Friday 10 November 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.
 The Region Prepares to Remember
Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are opportunities for us all to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Every year, we unite with others across the country and our region in commemorating Remembrance Sunday to make sure that no-one is forgotten and to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
A range of events is planned to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Armistice Day 11 November
A national two-minute silence will be held on Saturday 11 November at 11am to respect and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.
As a mark of respect, flags will be flown at all Council flag-flying locations across the region from Friday 10 November to Monday 13 November.
Festival of Remembrance
The annual Festival of Remembrance takes place on Saturday 11 November at 7pm in the Crichton Church, Dumfries, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland Dumfries and Maxwelltown Branch, and the Veterans Garden Dumfries.
Tickets are £10 and all profits go towards the work of Legion Scotland and the Veterans Garden Dumfries. Tickets are available from Anderson’s Kilts, 5 Church Crescent, Dumfries or by messaging the Veterans Garden Dumfries treasurer.
Remembrance Sunday 12 November
Services of Remembrance and Wreath-Laying ceremonies will take place at war memorials and in faith venues across Dumfries and Galloway in honour of those who lost their lives in the two world wars and the many conflicts since then.
 A to Z of Dumfries and Galloway Council
L is for Lone Ranger
This is Ross Gemmell.
Ross is a countryside ranger for Dumfries and Galloway Council. This role maintains the Southern Upland Way route, the Annandale Way and the core path network in Dumfries and Galloway – along with the Beehive Bothy and Polskeoch Bothy that are used by walkers and cyclists all year round.
Ross may be repairing a gate near Dalry one day, building steps in Langholm another and installing way markers at Portpatrick the next.
Haven’t heard of the Southern Upland Way? Where have you been?
It’s only one of Scotland’s Great Trails, and Scotland’s first coast-to-coast long-distance walking route, starting in bonnie Portpatrick and finishing in Cocksburnpath in the east of the country – a mere 214-mile journey that on average takes those brave enough to try it 14 days to complete.
Ross, a lover of the outdoors, has a very physical job that involves problem solving and working independently – often in remote locations operating machinery that requires maximum concentration to ensure his personal safety. Did we mention this job is permanently outdoors…in ever changing Scottish weather?
The routes travelled by walkers, runners and cyclists are often very remote – but are adored by all. Although Ross’ job is to physically repair and maintain the paths, bridges, steps and bothies, sometimes he will find himself helping those travelling along them. Ross remembers meeting two enthusiastic American walkers who hadn’t quite packed for the ever-changing weather. After seeing them physically pour the water from their boots – with defeat in their eyes and knowing they still had 15 miles to the next stop – he decided to help. He quickly offered both walkers a lift back to their hotel where they thanked Ross for being their knight in shining armour.
Ross says: “You really need to love this type of job and want to do it – someone who likes DIY and does not mind being on their own a lot of the time. It is often freezing cold. You are on a hill, in the middle of nowhere, the rain is falling sideways, but work still needs done. There are days that are particularly cold and miserable, but the next day you will be beside the sea, working away, seeing the most beautiful parts of the region and meeting walkers who stand and share their love for the region. I am incredibly happy doing this job for these reasons.”
Best part of the job: “Getting the Southern Upland Way route ready for the Race Across Scotland ultra-marathon. There’s such a buzz around, and it’s great to see the route used competitively. People come from all over the world, and I know what I have done has supported this taking place – even more so when the sun is shining.”
Worst part of the job (and we don’t usually ask this)? “The weather. Snow and ice make some days really hard work; the wind and rain can make life miserable and because it’s Scotland, you know, you can have four seasons in one day. Midges are a close second!” Ross replied.
Fact – there are 1,800 km of paths in the core path network in Dumfries and Galloway, and it is no mean feat for Ross and a small number of volunteers to keep these open and maintained for all to use and enjoy.
Ross – your job is tough, dealing with all the elements the weather can throw at you. However, you create opportunities for us all to experience something special and unique. Thank you for maintaining some of the world’s most historically significant and locally adored routes.
 Research Shows Impact of Low-Level Mental Health Support Project
A research study has been launched on the the Low-Level Mental Health Support Project, run by Dumfries and Galloway Council's Youth Work and Educational Psychology Services.
The project develops skills for wellbeing, increased confidence and self-esteem – and building improved attitudes about and attendance at school.
The findings of the year-long research study highlight the complex issues and challenges faced by young people, and deterioration of their wellbeing that led to the need for this project. Issues included difficulties at home or in relationships, caring responsibilities, substance abuse, low confidence and self-esteem, risk-taking behaviour, anger management issues, behaviour in school, bereavement, anxiety, stress, and low mood.
The evaluation documented in the study also found that the project gave young people the opportunity to learn how to open up and share feelings, develop self-awareness, and learn coping strategies and tools – and to feel listened to.
Fair Trade Award for Dunscore Primary School
Dunscore Primary School has been awarded this year's Fair Trade Education Award.
The Fair Trade Education Award is awarded to a nursery, school, college, university or other educational setting or educator that has embedded fair trade into global citizenship, learning for sustainability or other teaching and learning.
Over the past year, activities with the children in the Fairtrade group have included making Fairtrade masks, baking with Fairtrade ingredients, tasting Fairtrade coffee, welcoming their parents to a Fairtrade “Wee Brew”, creating a Fairtrade banner and designing fliers about Fairtrade school uniforms.
A very deserving school – congratulations to everyone involved in this Fairtrade school and community partnership.
|
Free Warm Winter Clothes Events
Throughout November and December, Dumfries and Galloway Council is running events across the region where families and individuals are invited to help themselves to some free warm winter clothes.
We have a huge range of clothes in various sizes for both adults and children including, coats, jackets, jumpers, hoodies, cardigans, jeans, hats, gloves and scarves.
Free Warm Winter Clothes Events will be held on:
- Friday 17 November, 10am to 6pm. Dumfries Pop Up Shop – The Press, High Street, Dumfries.
- Saturday 18 November, 12 to 4pm. Lockerbie Library, High Street, Lockerbie.
- Saturday 18 November, 11am to 3pm. Customer Services, Church Street, Newton Stewart.
- Sunday 19 November, 11am to 3pm. Castle Douglas Community Centre, Cotton Street, Castle Douglas.
- Saturday 25 November, 12 to 4pm. Sanquhar Town Hall, Church Street, Sanquhar.
-
Saturday 2 December, 12 to 4pm. Customer Services Centre, North Strand Street, Stranraer.
- Saturday 2 December, 12 to 4pm. Newington Leisure Centre, Shawhill Road, Standalane, Annan.
For more information on where you can get help and support on a range of topics including money and benefits, household bills, finding work, heath and wellbeing, and support for families, young people, the elderly and disabled, visit: costofliving.dumgal.gov.uk
 DG CAS adviser Fiona Will (centre), with Fiona Dalgleish (left) and Crystal Stevenson (right) of Dumfriesshire Foodbank.
A Helping Hand in Tough Times
Cost-of-living increases have greatly increased to number of local people turning to foodbanks for support. Working in collaboration with Dumfriesshire Foodbank, an adviser from Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DG CAS) attends two days per week to offer clients support to help resolve the crisis they face.
The project aims to improve both the financial and the emotional wellbeing of clients, by helping them to claim all of the benefits they are entitled to, and provide advice on money management – tackling the underlying causes of foodbank referrals.
Heritage Service Hosts Book Launch of The Royal Dumfries Volunteers 1795–1802
Dumfries and Galloway Council's Heritage Service invites you the book launch of The Royal Dumfries Volunteers 1795–1802 by Nigel Lichauco-Sharp, and an Archive Exhibition on Thursday 23 November, 6pm–7pm at the Ewart Library, Dumfries.
The Royal Dumfries Volunteers were founded in 1795 to counter the threat of post-revolutionary France. This book transcribes the minute book from the archives and reveals the history of this relatively unknown group that had many notable members – including Robert Burns, Colonel De Peyster, James Gracie and Captain John Finnan.
The Heritage Service has unique materials relating to the period of the Royal Dumfries Volunteers. The exhibition will include the Volunteers Minute Book, local images and archives telling tales of desertions, evidence of punishments, reports of drunken brawls and financial ruin caused by drill practice.
Join the service for a unique glimpse into our past. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book.
|
 Short Breaks Directory Supports Those Who Need Respite
The Shared Care Scotland directory is a brilliant resource for unpaid carers in Scotland who need a short break. Breaks from caring make a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers, yet many report being unable to access a break from their caring role when they need it most.
The Shared Care Scotland Short Breaks Directory is a valuable online resource designed to support individuals and families in Scotland – and organisations who work to support them – who require respite and short-break services.
Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible platform that connects people with a wide range of short-break providers across the country.
 Ryan Centre Film and Theatre
An exciting winter programme of cinema and theatre awaits at The Ryan Centre – with something for everyone.
This month, features at the cinema include Paw Patrol the Mighty Movie and Trolls Band Together for the kids, and The Great Escaper, The Miracle Club and Killer of the Flower Moon for the adults.
It's much more than a cinema, however. Local groups Stranraer Brass Band, Galloway Voices and Emily Black Dance School will be presenting their own concerts and showcases at the venue.
Stranraer Drama Club returns in December with its annual pantomime that has already sold out, along with The Upbeat Beatles on 17 December, The Christmas Country Show on 19 December and The McDougalls on 27 December.
Christmas movies include Saving Santa, Elf and the new Disney movie Wish.
Tickets and information for all shows can be found on TicketSource or by phoning the Ryan Centre on 01776 703535.
 Scotland’s First UNESCO Biosphere Named on National Geographic ‘Cool List’ for 2024
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere, is celebrating the news that National Geographic Traveller (UK) has named it as the only Scottish destination in the prestigious global Cool List for 2024.
The “editors’ selection of global destinations set to make the news over the next 12 months” identifies the top places around world “where tourism benefits communities and the environment as much as the visitors and locals themselves”. The full results appear in the December 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), which hit the newsstands on 2 November.
To see the full Cool List online, visit: nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/uk-cool-list-2024
Dumfries and Galloway Regional Arts Fund Now Open
Dumfries and Galloway Regional Arts Fund is now open for applications from constituted groups, charities and social enterprises for activity taking place in 2024/25. Successful applications will be for high-quality arts projects that contribute to the wellbeing of communities across Dumfries and Galloway and create public benefit.
The fund is a collaboration with regional arts network DG Unlimited. The deadline for applications is 8am on 15 January 2024.
|
