A man who has devoted 45 years to working land on the Solway, has been named Environmental Champion in the Dumfries & Galloway Life, People of the Year Awards, 2013.

Eric Neilson began working at Mersehead, at Southwick, in 1968, when the site was a mixed arable farm. He stayed on when the RSPB took over management in 1993, and as farm manager, has helped to transform the site into a wetland paradise for wildlife.

He was chosen for the award, which is sponsored by The University of Glasgow, because of his passion about safeguarding and improving the environment, his knowledge, and his work with the community. He was presented with his award on November 29, at a ceremony in Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries.

Andrea Thompson from Dumfries and Galloway Life Magazine, said: “There was never any doubt that Eric was going to win from the moment the judges read the nomination. With his longevity at Mersehead, and his continued commitment to wildlife, he really embraces everything that being an environmental champion means. He’s a very worthy winner and as an environmental champion, truly inspirational.”

Mersehead nature reserve is an important home for nature, including barnacle geese, natterjack toads, lapwings, and tree sparrows. Eric’s work there has mostly involved land management, including using heavy machinery to dig out ditches, and construct vital bunds and sluices for water. He’s also taken his knowledge and expertise to many other sites, assisting with similar work in places such as the Western Isles, and Shetland.

Eric said: “A great thanks to the people who nominated me. I am very humbled, but would not have received this award if I had not been working for the RSPB for the past 20 years. I think I have the best job in the world and excellent colleagues to work with.”

Glen Johnston is a young digital artist born in 1994 from Southerness. He has put his hand to many aspects of digital art such as 3D animation/renders, motion graphics, video editing, visual effects, 3D compositing and Photography. He originally became interested in digital art in early 2012 and cannot let a day go by without learning something new or creating art.

Growing up Glen found school frustrating and never felt motivated to learn. It wasn’t until he left school that he started craving education and realised that teaching himself came far more naturally. He took on many different disciplines from free-running and gymnastics to close up magic and hypnosis and still dabbles with them today. If Glen is out you will most likely find him at a bar with a pack of cards hustling a few drinks off a punter. After a while of jumping from one hobby to the next he found an online course in game design and enrolled in it. He found out quickly that this course was terrible and that the industry cared about talent more than qualifications and dropped out but from this course he found 3D modelling software and became addicted. Other disciplines like visual effects and film making quickly followed.

Drawing inspiration from science, philosophy, video games and other forms of art he tries to convey a message in his work – Be it the beauty of the natural world or that video games are awesome. There is a story behind every image which is something he feels digital art is lacking nowadays.

Currently attending Dumfries and Galloway college studying Creative Media. After gaining a few contacts and some helpful advice, he is pushing himself out there as a freelancer. Working with Smart-Indie Records creating animations, Lighthouse Leisure creating architecture visualisation. Local film clubs providing visual effects and music videos for bands and artists. He has a wide range of digital services for offer.

He is recently discovering the wide range of creative talent in Dumfries and Galloway and cannot wait to meet, collaborate and be inspired by other artists.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/glenjohnstoncgartist?fref=ts

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEfotJkylZhHuHuLVJZqgVw

Email: [email protected]

Local lass and Scottish Ladies Rugby player Suzanne McKerlie-Hex contacted us about her pending new year charity dip at Crossmichael Marina, Loch Ken.  She is braving the waters to help raise funds for the Baby Unit Fund. You can donate at Suzy’s Just Giving Page.

It would be great if we could her Suzy reach her target.

This is what Suzy emailed us.

On the 19th of December – 8 years ago. My good friend’s lives were turned upside down. Their newborn baby Dylan passed away not long after he was born. They had no warning or signs whatsoever. 3 years ago now , she had another little boy, but he too was very poorly when he was born. The neo natal unit in Dumfries helped to save his life. Unfortunately Dylan was not so lucky. The Baby fund unit ensures that all neo-natal units have up to date ,advanced equipment to help save these small babies lives. With more babies being born earlier and with more complications ,there is a high demand on this charity ,to supply this life saving equipment. This charity is close to my heart.

As I am from Dumfries and Galloway it is extremely important to me to fund raise in the local area.

I love this region and the special people in it , and try to come home as much as possible, especially for Christmas and New Year. I have done the legendary Dee Dip for the last 8 years for various local charities , but this year ‘Dylan’ is close to my heart. I am doing the dip in his memory. As a burly rugby player I hope it’s no colder as previous years. I wonder if my coach will allow this as a training session , maybe freeze off the Xmas Turkey ?

Please have a look at my just giving page and support this incredible cause.

The boys bring 3 hours of Christmas craziness to the airwaves.

Alive has a special post box outside Poundland in the Loreburne Centre, where the boys and girls from Dumfries & Galloway can post their letters to Santa. And if the boys and girls put their phone numbers on the letters Santa might even give them a call this Christmas Eve live on the radio!!!

Lee Medd said ” It was such a coup to get Santa on the phone last year and everyone here at the station is delighted to have him on the Santa phone again this year as he is flying around the world delivering presents”

Ali Donowho said “Last year some children didn’t get the chance to speak with Santa cause they forgot to put their phone number on the letters, the boys and girls should put their name, and phone number on and if they want to do it right now they can e-mail their letter to [email protected]“

Ali & Lee’s Winter Wonderland air’s this Christmas Eve from 6-9pm ONLY on Alive 107.3!!

image credit: Keith Kirk

Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival 5 April – 5 May 2014

With nature awaking after the winter a host of species migrate home to spend the summer in Dumfries & Galloway.

The region is teeming with wildlife in spring, a special time of year which promises wildlife enthusiasts abundant opportunities to experience brilliant birdlife and amazing animals up close.

Dumfries and Galloway’s Wild Spring Festival, Scotland’s largest and longest running wildlife festival, will, in 2014, present its biggest programme with over 100 family-friendly events, many of which are free or charge a modest admission of under £5 per person.

Almost all events are led by wildlife experts from the region and take in natural delights from bats to badgers and from delicate moths to mighty sharks and not forgetting the regions cheekiest inhabitant the red squirrel. It is an excellent time of year to get out and explore the regions naturally inspiring countryside, forests and coastline (all 200 miles of it!).

Wilma Finlay Chairperson of the Wild Spring Festival said:

“This year will be our biggest and best festival and we’re looking forward to visitors from near and far coming along to witness some of the miraculous wildlife Dumfries & Galloway offers. There are so many wonderful experiences on offer for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Many of our events are free, our nature reserves and forestry visitor centres are second to none and what better way to enjoy the Easter holidays, than out in the fresh air exploring nature.”

Highlights from the programme include:

Stars ‘n’ Stripes Badger Watching at Caerlaverock WWT. Witness these fascinating nocturnal creatures from a cosy vantage point with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. (5 – 13 April, nightly)

Wilderness Canoe Trip at Galloway Activity Centre. Take a peaceful paddle along picturesque Loch Ken, one of the best ways to spot wildlife (daily throughout the festival)

Explore a Wild Shore at Powillimount Beach. Join the Solway Firth Partnership for a ranger led walk looking out for shells and fossils, ideal event for all the family. (6 April)

Mull of Galloway Guided Walk Join the RSPB Ranger to explore Scotland’s most southerly tip – spring is a great time to spot seabirds on the cliffs and if you’re lucky perhaps a porpoise or basking shark. (numberous dates throughout the month)

Wee Woodland Beasties at Eskrigg Reserve, Lockerbie. Hunt and identify mini-beasts in the woodland. (11 April)

Mocha and Moths at Mersehead. Not all moths are brown, dull and boring – view some recent finds as they are released and find out more about the various species found in the area, with a morning coffee to enjoy. (17 April and 1 May)

Galloway Kite Trail Open Day at Bellymack Farm, Lauriston. Meet the RSPB officers for a visit to the feeding station to see these mighty birds up close and find out more about their reintroduction to the area. (26 April)

Red Squirrel – Food for Thought at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre – Food for thought . Enjoy some delicious food and hear from Heinz Traut about the Red Squirrel Conservation Project and its work in this area. (2 May)

Family Forest Foraging and Wild Cook-In at Cally Woods, Gatehouse of Fleet – Join expert forager Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods for a guided foray exploring the delicious, healthy and surprising array of edible spring plants and fungi. Enjoy a wild cook-in of our finds in the forest afterwards. (12 April)

Wildlife Sea Kayaking at The Mull of Galloway – a guided paddle for experienced kayakers – with fantastic views of the wonderful birdlife around the Mull. Seabirds here include Guillemot, Fulmar, Raven, Black-backed Gulls and Puffin. (13th April)

**Booking is essential for some of the events – please see the website for further information on dates, times, costs and kit required.

This year the Wild Spring Festival will mark the Year of Homecoming 2014 by celebrating the species that come home to the region for spring, including ospreys, pied flycatchers and basking sharks.

Two exceptional new centres have opened in Dumfries and Galloway recently, which will make wildlife and bird watching even more rewarding. Opening early 2014, the new visitor centre at Kirroughtree is the gateway to the extensive walking and cycling paths of the Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park and also designated the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. And the recently opened Sir Peter Scott Observatory at WWT Caerlaverock offers visitors opportunities to see the spectacular birdlife of the adjacent wetlands from its two story tower.

More details on the festival and a full, searchable listing of events can be found at www.wildseasons.co.uk

Rerrick Events, the non-profit arm of the Wickerman Festival, has announced today (19th December) that Nicola Forsyth from Dumfries and Galloway is the lucky winner of a collectable Eastenders sign and a pair of VIP tickets to Scotland’s hottest summer party – The Wickerman Festival.

The iconic Albert Square street sign was kindly donated by the popular BBC1 soap as a raffle prize and has been autographed by cast members. All the money raised from the raffle will be pledged to help educate a young Tanzanian orphan, James Okeyo, who the organisation has sponsored for the last two years.

Nicola commented “I was surprised to hear that my husband, Robert, had entered my name into the prize draw and to hear that I’d won the exclusive sign and VIP tickets, it was our first time at the Festival this year so we’re delighted to be attending again as VIP’s. I’m so pleased that our raffle money goes towards such a brilliant cause, Rerrick Events is a great charity and I look forward to hearing updates on how James is getting on.”

[headline htype=”h4″] Featured Photographer[/headline]

Website – http://kimayres.co.uk
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/kimayresphotography
Blog – Painting with shadows – http://kimayres.blogspot.com

Good photography is the art of storytelling. And while many forms of photography are telling stories about the world, Kim Ayres allows the people he photographs to be the heroes, heroines or even villains, of whatever story they want.

“My job is to make people look cool,” says Kim, “but different people have different ideas about what that means for them, so together we will work out the best way to achieve it. Even in just a head shot someone can come across as wild and wacky, thoughtful and intelligent, playful, powerful, sexy, friendly – it all depends on the image they wish to portray.”

Over the past year or so, Kim has started moving his photography beyond the head shot into staged narratives. This means it’s not just about the lighting and mood expressed on a person’s face, but the costume, props and location all play a major role too. The turning point, he says, came when he did a series of photos for Wigtown Book Festival of authors dressed as literary characters (now available as the WBF 2014 calendar).

“Each photo required different costumes, locations and lighting, not to mention post-processing and editing skills – whether it was John Hegley as the poet Keats, Sarah Sheridan as Miss Scarlet in the library with the candlestick, or Debi Gliori’s shadow doing something completely separate from her body. This made me realise – in photography, anything is possible! We can create images that look like film stills, movie posters or album covers, or we can recreate scenes from a book, a favourite poem or make up something else entirely. Nothing is off limits.”

Kim is also known for his performance photography. Playing in a band himself – Scruffy Buzzards – gives him a unique understanding of what it’s like being on both sides of the stage, and camera. “The best photos come when you have a sympathy with what you are shooting, and that applies to all forms of photography. For other photographers that’s landscapes, wildlife, still life, architecture etc. For me – it’s people and stories.”

Kim uses a Canon 7D with a f/2.8 24-70mm lens most of the time, a f/2.8 70-200mm when he’s shooting live performances, and a 10-22mm wide-angle lens when the mood takes him.

[headline htype=”h4″] Featured Images[/headline]

** The River of Life: Press Release **

For several years now, The River of Life Church, by the Railway Station in Dumfries, have invited people who would be alone for Christmas, to spend it with others, through a Christmas Day Dinner. This year, the event goes a big step further, by combining with the local Salvation Army Corps.

The Salvation Army, based in the Citadel on the Whitesands, Dumfries continues a great work week by week, by befriending and providing free food to many people.

Mark Smith, Senior Pastor of the River of Life Church said; “Every Christmas we have an open door for absolutely anyone to come to the for the meal, or even to join our team of enthusiastic volunteers on the day. Joining forces with the Salvation Army is great – it means we can all help even more people and do it even better. It’s always amazing to see the difference it makes to people for whom Christmas would otherwise be an ordeal. When everyone seems to be having fun, it’s tough to feel as though you’re the only one not! At this event, we not only make sure everyone has a good meal, with all the trimmings, but also have a lot of fun in the process, like every family should.

“We have a service at 11am on Christmas Day too, and everyone is welcome down to our building next to the railway station for that, but they can just arrive for the meal at 1pm if they’d rather. Of course, people are also welcome to the Christmas Day service without staying on for the meal, if they have other plans.

Major Terri Holroyd, who heads up the Salvation Army’s work in Dumfries says, “The Salvation Army in Dumfries is very committed to helping people over Christmas and throughout the year. Getting together with the folks from River of Life is a real joy. The more that Churches work together to proclaim the good news of Jesus, the better, especially at this time of year as we celebrate His birth.”

The event coordinator, Bokani Chaya said, “We love the fact that Social Services, Bethany Christian Trust, First Base, Churches and the all kinds of people in the caring sector are able to point people our way, when most of the other services are closed.

“We’re also very grateful to individuals and local businesses who contribute to the meal and, of course all the volunteers who donate part of their Christmas day to help in this valuable way”

Catering for the meal is a demanding job, with the team preparing for around 60 guests. Eddie Vallance is an experienced hotel/restaurant chef and is responsible for that aspect of the day, “Our volunteers are great; they don’t have to be asked to do things – they just get on and muck in as a big family together.”

There’s no charge for the meal, although people are free to donate if they wish, but there’s absolutely no expectation to do so.