YOUTH BEATZ BRINGS BACK WORLD OF WONKA FOR 2014

 

The Interactive Youth Information Zone returns to Youth Beatz on the 9th August 2014. The interactive youth information zone has run for a number of years and has been the hub for getting young people involved in what has been described as “a brilliant way of educating and making you think!” This year, WILLY WONKA will once again take young people on a journey through his world, meeting a number of familiar faces along the way.

With the aim of meaningfully raising awareness of a range of issues affecting the lives of young people, WORLD OF WONKA is a fresh take on addressing these issues.

The young performers and the stage crew, who can be seen throughout the day at YOUTH BEATZ 2014, completed a 2 week Performance and Production Course named ‘Wonka Camp’, planning World of Wonka and developing the new show and props so new and relevant issues can be explored at this year’s event. The intensive course was packed full of performance training, script writing, costume and set production, as well as vital learning around the issues that the experience will look to explore with those who venture inside on the day. As you follow Willy Wonka around his factory, you’ll meet a number of characters including Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Michaela Teavee and Charlie Bucket covering issues such as bullying, body image, drugs & Alcohol, diversity, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Exploitation and more.

This year’s World of Wonka event can also be seen at Youth Beatz The Fringe between the 4th and 7th August 2014. These shows will provide the opportunity for more young people to experience the hard hitting messages that World of Wonka delivers as well as letting partners see the hard work and commitment of young people involved in the project and will further promote the close links that Community Learning and Development has in the enhancement of learning for life for all young people in Nithsdale.

So for those who want to tour the factory then look for the ticket booth at Youth Beatz, and prepare to step into a world of imagination and wonder.

The World of Wonka is brought to you by Community Learning & Development Service Nithsdale, working in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland, Support in Mind, ISSU18, Alcohol & Drugs Partnership, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Health D&G and Police Scotland.

Funding has this year been secured through The Young Start Lottery Fund, The Alcohol and Drug’s Partnership, Domestic Abuse Partnership and Looking Forward Not Back to ensure the experience can be available to more 12 – 25 year olds on the day. So if you are at Youth Beatz, and you want to take a step into the unknown, either during the day or at night then Wonka is the place to be.

 

POLICE PRAISE WICKERMAN REVELLERS ON BEHAVIOUR

Police Scotland officers in Dumfries and Galloway are praising the public who attended the Wickerman Festival at the weekend for their good behaviour over the three days.

There were only a few matters of disorder and thefts reported. Approximately one hundred people and a number of vehicles were stopped and searched in relation to drugs offences which resulted in approximately £3000 worth of illegal drugs being seized with a number of persons being reported for drug supply and possession offences. These figures, on the back of around 17,000 who attended over the weekend, show that only a handful were involved in this type of behaviour and they were removed from the Wickerman Festival site due to the drugs policy that was in place by the event organisers.

As the festival goers left on Sunday, those driving off the site were offered the opportunity to take a voluntary breathalyser test to check on their fitness to drive on the public roads and there were no reported issues on the road network reported.

Chief Inspector Irvine Watson, Galloway Area Commander said: “We want to thank those who attended the festival for their generally good behaviour, and cooperation with the police and other agencies involved in the security and wellbeing of all those on site over the weekend. We have developed good working relationships with the organisers over the years and this experience helped towards a professionally run event. I would also acknowledge the excellent standard of the security and stewards who assisted us over the weekend.

“Our policing operation ran smoothly and this is down in no small part to the engagement of local officers with the festival goers and the sensible attitude and good behaviour of the majority who attended. Attendees made the most of the excellent weather we had over the weekend, particularly on Thursday and Friday, and there was a general good natured feel to the whole weekend. The low numbers of arrests is a credit to those who came along to the festival.

 

Pictures Copyright R.B Photography

WICKERMAN BLAZES IN SUNSHINE AS MARTHA REEVES , SHED SEVEN AND DIZZIE RASCAL SHINE ON SUMMERISLE STAGE

‘Just Like a Heatwave!’

Wickerman Blazes in Sunshine as Martha Reeves, Shed Seven and Dizzie Rascal Shine on Summerisle Stage

 

DSC_2746When Motown legend Martha Reeves belted out her class track ‘Heatwave’ on Wickerman’s main Summerisle stage yesterday afternoon (Friday 25th July), the close to capacity crowd roared their approval. Because Friday’s Wickerman Festival, nestled in the rolling green hills of Dumfries and Galloway, was bathed in unbroken sunshine as campers, music fans and families began to gather on site for a day of great music and entertainment.

Under the gaze of a kilted 40 foot Homecoming Wickerman, posed this year in a spectacular highland fling, the sweet sounds of Galloway singing / songwriting duo ‘The Mermaids’ (aka sisters Rosie and Ellen Macfarlane) opened the main stage, as the arena came to life with the festival’s biggest array of attractions and entertainment to date.

The main Summerisle stage treated the growing crowd to indie-pop favourites The Hosts, the foot-stomping folk rock sounds of Skinny Lister and then Dumfries & Galloway’s own Finding Albert, currently one of Scotland’s most hotly-tipped acts whose energetic set didn’t disappoint.

Up next was the distinctive synth-pop sounds of Glasgow’s Prides who delighted sun-drenched crowds with a powerful performance, followed by Brooklyn indie-rockers Augustines who kept the party atmosphere going into the late afternoon.

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgRE2oyTDL4&list=UUW1U-RIjWZp9zqo0Pip-f3g” width=”560″ height=”315″]

As temperatures cooled slightly, the very warmest of Wickerman welcomes greeted R&B superstar Martha Reeves as she took to the Summerisle stage with the Vandellas in tow, whipping the audience into a frenzy with the highlights of her incredible back catalogue – including ‘Heatwave’, ‘Nowhere to Run’ and of course ‘Dancing in the Streets’. Responsible for the first big Wicker singalong of the day, she even treated fans to an impromptu Scottish jig as she departed the stage leaving everyone cheering for more.

Wickerman favourites Alabama 3 pulled a huge Summerisle crowd in their second visit to the Dundrennan site, once again pulling off an electrifying performance to accompany their unique alt-rock sound.
As the sun began to set, Shed Seven treated Wicker fans to a set of pure Britpop magic. Charismatic frontman Rick Witter kicked things off by storming into the crowd to greet his fans. The band’s distinctive guitars, live horn section and Witter’s soaring vocals then rang out across the arena as the crowd bounced along to classics like ‘Going for Gold’, ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and a surprise rendition of Springsteen classic ‘Born to Run’.

With the Wickerman crowd chanting his name, the festival’s man of the hour Dizzee Rascal took to the stage to close the first day of the festival. The London-born hip hop legend was a surprise booking for Wickerman but delivered a headline set that will go down in Wickerman history, with an incredible, high-octane set packed with hits like ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Dance wiv Me’ that had every Wicker hand waving high in the air.

Wickerman is renowned for a line-up crammed with the widest range of music in the business, and this year was no different with incredible performances across the festival’s many stages. Roddy Woomble, Have Mercy Las Vegas and Esperanza played the Acoustic Village; the famous Scooter Tent was at capacity throughout the day, building to a classic Scooter finale of Sonic Boom Six and headliners The Beat; and the ever-popular Reggae Tent hosted by Explosion Soundsystem and the dance-lovers Bass Camp headlined by Silicone Soul entertained until the early hours of Saturday morning. A mix of the very best new Scottish music was also showcased across the Solus and goNORTH Festival stages, with performances from hotly tipped Neon Waltz, Broken Records and Young Fathers.

This year the Wickerman site was also packed with fun for all the family, with children’s performances and music, an SFA football pitch, the funfair, bucking bronco, chilled out bars and delicious gourmet food stands and much more scattered across the festival fields.

The relaxed Lowland Links tent, planned in association with EventScotland as part of Wickerman’s Year of Homecoming celebrations, attracted a steady flow of fans across the day, taking up the chance to paint their family tree, learn about the history of local clans and enjoy a line-up of great traditional Scottish music from the Dumfries and Galloway area.

Wickerman Festival Co-ordinator Helen Chalmers congratulated both artists and fans for getting this year’s festival off to a great start. ‘Our opening Friday has had all the right ingredients for a brilliant Wickerman day, with memorable performances, a relaxed happy atmosphere and a great crowd of music fans enjoying the sunshine. At this stage we have just a few tickets left until we reach capacity so there’s still time for anyone looking to join our party to come along. Yesterday really was a wonderful start to this year’s festival and we have another day of Wickerman magic in store for fans on Saturday.’
Inspector Amanda Scott of Police Scotland commented: ‘The Wickerman crowd has been very well behaved and we hope that continues throughout the rest of the weekend so that we continue to enjoy a trouble-free festival.’

DGWGO FRIDAY FOCUS /DUMFRIES YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP

1 a 1 a Dugals Friday FocusDGWGO Were Contacted this week by  a voluntary group called Dumfries global ed group this is a group of local young people who all volunteer weekly in there local community.

 

 

Their slogan is “inform educate others understand act change”. This group are going off to Australia in September where there will be taking part in a world conference and a youth 1 a 1 a oz 1conference which is ran by IAVE (international association for volunteer effort). Where the group will also be delivering workshops to other young people around volunteering and in particular volunteering with you people who have additional support needs and disabilities.

The group have already raised over £37,000 and to do a final push for the final amount they need to raise ,They are holding a quiz night on Friday the 25th of July ( Tonight) for over 18s at Summerhill Community centre with entry at £2 a ticket.

 

Below is how the group describe themselves

We are a group of young people who volunteer in our local community and we plan to take our volunteering experiences further afield. We have been given the opportunity to take part in the International Association of Volunteer Effort (IAVE) World Youth Conference in Australia in September this year. As well as taking part in the conference we will  co facilitate workshops with professional facilitators and also deliver a workshop of our own at the conference.

Fundraising has been a main priority so far to pay for conference fees, flights and accommodation. While in Australia we will be taking part in different volunteering programmes as well as getting the opportunity to meet other youth volunteers from all over the world. 

Two of our group members are part of the organising committee and represent Europe in the planning

Find Out More on the groups website at http://www.dumfriesdownunder.com/

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAYS BIG BURNS SUPPER IS A HIT AT GLASGOW 2014

1 a 1 a big burns supper 1Big Burns Supper Winter Festival is a Winner at Commonwealth Games
Music, cabaret and song by 120 performers offers a foretaste of January’s nine-days of Burns celebrations in Dumfries
The Commonwealth Games last night saw crowds on the streets of Glasgow and an audience of specially invited guests treated to a stylish preview of next year’s Big Burns Supper.
Large numbers gathered to watch costumed carnival characters, Highland dancers and dozens of members of the Dumfries Community Choir perform in St Enoch Square.
At the same time national and international media plus travel industry figures enjoyed Le Haggis, Scotland’s sexiest cabaret, as part of a drive to promote Scottish cultural events to potential visitors from around the world.

All the entertainers will be appearing at the nine-day Big Burns Supper festival in Dumfries next January – Europe’s top winter fringe festival.
Graham Main, Festival Director, said: “It was a spectacular evening, taking the best of Dumfries and Galloway to the Commonwealth Games.
“It was brilliant to bring a big winter festival to Glasgow in the summer and let people know that Scotland is a great place to visit all year round.
“Burns would have loved it all – the games, the show, the whole buzzing atmosphere. He adored the bawdy and had a real zest for all that’s best and most fun in life.”
The combination of singers, musicians, costumed performers and cabaret artists thrilled the audience with dazzling entertainment.

Among them were dozens of members of the Dumfries Community Choir with a performance similar to the ones that have thrilled the crowds at the Wickerman and Eden festivals.
Taking part in the cultural activities surrounding the XX Commonwealth Games was a great chance to further raise the profile of the annual Big Burns Supper, in Dumfries, which will expand in 2015 to become a nine-day festival wrapped round the Bard’s Birthday.

Robert Burns was famous for his love of the bawdy, and the preview will feature highlights from Le Haggis, Scotland’s sauciest cabaret, which was a huge hit at this year’s festival.1 a 1 a bbs 10
The show was at the Laphroaig Lounge at the Teacher Building in St Enoch Square.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “The eyes of the world are on Scotland just now as we play host to the biggest sporting event in Glasgow’s history, so what better time to give visitors a taster of what else they can enjoy during a trip to Scotland?
“The Big Burns Supper is always a feast for the eyes and a chance to celebrate our national bard within one of the country’s most scenic regions. I’m delighted that the performers and organisers are using the huge opportunity that the Commonwealth Games presents to preview their show to international media.
“That is exactly why we helped create the Destination Media Hub, to offer international media the chance to experience the very best that Scotland has to offer.”
The Dumfries Community Choir are renowned for their unexpected take on familiar songs. It is the biggest vocal ensemble in southern Scotland and will be supported by local musicians.

Highlights included:
• Miss Behave – sword swallower, cabaret variety act
• Tom Harlow – boylesque
• Novantae – providing a soundtrack of Robert Burns songs
• Caileag plus other up-and-coming Scottish musicians.
There were costumed carnival characters outside along with Hamish the Haggis, who is the mascot for Big Burns Supper’s programme of entertainment for young people.
The audience was also treated to refreshments from Dumfries and Galloway to give them a taste of the region’s high quality produce.
Big Burns Supper 2015 will take the 2015 UNESCO Year of Light as its theme.
The festival is made possible by support from many organisations including Creative Scotland, Homecoming Scotland, Winter Festivals Burns Night, 8020 and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY WITNESSES TIME TRAVEL ( DGWGO REVIEW OF LIFE,LOVE & LIBERTY)

A few months back now , DGWGO were contacted by the team behind  the Robert Burns Pageant -Life,Love and Liberty . At the time I have to admit we knew very little about the project and what it was  , but once we found out more info and the idea  of this amazing concept , the team behind it , and the energy and excitement and creativity involved , we were only too honoured to become an official media partner with the event .

After months of planning and organisation by Producers ‘Sid Ambrose’ & ‘Ali Donowho’  and their team the  pageant started coming to life . Originally the World Premiere of this 2 km long promenade performance of the last 5 years of Burns life  was performed in  Dumfries 2 years ago  Sat 21st July and Sun 22nd July 2012 – commissioned by Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival. But it was so successful they decided to do it again this year on Saturday and Sunday last weekend , July the 19th and 20th. 

So when the weekend came DGWGO sent R.B Along to see the Play for himself .

On arrival at the Whitesand in Dumfries on sunday afternoon , I was pleased to see a large crowd gathering , at the ships mast erected  as one of the many props and stages involved in this massive outdoor performance that was eventually designed to take us all through the streets of Dumfries town , following in the footsteps of the national bard Robert Burns.

The action started straight away with a french speaking Burns (Played by Gavin Paul)  Giving a fantastic and passionate speech , which absorbed the audience , and started the trip back in time for us all . With live musicians and a troop of actors in amongst the audience all acting their parts , this was 3D theatre of a style that I had never experience before ! After a few Minutes here and some very humorous  lines from the performers that had the whole crowd giggling and feeling at ease ,it was time to be escorted to the second stage  , which was just across the road , outside the Coach and Horses Pub. It was here were we got to get a feeling for Burns, what he was like in those years , plus we got to  meet ‘Jean Armour’  (Played by the fantastic Joanne Mcguiness) .

We also got to see more of the main characters  that were involved in this period of the bards life including Willie McCracken played by Jordan O’Hara,Dr Maxwell , played by Andrew John Tait ,  Jeesie Lewars and Anna Park , characters played by Iona Claire and Burns friend John Syme , Played by Local radio presenter and all round good guy Ali Donowho .  Plus there was More Music and dancing , Louise McVie of Body Electric was the Choreographer , and her dancers, young and old all did a fantastic job , and really brought a lot of energy to the whole performance .  

By This time , the whole audience had been whisked back in time to those 5 years in  the early 1790,s. You just didn’t notice the modern day traffic , shops , street lights any more . So off the procession marched lead by soldiers and musicians and dancers from the 1790’s to the 3rd stage at the Midsteeple in Dumfries town centre .

With taking Photos for this review , but at the same time being wrapped up in the whole story and excitement of the whole event , its very difficult to write a review of every scene and moment in the play , but I hope from my photos you can get a feeling of just how much work and energy went into producing this unusual and very special performance .  Even though this stage setting at the Midsteeple gave the cast a chance to perform in a more traditional stage performance way , it was still amazing to be outside , and in the actual streets and places that Burns and his associates  were standing in all those years ago .

Theatre like this is something that i would hope to see more of . Im not sure how many of you have ever been on a guided tour around a city , or a ghost walk or watched a movie filmed in a place that you have visited , but this kind of theatre is all those things wrapped up into one . Its an experience for the eyes and ears , but also you get to feel real atmosphere , see the real places , and feel you are part of it as it develops and happens all around you .

And Forward we all went again , this time the stage was set up at The Globe Pub , One of the actual pubs that Burns spent many many hours at , and still a famous tourist attraction for any fan of  Burns , and anyone who wants a nice place to have a drink to this day . At This point we were treated to several of Burns songs  , and unfortunately it also started to rain , but that just helped remind the audience that we were actually in Scotland and in Dumfries , and everyone just carried on as if it was no bad thing at all.

It was on the Broom’s road stage that we find out more about Burns , and how actually , really things that were issues back in his day still effect us in modern times , issues like poverty, un-employment war, politics,alcohol and of course toothache . Really it just doesn’t matter what generation , or time in life you are at , Burns has written something that covers it , and this is what makes his work still so popular, relevant and interesting today , Either he was well ahead of his time , or maybe we are not as far ahead today as we like to think !

The play had to take a 10 minute break as the rain was becoming rather heavy at this point , but the whole audience braved the rain and stayed , and were rewarded , as it dried up and the performance started once more . This is when we headed off to the final setting , at Burns house on burns street .

For Me this was the most exciting , and special part of the whole event , seeing this live action on the doorstep of Burns house , was spine tingling . To be taken back to the final few weeks of Burns life , to see Jean crying on her doorstep , to see and feel the sadness of his death on the exact spot where it all really happened is something that I can only describe as mind blowing .

Even if you are  not a massive fan of Burns and his work , anyone that was lucky enough to come along to Life, Love and Liberty , must of felt something special , must of enjoyed the amazing performance by all those that acted , danced , sang and played music during the  Hour and 45 minutes that took us through those 5 years of history .

Not only was it an education , it was inspiring and thought provoking , and I’m very sure everyone that left Burns street after one of the 3 performances over the weekend  , would be discussing where they first heard a Burns poem or song , or had some memory brought back to the surface of their own Life, Loves and Liberty . I know I did , and after speaking to several of the crowd who said that they felt very emotional and even shed a tear in the end  I think the Team and performers can safely feel that they had all done an amazing job !

DGWGO Would like to congratulate the Production team and cast on creating something so positive for the region , It’s through events and productions like this that we can attract visitors to the region , educate ourselves and maybe create a bit of pride for our wee corner of scotland . D&G has an amazing history , is a beautiful place with wonderful people . I hope we have many more Life ,Love and Liberty’s to come , and who knows maybe similar events about different characters in different areas of D&G ,  I know I would go and watch more of the same . I love to time travel now 🙂 

 

Review written by R.B for DGWGO

Pictures Copyright R.B Photography , taken for DGWGO Use

 

 

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY BUSINESSES SIGN UP TO WIND FARM OPPORTUNITIES

Local businesses sign up to wind farm opportunities

Fifteen local businesses have registered their interest in a local wind farm project at business lunch on the subject, hosted by the Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce.

Every business leader who attended the lunch has expressed their interest in working on the construction of the Knockendurrick wind farm, east of Gatehouse of Fleet, should the proposals be approved by Dumfries & Galloway Council.

The plans for the seven turbine, 23.8MW wind farm were originally submitted to the council by renewable energy experts Banks Renewables in October 2013.

Gordon Mann, chief executive of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, was keen to outline the opportunities available to local firms and says he has been impressed by Banks Renewables enthusiasm to engage with businesses in the local community.

He said: “Is it our responsibility to make sure the developers are awarding as many of the contracts to local firms as possible to keep the local supply chain as healthy as possible.

“Therefore, we were happy to host this lunch to help make Chamber members aware of the potential opportunities available to them.

“There was a great mix in the room as some had experience of working on wind farm projects before while others were investigating it for the first time and it seemed to be very informative and useful for all.”

He added: “As a developer Banks don’t seem to need any encouragement when it comes to engaging with local firms and they have a very refreshing approach that is encouraging.”

With Banks Renewables commitment to using local firms wherever possible as part of the project, it’s estimated that construction work on the site would inject around £5 million into the local economy, while also creating meaningful job opportunities in the area.

Contracts would be required for construction and maintenance, ground works, quarry and building products, plant hire and haulage, waste solutions, fencing, fabrication, accommodation, aggregates, utilities, professional services, hospitality and many more services.

Shelley Bell, Economic Development Officer for Renewables and Construction at Dumfries and Galloway Council, spoke at the lunch offering support to the businesses to ensure they can bid for the work if the project gains approval.
She said: “The lunch was a fantastic opportunity for businesses to chat to Banks Renewables about their work directly, but in a casual environment.
“Those who attended appeared to take on what Banks were saying and got the information they were looking for.”

The lunch, held at the Murray Arms Hotel was attended by a number of Banks Renewables staff including the companies procurement manager as well their construction director.

Robert Burton of Plansafe Solutions Ltd in Dumfries was interested to hear about the various opportunities to work on the project and is hoping the Banks Renewables plans gain approval.

He said: “We’re interested in working with Banks on the examination and testing of pressure and lifting equipment within the turbines, so it was great to get a chance to meet them and hear more about their plans.

“They seem a very straight forward company and the lunch was very informative. They certainly seem to want to use local contractors and the local economy can benefit in other ways so we registered our interest in hearing more should their plans gain approval.”

On top of the business opportunities, Banks Renewables Community Partnership approach would also see local people share 3% of the site’s gross revenue, which could be worth upward of £2.975 million over the 25 years of the development.

That money would be directed into projects identified and backed by local people, including job and training creation schemes. Banks Renewables is in discussions with Dumfries & Galloway Council and with local colleges and businesses to agree how best to deliver a targeted employment and training initiative.

Elsewhere the local community’s share of wind farm revenues could also be invested into providing vital community infrastructure, delivery of major environmental projects and direct funding into community groups.

The Hamilton based company recently announced that, if approved, the Knockendurrick site could be connected to the national grid by 2016.

Colin Anderson, director at Banks Renewables, who also attended the lunch said: “It’s exciting to know that if it is approved, Knockendurrick could be live within two years and delivering real benefits to the local community.

“We are grateful for the feedback and support we have had from local people and businesses, who acknowledge the many, long-term benefits it will bring to the area at a time when public sector cuts are biting deep.

“We hope all of those who support the wind farm proposals will express that support to their local councillors to help them make the best decision for the area.”

Full details about the Knockendurrick Wind Farm can be found at the dedicated website, http://www.banksgroup.co.uk/knockendurrick/.

Banks Renewables is part of the Banks Group (www.banksgroup.co.uk), a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs more than 420 people in the renewable energy, property and mining sectors.

CREATIVE SCOTLAND CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAMPLES DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAYS INPIRATIONAL ARTS

Chamber of Arts showcases the best of the region

Dumfries and Galloway’s Chamber of Arts is hosting a two-day visit to the region by Janet Archer, chief executive of Creative Scotland.

 

During her visit, on July 24th and 25th, Ms Archer will learn more about some of the many inspirational people, places and events at the heart of cultural life in the south west.
She will meet the organisers behind major events with a national reputation such as Spring Fling, Big Burns Supper, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, Environmental Art Festival Scotland, and the

.
The Creative Scotland CEO will spend time in Dumfries and will also visit the CatStrand, in New Galloway where she will meet arts sector representatives from the west of the region.
Cathy Agnew, Chair of the Chamber of Arts Board of Trustees, said: “The arts and culture have an important and inspirational role at the heart of life in this region. It will be great to have the chance to introduce Janet Archer to some of the projects and the people who are driving the arts in this region.

“Dumfries and Galloway is leading the way in rural Scotland because it has recognised that the arts and culture can do an enormous amount to enrich people’s lives, provide careers for our young people and to boost the economy by bringing in visitors.”

DSC_6136
Clatterinshaws Rosnes Benches , Credit R.B Photography

Among those who Ms Archer will meet will be representatives from the Electric Theatre Workshop in Dumfries, which is expected to make a splash at the Edinburgh Fringe

Dragon from Big Burns Supper Carnival 2014 Credit R.B Photography
Dragon from Big Burns Supper Carnival 2014
Credit R.B Photography

Festival with its drama Blood Orange, and Wide Open, the environmental arts body behind the Start of Caledonia and the Rosnes Benches.

She will also meet the regional and local arts convenors who are playing a key role in supporting and developing cultural activities across the region.
Ms Archer said: “I am looking forward to visiting Dumfries and Galloway to see and hear about the many fantastic projects and events that are taking place across such a vibrant arts scene.”
The visit will also include a chance to speak to representatives from the Theatre Royal, Gracefield Arts Centre and the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust.
Ms Archer was invited to the region by Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Arts, which works closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Creative Scotland, for the region’s cultural development.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY GOLFING GREATS TO REPRESENT NHS IN FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT

GOLFING FOR GLORY

Two golfing greats from Dumfries & Galloway will join NHS colleagues from across the UK to compete in the three- day NHS Four Nations Tournament at Archerfield Links in North Berwick August.

Nursing Auxiliary Andrew Byers and Driver Martin Kingstree – both members of the Crichton Golf Club – secured their places at this prestigious play-off when they took part in the annual NHS Scotland charity day. That event was held at The Dukes course in St Andrew’s in May and it raised £3,500 for four charities which support sick children in Scotland.

Andrew said: “There are charity competitions in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales and the top 12 players from each of these events are invited to take part in the NHS Four Nations Tournament.

“We’d both like to thank everyone who has helped us, especially Julie White, Katy Lewis and Alison Warwick. Their practical, financial and moral support has been particularly welcome.”

Martin said: “Taking part in this event is a real honour and I’m delighted that Andrew and I have the opportunity to represent not just our board but also our country.”

NFUS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT FARMERS WITH DYSLEXIA

 

Sporting legend Sir Jackie Stewart backs NFUS campaign

NFU Scotland is calling for cross-party support for a campaign to raise awareness of the problems faced by farmers with dyslexia.

In recent months, the Union has been working alongside a member with dyslexia who has experienced some difficulties in coping with the level of red tape and form-filling associated with the sector. This included problems completing some of the forms regularly issued by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate (SGRPID).

Work has been ongoing with Dyslexia Scotland, the Scottish Government and SRUC and there is now better recognition that dyslexia can cause significant disadvantage for farmers and crofters in their dealings with SGRPID.

Former racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, President of Dyslexia Scotland has voiced his support for this campaign, which is aimed at ensuring that those affected by dyslexia have access to the appropriate tools and mechanisms to assist them and that they are not unfairly discriminated against.

It is now recognised that at least 10 percent of the population are likely to be dyslexic, four percent of those being severely dyslexic, with the Specific Learning Difficulty known to be hereditary. However, in the farming community, this percentage could be far higher. SRUC, Scotland’s rural college has confirmed that 25 percent of its agriculture students are dyslexic.

NFU Scotland has written to Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages and has also raised the issue with Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Richard Lochhead MSP and Scottish Parliamentary Education and Culture Committee Dyslexia Cross-Party Group Convener, Margaret Mitchell.

Nigel Miller, President of NFU Scotland, commented:
“We have opened discussions with Dyslexia Scotland, SRUC and SGRPID and are pleased that all have responded positively. In particular, the suggestion from Roy McLachlan, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, to consider setting up a ‘Farming with Dyslexia’ working group is warmly welcomed.

“One of our main aims is to try and remove the stigma that many people with dyslexia feel about their condition. Dyslexia is a disability recognised under the Equalities Act 2010, which came into law in Scotland on 27 May 2012. We recognise and are grateful for the time and attention that dyslexia has received by those in the Scottish Government and Parliament.

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“The Act helpfully explains that having due regard for advancing equality involves removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people; taking steps to meet the needs of people where these are different from others and encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.

“We believe that in order to ensure that farmers and crofters who have dyslexia are better supported, SGRPID must make stronger efforts to adhere to the key principles of the Equality Act and accommodate the needs of their dyslexic customers.

“We are keen to hear from our members with dyslexia, or indeed family members. We would ask them to come forward, in confidence, to share their experiences with a view to driving positive change for the future for the many Scottish farmers with dyslexia and their families. This is the time to address the issue before the next generation of farmers with dyslexia graduate from college, where they have received good and appropriate support, only to be faced by all the associated form filling and paperwork of modern day farming. We must ensure that our support and regulatory regimes do not inadvertently disadvantage them.”

Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE, President of Dyslexia Scotland said:
“I am a severe dyslexic. The frustration that a dyslexic person can have by not being able to do things like fill in forms is something that people who do not understand learning disabilities, have difficulty in comprehending. This is particularly true when forms and official papers have to be handled.

“A large percentage of dyslexics are so embarrassed that they do not want to admit that they cannot read or write as well other folks, but the frustration that it causes and the disruption it can lead to, can be very serious; not only for the person involved, but also for society in general. Dyslexics can be very creative and very successful but far too many, who are not given help and assistance, can end up in very sad circumstances.

“I congratulate NFU Scotland for taking this matter to the highest levels to ensure that those dyslexic members are given the help and assistance that will allow them to produce for the community and the nation.

“Dyslexic people can be very creative and very resourceful, but they do need more time to do things involving paperwork particularly. Government and local authorities need to be more aware that a great many people may need help and assistance.”

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