August 2011 by DG Link

The

y r t r a w St e free to all residents

LINK

August 2011 Issue No. 5

RRP £1.00 Distributed to the entire Stewartry community, every household and business. Now over 13,000 addresses!

Supporting the local community by linking Social and Business Networking

Monthly magazine: Does your business or organisation need to reach out to more people? The Link will get your message across to the entire community with longer exposure. From simple classifieds to full page business profiles and newsletters, be Sociable with the Stewartry and support your local community by using the Link

Greenleaf Photographic Studios announces the launch of

The Stewartry Wedding Show. See back page for details

WIN £50!!! Win a £50 voucher to spend in Castle Douglas Town Centre by filling in a quick survey. Details on p7

Outdoor Section p22 GALLOWAY KITE TRAIL

Free Ice-Cream at Mersehead, see P13

Business Index:

Find the local supplier you need quickly in this handy guide...

Accounting Serenity Bookkeeping……………

Logs, Hardwood RM Hardwood Logs……………….

Adventure Activities F5 Karting ……………….………..

Painter & Decorator Brian McConnell …………………

Architectural Pre-Site Surveys…………………..

Photography Greenleaf Photographic Studios..

Art Gallery Rockliffe Gallery ………………….. The Scottish Showcase Gallery…

21 21

Professional Printing FP Commercial Printing…….……

Reflexology Equilibrium.………………………..

Restaurants Barons Craig……………………… Urr Valley…………………………. Cross Keys .……………….……… The Royal Hotel….……..…………

21 15 7 19

Sporting Goods M. McCowan & Son.……..……..…

Timber Treatment / Damp Proofing Kaapstone …………………………

Tyres Stewartry Tyres ……………………

Vacancies .…………………………..

Visitors Centre Gem Rock Museum …….…………

Wedding Entertainment Corra - Live Band and Ceilidh…..

Wrought Iron, Decorative Ranchers…………………………..

Bathrooms, Designer Rab Corder Bathrooms…………..

Builder Excellence Homes………………..

Buildier’s Merchant Keyline……..………………………

Cafes The Mad Hatter…………………… Carricks of Carsephairn…………. Treats & Eats.…………………….

19 19 19

Community Classifieds Gaelic Language Workshops.…. Kbt Arts &Crafts Trail.…………… The Stewartry Show…………….. Day of the Region…….….……… Food Town Initiative Survey…….

4 11 7 21 7

Electrician Galloway Electrical Services…….. Fencing FHB Fencing …….………………..

Gift Shop Fetch .………………..…………….. Polka Dot …….…….……….…….. The Ark.…………….………………

15 21 19

Groceries Colvend Shop………………………

IT Services Stewartry IT Services.………...…..

Deadlines for inclusion is the first of every month prior to the month of publication… eg an insertion required in the September issue would need to reach us by the 1st of August. This applies to all categories including SIGs, events, classifieds, etc

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Coming up next month is our first wedding issue, announcing the winner of the fabulous wedding photography competition and the launch of a Stewartry Wedding Fair - see the back page for details

Editor’s Note:

Dear All

Main Features: Readers Recommend… 4

Well we ran the Eden ticket competition advertised in the June issue, and the lovely Miss Codi Wood from Kirkcudbright Academy was the lucky winner. Some of the photos from the Eden festival are up on facebook. We took the photos as the clouds gathered and I’m afraid I left the winnners to get their tent up in the rain. I love a music festival but I like my own bed in bad weather. Codi tells me her and her mate enjoyed it though. - Next month we will be announcing the winner for the Wickerman Tickets but if you want immediate notification you will have to join me on Facebook or Twitter. I don’t know if anyone noticed but we had a short historical piece last month. David Deveraux from the Stewartry Museum has very kindly offered to send in a photo and description each month, and we have entitled it “Time Out”. We have also had a bit of a change on the puzzle page, bit more word orientated this month for those who are not Sudoku fans. We are now able to supply additional magazines so if you have a holiday resort or shop and would like to stock any for visitors please just give me a call. Currently there are some being supplied out of the Dalbeattie Initiative for anyone who wants an extra copy. Orders over 10 or that require delivery will carry a wholesale cost to cover any additional printing and delivery. Otherwise feel free to pick up a handful and I will organise drop off points for collection. One last thing - would love a front page photo that is of maybe some people or wildlife as well as the landscapes being sent in… just for a wee change. But thank you to everyone who has sent in either a photo or an article. It is much appreciated as is some of the suggestions on how to improve the magazine. Please keep them coming in so the magazine just keeps getting better. Till next month, take care.

Jo, The Ed

Support your community: Advertise in this magazine for as little as £39 No VAT - Call 07875 209927

Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding? ~~~ Get that special photo in the mag 07875 209927 events@stewartrylink.com 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

Diary Dates…………….. 5 Restaurant Review……. 8 Community Focus The Stewartry Show.. Dalbeattie Matters….. Dalbeattie Civic Daze Kircudbright Arts & Crafts Trail .……… Mersehead.…………

24 12 10 11 13

Natural Health…………. 14 Monthly Recipe………… 18 Art & Culture………..….

Outdoors ………………. 22 Garden View……….…..

Puzzle Page……………. 28 SIGs ……..……………… 29 Useful Phone Numbers.. 30 Front Cover: This month’s photo was sent in by Caroline McKean, “The Eye” at Galloway Forest Park. Looks like another gorgeous day to be had. Send in your pictures for the 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)

Join us online... www.stewartrylink.com www.facebook.com/stewartrylink www.twitter.com/stewartrylink @Stewartry Link Support local suppliers by being Sociable

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Readers Recommend:

If you have a supplier, shop or business you would like to recommend to your fellow readers please continue to send them to info@stewartrylink.com or 07875 209927

Rory Gould of Galloway Stonecraft 07815 988241/ 01557 331950 I recommend Rory for all your stonework needs. He has re-pointed our stone house with lime mortar & done an excellent job. Not only that, but he is a pleasure to work with. Diana Edwards, Gatehouse. I would recommend Mitchells the green grocers in Castle Douglas especially for their fruit and veg box delivery service. - Elisabeth, Castle Douglas

Are you int erest ed in Gaelic? Là Gàidhlig luchd-Ionnsachaidh Caisteal-Dùghlais Di-Sathairne 3 Sultain 2011.

Scot t ish Gaelic Adult Learners Day Castle Douglas Tow n Hall Saturday 3 September 2011

9:30am - 4:30pm

Talk by M ichael Ansell on “Gaelic in Galloway”. Follow ing w hich you can att end a: • Beginners Taster Gaelic Class or • Post-beginners Class or • Advanced/Intermediat e Gaelic Class or • Gaelic Song Workshop The cost for the day is £10 which includes tea/coffee breaks, but not lunch.

* For more information and to register please contact: Anndra Wilson, Gaelic Development Worker, Community & Customer Services, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Sout h M achars Communit y Cent re, Castlehill, Whit horn, DG8 8PN Fòn / Tel. 01988 500364 Fòn-laimh / Mobile. 07921 038630 Post-dhealain / Email: adult.learning@dumgal.gov.uk

The Stewartry Show… WE'RE PART OF IT! We will be showcasing the planned activities and events for the first ever Day of the Region celebrations to take place in the UK - right here in Dumfries and Galloway on 1st and 2nd October this year! All 5 community locations will be at the Day of the Region Stand at the Stewartry Show to promote what will be happening in their community - so come along and find out what’s on! LEADER Staff will also be present to discuss possible future Day of the Region locations and to chat about general community project funding. Look forward to seeing you there! Keep up to date by visiting www.dayoftheregion.co.uk or receive updates direct to your mobile register by text now! 07797 80 40 30 4

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For more detailed information, contact details and other events check out the web site calendar on www.stewartrylink.com/events.html

Dates for the Diary

Send your event to events@stewartrylink.com Art Exhibitions / Craft Fairs 18/06-01/10 Not only painters – Kirkcudbright craft workers 1900-1975’ - The Stewartry Museum, St Mary's St, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ 28/06-30/07 George Muir: Places and Experiences - Gracefield Arts Centre Cafe, Dumfries 29/06-09/07 Creative Painting - Castle Douglas Arts Gallery 02-30/07 Roger Cutler - Exhibition of wood turning and wood art - Fleet Gallery, Gatehouse 02/07-29/08 The Glasgow Boys at Kirkcudbright’ - The Stewartry Museum, St Mary's St, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ 17/07 – 06/08 Galloway Craft Guild Summer Exhibition - Castle Douglas Art Gallery 29/07-01/08 Kirkcudbright Arts & Crafts Trail - Kirkcudbright Various 29/07 Kippford Painters Annual Exhibition Preview - Kippford Village Hall 30/07-06/08 Kippford Painters Annual Exhibition - Kippford Village Hall 30/07 Summer Craft Fair - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 31/07 Summer Craft Fair - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 13/08 – 18/09 From Woods and Gardens Paintings and Prints by Pamela Grace - The CatStrand 20/09 Craft Fayre and Community Stalls - Royal Hotel, Kirkcudbright Children’s Shows & Activities 25/06-27/08 The Age of Dinosaurs - Annan Museum, DG12 6AA 11/07-24/08 School Holidays 01-05/08 RSAMD Drama Works Front Page - The CatStrand 07/08 Surreal McCoy presents: Big Rory & Ochie - The CatStrand 20/08 Circus Dance Fantastique Workshop - various ages - The CatStrand 21-28/09 Castles SWSDFA Young Art Competition - The CatStrand 01/10 Junior Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge - Dalbeattie 10-21/10 School Holidays Festivals, Shows and Civic Events 31/07-06/08 Dalbeattie Civic Week - Dalbeattie, various 03/08 Wigtown Agricultural Show, Bladnoch Park, Wigtown DG8 9AB 04/08 Stewartry Agricultural Show, Castle Douglas 07/08 Scottish Alternative Games - New Galloway Park 13/08 Youth Beatz - Dock Park, Dumfries 14/08 Borgue Holiday Fair - Borgue Village Hall & Village Centre 28/08 Dalbeattie Civic Flower Show - Dalbeattie 30/08 Kirkcudbright Tattoo - MacLellan Castle Kirkcudbright 23/09 Wigtown Book Festival - Wigtown (various venues) 01-02/10 Day of the Region (Various venues) Evening Entertainment 05/08 New Galloway Ceilidh - New Galloway Town Hall 18/08 Alastair McDonald in Concert - Dalbeattie Parish Church, Dalbeattie Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

19/08 Music from South America - The CatStrand 25/08 Film: Submarine - The CatStrand 30/08 – 03/09 Nunsense II - The Second Coming; by Dan Goggin - Lochside Theatre Company, Castle Douglas 07/09 Jazz Night with Jeff & Anne Barnhurt USA - Twynholm Village Hall DG6 4NT 08/09 Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three - The CatStrand 15/09 Open Stage - The CatStrand 22/09 Film: Oranges and Sunshine - The CatStrand 30/09 Glenkens 73 Club & CatStrand Youth Players - The CatStrand Outdoor 31/07-05/08 Kippford Week sailing and Regatta – Kippford 01/08 Gala Day Pondemonium and RSPB World Record Breaking Bird Roadshow - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR 03/08 Wild Wednesday - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 05/08 Family Fun Fridays - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 06/08 Galloway Re Cycle Sportive - Glorious Galloway 11/08 Mossdale to Secret Cages walk – Galloway Kite Trail - Mossdale car park, DG7 2NF 10/08 Wild Wednesday - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 12/08 Family Fun Fridays - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 17/08 Wild Wednesday - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 18/08 Mossdale to Secret Cages walk – Galloway Kite Trail - Mossdale car park, DG7 2NF 19/08 Family Fun Fridays - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 24/08 Wild Wednesday - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 26/08 Family Fun Fridays - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 31/08 Wild Wednesday - RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH 04-10/09 Scottish Borders Walking Festival - Teviotdale and Liddesdale 02/10 Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge – Dalbeattie Other 15-18/08 Collage & Textiles Workshop with Mary Pugh - The CatStrand 03/09 Farmers Market - Tarff Town & Country, Lockerbie Rd Dumfries 25/09 Scottish Gaelic Adult Learners Day / Là Gàidhlig luchd-Ionnsachaidh - Castle Douglas Town Hall / Caisteal- Dùghlais Di-Sathairne 25/09 Jimmie Macgregor John Muir: Wilderness Guardian - The CatStrand Sponsored SIGs Mon, weekly Poker Night, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway, DG7 3RN Wed, weekly Pub Quiz, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway, DG7 3RN

‘Dates for the Diary’ inclusion info… All events where ever possible will be listed In the Diary pages of the magazine for free. Email your event to events@stewartrylink.com stating the event, location, dates and a short description. Deadlines for inclusion is the first of every month prior to the month of publication… so for example an event in July would need to reach us by the 1st of June for inclusion in the magazine and you can never be too early to send in the event. If it is in the calendar the magazine will be see it for inclusion 6

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01644 420494

· Excellent Restaurant specialising in fresh, local produce. · 10 cosy en-suite rooms with all modern facilities. · A traditional Bar with a good selection of Real Ales, Malts and a welcoming log fire.

Poker Night every Monday, 7:15pm enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk Quiz Night every www.thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk Wednesday, 8:30pm

High St, New Galloway, DG7 3RN enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk www.crosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk

WIN

£50!

Naturally inspiring visit place to

Complete the survey to enter

The Food Town Initiative would be very pleased if everyone could take a few minutes to answer a few questions on Food Town Day at www.stewartrylink.com/win.html This will let us get feed back from the community concerning the Food Town Initiative’s work and the Food Town Day event that took place in May this year. There will be a £50 voucher to spend in any independent business in Castle Douglas Food Town for one lucky draw winner who replies to this survey.

DISPLAYS WORKSHOP PROFESSOR'S STUDY THE AMAZING CRYSTAL CAVE AUDIO VISUAL DISPLAY FANTASTIC CAFÉ UNIQUE GIFT SHOP We have fantastic displays of gems, crystals, minerals and fossils, a collection of unique and breathtaking creations from all over the world. And our café is renowned for fantastic food, home baking, quality coffees and teas. The Gem Rock Museum, Chain Road, Creetown DG8 7HJ Tel: 01671 820357 www.gemrock.net Email: enquiries@gemrock.net

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Restaurant Review The Willow Tree I hadn’t been to the Cafe style Restaurant in Palnackie since long before it stopped being the ‘Crow’s Nest’ but I had been hearing some good things about it since it became ‘The Willow Tree’ so though we should go and investigate. The external appearance did not look much different apart from the signage, but on entering it was definitely a new restaurant in there. It always did have a light and airy feel to it thanks to the large open windows, but the décor was really fresh too. There is a funky ‘bar’ area hiding a secluded table. The front has comfy upholstered bench seats where I immediately imagined being able to host a larger group. And the décor included two beautifully woven willow trees with their branches intertwining with fairy lights across the ceiling. Even in the middle of the day they looked effective, it was a nice touch. Mum and I looked through the menu with some interest. You had the normal offerings of breakfast rolls, baked potatoes and filled rolls, etc, but then the breakfast rolls had a vegetarian option and the rolls had an artisan option plus there were children’s choices. Looking through the Lunch mains I found to my delight, not only was there a vegetarian option but there was also an option the was Gluten, Wheat, Nut & Dairy free option, a Chicken Tikka Masala which was tempting. Having a family member who is both Gluten intolerant an diabetic and several friends children with nut allergies I am conscious of the problems of eating out for some families. I was getting the impression the Chef here was putting some considerable thought into the menu and it was working. I decided to go for the vegetarian option as it sounded the most intriguing, the Brie and Potato Almond Crumble. Mum was going for a traditional choice of a baked potato and Prawn Marie Rose. We also had a pot of tea for one and a mug of ‘Grumpy Mule’ fair trade filter coffee. Drinks arrived and the only slight complaint I had was the coffee was seriously strong and did not come with any hot milk. Now that was partly my fault, I enjoy what some people would term very week coffee, others would not call it coffee at all. I often ask for a half shot latte when I am out and about. This time I didn’t think to mention it because I was expecting a cafetiere where I could ‘milk’ down the coffee. However the very helpful waitress immediately organised a pot of hot milk when I asked and it was all done with smiling service. When the food arrived the baked potato was at is should have been, baked in the oven for slightly crisp skin, fluffy flesh and a decent amount of prawns, served with side salad and coleslaw. My savoury crumble on first taste was definitely different and it took a couple of mouthfuls to start registering all the flavours in there while I was deciding if I liked the combination. By the third mouthful I definitely liked the whole ensemble. The crumble had the almonds and some herbs in there and it was indeed a crumble, it had not sunk into glutinous mass as is prone when left sitting for any length of time. The sauce was distinctly brie, I hate these ‘cheese’ sauces when it more of a suggestion, I like to taste the cheese in a sauce to point you can identify what cheese has been used to make it. And the veggies, cooked al dente the way they should be, took the richness of the sauce down a level to a good balance. It was served with a side salad and coleslaw but could just have easily been served with a selection of steamed veggies 8

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depending on the time of day or time of year. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I ordered it but I really enjoyed it. Now for something sweet as I topped up my mug of filter coffee. Mum was avoiding sweet and fattening things so it was down to me. They had quite a good selection of homemade baking but the one that caught my eye was the fruitcake. Not a normal choice for me when I am out, I usually like to try something really rich but this one was Wheat, Gluten and Milk free. Brave option to have on a menu I thought after having bad experiences with Gluten free bread. It was lovely. Very crumbly so I half expected it to be a bit on the dry side after cutting it but it wasn’t. It was delicious, even if you don’t have food allergies I would recommend trying it. The Willow Tree does an evening menu Thursdays to Sundays and after our lunch I am seriously planning on trying out the evening menu. They seem to offer something a little bit different and a little bit healthier if that’s what you are after as well as your more traditional fair. The décor was lovely, Ok I am a sucker for fairy lights all year round, but it reminded me of some of the boutique cafe restaurants you get in the likes of Edinburgh. The whole willow tree theme is carried of well. Service was with a smile plus an absolute God Send if you have a family member with allergies. My advice is to go try it out, plus there is a nice walk if you go further up Glen Rd that brings you out to the peninsula opposite Kippford if the weather is any good.

Sampled from the Menu: Brie, Potato, Courgette & Almond Crumble, served with side salad and coleslaw Baked Potato with Prawn Marie Rose, served with side salad & coleslaw ~~O~~ Fruitcake (Wheat, Gluten and Milk free) ~~O~~ Pot of Tea for one, “Grumpy Mule” Fair Trade Filter Coffee ~~O~~ £17.15

The Willow Tree, Glen Rd, Palnackie DG7 1PH - 01556 600092

Rating 4 out of 5 Excellent Food and considerate menu choices. Very pleasant service and pretty décor. The only down side is the location being a bit off the beaten track but well worth the visit.

Do you have an establishment you would like featured? Or have a favourite place you would like to recommend (perhaps along with your recommended dish or speciality)? Contact Jo, 07875 209927 or info@stewartrylink.com with the details. Every effort is taken to be fair and honest. Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Mowing in Rerrick

This historic image is taken from an original photograph recently copied for the Stewartry Museum collection in Kirkcudbright. It shows a horse-drawn grass mower thought to be in action on a farm in Rerrick parish about 1905. This piece of machinery was much faster and less labour intensive than cutting the grass with scythes. Mechanical mowers came into general use in Lowland Scotland from the 1850s. Note the boy walking along behind the reaper carrying a rake to keep the reaper clear of cut grass, which might otherwise jam the cutting apparatus. Once cut and dried, the grass would be gathered and then made into hay ricks or rucks, which could then be moved to the farm yard.

Contributed by David Devereux, Curator, Stewartry Museum, St Mary St, Kirkcudbright, www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

Dalbeattie Civic Flower Show 2011 Dalbeattie Civic Daze are organising a Flower and Produce Show in Dalbeattie Town Hall for the first time in more than 20 years. This amazing event will take place on Sunday the 28th August from 1pm till 4.30 pm. There will be a presentation of Winners trophies, Children's categories, Refreshments and a Raffle. It is hoped also to have some Arts and Crafts on sale. Programmes will be available from Dalbeattie Information Centre in the High Street opposite the Library. The last Flower and Produce Show in Dalbeattie took place in 1989. It was know then as Dalbeattie Civic Flower Show and the Ciivc Queen presented the prizes. Gradually, however, there was a loss of interest and the show folded. The prizewinner's Cups and Trophies have been kept safe, however, and these will again be put to good use, along with some new ones for any new categories. The organisers of this year's event are a sub-committee of Civic Daze which comprises Robert Kirk, Alison Elkins, Alex Miller, Margaret Anderson, Peter Dowden, Samantha Campbell and Alana Russell. Additionally it is hoped that the Allotment Association will play an active part in proceedings, and that some school children are encouraged to become involved. The sub-committee will also work closely with Albert Muir of Glenshalloch Road, who was one of the leading lights in the earlier Shows and won many prizes. Many of the participants then are sadly now no longer with us. Robert Kirk, one of the present sub-committee, won the Wallis Rose Bowl in 1989, and is delighted that the event has been revived. All these helpers are hoping that if all goes well with this year's Show - and there's no reason to doubt that - this will once again become an annual event. Details at www.dalbeattiematters.co.uk, www.dalbeattiedaze.org.uk 10

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As part of Kirkcudbright's 'Summer Festivities' programme the Art & Crafts Trail, which has been running successfully now for seven years, takes you into hidden gardens, artists' studios, homes and even sheds not normally open to the public, where you will be able to talk to some of the artists and craftspeople to find out what makes Kirkcudbright special for them. Trail venues are open daily from 11.00am until 5.00pm. Catch the Free Trail Bus to venues outside the centre area. This year we have extended to four days as there is so much going on! We are proud to be a family friendly event with lots of 'fun' things to do. Why not send a 'Message in a Bottle', pose on the Plinth, make a kite, throw a pot, have a go at 'Washing Line Art' or maybe even 'You've Been Framed'. The choices are endless. Take the opportunity to visit around 75 different venues and meet some of the 180 or so participants as you wander around the picturesque Artists' town of Kirkcudbright nestling on the River Dee Estuary.. Kirkcudbright is steeped in history and has been the home of many famous artists over the years including E A Hornel and the 'Glasgow Boys', Jessie M King and her husband E A Taylor, Charles Oppenheimer, William Robson and David Sassoon to name a few - walk in their footsteps and visit some of the venues where they lived and worked. Three fine exhibitions reflecting the importance of Kirkcudbright's art heritage will be on display over the Trail. Contact Pauline Saul KbtPainter@aol.com and see website www.artandcraftstrail.co.uk Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Dalbeattie Matters Dalbeattie Community Initiative

Volunteering is a great way to get back to a working routine if you have

been out of work for a while. It is also an opportunity to meet with other people and at the same time do something useful that is of benefit to the town. Dalbeattie Community Initiative can offer a range of volunteering opportunities but our biggest need is for Environmental Volunteers, people who enjoy working outdoors, undertaking tasks such as pathways maintenance, drainage ditch clearance, cutting back undergrowth, weeding as well as habitat management and wildlife recording. If you are interested, please get in touch on 01556-612518. The eighth annual Dalbeattie

Hardrock

Challenge takes place over the weekend of 1st & 2nd October in Dalbeattie Forest. This ever popular event involves a ten mile run followed by a sixteen mile ride over the granite strewn 7stanes mountain bike trails. There are both junior and senior sections. Participants come from all over the United Kingdom to take part and it is very much a permanent fixture on the sporting calendar. The event is open for entries which can be made online at www.sientries.co.uk or for further details check the website at www.dalbeattiehardrockchallenge.org Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the Dalbeattie Walking Festival which takes place from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st August. Sunshine has been ordered for this fourth annual festival which offers a range of walks and activities exploring the rich and diverse natural and industrial heritage in and around the town. A Walks programme and further information can be obtained from the Initiative office at 71 High Street, Dalbeattie. Telephone 01556-612518. 12

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Mersehead Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife nestled on the edge of the Solway Coast, with fantastic views and a wide, sweeping beach, this truly is a place to come and let the worries of modern life slip away. When they first arrive, visitors are met at the visitor centre by friendly staff and volunteers, where they can find out a bit more about the reserve and any events running that day. There’s also a comfy viewing area looking out onto open farmland and our driftwood feeding station, always busy with small birds! Next to the visitor centre is the Sulwath Centre, a converted farmhouse offering life-long learning and meeting facilities. This is also where our team of residential volunteers live during their stay. Heading out onto the reserve, visitors can take a stroll along our Wetland Trail to one of two hides, listening to the sights and sounds of summer all around. The hides look out over the wetland area and reed bed and offer fabulous views of Criffel. For the more adventurous, there’s the Coastal Trail, an hour long walk that takes you over the merse, which gives us our reserve its name. This wide, open saltmarsh attracts nesting skylarks and lapwings, so keep your ears open for their calls and song. A small climb over the sand dunes and the beach opens out in front of you, a colossal space, reclaimed by the sea many years ago. Evidence of the old field systems that once stood here can still be seen as well as an abundance of shells. A stroll along the beach brings visitors back through another wooded area. This summer we have a wide range of free family events at Mersehead, with every Wednesday in August being a “Wild Wednesday”. There will be different workshops running throughout August including “Hedgerow Hunt” and “Beautiful Butterflies”, and every Friday in August sees the return of our popular Family Fun Fridays with beach art competitions, treasure trails and more! Both events run 11-4pm. Booking is essential for Wild Wednesday workshops as we have limited spaces, however no need to book for Family Fun Fridays. RSPB Mersehead is situated on the A710 Solway Coast road, 12 miles from Dalbeattie, between Sandyhills and Southerness. To book on our Wild Wednesday events or to find out more about the reserve please call 01387 780579/ 780298 or email mersehead@rspb.org.uk Mersehead Visitor Centre is open daily 10am – 5pm. So whether Claim A Free Ice Cream you’ve visited us before or whether this will be Present this coupon to RSPB Mersehead your first visit come down to see us soon for your own magical Mersehead moment. Terms & conditions: Free ice cream offer only available at the

Free Ice-Cream

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland SC037654

RSPB Mersehead reserve. Please hand in this coupon to redeem. One coupon is equal to one ice cream. Offer subject to availability and ends on Wednesday 31st August. Some products may be excluded. Coupons must be originals. No photocopies will be accepted. Coupons are non-transferable Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert 13

Trying for a Baby? Sue Blain discusses what to eat if you want to conceive If you want to try for a baby you’ll want it to be healthy, so plan to be as close to optimum health as you can. My basic nutritional advice is to eat right and eat raw. Eat highly nutritious food, preferably organic and only what you need and not necessarily what you want! The most important supplement to consider is folic acid. This helps to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Take it in a supplement designed for preconception. Avoid problem foods. Intolerances can interfere with the proper absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and manganese, which are essential to optimum fertility. Statistics suggest that if one parent has allergies, there is a 50% chance of their child having an allergy and it’s almost a certainty if both have them. It is therefore important to remove any foods that could be the source of these allergies. Artificial pesticides and additives can cause or aggravate allergic reactions and contribute to hyperactivity, so eat organic where possible. Eat at least one salad meal a day and snack on fresh fruit, raw vegetable sticks and juices to obtain essential enzymes often destroyed in cooking. Both parents may need to detox and reduce any excess fat (where many harmful toxins are stored) at least 6 months before conception. It is best not to diet during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Begin by cutting alcohol, caffeine, hydrogenated fats, refined foods high in salt and sugar and processed foods for a week. Eat more salads, fruit & veg and drink mineral water and herb teas between meals. Continue for another week, also avoiding dairy products, meat and wheat, oats and rye (try brown rice, quinoa, rice milk and fish instead). Use milk thistle complex to support the liver if you’re feeling a bit sluggish and a chromium supplement if you’re suffering from extreme sugar cravings. Gradually re-introduce the different food groups, one each day. This is a good time to discover for yourself any foods you may be intolerant to. Once restored to optimum health, develop a personal healthy eating and drinking plan, similar to week one of the detox and avoid any problem foods. Some women may be deficient in B vitamins, zinc and other minerals, especially if they have been on the contraceptive pill or fertility drugs. The best sources of zinc include meat, shellfish and salmon. For vegetarians, pumpkin seeds offer one of the most concentrated non-meat food sources of zinc and also Brewer’s yeast, eggs, beans, and wholegrain cereals. Excellent sources of manganese include leafy veg, carrots, fruit, seeds, garlic, beans, spices and wholegrain cereals. For more advice on nutrition and supplements, check out Foresight, the Association for the Promotion of Pre- conception care, at www.foresight-preconception.org.uk (01243 868001) and www.patient.co.uk

The Natural Therapy Q&A section has been temporarily suspended. Please continue to send your queries to health@stewartrylink.com 14

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Fetch

equilibrium Reflexology

find us next door to the Schoolhouse, off A75, Ringford

a Fabulous Emporium of Treasures to Carry Home unique, handcrafted, gifts and homeware www.shopfetch.co.uk open 11 to 4

Photographic www.greenleafphotographicstudios.com

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

Part-time Sales Position Hours to suit - Work from home Self employed basis Do you get on well with people? Do you have a nice friendly manner on the phone and are happy talking to strangers? Are you looking for a bit extra money with hours to suit your schedule? Are you interested in the local community? Stewartry Link requires a self-motivated, organised person who can work from home and has access to email and a phone and who knows or is interested in the local community . Sales experience not essential, it is more important to get on well with all customers. Hours to suit your own personal circumstances. OTE ÂŁ10 p/hr. Position could easily develop.

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Weddings

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Pushy sales people need not apply Please send your CV to HR@stewartrylink.com stating any relevant experience or interests. Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

It’s International Left Handers Day!

he’s a right Lefty!

In my time I’ve been called keckfisted, caggy-handed and even a cuddy-wifter and all because of the hand I use to hold my pen!

I blame the Bible! You see, the good are considered to be at God’s right hand and his right hand is exalted, ergo the left hand doesn’t quite measure up. Then there’s the Devil: he’s usually depicted as being left-handed and generally appears on the left of religious paintings. We even throw salt over our left shoulder to ‘Shoot the Devil in the eye.’ In medieval times we might have been accused of witchcraft. Yes fellow lefties, it could have been a painful death for us. As late as the 1970’s there was little evidence of enlightened thinking at my village primary. I was ‘encouraged’ to sit on my left hand and use my right...with predictable results. My writing was so bad that I was written off as ‘a bit thick’. My teacher told my mother that my fine motor co-ordination was poor because I couldn’t cut out neat paper shapes. I didn’t know it at the time but school technology was against me. The blade position of normal scissors means that a left-hander can’t see the cutting line and the natural squeezing motion of the left hand actually pushes the blades apart, causing the paper or card to get stuck sideways. Try it for yourself and see! But I’m not bitter...at least they didn’t burn me at the stake! The 13th of August is International Left-Handers Day. Launched in 1992, it is now an annual event where left-handers everywhere can celebrate their sinistrality (that’s the posh word for left-handedness) and increase public awareness of the disadvantages of being left handed, and also the advantages, because there are quite a few. In many sports for instance, we seem to have an advantage. Left-footed soccer players and tennis players find it easy to wrong-foot an opponent. A right-handed player is used to ‘like-handed’ opponents who play a similar game. A lefty will have faced more right-handers and thus be used to their "opposite" style of play. We’re also more creative, possibly due to the way our brains are wired:The left half of the brain, which controls the right hand, is also responsible for speech, language, writing, logic and numerical thinking. The right half, which controls the left hand, is also responsible for music, art, creativity, perception, spatial awareness and emotions. I’ve learned to embrace my left-handedness over the years. It’s part of who I am and I’m pleased to announce that since I purchased a pair of left-handed scissors I can now cut out neat paper shapes with the best of them!

The list of famous left-handed people is endless… Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Recipe of the Month:

Poached Salmon & Lemon Aioli

This was one of the recipes being demonstrated for Food Town Day, so if you missed the event here’s a taster of what was going on…

Ingredients: For the Salmon Tail end of salmon 6 leaves of gelatine Finely chopped parsley and dill For the Aioli 2 egg yolks 1 tsp white wine vinegar 300ml ground nut oil Sea salt and ground black pepper 10 cloves fresh garlic Pinch of saffron strands Purée of cooked fennel ½ bulbs Salmon Method Trim the salmon taking care to remove all of the skin and leavening just the salmon flesh. Cut the salmon tail length ways, down the middle. Spread out the chopped parsley and dill onto cling film, then on one side near the edge place one of the pieces of salmon, put on top the leaf gelatine then the other peace of salmon, the opposite way round so that you get a thin end on top of a thick end. Then pull the cling film around the salmon to make a sausage shape, with the herbs around the outside. Put into a deep sided dish filled with water so that the salmon is submerged, put into an oven at 65/70 % c for around one hour 30 minutes. Once cooked place into a fridge over night until set. Aioli Method 1 Put the egg yolks, vinegar and mustard in a bowl. Season well and stand the bowl onto a damp cloth. Whisk well until smooth and creamy. 2 Dip a teaspoon into the oil and trickle a drip or two from the tip of the spoon into the yolks. Whisk the mixture hard as you add the oil. 3 Repeat several times, adding the oil drip by drip. Then gradually increase the amount of oil, making sure each new addition is well incorporated before adding the next. This ensures that you produce a thick mayonnaise. If your mayonnaise curdles, simply whisk another egg yolk with a pinch each of salt, pepper and mustard in separate bowl. Whisk the curdled mixture into the extra yolk mixture and it should emulsify. 4 peel the garlic by laying each clove in turn on a board and placing a large heavy-bladed knife flat on top. Smash your fist down on top to crush the clove and you`ll find the skin slips off easily. 5 Chop and sprinkle with the salt. Crush the garlic to a fine pulp using the tip of the knife. 6 beat this into the mayonnaise, crushing in the saffron strands as you mix. Season with salt and pepper and serve with the salmon.

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Serving light lunches, homemade cakes, tray bakes, Mocca d`Or Coffee as well as a new selection of gifts and cards. Open 10.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.00pm Wednesday - Sunday Closed Monday & Tuesday Tel: 01556630228

Located on the A710 in Colvend

TheArk

great value food

King St, Castle Douglas - 4 shops down from the main car park on the left

Summer Time d at The Ark, Kippfor

Choose the Mad Hatter for our warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere

Grab a picnic on your travels or just browse in our lovely gift area. We look forward to seeing you.

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Opening Times: Mon - Sat: 10:00 - 5:30 Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00 01556 620201

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Carricks of Carsphairn Come and discover the secret in Carsphairn

Stag Tea Room & Garden

Open all year round with wonderful views Our menu has something for everyone Home made Pies, Scones & Soups Mon-Fri 7:00 - 6:00 Saturday 8:00 - 6:00 Sunday 9:00 - 5:00

8am - 6pm

Take out available. Ring your order ready for collection

Sunday Apr - Sep 8am - 6pm Oct - Mar 8am - 2pm Colvend Shop, Near Dalbeattie. DG5 4QD 01556 630 228

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01644 460211 Bikers Welcome Convenience store for daily essentials Post Office open Mon - Sat, 11:00 - 1:00 Main St, Carsphairn, DG7 3TQ

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CatStrand’s Cultural Section At Catstrand throughout the summer months we’ll be continuing to offer a high quality performing arts programme for you to enjoy on your doorstep in Dumfries and Galloway but with the school holidays approaching will also be focusing on ensuring that there are many opportunities for both young people and adults to get involved. Once again, this summer we will be welcoming tutors from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Dramaworks –is the Academy’s drama programme for children and adults which operates outside of their degree courses This year the theme is ‘ Front Page’ with participants taking inspiration from the daily news headlines. They will work together as a performance company to devise a brand new piece of theatre inspired by this theme. It is hoped that through the course young people will gain not only performance skills but also investigative, communication and team work skills as well, of course, as having a good time. The course runs from 1st – 5th August. On 20th August young people can come and experience a Circus Dance Fantastique with Margaret Morris Movement. This a FREE taster day filled with dance and arts workshops that take inspiration from the circus. There are sessions for 3-4 year olds, 5-7 year olds and those aged 8-15 who will have the opportunity to learn and perform a full Cirque de Soleil inspired choreography for ages 8 – 15. For those of you who can’t get enough of dance, these children’s dance classes will continue throughout term time.

Also happening during term time is our monthly Saturday Art Club on the second Saturday of every month ( 10am – 12noon, £4), a two hour workshop led by professional artists & teachers and filled with fun filled visual arts & crafts activities. The theme of this year’s adult summer art masterclass is Collage and Textiles with artist Mary Pugh. This four day workshop will explore different ways to introduce texture into your art work, working with textured paper, fabric, gesso & paint sticks. The course runs from 15th – 18th August (£160 inc materials & lunch). This is just a flavour of what’s happening so please do pick up a copy of our Events Guide , have a look at www.catstrand.com or give us a call on 01644 420 374 for information on these or other opportunities this summer. 20

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Rockcliffe Gallery

Ice-Cream

A small friendly art gallery, affiliated with Barons Craig Hotel, displaying a varied programme of local and international artists, both new and established.

12 different flavours Free toppings and sauce

Free Admission, 7 days a week - 9am to 9pm

Now available at

Luxury: ~Gifts ~Cards ~Confectionary

info@rockcliffegallery.co.uk www.rockcliffegallery.co.uk

Barons Craig, Rockcliffe, DG5 4QF

Barons Craig Hotel R O C K C L I F F E Where you will find a passion for fine food, wine and indulgence.

01556 630225 info@baronscraighotel.co.uk www.baronscraighotel.co.uk

Scottish Showcase Gallery

Post Office 100 King Street Castle Douglas 01556 502577

Private viewings available 01556 630225

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

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Outdoors… Connecting Communities with Red Kites The Galloway Kite Trail is a community-based project, involving local businesses, volunteers, public bodies, land owners, local groups and farmers. It provides an exciting opportunity to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery and is now attracting the attention of walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers and birdwatchers in Dumfries and Galloway and from much further afield. The trail is an oasis of natural beauty and activities, which provide many things to see and do. It is an ideal base for a holiday and can also be a great way for the people of Stewartry to relax or become more involved, so to find out more, read on. These birds of prey were reintroduced around Loch Ken between 2001 and 2005, after being absent for over 130 years. In 2003, the same year that kites began to nest in Galloway, the trail was launched as a source of nature-based tourism to benefit local communities in the area. It has helped strengthen the 'ownership' of the kites by local communities and has resulted in the kites increasing and spreading into other parts of the region. The trail is run as a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Anne Johnstone of Bellymack Hill Farm along with local businesses and tourism providers. Between 2007 and 2010, the Sulwath Connections Landscape Partnership Project (part funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB and Dumfries & Galloway Council) funded a full time community liaison officer for three years. The project also funded the creation of new information points and interpretation in villages around the trail; an activity for children – The Kids’ Kite Quest; and the creation of an audio guide and leaflet, also supported by local businesses. Working with local communities and businesses has enabled the trail to go from strength to strength. Public spend from European, national and local government has helped generate this successful project and in turn, has helped increase spend by visitors in the local area. In the first six years, over £21 million was spent in the region by people visiting the trail, £2.6 million of which was from those coming specifically for red kites, thus benefiting these birds and the local people alike. There are viewing areas and walks to provide good chances of seeing kites. Visitors can experience the ‘Secret Cages’, where kites were first released back into Galloway. The route is signposted with distinctive brown road signs and unique information shelters sculpted in green oak by local artist, Alex Rigg. The feeding station at Bellymack Hill Farm near Laurieston, provides a feast for the eyes, where over 100 kites have been seen together when kites are fed at 2pm, all year round. Now in its eighth year, the trail continues to be improved and supported by the RSPB, part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community, Dumfries and Galloway LEADER 20072013 Programme and SNH. Calum Murray (RSPB community liaison officer on the trail) is looking for help to pass on information to businesses and visitors. If you, your school, group or business would like to get more involved then please get in touch. There are also guided events taking place throughout the year. More information is available on the trail website at www.gallowaykitetrail.com or contact the RSPB on 01556 670464. - Photos kindly supplied by Ian Saunders

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M. McCowan & Son

The Ultimate Land-Yacht Experience

Sports Goods · · · · · · ·

Locations across Dumfries and Galloway

Fishing Tackle Frozen Bait Live Bait Clay Pigeons Cartridges Riffle Ammo Air Rifles

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50 King Street Castle Douglas 01556 502009

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/F5.ExtremeBeachSports

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You may have seen the Food Train vans out and about – but do you know what we do? The Food Train is a local charity and voluntary organisation providing a weekly service delivering groceries to older people living in Dumfries and Galloway. Any older person living in D&G who has difficulty doing their grocery shopping due to ill health, disability, frailty or mobility problems can enjoy the benefits of their local Food Train. Every week volunteers collect shopping lists from our customers, in person or by phone. Volunteer shoppers make the orders up in the shop, and they are packed in boxes complete with the till receipt and the original list. The order is then collected by other delivery volunteers, and on receipt customers pay for their shopping plus a £2 charge for each delivery (and £1 a year membership). In the Stewartry we shop in the Castle Douglas Co-op and in Sunrise. People can refer themselves, or be referred by others and enrolling is easy: there is no assessment process and no application form to fill in. The Food Train is flexible and easy to use, and a phone call to the branch office is all it takes to set it up. It can be used weekly, fortnightly or monthly; it can be used short term while recovering from an illness, or for as long as it’s needed. Your local branch office is in Kirkcudbright, phone number 01557 332444 - you may be answered by an answering machine, but messages are checked regularly and someone will return your call. You can also email kirkcudbright@thefoodtrain.co.uk and our website address is www.thefoodtrain.co.uk . Please remember, if you are an older person struggling with your grocery shopping you can let the Food Train take the strain. Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Thursday, 4th of August

Stewartry Agricultural Show

201st Anniversary 65th Show

The Stewartry Agricultural Society is committed to helping all aspects of agriculture and the rural environment in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright This year, the 201st Anniversaru sees the first woman president of the show, Mrs Fiona Dickson. Along side her is Senior Vice President: Mr Brian Yates and Junior Vice President; Mr Kenny Campbell.

The Committee covers Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Dalbeattie, Gatehouse of Fleet and Glenkens Districts. In total there are 67 people on the Society committee. All Office bearers have a 2 year term and Fiona has started her first year. This year 3 new Honorary preidents were added. making a total of 7. 2 of which have OBE and 1 has a MBE. They are: Ÿ John A Houston Ÿ Adam Gray OBE Ÿ Andrew Dunlop OBE Ÿ Myrna Corrie MBE

Ÿ Robin Dunlop Ÿ Charles Mckerlie Ÿ Robert Graham

So much to see, so little time: 7 stanes Mountain Bike Display Team DG Life’s Challenge Alison - Dog Agility, Local STARS dog agility group - Grand Parade of Livestock - Open Companion Dog Show (entries taken on the day by 12noon) - Livestock judging - Floral Art and Homecrafts Children’s Entertainment - Craft Marquee - Farmers Market Avenue Shopping & Trade Stands - Vintage Tractors - Show Jumping Come and join us at Stewartry Rugby Club Ground, Greenlaw Castle Douglas DG7 2PW - Free Bus running hourly from Market Hill Car park, Entrance fee payable at Gate, Special rates for Children, OAPs and Families (new for 2011) Ample Car parking Visit our website for more information www.stewartryshow.co.uk Or contact the Show’s Secretary on 07794719526 24

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THE Computer Specialist 14 St. Andrew Street • Stranraer • DG9 7EB

Free Press commercial print brings high quality, low cost colour printing within the reach of businesses large and small. From start to finish we are fully equipped to carry out any of your colour printing requirements.

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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 Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Garden View August ~ Microorganisms As their name suggests you can’t see them, yet microorganisms are some of the most important things you can grow in your garden. Garden soil is teeming with millions of them, or rather it should be. They help to keep the soil healthy. They decompose organic matter, replenish soil nutrients, form humus, promote root growth, increase nutrient uptake, and breakdown herbicides and pesticides. The microorganism family includes bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa and we want to do everything we can to encourage these tiny gardening friends. In order to provide a good environment we need to provide oxygen, moisture, carbonbased food matter, and the right temperature and pH. Oxygen content can be kept high by digging in lots of organic matter so that the soil structure is aerated. 75% of microorganisms live in the top two inches (5cm) of soil so particular care should be taken not to compact the topsoil. Improving the drainage of stodgy clay soil is particularly important as water-logged soil contains very little oxygen. Mulching helps to improve the moisture content of soil and also helps to maintain the soil temperature. Bare soil bakes in the summer and freezes in the winter. Mulch acts as both shade and insulation so the temperature remains more constant. Carbon-based food matter is just a posh way of saying ‘organic matter, including green manure and well-rotted compost. This provides a gourmet buffet for microorganisms and they’ll reproduce rapidly. Finally, pH is probably the most difficult area to tackle. Most gardens have a natural pH range beyond which they’re not going to change much. So someone living on a limestone ridge, as I do, is never going to be able to grow acid-loving Azaleas, except in pots. But that’s not what we’re trying to achieve when creating a favourable environment for microorganisms. We don’t need to radically shift the pH, we just need to modify it slightly. There are pH modifiers on the market, but the best way of doing it is slowly by digging in compost or other organic matter. Organic matter acts as a neutraliser and will work whether your soil is acidic or alkaline. It is particularly important for alkaline soils like mine, because they have far fewer bio-available nutrients so become impoverished very quickly. This month give some thought to encouraging your microorganisms. Your plants will thank you. 26

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FHB ancher R Fencing Simple Safe Strong Tel: 01556 504888 www.rancher-equipment.co.uk

Decorative Ironwork

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Best in town for

Landscaping

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WOODWORM WET ROT, DRY ROT RISING DAMP BASEMENT WATERPROOFING MASONRY REPAIRS & PLASTERING GENERAL BUILDING WORK PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 10 20 30 YEAR GUARANTEES

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Puzzle Page Crossword

Across 7 Felt hat (6) 8 Rhythmic literary work (6) 9 Benefit (4) 10 Causing erosion (8) 11 Tidal wave (7) 13 Period of time (5) 15 Creep (5) 16 Looks after teeth (7) 18 Restrain (8) 19 Suspicious (4) 21 Care-giver (6) 22 Shoe inner (6) Down 1 Relinquish (4) 2 Pie fruit (7,6) 3 Philosophical guide (7) 4 Upset (5) 5 247째 30' clockwise from north (4,9) 6 Sobriety (8) 12 Unique (8) 14 Eruptive (7) 17 Profundity (5) 20 Guise (4)

Sudoku: Each Row, Column and 3x3 square must contain every number from 1 to 9 with no duplicates

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June Solutions Sudoku: Tough

Sudoku: Easy

Tents

! s G SI

We are looking for some SIGs! … Special Interest Groups, for our new regular feature. So if you run, attend or know of any interesting clubs, classes or social groups. Anything from keep-fit to books, photography to playing the bongos, yoga to boxing. We would like to feature one SIG a month and start to post details on the web-site. Get in touch and let people know who and where you are by emailing events@stewartrylink.com with your details and preferably a photo of the group or activity.

This month we have two more clubs from Dalbeattie area. Don’t forget anyone can send in details of their special interest group or club. This is purely to let residents know what things might be interesting to get involved in.

Go Fish Here we have John Moran, the Secretary of the Dalbeattie Angling Association, founded in 1919. To the right are some salmon just spawned. John was telling me earlier in the year they gave St John’s Primary School 100 eggs to look after, of which 99 survived and was released into the wild. If you are interested in getting involved they meet every 3rd Wednesday at the Kings Arms Hotel. Please contact John for more information on 07778 140569

Care to Dance? Bob & Grace Laidlaw, and Keith Miles are members of the Dalbeattie Tea Dance Club. They meet at the Dalbeattie Town Hall, 2-4pm most Mondays. The regular sessions are not due to start until September but they have a couple of dates fixed for August as part of their Summer sessions. August the 8th & 22nd, same time and place. They do mainly sequence dancing though there is some ballroom, line and old time included. For further information please contact Bob on 01556 504151 Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

Useful phone numbers: Emergencies Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Police - dial 999 Fire Brigade - 01387 263921 or dial 999 Ambulance - 01387 267144 or dial 999 Coastguard - 01557 331133 or dial 999 Mountain Rescue - dial 999 Environmental Protection - 0800 80 70 60 Dumfries & Galloway Council - 01387 260000 Childline - Freefone 0800 1111 Samaritans - 01387 253555 Rape Crisis Centre - 01387 253113 / 01776 889331 Scottish Gas - 01387 268010 Scottish Power Emergency - 0845 2727 999

Health Services Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Castle Douglas Clinic: Medical Group - 01556 505900 Castle Douglas Clinic: Dr Carson & Partners - 01556 502050 Castle Douglas Community Hospital - 01556 502333 Castle Douglas Dental Practice - 01556 503348 Cresswell Maternity Hospital - 01387 246246 Dalbeattie Clinic - 01556 610331 Dalbeattie Dental Practice - 01556 610917 Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary - 01387 246246 Frendz Crisis Pregnancy Centre, Dumfries 01387 252288 Kirkcudbright Clinic - 01557 330755 Kirkcudbright Community Hospital - 01557 330549 Kirkcudbright Pharmacist - 01557 332088 Newton Stewart Community Hospital - 01671 402015

General Information Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Citizens Advice Bureau - 01556 502190 Food Train - 01557 332444 Narcotics Anonymous 24hr Helpline - 0141 2487101 Alcoholics Anonymous 24 Hr Helpline - 0345 697555 Family Mediation Service - 01387 263185 Trading Standards 01387 260092

Have we got the phone numbers right? Is there a useful number that has been missed off the list? Please contact Jo, 07875 209927, info@stewartrylink.com 30

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LARGE JOBS OR SMALL: HIGH QUALITY ELECTRICAL WORK IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

Galloway Electrical Services FAST RESPONSE INSTALLATION AND REPAIR VALLEY VIEW COTTAGE, TARFF KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Brian McConnell Painter & Decorator

01556 505849 07787 173990

Telephone: 0782 744 0320

2 Bed Flat to Rent - Dumfries

£450 p/calendar month 07875 209927 for details

Recently refurbished, sandstone ground floor flat in a quiet leafy cul-de-sac. Walking distance from town centre Shared drying green plus private garden. Large living room, kitchen, bathroom and two double bedrooms.

Hardwood Logs Dalbeattie Half Load £50 Full Load £80 Seasoned

07827 736500

RABCORDER 01556 505864

07810 218865 The Bathroom Specialist Affordable Prices - Quality Bathrooms www.rabcorder.co.uk

w Show Room Now Open! Ne

Unit 1 Station Yard, Oakwell Rd Castle Douglas, DG7 1LA Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert

The Stewartry

Wedding Show

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. Please mention TheStewartryLINK when answering an advert