Friday 4 August 2023
Welcome to Community, your Dumfries and Galloway community bulletin.
We are always keen to hear of any positive stories about things that are happening in your community and would like to feature them in Community – please email us at communitybulletin@dumgal.gov.uk and one of our reporters will get back to you.
 A to Z of Dumfries and Galloway Council
E is for eggcellent service.
This is Denise. Denise is the catering manager for Whithorn and Garlieston primary schools.
Denise manages ordering the produce, ensures everything is stored and prepared hygienically, checks all documentation is completed and prepares 80 meals a day with her much-adored colleague Fiona.
That’s 80 meals a day, for 80 young learners.
Every meal provides energy for young people to grow and achieve, and Denise is happy knowing that Fish and Chip Fridays, fruit served at break time and yummy yoghurts bring nourishment and happiness to all the little faces she has the pleasure of supporting every day.
Does Denise serve seconds you wonder? With a wink and a giggle, she replies: “Of course not”, but we all know Denise sees nothing go to waste and makes sure all tummies are full… no wonder she is so popular in both schools.
“Garlieston is a small school with 12 learners attending, so we make sure we get all their food ready and shipped across to them freshly each day – I could tell you right now what every pupil would pick on the menu options before asking them.”
This shows how much you care Denise and how well looked after these young people are.
So how did Denise become a catering manager?
“I always had waitress jobs from when I was 14, then then went on to study hotel management before starting my family and taking on the role at Garlieston Primary. Although I used to love the holidays and spending time with my own children during the long break, now that they are all grown up I want the holidays to be shorter so I can get back to the job I love.”
How many people do you know who want fewer holidays because they love their job so much? That’s passion and commitment right there!
“I adore this job; I have been in this role for 20 years and plan on staying until I retire. I love cooking and I love being with the kids, hearing their stories, seeing them energised for the afternoon, but also seeing some children relax and unwind when they’ve had a busy morning. It makes me genuinely happy doing this job.”
Fun fact about Denise – five generations of her family have attended Garlieston Primary School, and then she ended up working there! Denise’s Granny, mum, herself, her own daughters and now grandchildren attended the school. That’s one strong community, and one awesome school.
Thank you, Denise, what you do impacts not just the 80 young people you cater for every day, but the wider community and beyond. You are an inspiration, a safe place and the dinner lady with the yummiest shortbread in all the land!
 Robert Burns Ellisland Museum and Farm
Ellisland Museum and Farm has been awarded accredited museum status for the first time in its history.
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust are thrilled to announce that Ellisland Museum and Farm was awarded accredited museum status in the most recent round of evaluation.
This is the culmination of an intensive three year period of changes and improvements to the site and care of collection. Accreditation is only awarded after a rigorous inspection procedure. The Ellisland team heard the good news last week while preparing for their very successful summer fun day. The process was carried out by Museum Galleries Scotland, the national development body that administers the scheme on behalf of Arts Council England. Ellisland Museum and Farm is the only Scottish museum to achieve first time accreditation in this round of evaluation.
Volunteer Cycle Leader Training for Women
Would you like to encourage more women to get out cycling with others?
Scottish Cycling offers the Breeze Cycling Programme through volunteer Breeze Champions who can lead groups in their local area. It’s a great way to meet new people while improving your fitness.
Visit the webpage to book your place on free course or see group rides near you. Let's Ride - Unleash your inner Champion
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 Exam Results Coming Next Week
Exam results will be out on 8 August. There is a lot to take in when results are announced, but there is a range of support and information to help you understand your choices.
Visit our webpage where we have listed a number of ways you can access support and advice.
Whatever your results – whether you are a young person, a parent or carer – expert careers advisers can help you explore your options.
Stewartry Transition Day is Back
All new S1 students from across the Stewartry area are invited to come and meet some new class mates while trying out some great activities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for those moving into S1 after the school holidays to meet new people and organisations they may not know about, and find out about the opportunities and support available to them.
Clubs and partners involved include:
- Threave Rovers Youth Development
- Galloway Cricket Club
- Youth Work D&G
- Stewartry Rugby Club
- Unicorn Strength
Grab your place and join in on 15 August at Stewartry Rugby Club from 1-2.30pm.
Stranraer Community Fire Station Open Day
There is lots to see and do at Stranraer Community Fire Station's Open Day on Saturday 5 August with free activities and demonstrations. You can meet the crew, and find out how to become a member of the team.
Demonstrations include:
- High pressure lance demonstration
- Hydraulic Road Traffic Collision equipment demonstration
- Demonstration by Stranraer Youth Volunteers.
You can find the station at Lewis Street, Stranraer, DG9 7AQ – open 11am to 3pm.
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 Access Programme Opportunity for Parents/Carers
The University of Glasgow runs a part-time Access Programme for adult returners to education. It runs from September to March and offers direct entry to year one of most degrees across the University. The programme is targeted at adult returners who have either been out of education for three or more years, or meet the university's widening participation criteria. Applicants with extenuating circumstances will also be considered.
Eligible participants (earning less than £25,000 a year) can claim the SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant, which means it only costs £162 to take part. Applications and are currently open for the programme, and can be found along with more information here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/short/accesscourses/
Closing date of 25 August.
 Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry's Listening Project
The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry has launched its listening project, Let's Be Heard, inviting the public to share their experiences of the pandemic and any lessons they believe should be learned. Everyone who was in Scotland between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022, or was affected by decisions made in Scotland during this time, is invited to share their experiences of the pandemic with Let's Be Heard. The project is keen to hear about what lessons should be learned and is asking for experiences to be submitted by 31 October 2023.
Find out the ways that individuals and groups can take part in Let's Be Heard by visiting https://lbh.covid19inquiry.scot
Paper copies of the submission form are available at GPs, community pharmacies, libraries and other community buildings across Scotland. A paper copy can also be requested by leaving a voicemail at 0808 175 5555, emailing LetsBeHeard@covid19inquiry.scot or writing to Freepost SCOTTISH COVID-19 INQUIRY.
Scotland Roads and Transport Survey
The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) is a networking community that assists local authorities who are striving to improve their frontline services. APSE Scotland represents all 32 Scottish local authorities.
In partnership with the Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland (SCOTS), APSE undertakes a customer satisfaction survey that aims to understand which roads service activities – roads, pavements/footpaths, cycle facilities, street lighting, communication – are important to local communities, and gather feedback on future improvements.
Please take a few minutes and let them know what is important to you.
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