Darling! Are You a Wendy?

The Birthplace of Peter Pan, Moat Brae, in Dumfries and Galloway, Celebrates J.M. Barrie’s Birthday by Inviting Wendys for a Special Tribute

Moat Brae, the enchanting Georgian townhouse that inspired J.M. Barrie’s creation of Peter Pan, is delighted to announce a unique celebration in honor of the beloved author’s birthday. On May 9th, Moat Brae will welcome individuals named Wendy to explore the historic property, free of charge, as a tribute to the iconic character Wendy Darling.

The initiative is a fitting homage to J.M. Barrie’s timeless masterpiece, “Peter Pan,” where Wendy Darling plays a central role as the nurturing and adventurous protagonist. By extending this invitation to Wendys, Moat Brae seeks to celebrate the enduring legacy of Barrie’s work and the significance of Wendy’s character in the hearts of readers worldwide.

“We are thrilled to commemorate J.M. Barrie’s birthday in a manner that honors one of his most cherished characters, Wendy Darling,” said Cameron Hinde, the Visitor Attraction Manager at Moat Brae. “Moat Brae holds a special place in literary history, and we are excited to welcome Wendys to experience the magic of this place that inspired Peter Pan’s adventures.”

Moat Brae encourages Wendys of all ages to participate in this special event, fostering a sense of connection to the beloved story and its enduring characters. Whether reliving childhood memories or discovering the magic of Peter Pan for the first time, all Wendys are invited to embrace the spirit of adventure and imagination at Moat Brae.

Anne Brown Essay Prize Judge Announced

Anne Brown Essay Prize judge announced
credit - cphattersley

Brian Taylor, one of the best-known figures in contemporary Scottish journalism, will lead the judging panel for this year’s Anne Brown Essay Prize.

The annual award, which champions Scottish writing talent, carries a £1,500 prize.

Mr Taylor, who is a commentator, columnist and former BBC political editor, has a close interest in essays as a means of offering fresh perspectives on contemporary life.

He said: “Now more than ever it is vital to attempt to make sense of our confused and confusing world. 
“A succinct essay can do just that, getting to the core, providing insight and enlightenment.”  

The competition, organised by Wigtown Book Festival is for the best literary essay by a writer in or from Scotland.

It commemorates former festival chair and BBC radio journalist Anne Brown.

Mr Taylor was aware of the quality of her work – covering issues such as the Orkney child abuse scandal – and her commitment to promoting the best in writing.

Last year’s prize was won by Rodge Glass, for On The Covenant, and will be included in his forthcoming book Joshua in The Sky: A Blood Memoir, published this September.

He said: “I’d encourage anyone in Scotland interested in writing nonfiction to enter the Anne Brown Prize. 
“It was wonderful to be able to share the work publicly and raise awareness of the issues I discussed – one of which is HHT, the rare blood condition shared across my family, which is so little understood. 
“Last year’s shortlist was full of writers I really admire like Kirsty Logan and Jen Stout, and I’m convinced nonfiction in Scotland is strong. It’s essential to have a home for the essay that gives it more of a profile.”

Adrian Turpin, the festival’s Artistic Director, said: “We’re very pleased to be welcoming such a respected figure in Scottish national life as Brian to lead this year’s judging.

“His involvement will help us raise the profile of essay writing. 
“Sadly, there are few opportunities for essay writers to get their work seen by the wider public. This competition attempts to change that.”

Entries can be on any subject but there is a 4,000-word limit and entries close on 31 May.

The winner will be revealed at a special event during the festival.

In addition to the prize money, the winner receives an award designed by artist Astrid Jaekel, their entire essay is published on the festival website and a lengthy excerpt appears in The Herald.

See www.wigtownbookfestival.com for full details.

Survey Reveals Shocking Violence Suffered by Regions School Support Staff

Survey Reveals Shocking Violence Suffered by Regions School Support Staff

A survey of school support staff in Dumfries and Galloway found a substantial number had experienced violent incidents while working at schools, nurseries and education centres.

 

UNISON Dumfries and Galloway branch carried out a survey of all education support staff to determine how violence in schools impacted on them. Over 400 responses from staff at over 100 schools, nurseries and education centres throughout Dumfries and Galloway were received, which painted a harrowing picture of the extent of the problem.

 

Feedback was provided by support staff in various roles including learning assistants, early years practitioners, attendance and wellbeing officers, early years support assistants, nursery nurses, nursery managers, early years practitioners, janitors, cooks, homelink workers, cleaners, clerical/admin workers, catering managers, technicians, library staff, communications and digital development workers, and even some teachers.

 

When asked about types of violent behaviour they had experienced, 92 per cent reported they had experienced shouting and 89 per cent swearing. However over 80 per cent did not consider this to be violent behaviour. This is despite the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) definition of work-related violence as “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.” This definition includes verbal abuse or threats, including face-to-face, online and via telephone – and physical attacks.

 

Kicking was experienced by 80 per cent. The numbers who experienced having objects thrown at them and being pushed and shoved was 79 per cent. Slapping and punching was experienced by 76 per cent. Biting, spitting and nipping were experienced by 62, 61 and 57 per cent respectively, scratching and gouging by 53 per cent and hairpulling by 49 per cent.

 

Other examples of violence were reported including body slamming, headbutting, sexually inappropriate behaviour, throttling or choking actions, and stabbing with sharp objects/toys Several staff said they had to get medical treatment, particularly after bites.

 

Members shared details of their experiences including

 

· Daily attacks from pupils leaving scars on arms and legs.

· Being bitten on the breast causing severe tissue damage and requiring regular mammograms

· Sometimes multiple staff are needed to help get you out of the pupil’s grip or to safely remove the pupil.

· I feel inclusion is an excuse to put children with severe behaviour problems into mainstream schools because it is a cheaper option. I see my colleagues and children being assaulted on a daily basis.

· When we broached the subject re amount of violence we were putting up with management suggested that if we can’t handle it any longer we could ask for a transfer

 

Comments included

 

· “We don’t get paid enough for all this!”

· “I feel that violence towards teaching staff is taken more seriously than violence towards support staff”.

· “PLEASE HELP US. This is not what we signed up for”.

· “As part of the job I’ve regularly been hit, bitten, scratched, nipped, screamed at, had things thrown at me, hair pulled, glasses knocked off etc. Unfortunately, because we are learning assistants, it’s almost looked at as an accepted part of our job”

· “It is now accepted as ‘normal’ behaviour. This has to stop. No one should go to work to be hurt or abused.”

 

Some 49 per cent said they did not feel their employer took violence at work complaints seriously and many reported they hadn’t felt supported by management. Out of 278 who reported incidents, 57 per cent reported their employer did not provide feedback. Some 57 who responded had to take time off work because of violence or aggression at work but 54 per cent of them, some 31 employees, did not feel safe and supported to return to work.

 

Unsurprisingly, the majority, over 90 per cent, of respondents were women. Over one in five, 22 per cent of respondents, were on non-permanent contracts working on a casual, fixed term or temporary basis.

 

The survey was open to members and non-members. 85 per cent were UNISON members. Of those who responded, 26 expressed an interest in becoming UNISON stewards and/or Health and Safety representatives and these will all be followed up.

 

“The number of incidences of violence at work and the type of incidents staff have shared in the survey responses is sadly not surprising but is extremely concerning. The council need to recognise the extent of the problem and the fact that it even affects pre-school children,” said Karen Korus, UNISON health and safety officer. “These figures would be even higher if staff were aware that shouting, swearing and other forms of verbal abuse also constitute violence at work under health and safety law.
“It is clear that support staff in education are aware violence at work is wrong and should not be tolerated but it is concerning that so many do not feel supported after reporting an incident or returning to work after an absence following a violence at work incident. It is also extremely worrying that so many staff do not feel that the council takes violence at work complaints seriously.
“Dumfries and Galloway Council need to ensure that proper support is in place for staff suffering violence at work at all schools, nurseries and education centres and that it is provided consistently.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s booklet “Supporting staff and adults in our schools” which was recommended by the health and safety committee is to be welcomed but the council has to ensure headteachers and centre managers read and follow the booklet’s guidance and ensure it is not ignored.

 

Karen Korus, a member of the committee which advised on the booklet’s content, said this included advising on different ways of supporting staff and turning around the debrief from what could amount to a blame culture to ensure staff who faced violence at work had a chance to take time out to recover then have the debrief. They also removed the phrase “What could you have done differently” and replaced it with “where possible what would you like to see happen to avoid this situation occurring again”.
Karen added “This simple change of words now opens a completely different dialogue with staff.”

Dominant Dumfries Defeat Accies – Cricket News

Ross Lamb was Player of the Match for Nunholm with 5 wickets

In their first Saturday league outings of 2024 the two Dumfries Cricket Club sides registered wins against their counterparts from Glasgow Accies.

At Glasgow Accies, in Western Premiership 2, the Dumfries first team had a resounding 219 run win after scoring 290 for 5, and after being put in to bat. Batting at number three, South African Under-19 international Johnathan Van Zyl was instrumental in that by hitting 140 off 112 balls. He found willing partners in Chris Bellwood with 27 and Drew Dawson with 39. The scoring accelerated in the later stages with Jordan Maritz adding a run-a-ball 52 not out. Century maker Van Zyl hit 6 sixes and 8 fours before he was run out in the last over going for a second run.

Then James Hobman bowled one opener in his first over before his four wickets and three to Alan Davidson meant the opening bowlers reduced the home side to 29 for 7. Glasgow Accies were finally all out for 71 with Tommy McGrath claiming the final three wickets.

At Nunholm, in Western Championship 2, the Dumfries 2nd team beat Anniesland by 5 wickets. Ross Lamb surpassed Hobman’s four wickets on the day by taking 5 for 10 after Anniesland were well positioned at 82 for 2. Opening bowler Stuart Alexander brought back his glory years with a wicket in the first over, caught by a diving Scott Beveridge at slip. The visitors went on to score 133 all out.

The opening batters set up the win with Fergus Bainbridge scoring 25 but there was a slight wobble after Wahid Jabarkhil was bowled for a flamboyant 55. Youngster Munro Cubbon settled that with 26 not, and partnered by brother Nairn, took the Nunholm side to the 5 wicket win with both also making an all-round contribution with a wicket each earlier.

In the Eden Valley Sunday League, visitors Lanercost set a formidable total of 218 for 9 driven by a score of 102 not out by Owen Alban. That was despite youngster Cory Dawson taking 4 wickets. Liam Renou and James Cox each chipped in with two wickets as well.

Max Corbett-Byers led the response before retiring on 52. Fellow opener Wahid Jabarkhil contributed 21 and Renou, with 23, and Cox, with 36, kept hopes alive until the Dumfries side finished short on a still creditable score of 185 for 7. Player of the Match from Andrew Dawson Horticultural was Max Corbett-Byers for his not out fifty with a special mention for Liam Renou, on debut, for an enthusiastic all-round contribution.

Join Moffat Mountain Rescue Team Where Eagles Soar

Get Involved and raise funds for Moffat Mountain Rescue Team Annual Charity Challenge 2024

Thursday 09th May will leave just one month to go until you rise early, pack your kit, prepare your lunch, lace up your boots and join a hundred other walkers from the tiniest of our toddler stompers to our statesmen and women from the hillwalking community and take part in the 2024 Moffat Mountain Rescue Team Annual Charity Challenge.

 

The annual charity challenge is the team’s most important fundraising event of the year and takes place on Saturday 09th June 2024. The charity challenge celebrates the landscapes of Moffat and features Donald’s, Dales & Tops.

 

The Charity Challenge this year will take its inspiration from Moffat’s newfound status as Scotland’s Eagle Town, the UK’s first, with every participant receiving a custom-designed t-shirt incorporating the theme.

 

Walkers will be offered a choice of 4 fully recced and way-marked routes which will lead them through hills where the eagles have been known to soar. The variety of terrain across the four routes offers something for all abilities and is a great opportunity to get out in the hills and enjoy some time recharging in nature.

 

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team is a charity and relies on the generosity of public donations to maintain the kit required to carry out emergency search & rescue activities. The Charity Challenge is our main annual event to raise funds for the coming year. Participants for the Charity Challenge event often like to raise additional sponsorship from friends and family to add to their registration fee and to support this Moffat MRT have created a Just Giving page and a downloadable sponsorship form – both available here: Registration & Sponsorship Downloadable Form

 

Members of Moffat MRT were recently joined by Merlin Dernie, Deputy Lieutenant of Dumfries in order to present team members with the King’s Coronation Medal.

The medals were issued as a ‘Thank You’ to eligible members of the Armed Forced and Emergency Services, including Mountain Rescue, as well as those who contributed to the coronation events.

The day of celebration saw team members awards presented in front of their families to mark members who have served five years or more long service and it was followed by a social lunch.

Full details of the Moffat Mountain Rescue Team Annual Charity Challenge Event and downloadable registration form are available at https://www.moffatmrt.org.uk/events/charity-challenge-2024/

 

 

 

Team Leader, James Coles, Moffat Mountain Rescue Team, said:

 

Moffat is one of the UK’s most stunning locations to go hillwalking and this inevitably means there may be occasions when visiting walkers or members of our community get into difficulty. Is it an honour to lead our team on callouts where they administer support and casualty care by rescuing and locating missing persons across our area of responsibility. Our annual charity challenge allows us to raise the essential funds needed to continue our work and increase awareness of our stunning landscape which has so much to offer, including perhaps a glimpse of our newly introduced eagle population.

 

 

David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive, South of Scotland Destination Alliance said,

 

We’re hugely lucky to be surrounded by such fantastic hills, incredible scenery and amazing wildlife.  Our Mountain Rescue teams help ensure that both locals and visitors can enjoy our hills and remote areas in a safe and responsible way.  The least we can do is come out as a community and support those who keep us safe.  That’s why I’ll be there, with my family, taking part in the Annual Charity Challenge on the 9th June.

 

Rick Taylor, Community Outreach Officer for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project said:

It has been a pleasure to work with Moffat Mountain Rescue over the last three Eagle Festivals. They are a great organisation and deserve a huge amount of support from their local community. This event sounds fantastic, and you may even get the chance to see one of the young eagles, possibly even Sinclair, a young male who was adopted and named by Moffat Mountain Rescue in 2021. By taking inspiration from Moffat Eagle Town, this great charity challenge will also help to play a vital role in raising awareness of the importance of golden eagles to the south of Scotland.

Gretna Green Piper Celebrates 60th Year of Piping

Gretna Green Piper Celebrates 60th Year of Piping

Gretna Green, the renowned, award-winning, family-owned wedding, tourism, and hospitality destination, proudly announces a remarkable milestone in its history. Alan Marshall, the beloved piper whose melodies have charmed generations of visitors and wedding couples, is celebrating his 60th year of piping at Gretna Green.

Alan’s journey began with childhood admiration for his older brother Billy’s piping skills. “Billy taught me everything,” Alan fondly recalls. “I just learned, looking at his fingers. I don’t read music. I just played by ear, Billy taught me all the little tunes.”

In 1999, Alan took over the reins after Billy’s passing, ensuring that the tradition continued.

Young Alan
Reflecting on his 60-year milestone, Alan shares, “Reaching the milestone of 60 years of piping at Gretna Green, it’s been a lifetime really. It means a lot to me, a lot of happy memories. And as I said before, there’s not another job like it, really. I’ve had some great times, met some good friends. And the people that come back for an anniversary and see me after five years or ten years and they are surprised. And when I see the couples coming back I’m quite delighted because there’s something about this place that draws people back, whether it’s the charm, the history”.
John Holliday, Chairman of Gretna Green, speaks with admiration of Alan’s milestone: “Celebrating 60 years with Alan is incredible. He’s not just a piper; he’s a cherished part of our team here at Gretna Green. His music brings smiles to everyone he meets.”

Public’s NHS Data Published Onto Dark Web

A LARGE volume of  data from Dumfries and Galloway NHS has been published by a ransomware group.

This follows the recent cyber attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway, when cyber criminals were able to access a significant amount of data including patient and staff-identifiable information.

Data relating to a small number of patients was released in March, and the cyber criminals had threatened that more would follow.

Reacting to the latest publication of data, NHS Dumfries and Galloway Chief Executive Julie White said: “This is an utterly abhorrent criminal act by cyber criminals who had threatened to release more data.
“We should not be surprised at this outcome, as this is in line with the way these criminal groups operate.
“Work is beginning to take place with partner agencies to assess the data which has been published. This very much remains a live criminal matter, and we are continuing to work with national agencies including Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Scottish Government.”
Mrs White added: “NHS Dumfries and Galloway is conscious that this may cause increased anxiety and concern for patients and staff, with a telephone helpline sharing the information hosted at our website available from tomorrow.
“Data accessed by the cyber criminals has now been published onto the dark web – which is not readily accessible to most people.
“Recognising that this is a live criminal matter, we continue to follow the very clear guidance being provided to us by national law enforcement agencies.”

Information is being regularly updated on the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/cyberattack, and a dedicated telephone helpline will be open to the public from tomorrow on 01387 216 777, operating Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.

 

Everyone is meanwhile advised to be alert for any attempts to access their work and personal data, or for approaches by anyone claiming to be in possession of either their personal data or NHS data – whether this approach comes by email, telephone, social media or some other means.

In all instances, people are advised to take down details about the approach and contact Police Scotland by phoning 101.

A Fond Farewell for Elizabeth

A Fond Farewell for Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sykes and her partner Norrie McIntosh outside Burns House, home of the Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service Stranraer Bureau.

It is a fond farewell to Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) for Elizabeth Sykes, who is retiring after sixteen years with the organisation. Not only has she worked as Manager of the service’s Stranraer Bureau since 2008, but she also found her partner there too.

 

After working for the Foreign Office, including spells in Oslo and in the Cayman Islands and as a mature student in Edinburgh, studying Linguistics and Scottish Ethnology, Elizabeth joined Citizens Advice Scotland as Head of Information. Originally from Newton Stewart, she transferred to D&G CAS, so she could return to her native Galloway.

 

“I have really enjoyed working at D&G CAS, the job is very varied, no two days are the same and you never know just what will come through the door at any time,” said Elizabeth. “I also found my partner Norrie here, who works as a volunteer in Stranraer.”

 

Elizabeth is looking forward to having more time to pursue her interests, such as writing about social history and spending more time with her family.

“We have a talented team of people in the Stranraer Bureau, and we could not do what we do without our volunteers, who give up their time for such worthwhile work. I will really miss my colleagues and I hope D&G CAS will continue to evolve as they have always done. We are often the last resort for many people, and they need the service to adapt and survive in an ever-changing world.”
Phil Stewart, CEO of D&G CAS passed on his best wishes to Elizabeth, “We are sorry to see Elizabeth go. We will miss her experience, her intellect and her steady leadership and management style. All these qualities and attributes have not only ensured the success of the Stranraer bureau but has made a significant contribution to the Service across the entire region. Everyone at D&G CAS wishes her well.”

 

Aldi Seeking Sites For New Supermarkets In Dumfries & Galloway

ALDI SEEKING SITES FOR NEW SUPERMARKETS IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

Aldi has launched a new nationwide initiative to pinpoint prime locations for new store openings and they are looking for potential sites in Dumfries and Galloway.

 

Recognising the invaluable input of its customers, the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket is calling on the nation to help it identify where in Britain needs new Aldi stores most.

 

The areas which have the most suggestions will then be considered as part of Aldi’s commitment to build hundreds of new stores across Britain.

 

Aldi has been on a rapid expansion drive in recent years and has seen its popularity soar as shoppers switch to the supermarket for its lower prices and great quality amid the cost-of-living crisis.

 

The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores – including four across Dumfries & Galloway – and is committed to continuing towards its long-term target of over 1,500 stores across the UK.

 

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We want to make high-quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have potential for more stores.
 
“We’ve identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years.” 

 

Those wanting to put their town forward to be considered should contact the supermarket by emailing NextNewStore@Aldi.co.uk, clearly stating their postcode and why they believe their area needs a new Aldi store.

 

Aldi is asking for suggestions to be submitted by 31 May 2024, with the supermarket planning to update customers on the results and its latest priority ‘wish list’ later this year.

 

For more information on Aldi’s nationwide site requirements, visit: www.aldi.co.uk/about-aldi/property/required-towns

AccessArt Launches Face to Face Exhibition Celebrating Inclusion

AccessArt Launches Face to Face Exhibition Celebrating Inclusion

Turning Point Scotland’s AccessArt Launches Face to Face Exhibition Celebrating Inclusion
From Monday 6 May, Turning Point Scotland’s AccessArt will unveil their collective art exhibition Face to Face at the Stove Café in Dumfries.

Their latest collective artwork exhibition was inspired by the theme for 2024’s Learning Disability Week, Digital Inclusion.

Turning Point Scotland’s AccessArt has been part of the creative community of Dumfries and Galloway for over 20 years, facilitating creative opportunities for individuals and communities who have experienced barriers to inclusion.

Steven Burnie, Senior Arts & Crafts Coordinator at Turning Point Scotland said:
“Technology is shaping our daily lives more than ever and digital inclusion has become increasingly vital.”
“This was most apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown guidelines when video conferencing platforms replaced face-to-face social interaction with digital connection.”
“Face to Face explores the quality of the connections we make online and investigates the notions of both “poor connection” and “good connection”.
“Just as a digital connection can vary in quality, so can social connection and our artwork attempts to visualise this idea.”

Running until the 18 May, AccessArt’s exhibition aims to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion and individuals feeling a sense of belonging to the community.

Turning Point Scotland’s commitment to this continues through AccessArt’s varied programme of creative opportunities they deliver in Dumfries’ Gracefield Arts Centre to individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.

The exhibition takes the form of a series of three-dimensional heads varying in size and levels of complexity. Each head is wrapped in a hand-drawn map that has been semi-abstracted through a process of drawing, collaging and re-drawing.