The new season of the Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club begins on Tuesday 5th September in The Crichton Golf Club commencing at 7.30pm.
Guest Artiste for the opening night of the season will be popular Northumberland band leader Robert Whitehead. Robert is a regular face, and player, at accordion clubs all over, along with his band he was a guest of the Dumfries Club back in 2019 in the pre covid era.
Along with Robert and the band there will also be local, visiting supporting players enjoying a tune, along with the grand raffle draw as part of the evening.
John Caskie, secretary, will act as compere introducing all the players and the guest artistes.
The full line up of guests for the 2023 / 2024 season for the Dumfries Club has been announced and copies of the guest list will be available for uplift on Tuesday 5th.
Admission is £5.00 with local supporting players admitted free. A warm welcome from the committee will be assured to all.
Further details on the Dumfries Accordion and Fiddle Club can be obtained from Secretary John M Caskie MBE 07711573071 [email protected]
This coming Sunday 3rd of September, Castle Douglas Development Forum along with the help of Dumfries and Galloway Council, are hosting a Family Cyclocross Festival, at Lochside Park – as part of the D&G Council summer of cycling programme.
The day is set to be fun filled for all ages. With local producer and food stalls, arts and craft, live music, Bippity clowning, colouring competition, local charity gazebos, as well as the fun family races.
Cyclocross is a part of the British Cycling organisation and is a form of racing which is a mix between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. You can expect to see on the day skinny tyres, mud, short, hurdles, obstacles, and intense fun action.
The day starts at 10.30am with registration for the races if you wish to enter. The race times and categories as follows: Race 1:
11am – Kids come and try. 15-20 minutes of laps. Short loop always visible from start finish. No pressure. No podium. Everyone crosses finish line. Race 2:
12:30pm – Family relay: 20 minutes laps, alternating riders, swapping in and out with family members. Race 3:
14:00 – Cross CD: 30 minutes plus, one lap. Technical loop with obstacles. Natural elements and trails, mainly grass area.
The event takes place around the new community asset transfer of the old activity centre (now rebranded as Crannog Campus) and will offer on the day a pop up café, toilets and changing rooms for participants.
John Whittaker, who is managing the races says ‘ I am really looking forward to an exciting opportunity for riders to have fun on our family Cyclo-cross course in Lochside Park. We want to see folk of all abilities give it a go, from tiny Tom Piddcoks to the mega Matthieu Van Der Pouls the course will be short and exciting. Starting the day with the youngest riders, followed by a family relay (one adult and one kid) per team and ending with a chance for everyone to get out there and earn their stripes.’
Amanda Burney, CDDF’s Community Engagement Officer states ‘The day will be lots of fun for everyone of all ages. Last year’s CDCX event was so popular, and we are delighted to be able to offer everyone a chance at taking part in cyclocross racing this time. We have worked hard to have lots of entertainment for the day, as well as showcasing local businesses and charities. This is set to be a great day of fun and competition.’
The growing homelessness crisis in Dumfries and Galloway has led local housing authorities to implement unconventional solutions, including the temporary use of caravans to provide shelter for those in need.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that, at any given time, up to 50 individuals could be residing in local bed and breakfast establishments due to homelessness.
Council members at Dumfries and Galloway Council recently acknowledged the pressing challenges they face in securing short-term accommodations for individuals who find themselves without housing. As a response to the urgency, the council has expanded its efforts by collaborating with housing associations and private landlords to procure additional properties suitable for emergency housing cases.
During a recent session of the council’s communities committee, a council member stated, “We are exploring a wide range of accommodation options. In some cases, we have utilized caravans as a temporary measure. However, it’s important to ensure that any accommodation we provide aligns with the criteria established in the unsuitable accommodation order.”
To address the escalating homelessness issue, council members reviewed a new five-year homelessness strategy.
The strategy’s focal points include a response to the increased demand for housing support, exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent rise in living costs. This has led to a rise in individuals seeking assistance from the council due to their homelessness circumstances.
The scheme encompasses all temporary stays and is designed to establish a consistent set of standards applicable to short-term lets across Scotland.
The licensing requirement applies to all types of short-term accommodation, even if hosts only sporadically rent out a spare room or engage in sub-letting while away on holiday. This move aims to ensure a regulated and satisfactory experience for guests.
For existing hosts who have hosted guests prior to 1 October 2022, the deadline for applying for a licence is set for 1 October 2023. During this period, these hosts can continue to operate while their licence applications are under review. On the other hand, new hosts entering the scene after 1 October 2022 must secure a licence before they can commence taking bookings or accommodating guests.
Prospective licensees with accommodations in Dumfries and Galloway need to apply for the licence through the Dumfries and Galloway Council. The application process can be completed on the official council website: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/short-term-lets.
There are certain prerequisites that accommodations must adhere to in order to qualify for the license. These include mandatory conditions applicable to all, while local councils retain the authority to impose additional conditions.
In instances where the accommodation falls within a designated short-term let control area, possessing or applying for planning permission is a requirement for obtaining the licence. If the accommodation is not situated in a control area, the necessity for planning permission still stands, potentially influencing the acquisition of a short-term licence. Interested parties can verify these particulars with the planning department of Dumfries and Galloway Council via their website: www.dumgal.gov.uk/planning, email: [email protected], or phone: 01387 260199.
The licensing fees are not uniform and vary based on the size and capacity of the accommodation. For specific details pertaining to Dumfries and Galloway, interested individuals can consult the provided resources:
For in-person inquiries, the Housing and Licensing Standards office of Dumfries and Galloway Council can be visited at Militia House, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2HR. This new licensing scheme aims to enhance the quality and accountability of short-term accommodations in the region, fostering a safer and more regulated environment for both hosts and guests alike.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 5th, will feature two performances, the first at 5:00 pm and the second at 8:00 pm. Doors are set to open one hour before each show, allowing attendees ample time to settle in.
Audiences can anticipate a lively and entertaining evening as the talented cast of 16 Thai performers bring their unique blend of humour, cheekiness, and elegance to the stage.
The Lady Boys of Bangkok’s reputation for delivering captivating renditions of popular hits performed by skilled showbiz artists is sure to be a highlight of the evening. With a focus on theatrically choreographed sequences and a visually striking array of more than 400 costumes, the production promises a feast for the senses.
School visits to Robert Burns’ farm near Dumfries will be free with subsidised travel costs, thanks to a grant from the Holywood Trust.
The £69,296 boost will partly fund three jobs for young people in heritage and tourism at Ellisland Museum and Farm near Dumfries.
The young Ellisland team, Caitlin MacLeod, 24, Sarah White, 23 and Georgia Watson, 21, celebrated the good news this month with Holywood Trust Chair Clara Weatherall and Director Karen Ward-Boyd, who presented a symbolic cheque.
The donation allows Ellisland to continue an education programme based on the Curriculum for Excellence used in Scottish schools. Teachers should contact Ellisland now to book their class or school visit.
As well as history and literature, pupils can learn about drama, agriculture, food production and environmental issues. Hands-on activities include butter making workshops that use methods similar to those of Burns’ young wife Jean Armour, who ran a dairy on the farm in the late 1700s.
Joan McAlpine, Project Director at The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust said:
“The Holywood Trust’s generosity is in the spirit of Burns, who loved children and valued education highly. He was only 29 when he came here and Jean was 23 – so it’s fitting that our future rests on young shoulders. The grant has already allowed us to hold a family fun day which was enjoyed by scores of children and helped us achieve our museum accreditation. It will also ensure we have enough staff capacity to prepare a lottery application to hopefully secure the site’s longer term future.
“Georgia, is a Dumfries and Galloway girl who recently graduated from university in Edinburgh and this funding allows her to begin an interesting career close to home. Sarah is also local and an Open University student while Caitlin came to us from Glasgow after her post graduate in Museum Education. Keeping and attracting young talent is so important for the future of our region.”
“The grant means no school in Dumfries and Galloway will be prevented from visiting Ellisland on the grounds of cost. Entrance and teaching materials are free, and we work with teachers to deliver tailored experiences. Last year we even put on a lunchtime Burns supper in our Tam o Shanter barn with Moffat Academy!”
Bookings are open now for the current academic year. They can be made for groups of up to 30 children or spread over time for larger numbers.
A’ the way to Galloway is an exciting new project which puts the traditional music of Galloway centre stage during September and October.
Audiences can attend concerts and workshops, and learn more about the history of local music making at a conference hosted by the ‘Glenkens Story’.
The performers, who all have close links to the area, are Jo Miller (song and fiddle), Amy Geddes (fiddle and viola), Robyn Stapleton (song), Neil Sutcliffe (piano, song, accordions and concertina), and Steve Sutcliffe (concertinas).
They have recently launched a CD, described as ‘an outstanding and totally enjoyable album whose considerable virtues don’t need to shout or dominate in order to enchant or delight’ (David Kidman). It features items from local song-makers, including ‘Buchts o Knockreoch’ by Logan Paterson of New Galloway, older repertoire such as ‘Braes of Galloway’ by William Nicholson – ‘The Bard of Galloway’ – as well as new tunes and song settings by the group. This music has thrived in intimate environments like homes, rural schools and small halls, and the musical arrangements and performances recreate that intimacy. Audiences will be able to participate in chorus singing and perhaps even a dance!
Instrumentalists of all ages can get to know the music better by coming along to one of the workshops with Amy and Neil, focusing on tune learning and accompaniment. Singers can join Robyn and Jo to sample Galloway’s rich song tradition. Music reading is not essential!
You can join the musical journey A’ the way to Galloway:
Sat. 1st September, Quarrymen’s Arts Centre, Creetown (tune workshop 2pm, concert 7.30pm)
Pictured left to right: Kevin Clark, Committee Member of Eastriggs Community Group, Alan Somerville, Senior Development
Officer – CHA, Rob Holliday, Chairperson of Eastriggs Community Group
Alan Somerville, Senior Development Officer of Cunninghame Housing Association recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to members of the Eastriggs Community Group.
Eastriggs Community Group is a constituted voluntary organisation formed to fund raise and carry out community work to benefit the area and the local community.
The Community Group liaises with Dumfries & Galloway Council on issues that affect the community including roads, pavements, war memorial, planning etc. They also assist with the delivery of many community projects such as the Christmas event and social space maintenance. Most recently, the group are seeking to purchase and install a defibrillator within the area, ‘The Green’. Given this area has witnessed some regeneration over recent years, they recognise the increased footfall and need for such a facility.
Funding was provided by Cunninghame Housing Association to assist in purchasing a defibrillator to be installed at ‘The Green’ which will prove to be a vital asset in the area. Isabelle Clark, Secretary and Treasurer of the group commented, “We are very grateful for Cunninghame Housing Association’s contribution. With the help of the Making Our Communities fund we are able to procure a defibrillator for the Green quicker”.
Lesley Keenan, Chairperson of CHA commented, “We are delighted to be able to provide financial support to Eastriggs Community Group, assisting with the purchase and installation of a defibrillator.
Having a defibrillator close by can help save a life, and if that is only one person, then it is worth having such a vital facility”.
The funding for the Eastriggs Community Group came from the Associations “Making Our Communities a Better Place Fund” which operates throughout the year (1 st April to 31 st March) until the allocated funding is exhausted.
Local Groups or individuals interested in finding out more about the Associations Making Our Communities Better Places Fund can do so by visiting our website http://cunninghamehousing.org where you can also download an application form.
Scottish Curling are delighted to announce that the Scottish national curling championships 2024 will take place at Dumfries Ice Bowl.
The venue delivered an outstanding tournament in 2023 with top ice conditions and an arena-setting that added to the excitement and feel of the event.
‘It’s fantastic to know that our national championships have a home for 2024,’ said Scottish Curling’s competitions manager Charlene Graham.
‘We’d like to thank Dumfries Curling for their commitment; everyone involved in the championships is working hard to ensure this event is a focal point in the calendar and brings together the top curlers from across Scotland. I have no doubt that we can achieve this vision together with the team at the Ice Bowl.’
Dumfries Ice Bowl made its debut as host of the Scottish championships in 2022 and went into its second round in February this year. Besides sublime ice quality, the venue offered on- and off-ice visitor activities and managed to engage the local community in the event. The arena-setting elevated the tournament to the feeling of an international championship and created a special atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike.
Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee, commented: ‘For many years the Council has worked tirelessly to bring major winter sports events to the Ice Bowl, and we are thrilled that a partnership between Dumfries Curling and Scottish Curling has brought the Scottish Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships to Dumfries in the 2023-24 season.
‘We are delighted to be able to hold such a prestigious event in Dumfries and Galloway Council’s venue at the Ice Bowl and we extend our best wishes to all the competitors, officials and volunteers who will no doubt make the event a success.’
Councillor Jackie McCamon, the Vice-Chair of the Communities Committee, added: ‘It is great to welcome so many competitors and spectators to Dumfries and Galloway for the Scottish Curling championships. Curling is a wonderful sport to watch and play and thriving in our area. We hope to convert more people to the sport through continuing to bring big tournaments to the Ice Bowl.’
We look forward to returning to Dumfries in the upcoming season and to creating sustained success and popularity of the Scottish championships. There are more exciting news about the event to come, so keep an eye on the Scottish Curling website and social channels.
Focus Motor Store Proudly Revives Suzuki Franchise in Dumfries against the Current Tide
In an era where shifts in the automotive landscape have seen some brands departing, there’s a heart-warming beacon of resilience shining through at Focus Motor Store in Dumfries.
The highly anticipated return of the Suzuki Franchise has not only revitalized the showroom but also reinforced the invaluable role local businesses play in community vitality.
A Return That Speaks Volumes
In a bold move that defies the trends, Focus Motor Store is making waves by reintroducing the renowned Suzuki Franchise to its repertoire. As other names step back, this return underscores the store’s unwavering commitment to delivering a diverse array of options tailored to the unique preferences of the Dumfries community.
Employee Voices
Ryan Higginson, Director at Focus Motor Store
“The return of the Suzuki Franchise to Dumfries signifies our allegiance to catering to our community’s dynamic needs,” shares Ryan Higginson, Director at Focus Motor Store. His words encapsulate the dedication that fuels this return.
Chris Robinson, Sales Executive at Focus Motor Store
“The Suzuki Franchise’s return is a display of our dedication to providing not just vehicles, but tailored experiences that elevate our customers’ driving journeys,” emphasizes Chris Robinson, Sales Executive at Focus Motor Store. Chris is ready to guide prospective buyers in unlocking the full potential of Suzuki’s line-up.”
Codie Palmer, Showroom Host
“With the showroom buzzing with Suzuki’s return, we are redefining the automotive experience for our customers,” declares Codie Palmer, Showroom Host. Codie’s sentiment encapsulates the tangible excitement coursing through Focus Motor Store.”
Suzukis arrive at Focus Motor Store in Dumfries
A Multifaceted Success Story: Local Representatives of Prestigious Brands
Focus Motor Store stands not only as the revived home of the Suzuki Franchise but also as the local franchisee representative for two other distinguished brands: Kia and Mitsubishi.
As the authorized representatives for these renowned automotive names, Focus Motor Store continues to define what it means to be a true leader in exceptional service and community engagement.
This dealership’s remarkable journey includes securing a prestigious national award and embodying a commitment that extends beyond a single brand.
Invitation to Rediscover
Dumfries residents are invited to witness the rekindled Suzuki magic first-hand. The showroom stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community-oriented businesses and offers an opportunity to explore the diverse Suzuki line-up.
This return is a reminder that despite the shifting tides, Focus Motor Store stands strong, with an unwavering focus on community well-being.
As Focus Motor Store welcomes Suzuki back into its fold, it serves as a potent reminder that the automotive realm isn’t just about cars; it’s a realm of shared experiences, resilience, and a celebration of the local spirit.
For inquiries and further information, visit Focus Motor Store on Terregles Street, Dumfries or explore online at www.focusmotorstore.com
Dumfries Ice Bowl made its debut as host of the Scottish championships in 2022 and went into its second round in February this year. Besides sublime ice quality, the venue offered on- and off-ice visitor activities and managed to engage the local community in the event. The arena-setting elevated the tournament to the feeling of an international championship and created a special atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike.
