Friday 18 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.
Dumfries and Galloway’s growing reputation as a cycling destination was firmly reinforced by last week’s UCI Para-Cycling World Championships.
Locals and visitors turned out in their droves to join the hundreds of para-athletes and their backup teams from around the world who came to compete in and around Dumfries.
The four days of time trials and head-to-head racing really captured the imagination of people in what was the largest sporting event the area has ever hosted.
The route of the time trials stretched west out of Dumfries with the start and finish lines on the Whitesands, with all the road races taking place on the town’s Crichton Campus.
Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor said:
“We have some absolutely world-class cycling facilities here in Dumfries and Galloway and this event has helped us showcase this to an international audience, generating a huge amount of global interest in the region.
“I would like to thank the many hundreds of volunteers from across our communities who gave up their time to make this event a success. I would especially like to thank local people who were inconvenienced by the event; I’m sure they will agree that it was worth it given what it has done for putting the area on the map as a cycle-friendly destination.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said:
“We were delighted to work with Dumfries and Galloway Council and UCI to support the delivery of the hugely successful para-cycling at the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds.
“The Championships had such a positive impact in the Dumfries and Galloway area, with local people and the volunteers involved fully embracing having this once-in-a-lifetime event on their doorstep.
“Working with partners such as the Council is the key to success and we very much appreciate how hard partners and volunteers worked to deliver this successful Championships.
“We now want to maximise the benefits the power of the bike can bring to Dumfries and Galloway, and the wider South of Scotland.”
 The Council took advantage of the event to organise a full ‘Summer of Cycling’ with events ranging from the Gravel Epic at Newton Stewart to gentler, organised cycles around Dumfries, and a festival of cycling in Dalbeattie; there was something for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
This was all backed by a new exhibition in Dumfries Museum celebrating the evolution of the bike from the locally built Kirkpatrick Macmillan original, to the modern day.
Councillor Macgregor said: “This is not just about the UCI Cycling World Championships; it’s about continuing a journey to make cycling in Dumfries and Galloway something that everyone can embrace and about driving cycling tourism in the region.
“We have some of the best biking roads in the country, superb mountain biking facilities and hundreds of miles of gravel tracks for people to enjoy. We want to use the interest in the UCI Cycling World Championships as a catalyst to spread Dumfries and Galloway’s cycling story far and wide,” said Councillor Macgregor.
The South of Scotland has joined a prestigious list of world cycling destinations after being designated a UCI Bike Region. The label recognises a city or region’s commitment to both elite cycling competition and cycling for all.
“Becoming a UCI Bike Region gives international recognition in terms of how we are encouraging cycling locally while cementing our reputation as an attractive cycle touring destination,’ she added.
“As an industry cycling has huge potential for the economy locally and we are now ideally placed to take advantage of this.
“One attendee I spoke to said she had been talking to the parents of one of the athletes who told her of all the cycling events they had been to – and there had been many – they thought the Dumfries event had done the best job from the point of view of looking after the athletes, and I would like to thank our committed staff and partners for that. I think this should be a great source of pride for everyone involved.”
The First Bike exhibition is on at Dumfries Museum until 2 September.
 A to Z of Dumfries and Galloway Council
F is for Friday night takeaway.
This is Stacey, who’s an environmental health officer for DGC. Stacey’s role is to ensure all our favourite local takeaways are in tip-top condition and making the very best dishes for us to enjoy.
It’s not just takeaways though, Stacey’s role also includes providing training opportunities for business owners, educating staff about food allergens and correct food preparation methods, and carrying out inspections of businesses that prepare, sell or store food and drink.
No one wants shortbread that’s gone soft, or hot Irn Bru that’s lost its fizz. Stacey makes sure this isn’t the case through rules and regulations set by Food Standard Scotland, great communication and support to the 2,835 premises across Dumfries and Galloway that serve up or store tasty treats that we consume every day.
Stacey informed us that of the last 56 takeaways inspected 85 per cent passed instantly and finds that most businesses she works with are pleased to see her and are proud of the protocols they’ve put in place to make sure all food and drink is safe and ready of consumption.
Did you know that there are 14 food allergens that must be highlighted on food labels or information such as menus, signs and even by staff making or selling food? Not knowing this information puts people’s lives in danger and Stacey’s role stops this from happening.
“I really do love my job. I work to support businesses and improve conditions if any are needed. What I do is important, I take it seriously as public health is paramount, but I can do this while having so much enjoyment. I meet passionate people, I visit spectacular venues, I see parts of this region I didn’t know existed and never have the same day twice, what’s not to love about that?”
Thank you Stacey, this is an important roll that you perform brilliantly. Knowing what you do will help me enjoy my next Friday night takeaway that much more.
 Back to School Support
As the summer holidays draw to a close the dreaded back to school organising of school uniforms, stationery, and last minute haircuts creep in to everyone's thoughts.
Fear not, because the wonderful team tackling Poverty and Inequalities at Dumfries and Galloway Council have you covered.
Events are taking place across the region for families and carers to pop along and collect everything they need for young people heading back to school, including access to a hairdresser who can offer 'back to school trims'. A fantastic and accessible option for families to get organised ahead of a busy term, and the best bit about it? It's all FREE!
There are also seven different permanent donation and collection points throughout the region that are always well stocked for when young people take another growth spurt and new uniform is needed.
If you have any queries please email ChallengePoverty@dumgal.gov.uk, or click below to find out further information and support available.
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You might have heard the term Local Place Plans and wondered what they are.
What do they mean for me?
Well, the idea is for a local community council or community group to engage with people living and working in their area, in order to create a plan that identifies the local needs, aspirations, and ambitions of that community.
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If this is something you would like to learn more about then Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Local Place Teams will be hosting two online TEAMS webinars on:
4 October 2023, 1.30–2.30pm
5 October 2023, 6.30–7.30pm.
The informative events will enable community councils and community groups to learn more about Local Place Plans and how a community can develop their own plan; as well as offer the opportunity to have questions answered by our Local Place Team panel.
Summary of the webinar:
- Dumfries and Galloway's Approach to Local Place Plans Presentation
- Place Planning Tool in Action
- Question and Answer Session
Please note that spaces on the events will be limited to a maximum of two people per organisation. However, the event will be recorded and will be available on our website after the events.
To reserve your place on the webinar please email
CommunityEmpowerment@dumgal.gov.uk stating the preferred date and time of the event you want to attend. A link to join the webinar via TEAMS will be emailed by return.
The Community Assets Service works within the heart of our communities and includes services such as Streetscene (grounds maintenance, street cleansing, burial grounds, play areas and open spaces), public toilets, crossing patrols, community facilities and the joint working with hundreds of fantastic community groups across the region to improve local areas where we live.
We would like your input, thoughts and assistance on how our services are performing within your local area—everyone is welcome.
Community Conversations, both in-person and online are organised in your area starting from 28 August.
In-person conversations will take place in your local area, please click on the relevant area specific-button below to find out when these will take place.
Online conversations will take place:
Thursday 2 September 7–9pm
Monday 11 September 7–9pm
For an invitation please email Communityassets-Nithsdale@dumgal.gov.uk
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 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 a free course or see group rides near you. Let's Ride - Unleash your inner Champion
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Dumfries and Galloway and community spirit go hand in hand. We have said it before and we shall say it again, our volunteers are simply the best. Mike Blakeman got in touch earlier this month to tell us about his experience as a Bikeability tutor. Mike highlights the passion he has for the role and also his love for this region. We'd like to thank Mike for sharing his words with us and wish to congratulate him for all that he does. We have no doubt that this will inspire others to get out on their bikes this summer and beyond. Please let us know about other passions you might have locally.
Mike's Volunteering Journey (in his words)
Since moving from Derbyshire to Dumfries and Galloway 18 months ago Jo, my partner, and I have become heavily involved in the local cycling scene. We both qualified as BSIs then I took the three-day course to qualify as a Cycling Scotland Trainer which led to a job as a Bikeabilty Instructor with Dumfries and Galloway Active Travel. We are lucky to cycle most days across the region and love to pass our passion for cycling on to children as part of our Wheels of Fleet Junior Bikers sessions. We have run a new school bike bus at Gatehouse, not missing a single week, all year. Last week we ran five-days of cycling activities for P1–7 children at Gatehouse, this included: bike maintenance, bike games/orienteering and led bike rides ranging from 8–20 miles. This complements the regular clubs that we run and special events such as the big bike light ride in December. We are also leading a family bike ride to Sandgreen beach as part of the gala week.
Jo has volunteered at many schools as part of the Bikeability scheme and I have now run sessions at 18 schools as far east as Dumfries and west across the region to the Machars and Rhins. This has been a fantastic experience and each programme of five-weeks of sessions has finished with a fun group ride out. We have marshalled for the Galloway Hillbillies at a number of events at Kirroughtree Forest. It has also been great to host Warmshowers cyclists at our house from England, Holland and Germany and join them on rides across our beautiful region. The UCI World Championship Gravel race at Gatehouse was a great opportunity to run kids races and help to marshal the event. As you can see, we love cycling and Dumfries and Galloway and are enthusiastic in our quest to encourage others of all ages to cycle across the region.
For more information about Bikeability in Dumfries and Galloway please contact Peri Wallach who is the regions coordinator - bikeability@dumgal.gov.uk or check out Cycle Scotland for more information - Bikeability Scotland - Homepage - Cycling Scotland
 Upcoming at Gracefield Arts Centre
Gracefield Arts Centre presents exhibitions by two well-known local artists this month.
Gallery 2 5 August–30 September
Minette Bell MacDonald
Based near Lochmaben, the artist presents a new body of work featuring landscape and equine subjects, with eight to be auctioned to raise funds for Ukraine. “Landscape feeding Abstract, Abstract feeding Landscape. I feel my way through life with paint.”
Gallery 1 12 August–7 October
Alexander Robb: 50 Years of Painting
A retrospective and new work from the Dumfries and Galloway painter. Known for his still-life and landscape work, Sandy spent many years as an art teacher in the region, and since his retirement has continued to create new works in oil, pastel and, more recently, printmaking.
D&G Eco Warriors are collaborating with the RSPB to deliver a beach clean on the bonnie shores of Mersehead beach for the Great British Beach Clean. Those wishing to support or volunteer at the event should visit www.dgecowarriors.co.uk for information.
This annual event is delivered by the Marine Conservation Society to gather statistics on plastic pollution, and to report on the different items washing up on our shores. You do not need to book, and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Please note that donations towards parking might be payable on the day.
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Shambellie House has opened its doors this summer to young people across the region as part of their Summer Creativity club, and it has been a roaring success. One minute young people are trekking through the magnificent grounds exploring nature, and the next young hands are covered in paint, clay and chalk, and this is all before morning break.
The programme was coordinated by Anna Murray, Young Persons Development Officer, working alongside local artists and tutors to deliver a bespoke session, with the aim of having fun doing both indoors and outdoors with arts and crafts. Shambellie House promotes an opportunity for people of all ages to come along and 'Relax, Learn & Enjoy'. By the look of the images above, and those shared on their Facebook page (link below) that's exactly the case.
A programme funded through Dumfries and Galloway Council's Amazing Summer Fund has allowed young people to play, socialise, get active and access a range of activities that broaden experiences, supplement learning and integrate food provision. Shambellie House Summer Creativity Club ticks every box ten times over.
Melanie McEwen, Development Manager at Shambellie House said: "We have been overwhelmed with the interest in our Summer Creativity club. We are so lucky to have these wonderful grounds for children to explore and the range of artists and tutors that we work with have allowed such a fantastic variation of workshops for all our young people to experience, which they have thoroughly enjoyed. The building is alive with the energy from all the young people taking part and the laughter and creativity is infectious – we couldn't be more pleased with how this programme is going and hope to inspire people of all ages to come along and give our workshops a try. Cloverglen Adult Services, which partners with Shambellie, has also provided great lunches each day with the service users gaining confidence by preparing and serving lunches to the youngsters."
So how have the young people taking part felt about it? Well, below is just a small snippet of the feedback that was very excitedly shared upon being asked...
"This is AMAZING!", "I love everything. Me and my friends want to come here every day now", "I’ve never tried making anything with clay before, it feels really nice and I liked making my cup", and, "The tutors are so nice, they helped me think about different ideas for my painting, I even stuck leaves to it so it looks like a real tree!"
It seems from these reviews that a five star rating is on the cards from these young people for sure, and its easy to see why.
 Solway Orienteering Fun at Castledykes
The Nithsdale Active Schools team collaborated with local group Solway Orienteers for their summer family event last month, and with the rain holding off for the morning, families gathered in Castledykes Park to enjoy all that was on offer.
Scavenger hunts, football, putting, and the new permanent orienteering courses all went down a storm, but the big attraction was Solway Orienteers’ very own maze challenges. Whether it was head-to-head battles or leisurely problem-solving, the Solway team were on hand to get everyone started and were kept busy throughout the morning with eager participants.
As well as working with the Active Schools team throughout the year to provide a range of challenges and activities in schools across our region, Solway Orienteers host a variety of local events tailored to suit all abilities. Their focus is to encourage people to participate in this challenging sport at whatever level they choose.
Orienteering can add a new, fun purpose to relaxed family walks through to individual fast-paced runs. You can find out more by clicking the button below:
 Call for Gala Royalty?
Gala Royalty Celebration
Dumfries and Galloway Council requests the pleasure of the company of all local current Gala Royalty, at the Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries on 23 of September from 2–4pm. In this Coronation year, this unique event is planned to celebrate local Gala Royalty that will see those crowned in their local gala events come together for an afternoon tea party from 2–4pm – alongside local dignitaries that wish to thank everyone for their continued contribution to local gala days.
To ensure invites are sent to current gala royals, our Civic Hospitality team wishes to send official invitations and are looking to contact those crowned this year. Those who this invite applies to should email CivicHospitality@dumgal.gov.uk. Any enquiries should be directed to the same email address.
The Loreburn Bridge Club in Dumfries is advertising new classes starting in September.
Whether you're a dab hand at this classic card game, or looking to try something new, meet new people and exercise your memory, these sessions are made for you.
It's a warm and welcoming club, hoping to welcome all new members very soon.
Contact jolauder.slor@gmail.com for any queries and class-cost information.
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