Friday 21 October 2022
Welcome to Community, your Dumfries and Galloway community bulletin.
As always, if you have any positive stories about things that are happening in your community and would like to see them featured in Community – please email us at communitybulletin@dumgal.gov.uk and one of our reporters will get back to you.
 Imaginative Goose Journeys and Climate Change
A family friendly event on 25 October at Threave Nature Reserve
Are you interested in unleashing your imagination while learning about the flight routes of Threave Nature Reserve’s Geese? On 25 October, lots of fun activities are planned as part of the ‘Goose Journeys & Climate Change event’. Part of the Wild Goose Festival, this event will use a variety of creative, interactive and fun activities to bring the journey of the geese to life. Children’s stories, blogs and artwork really lift the lid on what we know about these amazing birds and how their movements are changing.
This is a partnership event between National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Rangers, the Galloway Glens Scheme and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere – forming part of the Wild Goose Festival.
There are two sessions from 10am–12.30pm and 1.00–3.30pm, starting with an introduction to Goose News, followed by a Treasure Hunt around Threave Nature Reserve where you will learn more about our feathered friends and play with the technology being used to track the Geese. The sessions are suitable for all ages over five years old.
 Dumfries and Galloway Council Museums are getting ready for some spooky events in the lead up to Halloween. They will be stepping beyond the modern commercial side and celebrating the rich heritage and folklore of this ancient autumnal festival. From exploring ‘The History of Halloween’ over the centuries to potion-making with Creepy Tales for Boils and Ghouls, there are lots of activities to experience to get into the spirit of Halloween.
The History of Halloween
Wednesday 26 October, 3pm Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries.
Storytelling and potion mixing
Tuesday 18 October, from 11am–3pm Annan Museum
Thursday 27 October, 10.30am and 2.30pm Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries
Memento Mori Designs
Tuesday 25 October, from 11am–3pm Annan Museum
A Traditional Halloween in Dumfries
Friday 28 October, from 4pm–8pm Old Bridge House, Dumfries
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The activities are all free admission, there is no need to book, just turn up. For further information about the museums, visit the website www.dgculture.co.uk or call Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374.
 A Celebration of Galloway’s Place Names
A celebration of recent work to better understand and interpret Galloway’s Place Names will take place on 2 November. Professor Thomas Clancy will travel up the Ken/Dee Valley, meeting a variety of partners to discuss place names of particular interest, where they came from and what they tell us about our ancestors. Areas to be visited include the Doon, Threave and Muirdrochwood areas. The meetings will be broadcast through the Galloway Glens Facebook Channel throughout the day, building to an event in the evening.
Hosted at Kirkcudbright’s Dark Space Planetarium, an overview of findings from the project will be presented. Thomas will be joined by the database’s co-author Gilbert Markus and local enthusiast Colin Mackenzie, editor of the much loved ‘DG Place Names’ social media accounts. |
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Free Activities from the Youth Work Team
An exciting October activity programme for young people aged 12–25 has been launched this week by Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Youth Work Service. The programme offers young people a wide range of free activities that will take place from 17–29 October across the length and breadth of the region.
The Young Women’s Network Autumn Gathering will be held in the Youth Enquiry Service, Dumfries, from 12–5pm. This is an opportunity to meet new people, talk about issues affecting young women, plan how to make change locally, and talk about plans for International Womens Day 2023.
There is a wide-ranging programme of activities on offer will features some old favourites such as Drop in Nights with themed activities such as Quiz and Curry, Youth Fridges where young people can pop in for some free hot food and a chat with Youth Workers, and Halloween Crafts & Baking. For one night only, I Am A Raver will be back in Newton Stewart for a Halloween-themed rave on 27 October from 7–10pm at the Douglas Ewart High School, tickets can be found on social media @YouthWorkDG or through a Youth Worker.
On 26 October, the McMillan Hall in Newton Stewart will be turned into a haunted house, full of interesting characters and spooky stories, as Young Leaders are hosting the House of Horrors, to book a slot for a “spooktacular” experience please speak to a Youth Worker.
Online Trick or Treat is back for 2022. Every day in the run up to Halloween, the team will sharing a daily Trick or Treat to help you through October. Tricks are useful pieces of information to help you get informed and stay safe. Treats are top tips to help you look after YOU and your mental health!
If you would like more information on the activities on offer or the supports available, please visit the Facebook page “Youth Work DG”; Instagram @youthworkdg; or Twitter @YOUTHWORKDG.
 Active Communities Walks
FAMILY Pole Walk
Monday 24 October Caledonia Park (North Car Park) Gretna, 10am. Poles will be provided.
FAMILY Room on the Broom Walk
Sunday 30 October Easterbrook Hall Car Park Dumfries, 11am. Storybook activities will be provided along the walk.
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Booking in advance is essential.
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There is no limit to the amount of people who can attend but please book in advance
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Bookings will be open until the day before the event
Active Communities Walks in partnership with Threave Garden and Estate
FAMILY Nature Walk
Wednesday 19 October Threave Nature Reserve, Castle Douglas, 10am–12noon
FAMILY Nature Walk
Wednesday 26 October Threave Nature Reserve, Castle Douglas, 10am–12noon
Join a Ranger to explore the nature reserve at Threave while searching for wildlife and nature during our guided scavenger hunt.
Suggested donation on the day of £5 per family.
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