KIRKCUDBRIGHT’S SUMMER ART EXHIBITION, THE GLASGOW GIRLS 1920-1960 ATTRACTS ITS 12,000TH VISITOR

Kirkcudbright’s Summer Art exhibition, The Glasgow Girls 1920-1960, has just welcomed its 12,000th visitor, marking this as one of the most popular exhibitions arranged by the Kirkcudbright 2000 group.

Surveys are showing that visitors rate the content of the exhibition, gathered from both public and private collections, very highly.

The exhibition should have included exhibits from the Glasgow School of Art but, unfortunately, these loans were cancelled due to the fire in Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s iconic building. Responding to the restoration appeal, and recognising Kirkcudbright’s historic artistic links with Glasgow School of Art, Kirkcudbright 2000 pledged to give to the appeal half of all cash donations given by visitors to The Glasgow Girls. Visitors have reacted superbly and the Kirkcudbright 2000 group is currently on course to send more than £5,000 to the appeal.
 
Joe Campbell, chairman of the Kirkcudbright 2000 Committee, said, “This exhibition has been an eye-opener for many and has given the Glasgow Girls their day in the sun. The public has responded magnificently to the display of different talents and all of us on the organizing committee are grateful for their support.  Kirkcudbright can justifiably claim to be The Artists’ Town and our thanks are due to the willing lenders of works of art, to our volunteers, our splendid young staff who make visitors feel so welcome, and to Dumfries and Galloway Council for its support. It has always been our hope that by attracting thousands of art lovers annually to Kirkcudbright, the town and district will benefit commercially and we feel that is now proved.”

The exhibition runs in Kirkcudbright Town Hall until Monday 25 August 2014.  It is open every day, including Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.. Admission is free but donations are very welcome and half of these will be donated to the Glasgow School of Art fire appeal. 

DUMFRIES FIRE STATION OPEN DAY

Dumfries Community Fire Station held an open day earlier today and DGWGO popped along to take a few pictures. As well as the station’s services there were also displays by partner agencies such as Nith Inshore Rescue.

The most spectacular scene of the day was of the chip pan fire – shown as part of the community safety demonstrations. It was amazing (and pretty scary) to see how an oil fire can quickly combust by adding just a few drops of water. Other demonstrations included firefighters cutting into a car to show how trapped people are rescued.

Also on Display was the Fire Station’s new appliance and its huge range of equipment that enable firefighters to deal with road traffic collisions, water rescues, fires, water rescues and even recovering large animals.

The staff were all great and, despite the rain, managed to ensure a great day for the bumper turnout.

D&G CARRIAGE DRIVING CHALLENGE BRINGS DRIVERS FROM FAR AND WIDE TO REGION

Carriage drivers from Edinburgh, the Borders and Cumbria converged on Boreland at the weekend for the 2nd of this year’s Sports Driving Challenges. Twenty drivers took part in a variety of tests which are designed to put them on an equal footing, regardless of their abilities, disabilities and age.

The twenty participants took part in three different disciplines at the Chariots of Fire Driving Centre on Saturday and Sunday. Four drivers in wheelchairs and one who is completely blind were supported round the course by staff at the centre. Saturday saw them undertake a form of dressage – called
“Inclusive moves” – which encourages safe driving and develops the driver’s ability to deal with regular carriage driving occurrences. In glorious sunshine, they also tackled ‘the cones’ – a course comprised of a series of narrowing obstacles with points awards for its successful negotiation.

The third and final phase took place on Sunday with several of the participants having to drive during the cloudbursts. “The Obstacles” involves driving as fast as possible through a sequence of lettered gates with higher scores for shorter times.

All competitors successfully completed all three disciplines and were awarded a rosette – Special, Bronze, Silver, Gold – depending on their final score. Four drivers achieved Silver rosettes, nine bronzes were awarded and seven specials.

Thanks from all the competitors who enjoyed the exciting weekend to the judges & stewards and to the organisers, John Nisbet & Amanda Saville. Also to Shaw Farm Estate for the use of their fields.

For more information on the disabled driving charity or any other aspects of carriage driving for those with a disability go to: www.sportsdrivingunlimited.org.uk

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY BASED ALBATEC RACING HEAD INTO UNKNOWN IN WORLD RX OF CANADA

 

 

Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — Friday 1 August, 2014: Albatec Racing heads into unknown territory in round seven of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy at World RX of Canada on 7&8 August. Home to the famous GP3R, Trois-Rivières will see the first ever rallycross event take place and will showcase the Lochfoot-based team’s pair of two-litre, 16v Albatec Peugeot 208s in the hands of former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and 2011 British Rallycross Vice-Champion Andy Scott.

Although his home track, the 1.35km World RX configuration will be new to Jacques, but the former Indycar World Series Champion should shine on the predominately tarmac-based layout. While for Team Principal Andy the circuit, set amidst stunning scenery, will no doubt rekindle fond memories of his season in America contesting the Global Rallycross Championship, in which he regularly notched up heat wins on his way to the finals.

Established in 1967, the Trois-Rivières track has previously played host to NASCAR, Canadian Touring Car Championships, Canadian GT Supercar Championship, and Porsche GT3 Ultra94 Canada Challenge Cup among others but 2014 marks an exciting new departure. The first appearance by the 600bhp flame-spitting turbocharged racers, which accelerate faster than F1, 0-60 in under two seconds, will provide a thrilling spectacle to the thousands of spectators.

And no stranger to the GP3R, Jacques will stay on in Canada to contest the JuliaWine.com 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in a Dodge Challenger, which takes place on Sunday, offering yet another opportunity for the locals to marvel at the French-Canadian’s skills.

The World RX event moves away from its traditional two-day format, with track action getting underway with a shakedown test at 22.00 on Thursday evening. Action resumes on Friday morning with a two-hour practice session at 12.00, with four qualifying heats, on the hour, starting at 15.00. The semi finals start at 20.30 followed by the all-important Final at approximately 21.00. Tickets for the event are available from www.gp3r.com and additional event information is available at www.rallycrossrx.com

1 a 1 a alba 59Andy Scott, Team Principal and Driver, Albatec Racing #26:

“I’m extremely excited about racing in Canada, Trois-Rivières is famous across the world, and from what I’ve seen the track and facilities there are superb. All credit to the whole team there for putting this together and of course to Martin Anayi and everyone at IMG.

“The circuit layout looks interesting, while the tarmac/gravel split of 60/40 should suit Jacques’ driving style. I’m just eager to get back to race action after the summer break, and while we naturally needed to get the cars packed up and off to Canada straight from Belgium, leaving little time for any development, I’m confident we can return to semi final pace in Canada and over the second half of the season.”

Jacques Villeneuve, Driver, Albatec Racing #25:

“It’s always a pleasure to race in Quebec, and I’m delighted that I not only get the chance to race the Supercar in World RX but also the Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR event. I always take every opportunity I can to race here, especially at Trois-Rivières, a place that is always linked closely with the Villeneuve name.

“Although it’s my home track, the rallycross configuration will be as new to me as will be to everyone else until the very first test on Thursday. However I’m sure the track surface there will suit my driving style very well, so I’m feeling quite confident ahead of the race and looking forward to driving in front of the enthusiastic home crowd.”

50 SHADES OF BLACK AND GOLD , ANNAN ATHLETIC HOLD LADIES DAY

DSC_674450 Shades of Black and Gold
Annan Athletic Football Club looks forward to welcoming an enthusiastic crowd to their ever popular Ladies’ Day – 50 Shades of Black and Gold. With a host of fun activities, sparkling lunch and dapper footballers, it promises to be a great day out, no matter what the score.
Taking place on the 13th of September when Annan Athletic FC play Berwick Rangers, ladies are encouraged to get their glad rags on as there will be prizes for best dressed and the person who best embodies their black and gold theme.
Starting off at the Queensberry Arms Hotel, there will be a three course meal with wine, then a courtesy bus to the ground for a cocktail before guests are welcomed to their priority seating area with the Directors. With half time hospitality, and drinks after the game, this will be a fabulous day out to remember. There will be plenty of opportunities to get photographs with the players after the game and to meet the manager.
Club Chairman, Henry McClelland, commented:
“I am delighted we are holding a Ladies Day again, as it has been so popular in the past. At the last Ladies Day at Galabank, held in a marquee, our special guest was Campbell Ogilvie, president of the Scottish FA. To his credit he came out of the marquee unscathed! This year we are delighted to be holding the lunch at the Queensberry Arms as they are great supporters of the Club.
Here at Annan Athletic we rely so much on the local community, Ladies Day gives us the chance to show that football has come a long way and it is a sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We already have a significant number of female members who are regulars at the club, I’m sure a good number of them will already be looking forward to the occasion, there is already a decent amount of interest in the event and we only announced it this week!”
Tickets can be booked through Alison Ball at alison@alicatcreative.co.uk or on 07968 497 420.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY TO JOIN IN IN WORLD RECORD BREAST FEEDING ATTEMPT

A world record-breaking attempt on Friday will launch a week of events in the region to promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

The Big Latch On has been organised by support groups to mark World Breastfeeding Week.

Until next Friday, a series of awareness raising events will be run by support groups across Dumfries and Galloway.

The Big Latch On starts at 10am at Nona Lou’s in the Old School, Dumfries and runs simultaneously at the Richard Greenhowe Centre in Gretna.

Mum2Mum Friends, one of the organisers alongside Bump and Baby Friends, continue to mark the week on Monday afternoon, from 1-3pm in Dumfries at the NHS Mum2Mum Drop-In.

New, old and future breastfeeding parents and friends are invited to join them for tea and cake to celebrate not only Breastfeeding Awareness Week but the first anniversary of the local Breastpump Loan Scheme.

Lynsey Fitzpatrick from Mum2Mum Friends said: “We have a lot to celebrate this year. The local Mum2Mum Friends community continues to grow, NHS Dumfries and Galloway have achieved UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation, and we are celebrating a successful first year of the breastpump loan scheme.
“The loan scheme is something we are especially proud to be celebrating as it was campaigned for, and ultimately developed, by Mum2Mum Friends – and is now providing this invaluable support to mums across Dumfries and Galloway”.

Activities take place across the region all week and are open to anyone looking for further information. Activities and information will also be available online at www.facebook.com/groups/mum2mumfriends

The line-up of events are:

Friday August 1: Big Latch On – 10am, Nona Lou’s, The Old School, Dumfries / Richard Greenhowe Centre, Gretna

Saturday August 2: Mum2MumFriends @ Dumfries Show – Baby Tent – feeding area, babychanging, slings, real nappies, play, advice

Drop-In Celebrations

Monday August 4: 1-3pm MUM2MUM, off Charlotte Street Car Park, Dumfries

 

Tuesday August 5: 1.30 – 3pm Mid Annandale Playcare, Lockerbie

10 – 12 – Bairns Group, St Ninians Church Hall, Newton Stewart

 

Wednesday August 6: – 1 – 2.30pm United Reformed Church, Annan

 

Thursday August 7: – 11.30 – Bump & Baby Friends, Farmers Den, Annan

 

Friday August 8: 1-3pm – Park Children’s Services Centre, Stranraer

 

More info at http://biglatchon.org/

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY TO BE REPRESENTED IN EDINBURGH TO MARK THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF WW1

Commemorating the start of World War I: Drumhead Service, Edinburgh 10 August 2014

On 10 August, a unique and moving Drumhead Service is going to be held at Edinburgh Castle to commemorate the start of the First World War 100 years ago. Over 50 people will represent Dumfries and Galloway at this service including a number of young people. They will join others from communities from all over Scotland. Members of the public now have the opportunity to apply for tickets to join in this special occasion.

The Drumhead Service marks the start of the Scottish programme to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War. This event is being organised by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The intention is to involve all sections of the Scottish community in an event which sets an appropriate tone at the start of the commemorative period. Dumfries and Galloway will be sending representatives to be part of this commemoration.

It is an event for the communities of Scotland which will reflect the various moods and emotions in August 1914 of those enlisting for military service and those left behind. It will remember the role and sacrifice of Scottish servicemen and servicewomen. It will also encourage a spirit of inquiry and research about the broad impact of the war and its lasting social and civic legacy – an important aim for all the commemorative period. It is also hoped that it will encourage young people to learn about the significance of the war, likewise an ambition for the centenary as a whole.

After the Service, the Tri-Service contingents on Parade will ‘March as to War’ down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park. The congregation will also have the opportunity to process down the Royal Mile if they would like to. In Holyrood Park, there will be an opportunity to place personal or community markers at the Memorial of 145 replicas of Commonwealth War Grave Commission headstones.

Members of the public who would like to apply for one of the 1000 tickets that are available for this First World War Service can do so by applying online at www.WW100Scotland.com

More information about the Scottish Commemorations Programme can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Review/WW1-Commemoration-Panel

Council Veterans Champion, Cllr Archie Dryburgh said “World War 1 affected our region with many women and men giving their lives or suffering serious injury during the war effort. This commemorative service is an opportunity for all Scottish communities to come together to pay their respects and to reflect together. It will be an honour to be part of it. I would encourage anyone interested in attending to apply for tickets so that they too can join in this unique commemoration at Edinburgh.”

 

Main Photo , Kirkcudbright War Memorial , Copyright R.B Photography

 

FINAL CALL FROM ELECTRIC THEATRE WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS TO BECOME ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

Electric Theatre Workshop is looking for the next young creative to follow in the footsteps of 2013/14 Associate Artist, Jordan Chisholm

As she moves on to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Jordan urges young people to apply for the ‘once in a lifetime chance’ to be Electric Theatre’s next Associate Artist.
Applications are now open for young people interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts to become this year’s Associate Artist – an experience that Jordan described as ‘invaluable’.
Speaking about her time at Electric Theatre, she said: “The skills and lessons I have learnt on this internship have been crucial to my development and given me a new career path, one which I am very excited to begin.
“The journey has not been without its obstacles but it has shaped me into the individual I have become.
“It has been an irreplaceable adventure and I know that I will never forget it. It really was a once in a lifetime chance.”
As Associate Artist she has taken creative control of several high profile works. She has written and performed her own solo show – Jordan, Herself & Id – which premiered at Big Burns Supper 2014.
Jordan became a youth arts leader, directing Dumfries Youth Theatre in a play which was performed at National Theatre Connections festival in Edinburgh. She also set up Dumfries & Galloway Youth Theatre to make the performing arts accessible to young people across the whole region.
She has also been involved in the day-to-day running of Electric Theatre to gain a deeper understanding of what it is like working in a creative company.
Starting in September, Jordan will study contemporary performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow – one of the world’s leading institutes for drama training.

Catherine Major, Associate Director of Engagement at Electric Theatre, said: “Jordan’s contribution this year has been immeasurable. Over the year we’ve seen her really take ownership of the creative process and gain confidence in her abilities“She’s a very honest and exciting artist – we can’t wait to see the work she creates during her course. And like all our young talent, she’s always got a home here at Electric Theatre.”

Karen Ward-Boyd, Director of the Holywood Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate Jordan; she has worked hard, been open to new ideas and experiences, all of which has paid off with her offer of a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to follow in Jordan’s footsteps and take the opportunity offered by Electric Theatre Workshop – it really is a unique experience within Dumfries & Galloway.”

Young artists who want to apply for the Associate Artist Programme can apply by contacting Associate Director Justin Hyslop on justin@electrictheatreworkshop.com or 01387 271 820. The deadline for applications is Friday 15th August at 5pm. Interview will be held week beginning Monday 25th August.

CALLING TIME ON DRINK DRIVERS IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

Police in Dumfries and Galloway are warning drivers of the consequences of drink driving and reminding them that patrols will continue to target offenders.

The warning comes after three drivers were caught in the space of five hours last night (Wednesday 30 July).

A 38 year old man, a 22 year old man and an 18 year old woman will all be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to drink driving offences committed between last night and the early hours of this morning (Thursday 31 July). All the drivers were caught in the Stranraer area and were all well over the drink drive limit.

Inspector Neil Hewitson head of the Roads Policing Unit in Dumfries and Galloway said: “In recent years we have highlighted the consequences of drink driving. The effect it can have on your career, your loved ones and your life. If you drive a vehicle for a living you can lose your job, or if it’s your second drink drive offence you can lose your car. It can also bring devastating effects on other road users and pedestrians.

“The fact that multiple drivers are being caught each and every week proves that some people are so brazen and either don’t think they will be caught or simply don’t care if they do. A driver who doesn’t care about their safety and the safety of others should not be on the road. Remember you can still be reported for drink driving if you decide to try to sleep in your vehicle whilst still under the influence of alcohol.

“So many lives have been affected negatively by these arrogant attitudes of a minority of drivers. Do not stand for it, help save lives, if you suspect a drink driver, call us at the time so we can act and make the roads safer.

“These arrests show that our patrols are needed and we will continue to pro-actively target and report drink drivers. At this time of the year when we have many galas and agricultural shows in the region we will increase patrols so do not be surprised if you are stopped and breathalysed. I would urge you to learn from the mistakes of others. Don’t risk it; don’t risk your life and the lives of others. It is simply a chance not worth taking.

“Drink driving is a serious offence and the courts treat it as that. It you are caught you can expect a ban, a heavy fine, increased insurance premiums and in some cases ordered to re-sit your test. If you are a repeat offender or are over twice the limit, you will also be kept in police custody.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY EMERGENCY SERVICES ATTEND 2 HGV COLLISION ON M74

Two men were taken to hospital after a motorway collision between two heavy goods vehicles in Dumfries and Galloway this morning (Thursday 31 July).

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews were mobilised from Annan, Gretna and Lockerbie – along with the incident support vehicle from Dumfries – shortly before 11:30am in response to a request for assistance from Police Scotland.

The incident occurred as one of the lorries was stationary on the hard shoulder of the northbound M74 at junction 19 near Ecclefechan.

It resulted in one man being trapped in the cabin of his jack-knifed vehicle and another being thrown over the crash barrier and down an embankment at the side of the carriageway.

Watch Manager Phil Birkett, the incident commander, said: “When we arrived one of the casualties was already in the care of the ambulance service and police and highways agency officers had implemented an excellent scene-safety operation.

“Our firefighters immediately began work to stabilise the HGV with the trapped driver and ensure he was safely released.

“The position of the cabin meant our crews were operating in difficult circumstances. We were also working very closely with paramedics to care for the casualty throughout the road rescue.

“Hydraulic cutting equipment was used to create an opening in the driver-side door, which we were then able to get the casualty out through.”

Both men were taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary by road ambulance.

The SFRS crews from Lockerbie, Annan and Gretna serve their communities as firefighters on the retained duty system (RDS), which means they come from other walks of life to protect the areas where they live and work.

These firefighters also commit to attending weekly training sessions – known as drill nights – at their local station, which develops and maintains the specialist skills modern fire and rescue crews need.

An annual retainer fee – starting at £2,137 – is paid in return for their service, together with additional payments for every incident and training night they attend.

Rural and remote communities throughout Scotland rely on RDS crews who live and work close to their local fire station.

SFRS wants to hear from anyone interested in becoming an RDS firefighter and the service believes there may be men or women who are at home while their children are at school who could potentially provide cover during daytime hours.

This specific approach has already been used in Wales where it saw a positive response from the public.

To find out more about becoming a local hero visit the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk, or to complete an application form to join the RDS, visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk and search for ‘Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’.