Signs of Promise in the 2nd’s – Galloway Cricket Club

Signs of Promise in the 2nd's - Galloway Cricket Club

After a showery morning, sunshine began to break through at Gatehouse and after losing the toss, Galloway were put in on a fair and true wicket, which after two previous games was a credit to John’s efforts with the ground. 

Despite their best efforts, the opposition bowling proved to be too much for Galloway, of particular note was S. Safi, bowling consistent inswinging Yorker length medium pace. He ended with 5-8 in 5 overs, which ripped the heart out of the Galloway batting and resulted in Galloway struggling to a total of 44 in 23 overs. On a positive note, every batter managed to put up some kind of defence and whilst a disappointing total, sometimes you have to raise your hat to good quality bowling.

 

After the usual great Galloway tea, the opposition trotted out to chase what appeared a very meagre total. However, Galloway had other plans and excellent effort and great bowling from S Afzal (3-17) supported by K Scraffe (2-20), meant a good game of it with victory finally being achieved, but only after 5 wickets had been lost to get the 45 runs required.

 

A defeat, but many positives to take, and the side left the field feeling good. Special mention to Logan Thorburn for taking his first competitive catch in the field.

 

 

Next weekend they play The Tryst at Stenhousemuir.

 

Sent from Outlook for Android

2023 Guid Nychburris Celebrations Kick Off Next Week

2023 GUID NYCHBURRIS CELEBRATIONS KICK OFF NEXT WEEK
Image Credit - Guid Nychburris

Preparations are well underway for the 2023 Guid Nychburris Celebrations in June with the pre Guid Nychburris ride outs commencing on Friday 19th May and various other ride outs and events taking place right through until Guid Nychburris day Saturday 17th June.

Ride out routes are similar to previous years with a few minor changes. The Woodlands ride out is on Friday 19th May commencing from Huntingdon Market at 6.30pm, the procession lead by 2022 Cornet Ross Findlater and Lass Robyn Peden, will wind its way through Dumfries to Troqueer, out to Terregles, through Lincluden before returning through Dumfries to the market. Other ride out dates are listed, and routes will be posted on the Guid Nychburris and Dumfries Cornets Club Facebook pages along with details published in the Guid Nychburris souvenir magazine.

Local schools are currently participating in the schools hand writing competition and many will participate in the primary schools’ football at the Queen of the South Arena from Monday 5th to Friday 9th June. Local shops, offices and businesses are also arranging their decorations for the popular shop and office window competition which ill be judged on Thursday 8th June the theme this year is simply ‘Guid Nychburris’ entries can be received up until the day of the judging.

 

The Guid Nychburris Festival Association are happy to announce details of all the events during Guid Nychburris week , events hosted both by the GNFA and also by sponsored partners.

 

Sunday 11th June sees the traditional Kirkin of the Cornet at St Michael’s Church with principals and office bearers marching to and from Church through the Town Centre. After the Mabie ride out in the afternoon The Dumfries Christian Council host the Guid Nychburris Songs of Praise at Dumfries High School from 7.30pm

 

Monday 12th June is the Installation of principals, Robert Wyllie, Cornet, Ellie McKean Cornet’s Lass and Ava Nozratzadeh Queen of the South Elect 2023, at the Mid Steeple at 7.30pm before a reception for invited guests at the Usual Place Café. An Installation ‘after party’ will be held in The Waverly Hotel from 9.30pm

 

School visits are the order of the day for the newly installed Principals on Tuesday 13th June along with a visit to the Senior Citizens Concert at the Parkhouse Suite of the Cairndale Hotel from 2pm Free tickets for this event can be uplifted, on a first come first served basis on Thursday 1st June from 10.30am at the Community Room at Morrisons Supermarket.

On Tuesday evening the Family Pet Show with various classes takes place at the Market Area Whitesands with registration of pets from 6.30pm. A talk and tour of ‘The Dumfries of Robert Burns’ starts at The Auld Brig Whitesands from 7pm

 

More school visits and visits to local care homes and Dumfries Royal Infirmary take place on Wednesday and Thursday 14th and 15th June while the Dumfries Cornets Club Cornets Ball takes place on Wednesday night in The Loreburn Hall Dumfries.

Mostly Ghostly host their Bad Neighbours Tours on Wednesday from the Mid Steeple at 6pm and 8pm.

Following the Kingholm Ride Out on Thursday 15th, The Cornets Supper will be held in Dumfries Rugby Club from 9pm. A Medieval Tour of Dumfries leaves Devorgilla Bridge at 7pm.

 

Friday 16th June sees the Principals and Provost Maureen Johnstone meet at the Ewart Library at 10.45am. The baby show takes place in St Mary’s Church Hall from 10.30am, with doors opening at 10am. After a visit to the Rotary Club Lunch at The Cairndale Hotel the principals visit other care homes and Dumfries Town Centre in the afternoon.

Friday night is ‘fun night’ on Dumfries High Street. The Children’s Fancy Dress takes place at the Planestanes with judging and prize giving at approximately 6.30pm. Following the Fancy Dress the Family Treasure Trail takes place at 7pm with folk invited to solve the cryptic clues, with all answers some where in and around Dumfries High Street. As folk mingle up and down the street to find the answers the Corberry Park Pipers will entertain near the Planestanes.

The Dumfries Running Club host their 5K Road Race at the Crichton through the grounds from 7pm, members of the Principals party will join former principals to start the race.

 

Saturday 17th June is Guid Nychburris Day. A full programme of events is planned with many more activities still to be confirmed.

The Riding of the Marches commences from 8am before the Crowning and Charter ceremony just after 12 noon, a reception for guests and both the Cornets and Queen of the South’s lunches take place before principals visit Dumfries High Street.

Music, song, and dance by local artistes and groups, along with popular street entertainers Daffy Dill and Verity Power, renowned stilt walker and fire eater, will perform at the Mid Steeple before the Guid Nychburris Parade leaves Newall Terrace at 5pm.

Immediately after the Parade the Beating Retreat with hopefully seven brass, silver and pipe bands will take place outside the Municipal Chambers in Buccleuch Street.

Full details on all the Guid Nychburris events are published in the souvenir magazine which is being sold in local shops and offices in Dumfries.

The coveted awarded of Guid Nychbur and Junior Guid Nychbur will be presented during the Installation reception on Monday 12th June. If you would like to nominate anyone for either of these categories please forward details to guid.nychburris.accoc@gmail.com before Monday 5th June.

After an absence of THREE years the Guid Nychburris Senior Citizens Concert will make a welcome return for 2023. Hosted by the Wallace Family the Concert will take place in The Parkhouse Suite of the Cairndale Hotel on Tuesday 13th June from 2pm-4.30pm. Guid Nychburris chairman John Caskie will compere the event along with accordionist William McRobert, Drummer and singer Robert Dorrance, Piper Gregor Grierson, and guests from St Joseph’s College. Guid Nychburris Principals will be in attendance and there will be a free raffle draw. FREE tickets can be uplifted with a maximum of two per person from the Community Room Morrisons Supermarket on Thursday 1st June from 10.30am. No tickets can be pre booked for this event.

2023

WHAT’S ON LIST

GUID NYCHBURRIS

 

Sunday 11th – Saturday 17th June 2023

(P) Denotes Principals will be in attendance

 

 

SUNDAY 11th JUNE

10.30am: Principals Procession to St Michael’s Church, from Municipal Chambers (P)

11am: Kirkin of Cornet, St Michael’s Church (P)

2pm: Mabie Ride Out, Leaves Park Farm (P)

7.30pm: Songs of Praise, Dumfries High School (P)

 

MONDAY 12th JUNE

7.30pm: Installation of Principals, Midsteeple (P)

8.30pm: Installation Reception (for invited guests) The Usual Place Café Dumfries (P)

9.00: Guid Nychburris Installation Afterparty (Venue to be announced) (P)

 

TUESDAY 13th JUNE

9am & 1.30pm: Principals visit Schools in Dumfries (P)

2.00pm: Senior Citizens Concert, Parkhouse Suite, Cairndale Hotel. (Ticket only….Ticket uplift details to be announced) (P)

6.30pm: Family Pet Show, Market Area Whitesands (P)

7.00pm: The Dumfries of Robert Burns, Old Brig House, Devorgilla Bridge.

 

WEDNESDAY 14th JUNE

9 am: Principals visit Schools and Care Homes in Dumfries (P)

10am: Pop-Up Exhibition, Dumfries in a new light! The Smithy, Dumfries High Street

1.30pm: Principals visit Care Homes in Dumfries (P)

7.30pm: Cornets Ball, La Dolce Vita / The Bank / Loreburn Hall (P)

6.30pm and 8.30.pm: Mostly Ghostly ‘Bad Neighbours Tours’ From Dumfries High Street.

 

THURSDAY 15th JUNE

9am: Principals visit Schools in Dumfries (P)

10am: Pop-Up Exhibition, Dumfries in a new light!  The Smithy, Dumfries High Street

2pm: Principals visit Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (P)

7pm: Kingholm Ride Out, Leaves Huntingdon Market (P)

7pm: Dumfries Medieval Tour, Devorgilla Bridge, Whitesands

9.30pm: Cornets Supper, Rugby Club, New Abbey Road, Dumfries (P)

 

FRIDAY 16th JUNE

10am: Pop-Up Exhibition, Dumfries in a new light! The Smithy, Dumfries High Street

10.30am: Baby Show, St Mary’s Church Hall, Dumfries (P)

10.45 am: Principals visit Ewart Library Dumfries (P)

12 noon: Cornet and Cornets Lass attend Rotary Luncheon, Cairndale Hotel Dumfries (P)

2pm: Principals visit Care Homes in Dumfries (P)

6pm: Children’s Fancy Dress Competition, Planestanes Dumfries (P)

7pm: Family Treasure Trail, Planestanes and High Street Dumfries (P)

7pm: Corberry Park Pipers entertain, High Street Dumfries (P)

7pm: Guid Nychburris 5k Road Race (hosted by Dumfries Running Club) Crichton grounds (P)

7.30pm: Dumfries RSCDS Annual Guid Nychburris Summer Dance with Susan MacFadyen’s SDB, Locharbriggs Community Centre

 

GUID NYCHBURRIS DAY

SATURDAY 17th JUNE

8am: Riding the Marches, Leave High Street (P)

9.30am: Children’s Fun Fair, High Street

10am: Pop-Up Exhibition, Dumfries in a new light!  The Smithy, Dumfries High Street

10am (approx): Various Entertainment / Stalls, High Street and Midsteeple

11.30am: Arrival of invited guests at Midsteeple

12Noon: Cornet, Cornets Lass and followers arrive on horseback, at Plainstanes, Midsteeple (P)

12.15pm: CHARTER CEREMONY AND ‘CROWNING OF THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH’ (P)

1pm (approx): Various Entertainment Midsteeple and High Street (P)

1.30pm: Queen of the South Association Lunch, Cavens Arms, Buccleuch Street

2pm: Cornets Lunch, Rugby Club, New Abbey Road Dumfries (P)

3.30pm: Principals walkabout High Street, Dumfries (P)

5pm: Guid Nychburris Parade, Leaves Council Car Park Newall Terrace (P)

6.45pm: (approx): Beating Retreat, Buccleuch Street (P)

7.30pm: Border Strathspey and Reel Society, Fiddlers Rally, The Bridge, Glasgow Road Dumfries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanquhar Arts Festival Celebrates Fifth Year

Sanquhar Arts Festival Celebrates Fifth Year
Image; Florian Kaplick

2023 marks the 5th year of the Sanquhar Arts Festival. The Festival takes place in Upper Nithsdale and has something for everyone, whatever age. This year sees Open Studios/Meet the maker events, films, photography, exhibitions, and performances. Events will take place at Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum, MERZ Gallery, Museum of Model Art and A’ the Airts.

Held from the 26th to the 28th of May the Festival celebrates local talent from Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Opera, as well as international artists such as Florian Kaplick, a renowned choreographer and dancer, director, and actor with ‘Impressions of MERZ’, a free event held at A’ the Airts organised by MERZ Gallery.

Food will also play a big part in the festival with meals that can be pre-booked that coincide with performances and exhibitions. The Upper Nithsdale Tourism Partnership has been instrumental in putting the festival together and one of the organisers Dr David Rushton commented – “One of three annual festivals, this event includes the work of international artists. Artists in residence at MERZ have been making ceramics from the local clay once used in brick making, celebrating the marks and impressions in bricks from the former brickworks. We’d like visitors to explore the sound and texture of fired clay at MERZ and help us make progress towards a ceramics studio in the town.”

Yvonne Barber, another member of the group and manager at A’ the Airts has said – “Sanquhar is a beautiful little town and there is lots to do and see during the Festival, we are happy to have events in the newly refurbished and extended art Centre.  We hope that visitors and the local community take advantage of what is on offer.  All of the events are in walking distance of each other, so we hope people come and have a great weekend.”

There is a chance to experience models in the museum at Sanquhar Tolbooth.  For the weekend of the Arts Festival, the museum will be celebrating all things miniature from a toy crib to a model of the first bicycle.  A model boat made of bone by a Napoleonic soldier who was a Prisoner of War in Sanquhar in the early 1800s is on display in Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum for the first time this year.  Other items on display include a model of the Tolbooth itself and a maquette of the town’s war memorial.  Visitor to the museum can see all of these marvellous things and take place in special trails and craft activities too.

Please contact A’ the Airts for further information on any of the events scheduled on 01659 50514 or at contact@atheairts.org.uk

 

 

Mr Pook’s Kitchen Welcomes New Intern To The Team

MR POOK'S KITCHEN WELCOMES NEW INTERN TO THE TEAM

This week saw the fifteenth and last of the Galloway Glens-supported Interns starting in post, with Finlay McGaw beginning a six month role with Mr.Pook’s Kitchen in Castle Douglas. Finlay’s role will include lots of training and will give him a broad overview of what its like to work in the sector, right here in Galloway.

 

Finlay – from New Galloway – started in the role this week, and said:

“A restaurant like Mr Pooks isn’t on every corner so the opportunity to break into a highly competitive and skilled field is a very attractive opportunity. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work at such a high standard developing my culinary skills which will help me move my career forward in the future.”

 

Ed Pook said:

“Its a pleasure to be welcoming local Lad Finlay McGaw to the Kitchen!
We hope he gains a wealth of experience, knowledge and some chef scars over the following 6 months as we look to enjoy a busy summer season. Working with predominantly the kitchen team of Alan and Zulle our Sous chef and pastry chef and also with Luke in the Bar and Josie on the floor Fin should leave with a solid understanding of all the main tasks required to function in a busy fine dining restaurant environment and give him some direction for a future career either direct in the industry or give him the skills and confidence to direct his energies elsewhere. We shall look forward to working with him over the next 6 months.”

 

The Intern position is being supported by the Galloway Glens Scheme, an initiative of the Council’s Environment Team with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The scheme is working to encourage young people to plan their working future in the region. Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer said:

“I couldn’t be more happy for Finlay to have secured this chance of a lifetime to work in a top-class restaurant with a sustainable approach to the sourcing and production of food. Ed Pook is inspirational and has so much to give a young person in terms of experience and skills, I wish Finlay all the very best for his internship and imagine it will lead onto a exciting career in the culinary arts!”

 

The Galloway Glens Scheme is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, it is funded by a range of partners including The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.

Solway Yacht Club – Sunday Spring Series

SOLWAY YACHT CLUB - SUNDAY SPRING SERIES

After the Galloway sunshine of Coronation Day, Kippford dawned heavily overcast with sea fog rolling in on Sunday while inland it was bright and warm. By midday and the race start time, glimpses of blue sky gave the promise of the cloud burning off and a sunny afternoon, but with a chilly Southerly blowing, nothing was certain.

 

Races were the second day of the Sunday Spring series and Race Officer Finlay Train set a course South to Rough Island then across to “Nets” buoy, East of Horse Isles Bay before returning to G Buoy upriver of the Starting Hut. A mixed fleet of fast and just one medium handicap boat got a clean start with the Flying Fifteen of Colin Filer and Jamie Gascoigne leading away, followed by Stewart Mitchell in his latest Olympic Finn, then Stephen Gaughan and crew Martin Metcalfe in the Osprey, Metcalfe soon out on the trapeze wire powering the boat out after the two leaders. Further back the second Flying Fifteen of Peter Hammond and John Sproat was going steadily, then the medium handicap Firefly of Ian and Margaret Purkis having a lonely race, but after handicap corrections it was 1st Filer/Gascoigne, Flying Fifteen; 2nd Mitchell, Finn; 3rd Purkis, Firefly, 4th Gaughan/Metcalfe, Osprey; 5th Hammond/Sproat, Flying Fifteen.

 

The promised sunshine never materialised, instead the chilly wind increased bringing more cloud, mist, and a choppy sea. Deciding on a change of course for the second race, Race Officer, Finlay, took the fleet from Rough Island across to M buoy closer to Almorness peninsula. Starting in a similar order but this time the Hammond/Sproat Flying Fifteen was much closer to the leading boats. Once off Rough Island the leaders headed across to Almorness but got it all wrong, sailing much closer to the buoy North of Horse Isles Bay while only the Gaughan/Metcalfe Osprey and the Purkis Firefly got it right, correctly rounding M buoy. While their apparently comfortable lead took them across to the finish, both Flying Fifteens and the Finn failed to get a finishing signal having sailed the wrong course, presenting the Gaughan/Metcalfe Osprey and the Purkis Firefly with a well-deserved first and second.

 

Monday brought the forecast rain and a strong Southerly wind with sailing only for the hardy but that didn’t deter several, including two brave cadets, Finn Harris and Callum McRobert, both sailing identical Laser Picos. Race Officer Lindsay Tosh set a straightforward long course out to the South and back, but the start had several boats “over the line” and being recalled, the exception being young Callum, the only one to judge his start perfectly. Lap 1 and a big capsize for Finlay Train, who’d swopped the previous day’s Race Officer duty for sailing, but nevertheless forced his retirement. The powerful Gaughan/Metcalfe Osprey was relishing the conditions and took “line honours” but after handicap corrections, the Mitchell Finn was declared the race winner. Callum finished second of the two cadets but, in his enthusiasm, Finn had not recrossed the start line after being recalled so his result did not count, promoting Callum to third overall. Race 2 and once again the Osprey led all the way only to have Mitchell win on handicap. This time Finn made no mistake and took third but only after a very close race with Callum, their performance a great credit to both young sailors.

In just over a week’s time on Sunday 21st May, between 11.30 and 15.00, the Solway Yacht Club is holding its annual Open Day when visitors are welcomed and get the opportunity to try all forms of boating, as guests of the Club, all for free. No experience required, refreshments in the Clubhouse and everything needed provided on the day. Here’s hoping for some Galloway sunshine!

Galloway Registers Interest In Being Scotland’s Next National Park 

Galloway registers interest in being Scotland’s next National Park 
  • Campaigners claim Galloway is the natural choice  
  • Region has strong public, political and business support 

Campaigners in Galloway have welcomed today’s announcement on the next steps towards creating one, or more, new National Parks for Scotland.

Scottish Government Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater unveiled a public consultation on the criteria to decide whether an area could become a National Park.

The minister also said that organisations could now register an interest in having their area considered for National Park status. 

Within minutes of the announcement the Galloway National Park Association registered the region’s interest. 

Rob Lucas, Chair of the GNPA, said: “We welcome today’s announcement and immediately registered our interest in becoming home to Scotland’s third National Park. 

“This is a goal we have been working towards for five years. Galloway’s amazing mix of moors, mountains, rolling farmlands and rugged coastlines makes it the ideal choice. 

“What’s more there is strong backing from the public, from business and politicians of all parties – which is vital in ensuring the success of any new National Park.” 

The case for Galloway 

There is strong public and business backing for it to be in Galloway as it will bring lasting and widespread benefits by:

  • Making the most of our fabulous countryside and coastlines
  • Generating sustainable tourism
  • Creating business opportunities and jobs
  • Providing a marketing brand that will put us on a world stage
  • Attracting millions of pounds a year in investment and income
  • Making space for nature to recover and flourish as a key part of the area’s response to climate change
  • Improving health and wellbeing
  • Offering opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities
  • Encouraging young people and families to remain or return to the region.

GNPA also believes that Galloway is the best place for Scotland’s next National Park because:

  • It has a unique mix of rolling farmland, low hills, wild moors, mountains and coastline – adding real diversity to Scotland’s family of National Parks.
  • Unlike some parts of Scotland there is ample opportunity, and need, for an increase in sustainable tourism.
  • It offers easy access to wonderful countryside for all ages and abilities, including economically deprived communities across south-west Scotland.
  • Extensive public and business support for a Galloway National Park shows that the region is ready and eager to seize the opportunities it would bring.

Scottish Dentist Juniors To Join Strike Action

Scottish Dentist juniors to join strike action

The British Dental Association has announced that dentists in Scotland employed under the same contract as junior doctors, will join their medical colleagues in a 72-hour walkout, the dates of which are yet to be confirmed, if BMA ongoing negotiations with the Scottish government do not result in a credible pay offer.

 

The overwhelming majority of voters (91%) from this small but important cohort backed industrial action, on a turnout of 79%.

 

British Dental Association Chair Eddie Crouch said:

 

“Our members stand ready to do whatever it takes to secure a fair deal on pay.
“Just like their medical colleagues these dentists aren’t worth a penny less than they were a decade ago.
“We are hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be found. But our members will take strike action if the Scottish Government fail to come back to the table with a serious pay offer.”

Galloway Hosts A Visit Of The Board Of The Scottish Land Commission

Galloway hosts a visit of the Board of the Scottish Land Commission

This week the Board of the Scottish Land Commission came to Galloway to meet land use agencies and partners, and visit examples of innovative responses to land use pressures.

 

On Monday evening, the Scottish Land Commission hosted a strategic land use roundtable discussion at the Selkirk Arms Hotel in Kirkcudbright with local agencies including South of Scotland Enterprise, CONFOR, Communities for Diverse Forestry, the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Dumfries & Galloway Council, and the Galloway Glens Scheme.

 

The following day, the Board toured Galloway, visiting the Upper Urr Environmental Trust near Corsock and the Carsphairn Community Woodland Group at Muirdrochwood – a recipient of support through the Galloway Glens Scheme.

 

Andrew Thin, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission Board, said:

“It is clear that Galloway is on the front line of rapid changes in land use and our visit showed us some of the risks and opportunities first-hand. I am very grateful to all the organisations who took time to meet with us. The visits and discussions have helped inform our board’s consideration of key issues, particularly in our current work on natural capital, land values and community benefit.”

 

The visit was arranged in partnership between the Galloway Glens Scheme with the Biosphere and the Communities for Diverse Forestry Group.

 

Morag Paterson, from the Communities for Diverse Forestry Group, said:

“We very much welcomed the visit from the Scottish Land Commission. It was great to meet the team in person and have a chance to discuss the challenges for communities concerning rapid land use change, for example, the cumulative effects of predominantly single-species afforestation for habitats and people. We also explored opportunities that might be afforded through collaborative working, encouraging community participation and embracing the community wealth building agenda.”

 

McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, added:

“We are so grateful to the Scottish Land Commission for holding their board meeting in Galloway and taking the opportunity to meet a whole range of local voices. Land reform and land use challenges are still sometimes seen as a ‘North Scotland’ issue, but that simply isn’t the case – indeed some of the biggest pressures and most dramatic changes are currently being experienced in the South-West. It was useful to plug the Galloway experiences into the national discussion.”

 

For more information about the remit and role of the Scottish Land Commission, visit: https://www.landcommission.gov.scot/.

 

The Galloway Glens Scheme is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, it is funded by a range of partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.

 

 

Get Shoogling for Bookbug Week

Get shoogling for Bookbug Week

Bookbug Week is taking place this week (15–21 May), encouraging little ones and their families to dance to their favourite songs and rhymes and then cosy up with a story. This year’s theme is Bookbug’s Big Shoogle and the week will focus on the benefits of movement and dance for early years development.

Dance and movement are not only fun for little ones, but play an important role in their development. Movement helps young children to build strength and mobility. The tactile elements of many songs and rhymes help them to learn about different parts of their body.

Bookbug is a national programme run by Scottish Book Trust, a charity changing lives with reading and writing. All children in Scotland receive four Bookbug Bags full of books and activities between their birth and first year of school. Families can also share songs and rhymes in fun Bookbug Sessions in local libraries and community groups and through the Bookbug app. The Scottish Government has been supporting Bookbug since 2010.

This year’s Bookbug Week celebrations will include a partnership with BBC Tiny Happy People, a free-to-use website with fun activity ideas to help support 0–4-year-olds’ speech, language, and communication development. They will be adding some brilliant activity idea films to the Bookbug app for one week only, which highlight the importance of parents and carers talking to their little ones as early as possible. BBC Tiny Happy People will also be joining Glasgow Life at the Mitchell Library on Wednesday 17 May for a day of Bookbug Sessions and fun activity events for families.

Popular children’s entertainers Sprog Rock will be premiering their brand-new music video, featuring children from Forbes Nursery in Leith, on Tuesday 16 May. Also online, Scottish Book Trust is running a competition to win a special selection of 10 books, a musical instrument kit and a space hopper.

There are Bookbug Sessions taking place across the country, with some local authorities putting on extra activities: Aberdeen libraries will be setting up shaker-making stations, science educators Mini Professors will be running sessions in Fife libraries about sound waves, and little ones in South Ayrshire can practice their fine motor skills through robotics app Osmo in their local libraries.

Children and Young People Minister Natalie Don said:
‘I am very excited for this year’s Bookbug Week and their special Bookbug’s Big Shoogle theme. Initiatives like this can help encourage an early love of books among children in addition to providing great opportunities for parents and their wee ones to spend time together whilst having fun and learning.
‘Both reading and being active have multiple benefits for children, including supporting positive mental and physical health, relationships and improved attainment.
‘I’m delighted that the Scottish Government are able to provide increased funding for 2023/24 of £1.8 million for the continuation of the Bookbug programme.’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:
‘We’re excited to share Bookbug’s Big Shoogle with families across Scotland this year, celebrating the benefits of movement and dance. Our thanks to Emma Melchor for designing this year’s brilliant Bookbug Week illustration.’

Farmers & Crofters Urged To Crack On With Single Application Forms As 15 May Deadline Looms

FARMERS AND CROFTERS URGED TO CRACK ON WITH SINGLE APPLICATION FORMS AS 15 MAY DEADLINE LOOMS

The number of Scottish farmers and crofters who have filled out their Single Application Form (SAF) online ahead of the window closing at midnight on Monday 15 May is well ahead of this time last year, but many forms are still to be started.

Latest figures provided to NFU Scotland by Scottish Government suggest that more than 14,200 forms have already been completed.  More than 3000 forms have been started and are in ‘draft’ form leaving approximately 1200 forms still to be started with just four days to go.

Since 2022, it has been a requirement that all SAF forms must be completed online.  Completion of a SAF is required to access important support schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening, and the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme.  All schemes available as part of SAF are critical to the financial well-being of Scottish agriculture – injecting well over £500 million to the industry annually.

With only a few days left, NFU Scotland has welcomed the news that Scottish Government has organised out of hours cover for IT related issues over the next three days (12/13/14 May) and after office hours cover on Monday 15 May until midnight.  Customers can contact the IT service desk on 0300 244 6202 or AREISDServiceDesk@gov.scot.

NFU Scotland Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “Support payments remain critically important to the viability of most Scottish farming and crofting businesses.  The importance of that support will be underlined this year and into next year as we continue to see the impact of unprecedented rises in input costs and unpredictable volatility in prices.
“With exactly four days to go, it is encouraging just how many forms have been completed but there is a significant number of SAF forms still to be started.  There is also concern about the 3000 forms started but not completed and we urge those with forms in a draft state to go on and complete their application at the earliest opportunity and ensure that it is properly submitted.
“Farmers and crofters must prioritise these annual application forms in the next few days.  The deadline of the 15 May is fast approaching, and we urge all eligible applicants to concentrate on completing their submission now rather than at the last minute.
“As we transition to a new agricultural policy and support arrangements from 2025 onwards, the SAF deadline is still one of the most important dates in the Scottish farming calendar and we need farmers and crofters to crack on with applications.”
1...245246247...2,040Page 246 of 2,040

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

Copyright © DGWGO Limited. All Rights Reserved