fbpx

KEEP ME POSTED CAMPAIGN RECEIVES POLITICAL BOOST FROM RUSSELL BROWN MP

KEEP ME POSTED CAMPAIGN RECEIVES POLITICAL BOOST FROM RUSSELL BROWN MP

 

The Keep Me Posted campaign has received the full backing of Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown MP.

 

The campaign believes it is every consumer’s right to choose, without disadvantage, how they are contacted by banks and financial service companies, utility companies, and other service providers.

 

Keep Me Posted which is a partnership of representatives from charities, interests groups and businesses including Age UK, Personal Finance Education Group, Disability Action, Mind and the National Consumer Federation are increasingly concerned about the growing trend towards online only bills and statements and the impact this is having on people’s ability to effectively manage their finances.

 

Russell Brown MP said:

“It is important that local people are able to choose how they receive important financial information from service providers including banks and utility companies. Customers should be entitled to free paper statements as part of the standard service they receive. Imposing fees on local hardworking people who either don’t have online skills, cannot afford computers or broadband, or are unable to manage their affairs online for various reasons is unfair and we must fight against it.”

 

Notes to the editor

 

Attached photo of Russell Brown MP signing up to support campaign.

 

More information about the Keep Me Posted Campaign can be found here: http://www.keepmeposteduk.com/campaign

 

Hunt out some hidden treasure at RSPB Mersehead, with great prizes to be won!


RSPB Mersehead is hosting a fun day out on March 15, with their first ever wildlife treasure hunt.

The hunt will involve searching for clues and taking part in activities set out around the reserve on a buggy-friendly route, making it easy for all the family to take part. Participants will also be in with a chance of winning some great prizes, including a family ticket to Cream o’ Galloway.

RSPB Scotland’s Kirsty Griffiths said: “We’ve tried to make our treasure hunt really inclusive, so that families can come along and have fun doing it together. There’s lots to see on the reserve at this time of the year, so while you’re out searching for the clues, you’ll also be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife, like our lapwings, which will be starting to display for the spring.”

As well as the treasure hunt, there will be a tombola, face painting and story telling, with refreshments also available for a small donation.

To take part, there is a suggested donation of £10 for 2 adults and 2 children, with a small supplement for any additional team members. All money raised on the day will go towards supporting RSPB conservation and education work in the local area.

Each group will receive a goodie bag for completing the treasure hunt, and will be entered into a draw for the top prizes, including a two-night camping pass at Kippford Caravan Park, and a bird box kit from Wildforms.

The treasure hunt will take place at Mersehead nature reserve, near Dalbeattie, on Saturday, March 15 from 10am-3pm. Equipment for the hunt itself will be provided, but it is recommended that you wear stout shoes and come dressed appropriately for the Solway weather in March!

For further information, you can contact the reserve on 01387 780 579. You can also find Mersehead on Facebook www.facebook.com/RSPBMersehead and Twitter @RSPBDandG.

Pledge To Do One Thing To Make The NHS Better!

Pledge To Do One Thing To Make The NHS Better!

 

NHS Change Day takes place on Monday 3 March 2014.  It is a UK wide frontline call to action that aims to get as many people as possible to pledge to do one thing to improve their local NHS. 

 

NHS Change Day is about recognising that anyone can inspire change and actively play a role in improving their local NHS.

 

Staff, patients, families and communities are being urged to make a pledge.Pledges can be big or small, personal or professional. The only requirement is that individuals pledge to make a difference to their local NHS.

 

The NHS Dumfries and Galloway pledges were kicked off by Sharon McGarva, a staff nurse on the children’s ward. Sharon pledged to ensure every child she looks gets a bravery certificate.

 

NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Chief Executive, Jeff Ace, pledged:

“To ensure that the Board of NHS Dumfries and Galloway will ensure safe, effective and person centred care is its first priority”

 

In addition, Professor Hazel Borland, the Executive Nurse Director at NHS Dumfries and Galloway said:

 “I pledge never to walk past a standard I do not accept”

 

Ian Hancock, General Manager of the Mental Health Directorate and keen supporter of the NHS Change Day, pledged:

“To clearly and consistently reward small changes in order to reinforce all those making an effort to improve their own and others’ lives.” 

 

Patients, families and communities can also pledge, for example they can pledge not to miss appointments or pledge to provide feedback on the care they receive or even pledge to say thank you to NHS staff.  Every voice counts and every pledge matters. Visit www.changeday.nhs.uk to make your pledge today.

 

D&G Councillor Andy Ferguson signs for Men United

Councillor Andy Ferguson signs for Men United

 

Andy Ferguson, Chair of Social Work Committee and a councillor in North West Dumfries Ward, has become the latest big name signing for Men United.

The local politician has backed Prostate Cancer UK’s ‘Men United v Prostate Cancer’ campaign, which uses the language of sport to engage men in the battle against the disease. Cllr Ferguson signed up over a game of table football with staff and volunteers at a Prostate Cancer UK conference exhibition stand.

Cllr Ferguson said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is predicted to be the most common cancer overall by 2030. Despite this we know that the quality of care and support men with the condition receive varies throughout Scotland. To address this I have previously called on NHS Boards to implement Prostate Cancer UK’s excellent Quality Checklist, and reiterate that call today. Furthermore I am delighted to sign for Men United v Prostate Cancer. It’s a big ask but, working together, I know we can win this.”

Joining Cllr Ferguson in backing Men United v Prostate Cancer is Scottish football legend Denis Law, chat-show king Sir Michael Parkinson and comic icon Bill Bailey. Prostate Cancer UK charity partner Scotmid Co-operative, which recently smashed its £150,000 annual fundraising target for the charity within just 6 months, is also backing the campaign via a series of events at its stores throughout Scotland.

Drew Lindon, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer survival rates are below the European average, research into the disease lags a decade behind that of other cancers, and quality of care and support varies depending on where you live. Men United is a powerful way for men, and the women in their lives, to mobilise against the common enemy of prostate cancer. By signing up, Cllr Ferguson has a place and a voice in a growing movement that’s taking action for men’s health. We are extremely grateful for his ongoing support, and would encourage people throughout Scotland to join Men United to help boot prostate cancer into row Z.”

Men United v Prostate Cancer is an integrated television, print and digital campaign which runs until the end of March 2014. Men – and women – are encouraged to go online to search ‘Men United’ to get involved by testing their knowledge of the disease with a simple quiz, and signing for the team. They can also pledge their allegiance by proudly wearing the charity’s ‘Man of Men’ pin badge. To sign for Men United visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org/menunited

TRUSTEES CARRY OUT HISTORIC INSPECTION OF LOREBURN HALL

TRUSTEES CARRY OUT HISTORIC INSPECTION OF LOREBURN HALL

On Thursday, 20 February 2014, the Founding Trustees of the Loreburn Hall Trust (LHT) carried out an historic site visit of the Loreburn Hall.

They used the opportunity to inspect the repairs that Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) have already undertaken to the Hall. With DGC officers on hand to answer questions, they also asked about the works planned for the next few months to refurbish the Loreburn Hall ahead of returning it to community use.

‘We were impressed by the current condition of the Loreburn Hall, which has now mostly been cleared of rubbish,’ said the Chairman of the LHT, Dr Belle Doyle. ‘The roof has been repaired, the building is wind and watertight, and the floor is in pretty good shape too. It is clear that those Council workers tasked with carrying out this work are doing an excellent job. Local people expect and deserve no less, of course, but we were all very encouraged by the care, commitment and professionalism of the DGC officers who showed us around the Loreburn Hall last Thursday.’

On Monday, 24 February 2014, the LHT received an acknowledgement from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator that their application for charitable status had been received and is being formally considered.

LHT members are now drafting an indicative business plan outlining how they will take forward the development and management of the Loreburn Hall. This will be presented to Dumfries and Galloway Council next month and will form the basis of a wider consultation with local people later this year, after which a full business plan will be prepared in support of a major funding bid to the National Lottery.

 

The LHT is made up of eleven Founding Trustees whoa are all residents of Dumfries. In addition to Dr Doyle, they include Mrs Anne Harrow (Vice Chairman), Dr Alex Smith (Secretary), Mr David Slater, Mr Graham Main, Father Andrew Crosbie, Mr Drew Crossan, Mr Luke Moloney, Mrs Heather Owens, Mr Lee McQueen and Mr Johnny Owens.

A film about the Loreburn hall Dumfries Scotland. For many years this hall was at the heart of Dumfries and hosted many acts within the music industry. From flower shows, dog shows wrestling, roller skating, carpet bowling, dancing and much, much more.. Alas it now lies silent and empty. The hall was closed when the local council opened its flagship leisure centre DG1, causing this iconic hall to be closed. Now a small band of people want to see it brought back to its former glory and have it reopened again so it can serve the people once again. If you have any photos or video of the hall or its events please contact us about it. [email protected] thank you for watching.

You Can follow everything thats happening at the Hall on their facebook page on this link https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loreburn-Hall/559276494154327?fref=ts

NOTE: Pictured in the cover photograph of the Founding Trustees on the site visit, from Left to Right, are Mr David Slater, Mr Lee McQueen, Dr Belle Doyle, Father Andrew Crosbie, Mrs Anne Harrow, Mr Drew Crossan, Mr Luke Moloney, Dr Alex Smith

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS WITH UNIQUE SOLUTIONS

We work with Employers, young people, schools, third sector organisations, employment agencies, job centres, charities, qualifications authorities and skills development Scotland with regard to Modern Apprenticeships in Dumfries and Galloway.

We feel that there is not enough information out there or people don’t always know where to look. This in mind we felt it would benefit the local area of Dumfries and Galloway if we built a central web page to fill in the blanks for people who wanted to know more. So we are looking for local input from Employers, young people, parents, schools, Guidance trachers, job centres, charities, etc. What do you need to find out.

 

Some of my own thoughts are below but what do you feel are the most asked questions by the following groups as I say I have put a couple of examples next to each but there will be many more questions I’m sure you will come up with.

 

Employeers might ask (funding, hours , pay etc)

Young people might ask( qualification scqf rating, provision of evidence etc)

Schools might ask (age apprenticeship can start, career types etc)

Parents might ask ( son or daughters wage, affect on tax credits etc)

Job centres might ask ( double funding, age restrictions)

 

Im sure you can all think of so much more we would appreciate your input

Email at                            [email protected]

web page link                  http://www.unique-solutions.co.uk

Facebook page link         http://facebook.com/svqs.dumfries

 

 

 

Linda Mclachlan

Partner

Unique Solutions

Blairoch

Moniave

Dumfriesshire

DG3 4JE

Tel 01848332452

DUMFRIES RALLY CROSS TEAM RELEASE F1 WORLD CHAMPION FROM CONTRACT

 

 

 

 

 

Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — Wednesday 26 February, 2014: Albatec Racing has released Jacques Villeneuve from his contract to contest the UK round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, after it emerged that the former F1 World Champion has been approached to contest the prestigious Indy 500, which clashes with the Lydden Hill round on Sunday 25 May.

The 1995 Indycar World Series Champion, who took victory in the prestigious race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that year, will head straight to the US following his World RX of Portugal debut appearance in early May. He will swap his flame-spitting 600bhp Peugeot 208 Supercar for a 550bhp Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Dallara DW12, for a week of testing and qualifying ahead of what is arguably the biggest and richest motor race in the world.

While he is no stranger to Indycar, a return to the gruelling 200 lap – 500 mile race will be a far cry from the four-lap sprint races the French-Canadian will undergo on his World RX debut at Montalegre over the weekend of 3/4 May. Although Jacques has not raced a single-seater since 2006, his 164 starts in Formula One which netted 11 wins and 23 podiums, will stand him in good stead as he goes up against four former winners of the blue riband event, billed as ‘the greatest spectacle in racing’.

Albatec Racing will be announcing the top line driver who will drive the #25 Peugeot 208 at the home of British Rallycross within the next few weeks, while the five time Indycar race winner will return to World RX action in round three of the Championship in Norway in June.

Andy Scott, Team Principal, Albatec Racing:

“Naturally we’re disappointed that Jacques will miss our home event, however what driver in the world would or could turn down the opportunity to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He’s a racer through and through and returning to tackle the Indy 500 is simply too good a chance for him to miss. We knew this was a possibility as he’d already expressed an interest in doing that one event, so I’m pleased he gets the chance to go for the double win.

“It’s all credit to Jacques that he’s considered as a potential Indy 500 winner and we all wish Jacques, Sam Schmidt and the entire Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team the very best for the weekend. Jacques will return to rallycross action in the third round of World RX at Norway, hopefully as the new Indy 500 Champion, while we have been in discussion with several other star drivers to take over his car at Lydden Hill.”

Jacques Villeneuve, Albatec Racing driver #25:

“Of course I’m disappointed not to be racing at Lydden Hill, the team’s home event, particularly after such a great test at the circuit on Saturday. However I’ve always wanted to do the Indy 500 one more time and this offer is just too good to turn down.

“After the test in Kent, it really fired me up for the FIA World Rallycross Championship, and I remain committed to giving my very best to the team and the Championship, starting at the opening round in Portugal. However I’m a racer, with a passion for racing, and the Indy 500 is without question the biggest event on the motorsport calendar – not many drivers get the chance to drive on that track, and for me it’s a personal challenge, with a first and second there already, I need to finish in the top two to keep up the average!”

-Ends-

Dumfries Lady Speakers Hold Primary School Speech Making Final

This evening 26th of February 2014 at St Andrews Primary School Dumfries , Dumfries  Lady Speakers Held the Final of their Annual Primary School Speech making Competition ! 

This years theme was under the title ” famous local people/historians ” . 8 children that had been whittled down from 25 in the semi finals in January , had been given a month to choose their famous subject and prepare their speeches . 

The judges for the evening were ‘ Chief superintendent Kate Thomson’, ‘ director of education , Colin Grant’, ‘ president of Dumfries Rotary Club , John Hunter’, and ‘Dumfries lady a Speaker , Mrs Margaret Little’.

The the children all drew lots to see the order that they would present their speeches , they were all introduced on stage by Mrs Kate Kaye from Castle Douglas , who!s warm and caring introductions put all the children and parents at ease . The speeches were amazing ,the children covered famous local people from all over the region , including the likes of F1 star David Coulthard, novelist J.M.Barrie, inventor of the rear wheel driven bicycle Kirkpatrick McMillan , Dads Army Actor  John Laurie and many more in between , including mentions of Robbie Burns  to Calvin Harris ! 

The judges and audience were all blown away with the confidence, composition and quality of all 8 speeches made by the children aged from 10 to 12 years old ! 

With 8 children from 4 primary schools , Locharbriggs , Loreburn, St Andrews and St Michaels all doing their very best , you could feel the pride in the room, from parents family and teachers who were all there to support them.

At the end of the evening several people including the Provest gave testimony and all said how all 8 children should be very proud , and how remarkable they all were . But in the end it was a competition and only one child could win over all ! 

The winner of  the overall award and the Taylor Cup ( warded for the most humorous speech, in memory of Rotarian George Taylor ) went to St Michael’s Pupil Cade Jardine , with Runner up being Nicole McGeoch from St Andrews .

COUPLING HEADROOM COULD DELIVER FOR THE HILLS

COUPLING HEADROOM COULD DELIVER FOR THE HILLS

 

Joint statement from NFU Scotland and NSA Scotland

 

NFU Scotland and NSA Scotland have welcomed the increased headroom on Scotland’s coupled budget, as negotiated with Defra and the European Commission, as a game changing development.

 

The organisations believe an additional five percent of coupled support, on top of the eight percent coupled budget previously discussed, would be a powerful targeting tool that could transform the 2015 CAP support package in Scotland.                                             

 

The rough grazing area (RGR) of Scotland is the largest farming region but the most vulnerable. The hills underpin the livestock sector, biodiversity, landscapes and communities.  

The single band of area support proposed within the RGR region, could see support stripped away from productive hill farms while also overcompensating areas of hill grazings where stocking rates are as low as a ewe on four or five hectares or less. 

 

Both NSA Scotland and NFU Scotland believe that five percent coupling could be a lifeline for hill farming.  With a significant additional coupled budget available, this targeting option must be taken up and used to ensure support is focused on activity within the hill and RGR areas. It is important that ewes within this disadvantaged area are underpinned by a package of support close to or above €30 per ewe.

 

Defining eligible farms or flocks and designing a simple delivery mechanism are now priority workstreams for both organisations. The Scottish Government also has a key role in facilitating development and modelling of possible coupling options.

 

Reaching the right livestock with appropriate support levels is crucial.  However, avoiding a heavy compliance burden being associated with the delivery of support is also a priority.  

 

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL NATURE CONSERVATION HERO

RSPB Scotland searches for top conservation heroes

Nature of Scotland Awards set to celebrate people and projects that protect wildlife and nature

A national competition to crown the leading lights in the world of Scottish nature conservation gets under way this week.

The RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards is inviting entries from individuals and organisations across the country that go the extra mile to protect Scotland’s wildlife and the natural environment.

With fascinating species like red squirrel, golden eagle, basking sharks, great-yellow bumblebee, Caledonian pine and twinflower, Scotland is internationally renowned for its abundant wildlife and exhilarating wild places.  The annual event, organized by RSPB Scotland, aims to recognize national projects and local heroes, who demonstrate an innovative approach and work hard to protect and enhance the nation’s natural heritage.

Species and habitats as diverse as dolphins, wildcats, terns, machair and pine forests were the subjects of award-winning projects in previous years.  In 2014 the expert judging panel will be looking for the very best across eight categories including: Marine Conservation, Sustainable Development, Politician of the Year, Youth and Education, Community Initiative, RSPB Species Champion, Innovation and Outstanding Contribution.

The shortlist will be announced in August at a reception, sponsored by the Crown Estate, at the Scottish Parliament. Winners will receive their trophies at a black-tie gala on 20 November at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh in front of 350 supporters.

Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “Every year, I am truly inspired by the number of high-quality entries we receive for the Nature of Scotland Awards. There are a tremendous number of individuals and organisations working hard to promote and protect our wildlife and natural environment, and we look forward to honouring them at this year’s awards.  Whether you are a volunteer, a member of a community group, involved in a conservation organisation or a public sector initiative, we invite you to enter the Nature of Scotland Awards and look forward to learning more about your work. We hope to inspire everyone to give nature a home in Scotland.”

The closing date for entries is Friday 30 May 2014. To find out more or submit an entry to the Nature of Scotland Awards, please visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland

1...1,9691,9701,971...1,996Page 1,970 of 1,996

DGWGO Sponsorship

Becoming a sponsor of DGWGO provides you with a targeted approach to your marketing, the opportunity to get your brand/ message in front of new potential customers and regulary remind your existing customers of your products and services.

Click Here To Learn More about DGWGO Sponsorship

Latest Articles

ABOUT DGWGO

DGWGO is a FREE community platform to keep everyone up to date with what’s going on in Dumfries & Galloway as well as promote the region worldwide.

News | Events | Jobs

© DGWGO Limited | Company Registration Number SC473466

DGWGO websites are powered by carbon neutral servers.

By offsetting the carbon emissions we are able to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet for all

dgwgo.com - moo4events.com - moo4jobs.com

DGWGO is a proud supporter of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

Copyright © DGWGO Limited. All Rights Reserved

Visit DG is your ultimate guide to Dumfries and Galloway

visitdg.co.uk