Dumfries Continues to Shine in the World of Ice Hockey

Jan 15, 2019

The sixth World Championship Ice Hockey tournament to be held in Dumfries in just five years concluded at the Ice Bowl on Saturday 12 January.

France took Gold, Norway Silver and Great Britain secured a third-place finish and the bronze medal in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s Under 18s World Championship, Division 1 Group B. Young Dumfries starlet Megan Gourley, from Dumfries, was an invaluable part of the Great Britain squad and experienced plenty of game time.

In April (2nd until the 8th) another World Championship will take place at the Dumfries venue, to further promote the sport and give a boost to the women’s game in Great Britain. Six countries spanning the Globe will descend on Dumfries for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s Division 2A tournament. The national teams of Australia, the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea and Mexico will make their way to the Ice Bowl to play the hosts, Slovenia and Spain to see which country gains promotion.

The World Championships double header is an incredible boost for the Ice Bowl, British Ice Hockey and the economy of Dumfries and Galloway.

The Council estimates that hosting the Women’s Under 18s event has created an economic boost for Dumfries and Galloway in excess of £170,000. The Norwegian and Chinese teams and their support staff were based in Dumfries from the 2 January, four days before their first fixtures began, to aid their preparations, which increased the revenues of local hotels. Great Britain had three days in town to fine tune their play before the tournament started.

Councillor Adam Wilson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Events Champion said,

“Dumfries continues to shine in the world of ice hockey. We have a long-standing track record of youth development and quality events management in the sport, and the Ice Bowl is tailor made for World Championship events. The local community is making great use of the Ice Bowl, and we are securing substantial economic benefits at a quiet time of the year from the spend that occurs from the participating countries.”

Andy French, General Secretary of Ice Hockey UK said,

“I’m delighted at how the whole week has gone, and how we have advanced the sport of ice hockey. The tried and trusted working partnership we have with the Council enabled Ice Hockey UK to deliver this World Championship to the same high standards as previous tournaments. I would like to thank the Council staff at the arena, along with all volunteers, because without them it would not happen and be so successful.”

Police Appeal For Witness To A75 HGV Incident

Jan 14, 2019

POLICE in Castle Douglas are appealing for witnesses as they investigate the alleged dangerous driving of a HGV on the A75 on Sunday 13th January 2019.

The vehicle, described as having a white, yellow and red cab and was pulling a red trailer, is alleged to have driven dangerously at a number of locations between Skyreburn and Castle Douglas between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Sunday afternoon.

Constable David McDowall said, “Anyone who witnessed this vehicle on the A75 between the times and locations given or captured it on their dashcam, and who have not already spoken to police, should contact police officers at Castle Douglas on the 101 number”

£39,800 National Lottery support to help Secure Future for Ellisland Farm

Jan 14, 2019

Ellisland Farm, the rural home of National Bard Robert Burns in Dumfries and Galloway, has received a National Lottery grant of £39,800 for an exciting heritage project, Securing a Sustainable Future for Burns’ Rural Home near Dumfries.

Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project focuses on identifying how best to manage the site to champion its incredible history; making this important part of the Robert Burns story more accessible through imaginative use of his house, the collections and the inspirational landscape.

Supported through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) the project will review the treasures of the site and explore options to improve the visitor experience and make the operation more sustainable. We will also have the opportunity to speak to current and potential audiences to identify what the local community, partners and visitors would like to see at the site. Importantly the project will identify the best method of governing and managing the museum in the future and will support a range of fundraising initiatives. We hope this will be the first stage of a major development for a place chosen as a home by Burns for himself and his family, and which provides an unrivalled insight into his aspirations as a man, husband, father and writer.

Commenting on the award, Sheriff Principal Ian Abercrombie QC, Chair of the Ellisland Trust said “We are delighted to have received this funding and are confident that the award will support our ambitions to develop a first class visitor experience doing justice to the incredible talent of Robert Burns, the man whose vision created it over 200 years ago and who is still so important to the story of Dumfrieshire today.”

Chair of the Friends of Ellisland Farm, Russell Williamson added, “Throughout its history the Friends of Ellisland have worked tirelessly to maintain this important site, and we are excited about this support from HLF, and to be part of the the next stage of its story.”
Ríona McMorrow, Acting Head of HLF Scotland, said: “Resilient Heritage allows the heritage sector to build financial independence and resilience in a changing economic landscape of reduced public funding. It provides a tailored package of support that responds to the individual needs of organisations such as The Ellisland Trust so, thanks to National Lottery players, they can not only survive in these challenging financial times, but thrive.”

Ellisland Farm is managed by the Ellisland Trust established in 1922, which cares for the lands and farm of Ellisland, farmed by Robert Burns between 1788 and 1791. We are an independent charity and are entrusted with the care of Ellisland ‘for the benefit of the British Nation’. We champion the incredible history of Ellisland and the heritage of Robert Burns through our public programmes, collections, site, house and landscape.
Our mission is to celebrate and share the extraordinary story of the rural home built by Scottish National Bard Robert Burns; a story of hospitality, of an inspirational landscape and of creative talent.

Ellisland is an important part of the Robert Burns story, being the only house that Burns built for himself and the site which inspired him to write some of his most famous poems, including Auld Lang Syne, Tam o’Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss. Burns lived here with his family 1788-1791.

Region’s £6 Million From Autumn Events Holds Promise of Super 2019

Jan 13, 2019

A series of festivals and events in Dumfries and Galloway generated more than £6m for the local and Scottish economy in September 2018.

The analysis from Dumfries and Galloway Council shows that the 20th annual Wigtown Book Festival had an economic impact of £3.75m, the Electric Fields music festival £1.45m, the Stranraer Oyster Festival up to £1.1m and the Galloway Hills Rally £120,000.
Our rural Scottish region is now gearing up for a bumper year of cultural tourism, international arts festivals and major sports events.

The events covered in the analysis are all funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council as part of its Major Events and Festivals Strategy 2018-2021.

Councillor Adam Wilson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Major Events Champion, said: “The variety of September’s events and the enthusiasm of the teams behind them is extraordinary – together they offer a taste of what we have to come in 2019.
“The oyster festival is just two years old and has already grown into a superb event with the potential to help regenerate Stranraer in the same way that the book festival has supported the economy of Wigtown over the last 20 years.
“Electric Fields is also going from strength to strength, with a superb line-up of performers and attracted more than 8,000 people to Drumlanrig last year. The Galloway Hills Rally is absolutely thriving.
“Dumfries and Galloway is increasingly marking itself out as a region of high quality events and festivals and a superb place to visit for anyone who loves great food, literature, music and sport.”

These successes all took place in the same year that saw the opening of the new £3.2m Kirkcudbright Galleries, which are home to the magnificent Kirkcudbright Artists’ Collection which includes works by the likes of John Faed, Edward Atkinson Hornel, Jessie Marion King and Samuel John Peploe.

In 2019 Dumfries and Galloway will have more attractions than ever. The year will kick off with the Burns festival, followed by the opening of the new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling at Moat Brae House, Dumfries, in the spring.

In May and June there will be Spring Fling, Scotland’s premier open studios contemporary visual art and craft weekend, the 10-day Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival (celebrating its 40th year), the Scottish Rally and the Eden Festival.
Electric Fields will be moving to an earlier date, taking place at Drumlanrig Castle from 4 to 6 July, 2019.

Alex Roberts, Director of Electric Fields, said: “In 2018 we enjoyed our most successful year with our biggest capacity to date, but still maintained a special family-friendly atmosphere. To have the legendary Noel Gallagher perform at Drumlanrig Castle was a completely surreal experience and relished by all.

“As part of our ever-growing event, the funding we receive from Dumfries and Galloway Council is invaluable. They share our vision and passion to evolve the D&G festival, tourism and economic scene.

“We really feel Electric Fields is an event D&G deserves and the local feedback has been extremely encouraging. To bring attract such names as Noel Gallagher, James, Primal Scream and Dizzee Rascal is a real coup for the festival and the region.”

The Galloway Hills Rally is jointly run by Solway, Machars and East Ayrshire Car Clubs. In 2019 it will be the final round of the British Rally Championship, which will considerably raise its profile, prestige and visitor numbers.

Kirsty Riddick, a member of the organising committee, said: “Our 2019 event will be the 46th annual running of the rally, and is set to be our biggest yet, as we under take organising two separate events for the Scottish and British Rally Championships.
This will bring new challenges to our small but dedicated team, but we are up for the test. This would not be possible without the invaluable continued support of Dumfries & Galloway Council, and our title sponsors, The Armstrong Group.

We are excited to welcome BRC rallying back to Dumfries and Galloway, and we think it will be a great boost for the region.”
Stranraer Oyster Festival has become a high profile event in just two years, attracting 14,000 visitors in 2018 and raising awareness of Scotland’s native oysters, which are fished nearby.

Romano Petrucci, Chairman of the Stranraer Development Trust, which organises the festival said: “The dedication of the organisers and staff, and the overwhelming support of the local community, has ensured that SOF has changed the story of the town forever.”
Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town and the festival has grown into a successful and much-loved feature in the country’s annual events calendar.

Finn McCreath, Vice Chair of Wigtown Festival Company, said: “The 20th festival was an outstanding event, attracting record visitor numbers and ticket sales.
“It really shows how the public sector can work with communities to develop cultural events that are highly successful in attracting visitors, promoting the arts and regenerating local economies.
“In 2019 we will come of age, with our 21st festival, and are really looking forward to doing even more to promote a love of reading and literature, and to highlight Dumfries and Galloway as a place to visit.”

DGC’s Major Festivals and Events Strategy is supported by VisitScotland.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Dumfries and Galloway has gone from strength-to-strength as an events destination over the years.
“The likes of Electric Fields, Stranraer Oyster Festival and Wigtown Book Festival have generated fantastic economic and social benefits both locally and nationally and helped reaffirm Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage for events”

Pupils’ Festive Visit Helps Foster Understanding of Dementia

Jan 13, 2019

A FESTIVE trip by primary children from a Dumfries Primary School to meet people with dementia has been described as a ‘profound’ experience.

P7 youngsters from Troqueer Primary visited Midpark Hospital in Dumfries just before Christmas in the second stage of a collaborative piece of work.

And speaking after a day filled with interaction, music and fun, Troqueer Primary head teacher Mr Martin Armstrong said: “In 25 years of teaching I have never experienced something so profound.

“Thank you so much for giving our children this opportunity.”

Claire Gabriel is Senior Charge Nurse at Midpark, and helped make the event possible.

Explaining the background, Claire said: “This relationship with Troqueer Primary began when I attended the school to deliver a lesson on dementia and how it touches the lives of many members of the local community.

“We discussed ways that everyone could help and support each other and explored things like the importance of keeping active both mentally and physically, the importance of music, reminiscence and gathering lots of facts to compile life story albums.

“The children then were asked to come up with ways to help enjoy and remember Christmas.

“They tackled this with great enthusiasm and generated the idea of making sensory Christmas stockings, Christmas wreaths for each bedroom, and decorating a room for everyone to enjoy with their families and friends.

“They made a CD with all the old Christmas songs along with various other ideas.

“Feedback from this lesson was that the children knew people with a dementia and didn’t understand what is was or what it meant, so they had found this lesson helpful to increase knowledge but also give them ideas how to support family and friends.”

That work led to the visit to Midpark in the run-up to Christmas.

Claire said: “We could see that the children would gain a further insight and understanding of dementia

“And for our patients, the chance for them to engage and interact with these confident, happy young people was a fantastic and really positive opportunity.”

A fun, festive atmosphere soon filled the sitting room at Midpark, as the Troqueer Primary pupils made an instant impression, happily chatting with patients.

The pupils were divided into groups, with one focused on creating decorations for the room and another on creating artwork.

The ‘sensory stocking’ group proved a big success, as pupils brought out items such as tinsel and baubles, talking with the patients as they held and discussed the objects.

And a highlight was a mini music concert, where pupils confidently delivered a mixture of classic Christmas carols along with songs which evoked memories of the past.

Claire said: “It was an absolutely tremendous day that exceeded even our best expectations.

“The reaction from patients was amazing, with an incredible level of engagement.

“We could also see just how much the children took from the day, and how much they enjoyed it.”

Pupils have recorded their thoughts on the day.

Edward in P7 said: “I found this a once in a lifetime opportunity because it was amazing to interact with the patients. I loved how the patients joined in. One sang along and even played the piano.”

P7 pupil Brooke said: “I really enjoyed interacting with the patients and handing out the Christmas cards. I would love to do it again. Thank you.”

Samuel from P7 said: “I enjoyed helping the patients remember their childhood Christmas songs.”

Medina from P7 said: “I really enjoyed making a Christmas tree with one of the patients and getting to know them.”

Tess from P7 said: “I really enjoyed doing the sensory stockings and I was talking to one of the patients and he told me all about Christmas when he was young.”

The Christmas event proved so successful that talk has already turned towards doing something else in the future.

P7 class teacher Mrs Johnston said: “What a fantastic day for our P7 pupils.

“Long may our partnership continue.”

Women and Cancer in focus at first afternoon gathering

Jan 13, 2019

AN EVENT later this month focused on women and cancer could help open up new avenues for accessing services and support within Dumfries and Galloway.

The Women and Cancer Afternoon Tea in Stranraer on January 24 is seen as the important first step in establishing a new network for women affected by the illness, and their families.

It will feature guest speakers including a top cancer specialist, and will set out the ambitions for the new structure.

Crucially, it will also focus discussions on how new communications technology could help address challenges around attending medical appointments and how it might open up access to greater support.

The project is being led by the community of Wigtownshire women affected by cancer, with support being provided by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership as an example of good local co-production.

Chairwoman Penny Halliday said: “Thousands of women across our region will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives.

“And while we’re fortunate to have terrific medical services and staff within Dumfries and Galloway, there’s still more that could be done to improve the experiences of those who are affected.

“One of the biggest challenges we face as a region is our rurality, and the distances people often have to travel in order to attend appointments and access support.

“A key thing we’ll be looking at is how new communication technology such as the NHS’s Attend Anywhere system might be able to help reduce the need for so much travel, including that which often takes people outwith the region for appointments with consultants.

“We believe technology also has the potential to help open up access to meaningful local support, or ‘Digital Befriending’ – which could be a real help to those people living in particularly remote areas.

As a former member of the Macmillan Cancer Scottish Involvement Group, and having spoken about her own experience with cancer, Penny said: “Within all of this, we’ll be looking at the role peer support can play, and about opportunities for women and their families to share their experiences.

“We’ll also be looking at how we collect information, how we can help keep people informed around developments, provide ways for them to feed back on their experiences so as to help improve services, and how we can help direct them to access new resources as they become available.

“To this end, we’d really encourage anyone who has an interest in this area to attend the Women and Cancer Afternoon Tea at Craignelder Hotel on Cairnryan Road, Stranraer, from 2 pm to 4 pm on January 24.”

The event on January 24 will set out work to date within these areas.

It will introduce NHS Attend Anywhere by linking up with a clinician, showing the applications for this technology in relation to appointments but also around befriending.

Guest speakers will relate their experiences, and the latter part of the Afternoon Tea will engage all participants in answering three questions – helping to provide feedback, suggestions and information.

Delivery of the tea itself is being kindly supported by the mPower programme – which looks at making best use of technology to support older people with long-term conditions.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Susan McKie of the mPower programme by emailing susanmckie@nhs.net or phoning 01776 707731.

The event takes place at Craignelder Hotel on Cairnryan Road, Stranraer, from 2 pm to 4 pm on January 24.

Harper Hears From Action Group About Wigtownshire Healthcare Concerns

Jan 13, 2019

Following on from her last meeting with the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group (GCHAG) in October 2018, South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has again met with the Action Group to follow up with points raised from the previous meeting, as well as to discuss some new issues arising such as maternity service provision within the Wigtownshire area.

At the meeting, which was attended by eight members of the Action Group including local councillor Willie Scobie, Ms Harper was able to provide an update on the work she has been carrying out both locally and in Parliament regarding the NHS in the South West of Scotland.

Commenting, Ms Harper said:

“I was pleased to have a follow up meeting with the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group as part of my continued engagement with the members. The meeting allowed me to provide the group with answers to the action points they set for me when we met in October last year.

“The topics discussed included the challenges facing the recruitment of GPs to the South West of Scotland, and I was able to provide an update regarding the Scottish Government’s ScotGEM project which will potentially see 14 new medical students being placed in Dumfries and Galloway GP practices, which is 25% of the total students taking part in the new Scottish Government programme.

“I was able to update the group on work that I know NHS Dumfries and Galloway is carrying out to attract GPs, as well as other medical professionals to the region. Additionally, I have written to NHS Dumfries and Galloway leadership to ask which services have been introduced to Galloway Community Hospital (GCH) that are provided at DGRI and Mountain Hall Treatment centre, and I will ensure the GCHAG members receive a copy of the responses as soon as I receive them.

“At the meeting, we also discussed the difficulty some patients from Wigtownshire face – such as transport and accommodation – when they make the 150 mile round trip to Dumfries for appointments. I was therefore pleased to update the group on NHSD&G’s current provision of a wide range of services directly at GCH, and proposals to include sonography and additional ophthalmic services. We also discussed the Attend Anywhere programme, which allows patients to speak to GPs, Consultants and Health Professionals online, without the physical need to be in the same room. I have agreed to ask for further information on Attend Anywhere, and possibly arrange a live demonstration of the technology.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the group in the coming months, and we have now agreed a new set of action points which I have already started working on. I would encourage any constituent who would like an update on my work, or who is looking for any advice and support, to get in touch with me at any time.”

Dr Angela Armstrong, Chair of the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group added:

“Action Group members were delighted to be able to discuss their concerns regarding local health provision with Ms.Harper, a former nurse who has an excellent understanding of health issues. We look forward to further discussions going forward.”

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival Benefits the Whole of Dumfries and Galloway

Jan 13, 2019

Approaching its 6th annual event this coming 12-14th July 2019, Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival has gone from strength to strength since its first, self-funded, event in 2014.

It is now recognised as one of Dumfries & Galloway’s major arts, culture and heritage events, with analysis from Dumfries & Galloway Council showing that it had an economic impact of £130,320 in the mid-Galloway region in 2018; an outstanding achievement for what is an almost entirely voluntary run project.

The event features internationally renowned traditional music, dance and language musicians and performing artists who entertain and thrill captivated audiences at a range of concerts, workshops, masterclasses, tune and song sessions, highland dancing competitions and pipe band performances held over 3 days in the glorious surroundings of the Galloway Hills and Galloway Forest Park.

This year’s event sees none other than Scotland’s National treasure, Dougie MacLean OBE, a singer/songwriter famous the world over for his song “Caledonia”, an artist who has toured all over the world and whose music has featured on television and film soundtracks such as Last of the Mohicans, performing a unique and intimate set at the fabulous Newton Stewart Cinema for the legends night finale concert on Sunday 14th July 2019.

The festival is also delighted to have confirmed, for this year’s event, Steph Geremia; an Irish American multi-instrumentalist and singer highly regarded as one of the finest musicians of her generation, Kitty Macfarlane; a Bristol-based songwriter and accomplished guitar player whose fabulous debut album ‘Namer of Clouds’ has shot to fame and the superb Highland harper Rachel Hair who has released four critically acclaimed albums and has toured extensively throughout Europe, the USA and beyond.

Festival Director Nathon Jones said “It is a credit to the organisation that, after 5 years, we continue to offer the highest level of traditional music, dance and language performance and tuition right here in Dumfries & Galloway providing opportunities for audiences, young and old, to experience and participate in events and activities that they would, otherwise, have to travel long distances, at significant expense, to enjoy and benefit from.”

“We have also welcomed visitors from all over the world including the UK & Ireland, Germany, Holland, France, Australia, Canada, USA and even Papua New Guinea; many of whom came specifically for the festival event and, in some cases, had never visited Scotland before.”

“This year we are very excited to be welcoming visitors from Newton Stewart’s twin town of Marcoussis, France, who we have invited to attend the festival as well as the fabulous Highland dancing competitors from across the UK & Ireland who will be competing on Saturday 13th July 2019.”

Weekend pass tickets are already available to purchase online via the official festival website at www.tradmusic.com as well as tickets for Dougie MacLean’s concert which are selling fast. It really is an event not to be missed, set in one of the most beautiful parts of rural Scotland.

Kirkcudbright Inner Wheel Hold A Soup-er Lunch For Charity

Jan 13, 2019

The Inner Wheel Club of Kirkcudbright held their annual soup and sweet lunch in the Bowling Club on Wednesday 9th January 2019 and funds raised will be divided equally between the Dumfries and Galloway Carers and the National Autistic Society.

A spokesperson from the Inner wheel said “Thank you to everyone who supported the event as a soup or sweet maker, a helper, or seller of raffle tickets. Thanks to everyone who came and supported the lunch as well as the Rotary Club volunteers.”

Met Office Warns Colder Weather on the Way

Jan 13, 2019

Following the occasional colder snap so far this winter, there are now signs that cold winter weather resulting from a sudden stratospheric warming is on the way for the UK.

As we reported last week, a sudden stratospheric warming has happened. The warming started around 22 December 2018 and the winds at around 30km above the North Pole reversed from westerly to easterly around New Year’s Day.

The impacts of the sudden stratospheric warming have now propagated down through the stratosphere, resulting in the main stratospheric polar vortex having split and been displaced into mid latitudes across the Atlantic and European sector of the northern hemisphere, this is typical of the type of pattern you might expect to see in spring.

There remains uncertainty over how quickly the effects of this recent sudden stratospheric warming might propagate from the stratosphere into the troposphere and thus what the impact of this warming event will be on weather conditions over the UK. Unlike the ‘Beast from the East’ last year, this event is burrowing down through the atmosphere relatively slowly.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Martin Young said: “The latest forecast suggests the highest risk of any severe wintry weather is from late January and into February. Whether cold spells will be brought about by Arctic air arriving from the north or easterly flows arriving from the continent remains uncertain.

“However, before this happens we expect a rather changeable and relatively mild spell over the weekend and early next week, with some rain for most of us.

“From the middle of next week, and especially during the last week of January and into early February, there is an increased likelihood of cold weather becoming established across all of the UK. This would bring an enhanced risk of snow and widespread frost almost anywhere across the UK, but particularly across northern parts. However, the cold weather may not affect the whole of the UK and it is still possible that some milder and wetter interludes will intersperse this generally cold period, especially in the south.

“Keep in touch with Met Office forecasts and warnings over the next few days and weeks so you can be prepared for the weather as it changes.”

Two thirds of British people have been caught out by severe weather according to latest research from the Met Office. To help them be better prepared for severe weather all year round, our ‘WeatherReady’ partnership with Cabinet Office provides expert advice on travel, protecting your home and your health and wellbeing.

Ellisland is an important part of the Robert Burns story, being the only house that Burns built for himself and the site which inspired him to write some of his most famous poems, including Auld Lang Syne, Tam o’Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss. Burns lived here with his family 1788-1791.

“As part of our ever-growing event, the funding we receive from Dumfries and Galloway Council is invaluable. They share our vision and passion to evolve the D&G festival, tourism and economic scene.

“We really feel Electric Fields is an event D&G deserves and the local feedback has been extremely encouraging. To bring attract such names as Noel Gallagher, James, Primal Scream and Dizzee Rascal is a real coup for the festival and the region.”

And speaking after a day filled with interaction, music and fun, Troqueer Primary head teacher Mr Martin Armstrong said: “In 25 years of teaching I have never experienced something so profound.

“Thank you so much for giving our children this opportunity.”

Explaining the background, Claire said: “This relationship with Troqueer Primary began when I attended the school to deliver a lesson on dementia and how it touches the lives of many members of the local community.

“We discussed ways that everyone could help and support each other and explored things like the importance of keeping active both mentally and physically, the importance of music, reminiscence and gathering lots of facts to compile life story albums.

“The children then were asked to come up with ways to help enjoy and remember Christmas.

“They tackled this with great enthusiasm and generated the idea of making sensory Christmas stockings, Christmas wreaths for each bedroom, and decorating a room for everyone to enjoy with their families and friends.

“They made a CD with all the old Christmas songs along with various other ideas.

“Feedback from this lesson was that the children knew people with a dementia and didn’t understand what is was or what it meant, so they had found this lesson helpful to increase knowledge but also give them ideas how to support family and friends.”

Claire said: “We could see that the children would gain a further insight and understanding of dementia

“And for our patients, the chance for them to engage and interact with these confident, happy young people was a fantastic and really positive opportunity.”

Claire said: “It was an absolutely tremendous day that exceeded even our best expectations.

“The reaction from patients was amazing, with an incredible level of engagement.

“We could also see just how much the children took from the day, and how much they enjoyed it.”

Edward in P7 said: “I found this a once in a lifetime opportunity because it was amazing to interact with the patients. I loved how the patients joined in. One sang along and even played the piano.”

P7 pupil Brooke said: “I really enjoyed interacting with the patients and handing out the Christmas cards. I would love to do it again. Thank you.”

Samuel from P7 said: “I enjoyed helping the patients remember their childhood Christmas songs.”

Medina from P7 said: “I really enjoyed making a Christmas tree with one of the patients and getting to know them.”

Tess from P7 said: “I really enjoyed doing the sensory stockings and I was talking to one of the patients and he told me all about Christmas when he was young.”

P7 class teacher Mrs Johnston said: “What a fantastic day for our P7 pupils.

“Long may our partnership continue.”

Chairwoman Penny Halliday said: “Thousands of women across our region will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives.

“And while we’re fortunate to have terrific medical services and staff within Dumfries and Galloway, there’s still more that could be done to improve the experiences of those who are affected.

“One of the biggest challenges we face as a region is our rurality, and the distances people often have to travel in order to attend appointments and access support.

“A key thing we’ll be looking at is how new communication technology such as the NHS’s Attend Anywhere system might be able to help reduce the need for so much travel, including that which often takes people outwith the region for appointments with consultants.

“We believe technology also has the potential to help open up access to meaningful local support, or ‘Digital Befriending’ – which could be a real help to those people living in particularly remote areas.

As a former member of the Macmillan Cancer Scottish Involvement Group, and having spoken about her own experience with cancer, Penny said: “Within all of this, we’ll be looking at the role peer support can play, and about opportunities for women and their families to share their experiences.

“We’ll also be looking at how we collect information, how we can help keep people informed around developments, provide ways for them to feed back on their experiences so as to help improve services, and how we can help direct them to access new resources as they become available.

“To this end, we’d really encourage anyone who has an interest in this area to attend the Women and Cancer Afternoon Tea at Craignelder Hotel on Cairnryan Road, Stranraer, from 2 pm to 4 pm on January 24.”

“I was pleased to have a follow up meeting with the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group as part of my continued engagement with the members. The meeting allowed me to provide the group with answers to the action points they set for me when we met in October last year.

“Action Group members were delighted to be able to discuss their concerns regarding local health provision with Ms.Harper, a former nurse who has an excellent understanding of health issues. We look forward to further discussions going forward.”

“We have also welcomed visitors from all over the world including the UK & Ireland, Germany, Holland, France, Australia, Canada, USA and even Papua New Guinea; many of whom came specifically for the festival event and, in some cases, had never visited Scotland before.”

“This year we are very excited to be welcoming visitors from Newton Stewart’s twin town of Marcoussis, France, who we have invited to attend the festival as well as the fabulous Highland dancing competitors from across the UK & Ireland who will be competing on Saturday 13th July 2019.”

A spokesperson from the Inner wheel said “Thank you to everyone who supported the event as a soup or sweet maker, a helper, or seller of raffle tickets. Thanks to everyone who came and supported the lunch as well as the Rotary Club volunteers.”

“However, before this happens we expect a rather changeable and relatively mild spell over the weekend and early next week, with some rain for most of us.

“Keep in touch with Met Office forecasts and warnings over the next few days and weeks so you can be prepared for the weather as it changes.”

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