great to see towns like we have in the Stewartry thrive, especially in these difficult times, by supporting one another and local Businesses and keeping employment and finance in the area. That is how strong economy grows. If every one had the same attitude things would start to get better. A lot of towns should learn from your example: Don't be bullied by supermarkets, don't pedestrianise your town just because others do, continue to encourage and open specialist shops and niche boutiques, and advertise the fact you are a proud Scottish town. Good on you, Bryce Walker Vending is proud to supply and be a part of this vibrant community. Thanks to all.
www.brycewalkervendingdumfries.co.uk - 01387 605045 15
Competition!! This time of year is just horrible if you want to have straight smooth hair. Winter does nothing for our attempts for ‘good hair days’. We are always on the hunt for products and techniques that can keep that dreaded flyaway mess at bay and Prana tells me they have the perfect solution! Aveda Smooth Infusion range. It’s perfect for those of us with hair that is prone to frizz. It is a 4-step smoothing system to smooth, soften and defend against humidity for up to 12 hours. You can transform even the most intense waves and curls into straight, shiny hair with Aveda’s Smooth Infusion System. The smooth infusion shampoo and conditioner contain aloe, which creates a smooth new surface on hair and botanical ingredients which defend against humidity for up to 12 hours. They smell lovely, a fresh citrus-floral blend of bergamot, Bulgarian rose and Australian sandalwood. For extra protection against frizz you can use the Style-Prep Smoother, which coats the hair without leaving it heavy or oily – but just helps to smooth the hair cuticles further. There is a wide choice of styling products from confixor, a strong hold gel, to phomolient, a mousse to give body without leaving a sticky residue on the hair, depending on the look you like. Guaranteed to make you hair glossy and smooth by the time you will leave. Teaming up with Prana for this first edition we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a special pamper experience with the wonderful Aveda Smooth Infusion System 16
at Prana Hair and Beauty in Castle Douglas. You will be welcomed by their front of house team and allocated with your Stylist who will take you through the product range and advise what would work best on your hair. You can then relax with a complimentary back, neck and shoulder stress relieving massage before commencing with your hair treatment. You will then discuss the benefits of using certain products to achieve the styles you want and will be given blow drying tips to ensure you can achieve your look at home. You can then have a blow dry option where you can either watch while one side is dried, your stylist teaching you how to achieve a salon finish at home and then you can take over the hairdryer to finish the other half with your stylist’s guidance, or for the total pamper experience your stylist can complete the whole process for you while you enjoy light refreshments and a complimentary treat (perhaps a hand massage?) which go along with every hair service at Prana. To enter all you have to do is go onto Facebook and ‘like’ both the Stewartry Link page and Prana’s. The prize is completely transferable so if you would like to enter on your girlfriend’s behalf or increase her chances you can still enter and nominate the person you would like to receive a treat if you should win. Winners will first be posted on facebook and twitter and then printed June’s edition. Good Luck!
Check out the facebook demo video on how best to straighten your hair!
Easy Easter Cup Cakes Here’s a recipe you can entertain the kids with over the hols. If they are too young to help bake get them to just decorate instead. Ingredients For the cakes
For the icing
150 g butter, softened 150 g sugar 3 eggs, beaten 150 g self-raising flour, sifted 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp milk
75 g butter, at room temperature 150 g icing sugar 1 tbsp milk 1 tsp vanilla extract a selection of pretty food colourings.
To decorate A selection of Sweets, mini eggs look particularly nice as do Sugar flowers and Sprinkles Method Preheat the oven to 180C/ 160C fan/ gas 4. Cream together the butter and sugar until light, fluffy and pale, then gradually beat in the egg, adding a little flour if the mixture looks like it might curdle. Beat in the vanilla extract and milk. Place 12 paper cupcake cases into a cake tin and divide the mixture between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. For the icing In a mixing bowl beat the butter with a wooden spoon or in a mixer until smooth, then sift in the icing sugar, beating regularly. Add the vanilla extract and milk and beat for five minutes. The frosting should be really light and fluffy. Mix your chosen food colouring colours into the icing to give an even colour. You can use one colour or split the icing and use several. When the cupcakes are totally cool, spoon or pipe the icing on top. Finish with your chosen decorations and let the kids lick the bowls!
17
Puzzle Page Sudoku: Tough A 1
B
C
1
6
7
8
9
F
G
7
H
I
6 1 2 6 5
8
3
5
E
9 1 3 7
2
4
D
2 4 6 1 5 3 7 9 4 3 7
Each Row, Column and 3x3 square must contain every number from 1 to 9 with no duplicates Sudoku: Easy A
2
3
3
4
4
5
6
7
2
8
9
Tents: Camp one tent next to each tree. A
Each tree has one tent attached to it and each tent is attached to a tree either horizontally or vertically. No tents are adjacent to each other, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. At the beginning of the puzzle you are shown all the trees and then need to deduce where each tent is. To help you, the number of tents in each row and column is displayed. The first tent has been drawn in for you in square 8H.
18
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
1
2
2
1
3
1
4
2
5
1
6
2
7
0
8
3 2
2
1
1
2
0
B
C
D
E
3
1
F
G
H
7
1
4 5 7
I
4
4
3 1 2 5 1 9 4 3 6 7
1 8 5 4 1 8 3 7 5 2
6 1 5
Like the Stewartry Link facebook page or follow Stewartry Link on Twitter and some clues will be posted throughout the month for Tents and Sudoku Tough. www.facebook.com/stewartrylink www.twitter.com/stewartrylink @Stewartry Link You can request Stewartry Link posts are sent direct to your mobile so you get all the offers and info in a text message.
Full answers will be published next month.
er t t a H MadCafe & Restaurant The
great value food
King St, Castle Douglas - 4 shops down from the main car park on the left
An entire office at the end of your phone...
Choose the Mad Hatter for our warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere
Children and dogs welcome Baby changing facilities Open Monday to Saturday
Freelance admin, clerical, receptionist, and executive support. Any admin work undertaken on a freelance basis. Business consultant to hand to ensure optimum efficiencies are met allowing you more time to concentrate on your core business activities. Spreadsheets, Mail Merge, Databases, email, phone answering Marketing campaigns, Branding, Customer Relationship Management, System Analysis
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Tel: 01556 502712 Stay a while, or if you’re in a hurry we provide a take-away service too
y r t r a w e t S LINK The
www.virtual-x-resource.com
info@stewartrylink.com - 07875 209927
info@virtual-x-resource.com
It costs as little as £39 to advertise in this magazine
01387 254792
SERENITY
106 Millburn Ave Dumfries
Hannah Smith
Bookkeeping
Serenity Bookkeeping has several years experience in all aspects of small business accounts for several local businesses, this includes: Sage Software VAT returns Wage Runs Invoicing Payment Runs Tax Audits
Put some Serenity back into your business and let me take care of all your accounting needs
hannah@serenitybookkeeping.co.uk www.serenitybookkeeping.co.uk 07737 059 335
Our interview expert service can INCREASE your chances of job offer by up to 60% compared to applicants not prepared by us!
Ÿ We explain how the interview process works as a sales process Ÿ Strengthen your skills in developing rapport with the interviewer(s) Ÿ Improve how you manage interview questions and objections Ÿ Develop tactics on negotiating the best rate of pay Ÿ We show you how to close for commitment at the end of the meeting
… It’s the easy way to success! “I found the Interview Expert service very professional. I found it very interesting - I learnt some very relevant points to apply in the interview. The service was very effective” Xavier Peuch, Manager (17/02/11)
T: 01387 270718 E: enquiries@abcrecruitment.net W: www.abcrecruitment.net
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An entire office at the end of your phone... Is a receptionist a luxury for your business? Do you struggle with Admin after a hard day's work? Do you miss work by missing calls? You would like to expand but not enough resource? You suddenly have extra work but it's temporary or not enough for additional resource? You require specialist skills for a one-off job? Virtual Executive Resource provides a full office and admin back-up remotely. No additional overheads or employee legislation, with the use of email, the Internet and modern phones you can have the additional resource to help you and your business at a cost much less than an employee. No matter where you are based or what office facilities you have, or even if you don't have a computer, anyone can have a virtual office as each customer states how they would like their bespoke office to run. And if you ever want to expand your business VXR is able to support you in a consultative way ensuring you have the structure and procedures that is the backbone of any business in place, ready to hand over to any new employees you may have in mind.
Get the X-Factor for your business www.virtual-x-resource.com info@virtual-x-resource.com 01387 254792