The Glenkens Story local history group is marking its 10th anniversary with an afternoon of talks and music on Sunday 23rd March. Since 2015 the group has staged more than 30 talks, field trips, seminars and conferences and the celebrations will feature past highlights as well as revealing exciting plans for the future.
The keynote anniversary lecture will bring news of the latest research into the Galloway Hoard which has been making headlines for the last 10 years. Dr Adrián Maldonado of National Museums Scotland will reveal “What’s New and What’s Next” as researchers continue to “unpack’ the amazing Viking age treasure trove found in a field by Loch Ken.
The Glenkens Story was launched in March 2015 by a group of local history enthusiasts including the late Professor Ted Cowan. An internationally recognised authority on Scottish history, Ted was also a passionate scholar of the Glenkens. His widow and fellow historian Dr Lizanne Henderson will speak about his legacy and her work in gathering his many writings on the subject into a planned publication, “The Glenkens Story”.
Dr Jo Miller, who grew up in Dalry, has been a life-long collector and performer of Galloway music. She continues to explore the musical archives and will introduce and play some of her recent discoveries.
In its first 10 years the Glenkens Story’s ambitious programme of talks, field trips, seminars and conferences has covered topics ranging from the Lowland Clearances and war memorials to the cotton industry, Covenanters and the history of a horse – the Galloway Nag. The ground-breaking conference on Galloway Gaelic produced a widely-acclaimed book on the subject.
The group’s organisers, Mike Brown and Michael Ansell, will conclude the afternoon with a round-up of past highlights and possible future developments. Sparkling drinks and tasty fare will mark the occasion.
Mike Brown comments: “When we launched the Glenkens Story 10 years ago with a drop-in event at Dalry Community Centre we attracted 120 local people, an early indication of the interest in the subject. Since then we have had fantastic backing from our regular supporters as well as enthusiasts on specific topics who’ve travelled some distance for particular events.”
The Glenkens Story thanks the Glenkens Community Shop for supporting the event.
The Glenkens Story’s 10th anniversary will be celebrated at the CatStrand, New Galloway, from 2-5pm on Sunday 23rd March. Tickets, £10 (Under 26 £4) from www.gcat.scot/arts 01644 420374
