Gatehouse NewsSpring 2010

As Chairperson of Gatehouse Com-munity Council and Provost of the town, may I welcome you to the first edition of the new Gatehouse Newsletter. As you can see there has been tremendous support for the venture and I would like to thank everyone involved in the production of such an informative Newsletter.The Community Council contin-ues to work with various issues on behalf of the people of Gatehouse, such as affordable housing for local people, Kirkcudbright Hospital Ac-tion Group plus many other items which affect our daily lives like the location of the bus stop at the west-ern end of the town, the safety risks of car parking in front of the Spar and the double white lines on the A75. Full minutes of the Commu-nity Council meetings can be read on the noticeboard or on the Gate-house web-site, but should anyone have an item of concern which they would like to address, please do not hesitate to contact us.

A Welcome from the Provost

Gatehouse Leads the Way in localClimate Challenge Project!Thanks to close links between Gatehouse Develop-ment Initiative and the Crichton Carbon Centre, Gatehouse residents will be benefiting over the next twelve months from a fully-funded programme of help and advice aimed at reducing the community’s carbon footprint by over 20%.Leading the programme will be 26 year old James Hutchinson together with local team Shaun Burnie and Sean Flanagan, both well-known Gatehouse residents who share James’s enthusiasm for harness-ing small community power to take the initiative in the fight to contain global warming. James is a graduate in Environmental Science from Lancaster University and has also spent a year studying Car-bon Management at Glasgow University.The programme will aim to cover every household in and around Gatehouse, including where possible holiday homes. At a personal visit resident owners or occupiers will be invited to discuss their own situation as it concerns energy use, insulation, trav-el, recycling, transport (personal and public), and lifestyle issues such as purchases and consumption of goods and services, with a view to establishing a base carbon footprint. There will be no pressure as James and his team aim to generate interest and en-thusiasm at all levels of the community. Visits will aim to cover all households between March and October this year.Advice will be offered to each resident on how they could improve their carbon footprint, with stress being placed on changes which could above all save them money and improve their quality of life, often with very little effort. There will be support with practical information about grants to help lower-income families and advice for those who might consider investing in one or other of the new ener-gy-efficient technologies such as solar, wind power or heat pumps. Between October this year and March next year there will be follow-up visits to assess progress on a house-to-house basis, with a final report at the end of the programme to reveal how successful the project has been.

Gatehouse was selected to pioneer this pathfinder approach to reducing carbon emissions at com-munity level because of its location midway in SW Scotland between Dumfries and Stranraer and be-cause of evidence from within the community of interest in green energy such as the wind-turbine at Rainton. The aim is to give a lead to other com-munities in the South-West who could then benefit from the Gatehouse experience.

Sign up for a survey

• Surveys are free and straightforward to carry out.

• Find out your footprint. • See how you compare with the regional

and national averages and find out what grants may be available to improve your property.

Contact us on: 07702206735 or 01557 814458email: carbonaction@gatehouse-of-fleet.co.ukwww.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk

reducing the footprint

G A T E H O U S E C A R B O N A C T I O N

The Gatehouse Development Initiative, with the agreement of the Forestry Commission, is about to start work on the pres-ervation of a derelict structure, known as the Old School, in the Cally woods.The building is believed to have been erected in the early 1800s as a girls’ charity school by Lady

Ann Murray.  In the early 1900s the building was used to house es-tate workers and became known as Lake Cottage. It was later used as a community hall by the scouts before being purchased by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s. The structure is now roofless and the stonework is in poor condition and unstable in places. The intention is to stabilise the stonework to prevent further deteriora-tion. The plan is to create a safe “ruin” into which the public can enter to see the general shape and size of what was a school. Inter-pretation boards will be placed in and around the structure to pro-vide information on the school and the Cally Designed Landscape in which it stands. The programme aims to see the preservation work completed by the end of August this year. The parties in-volved in driving this work forward include the Gatehouse Devel-opment Initiative, Sulwath Connections, Solway Heritage and the landowner the Forestry Commission. Does anyone have a memory or photo of the building? If so contact David Steel on 01557 814226.

Preservation of the Old SchoolThose of you who have driven on the B727 towards Gatehouse over the past year may have seen a change in the drystone walls along-side the road. Scrub, ivy and saplings have been cleared from the walls and damaged sections have been repaired. This is part of a Gatehouse Development Initiative project to renovate some of the drystone walls or dykes of Cally.Early last year the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area Volunteers mapped all of the walls in Cally and assessed their condition. Sev-eral of these walls were selected for renovation. The boundary walls on either side of the A75 and the boundary wall alongside the B727 were chosen for their vis-ibility to people passing on the A75 or driving into Gatehouse. A small section of wall near the Motte in Cally woods was select-ed because it was on a well-used footpath. Two unusual features which had been part of the de-signed landscape of the grounds of the Cally House were also thought to be worthy of reinstatement. They were the haha and a sunken wall. The haha is a deep ditch lined with a drystone wall near the house. Originally it would have been between the lawn and adjacent meadows to provide an inconspicu-ous boundary which would keep cattle and deer from entering the gardens while providing an unbroken vista. Similarly, the sunken wall was constructed in a deep ditch for the same purpose.Funding was obtained from Leader and the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Fleet Valley Volunteers, Forestry Commission staff and vol-unteers and the Walking Free Group cleared undergrowth and ivy from the wall alongside the B727 and the wall by the Motte. Pro-fessional dry stone dykers then repaired them. A major task has been clearing out the haha. It was badly overgrown with trees and rhododendron which the volunteers have cut back and burned. The haha was almost filled with fallen leaves and this required several days work by a Forestry Commission digger to clear it. There have also been 6 training courses run by the dykers to teach local people dyking skills.The project will continue in 2010 with work on the walls adjacent to the A75 and the sunken wall. Much of the work will be done by the volunteers, so, if you are interested in helping out and learning new skills contact Ian Brown, National Scenic Area Ranger, on 01387 260180, mobile 07824708110 or email ian.brown2@dumgal.gov.uk

The Cally Boundaries Project

Gatehouse Hospital Car Service – S.O.SGatehouse Hospital Car Service has been going for many years but is running out of volunteer drivers. The aim of the service is to drive those who have appointments at local hospitals or the Dum-fries & Galloway Royal Infirmary and who are unable to travel by other means to attend appointments. If you are a car-driver can you spare a few hours occasionally to convey patients to attend health appointments? Please contact Derek Budd on 01557 814257.

There is so much that goes on in Gatehouse that is hidden from general view that it is almost impossible in the first edition of a Newsletter to cover everything. As time goes on, and in further issues, I hope that even more light will shine on hitherto undis-covered territory, and that the readership will help in making this possible by talking or writing to the Editor about their favourite interest or hobby, or aspects of their life or experiences in Gate-house which might educate or entertain. This first issue aims to inform about current projects and activities in or for the benefit of the community, some of which are well-known to some, and others which are perhaps less well-known. Some of what is covered will, I hope, also be of interest and value to our holiday visitors. The sec-ond issue of the Newsletter will appear in July, and the third in late October. Your views about the content of the Newsletter are need-ed, so that we can improve in future issues. A special thanks are due to many contributors, to the local businesses who have made the project possible by buying advertising space, to Ken Smyth who has put it all together and to our distributors who have dropped it through your letterbox... Onwards and upwards!

Contact the editor: Willie McKie, 51 High Street, 01557 815008. email: willmckie@aol.com.

From the editor ...

Gala On Course1st to 7th August 2010Report from Pauline Logan, ChairmanOur thanks to all those wonderful people who have offered to help – MORE HELP is always wanted to spread the load. Please contact Andy Chappell on 0789 9891714 or Pauline Logan 01557 814667 or any of the committee members if you are interested. The commit-tee usually meets on the third Mon-day of the month at 7.30 pm in the Murray Arms. New members wel-come.We hope to hold all the well loved events as well as some new ones. Ideas are always welcome if you can assist in making them work! Last year we expanded the first Sunday, making it a bigger event and we in-tend to repeat it this year.Let’s hope the weather is kind to us and that everyone, locals and visi-tors, have a great time!

The Mill opens for Easter with an exciting pro-gramme of exhibitions planned for the new sea-son. An exhibition called ‘Going Places’ featuring travel-related paintings from the Gracefield col-lection opens the season. This is followed during May by an exhibition by Aaron Watson, an artist and archaeologist who has researched and pub-lished extensively on British prehistory, including award-winning investigations into the multisen-sory experience of Neolithic monuments. He has developed new approaches to the visual commu-nication of archaeological sites and landscapes. Later in the season an exhibition of rare textiles from Afghanistan showcases workmanship and traditions now largely lost after decades of conflict in this region. In the autumn an exhibition on the prehistoric heritage of Galloway is complemented by selected pieces by Galloway artists whose work is inspired by antiquity. In support of the Gate-house Carbon Action Project, the Mill will be presenting a new exhibit looking at the climate change debate, at developing renewables tech-nology and at how communities can adapt to be more energy and carbon efficient. This exhibition will be supported by a number of talks and events providing opportunities to hear more about the themes and the technologies, and the Mill Talks Programme this year will be based around the theme of Man and the Landscape. Exhibitions

in the Bookshop Gallery will include artists Lisa Hooper, Jeremy Carlisle and Silvy Weatherall, mosaic artist Kate Anderson, and photographer Kim Ayres. At the end of June, the second Fleet Valley Painting competition will take place. This year the competition is spread out over a week and entries will be exhibited in the Mill in July. Also this season the Mill is introducing ‘Mill Sessions’ a new venture in the Faed Gallery featuring per-formances by acoustic musicians. The Sessions kick off with internationally renowned Canadian singer-sonwriter Jane Siberry who is appearing on the 5th May. Other changes this season see Chris and Lindsey Smith take on the Mill Café. We have a busy season in store for 2010, and look forward to welcoming you. Contact the Mill on 01557 814099 www.millonthefleet.co.uk

The new season at the Mill

Girls get their share of the action at the Drop-in!Report from Grace King, from the Drop-in Centre Youth Committee Enjoyable winter season activities at the Drop-in began with the film and art workshops during the October half-term holiday.. The Drop-in was open for three days for workshops where young people were able to make their own films. Lots of people enjoyed experimenting with plastic models and dif-ferent ways of filming, with three thought-provoking films which were entered into the online compe-tition “one minute to save the world”. Young people were also allowed free rein on the downstairs walls in the main room and created many interesting pictures with paint and pen. The workshops were led by Dave Burns and Jo Hodges. There was also a very exciting trip to see Lily Allen perform at the SECC in Glasgow in November. The huge venue was a very new experience for the ten girls who went, especially for those who had never been to a concert before.. The best thing for them was “being able to see someone like that up close, although it was really loud!”. Taking people to a gig was a first for the Drop-in and is planned to be repeated this year, thanks to its success.The Silent Auction in December was also a success, as it made over £200. £60 of this money was given to the ‘Plan’ Emergency Appeal for Burkina Faso where the Drop-in sponsored child lives. It was a well-attended event, and many people bid for and won useful items. Some of these came from the Charity Shop and from generous donations from friends of the Drop-in, as well as Fleet Fish, Gal-loway Lodge Preserves, Boots the Chemist and the Potting Shed, among others…Girls nights are now every second Monday and there are always fun activities such as the recent craft and art nights. We value the input of fantastic volunteers and sponsors, without whom the Drop-in would not be possible! Drop-in Centre web-site: www.gatehouseymca.org.uk

Bank of Fleet Hotel u Ensuite Rooms u Bar Meals u

Restaurant & Beer Garden01557 814302 u www.bankoffleet.co.uk

Excellent food and a friendly atmosphere

The Drop-in has recently launched its new website: www.gatehouseymca.org.uk

Gatehouse Golf ClubAt the Annual General Meeting on Jan 11th it was decided to restrict the increase in the annual subscription to just £5, making the annual membership at £165 among the low-est in SW Scotland. The decline in member-ship in 2009 left a small shortfall in income against expenditure, and there is a clear de-termination by the members to retain exist-ing members and encourage others to join.Our nine hole course is a great test of golf and is popular with members and visitors to the Solway Coast, who are impressed by the variety of holes, the first class condition of the course and the magnificent views. The course can be played throughout the year without recourse to temporary greens in the winter.As well as adult membership there are very competitive subscription rates for juniors (£10-£45 per year depending on age). Green fees are held for another year at £15 for a whole day’s golf, with a reduced fee of £10 for members’ guests.There is a thriving junior membership with instruction available during school holidays as well as the opportunity to play in com-petitions. The main fixture list provides a variety of competitions for ladies and men throughout the year and there is an active group of senior golfers who play during the week. New members and visitors are equally welcome and the match secretary can be contacted on 01557 814884. We are opti-mistic about the future of the club and look forward to another season of excellent golf.

Fleet Star Football ClubMany of Gatehouse’s leading and longest resident families have played their part in the life and development of Gatehouse’s football club, Fleet Star and its predecessors. The club has for many years now enjoyed the use of the ground in Garries Park for its home matches. Like most quality football teams these days, a number of the regular players are no longer residents of Gatehouse (at least they do all come from SW Scotland, not Senegal or Argentina!) and the club en-joys the support of the Chamber of Trade and many Gatehouse residents who enjoy watching the home matches on Saturday afternoons. The Southern Counties League season in which Fleet Star participates runs from August to May, and barring weather problems, teams are required to play 24 league and 7 cup matches in a season. There are 18 players, and training sessions take place twice weekly under the watchful eye of coach and manager Gary Neil. The pavilion

in Garries Park is the property of the club, and there are plans in hand to add a small extension.Many Gatehouse residents already support Fleet Star financially by taking part in fund-raising raffles and sweepstakes and the club enjoys the benefit of generous sponsorship from the Bank of Fleet Hotel. New quality players and more vocal support, particularly at home matches, would always be wel-comed by the committee whose principal officers are David McWilliam as Chairman, Irvine Hannah as Secretary 01557 814829 and Robert Hope as Treasurer. So good luck to Fleet Star for the remainder of the season!

BowlingCarpet bowlingTakes place in the Community Centre be-tween October and March at 7.30 on Tues-day evenings. A small supply of club bowls is available. Contact Willie McSkimming 01557 814664 or Annie-Margaret John-stone 01557 814059Green bowlingThe season is mid-April to mid-September on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday eve-nings starting at 6.45. Smart dress and flat shoes are required and there is a small supply of club bowls to help newcomers get started. Contact J Cruikshank 01557 870354 or An-nie-Margaret Johnstone on 01557 814059.

Anwoth & Girthon Curling ClubAs you read this our season will be draw-ing to a close – and what a season, which included the first outdoor curling for some 47 years with the Bonspiel at Bush Loch on January 9th. Our regular club meetings, held approximately fortnightly at Stranraer, have continued with good competition with all members enjoying the friendly atmosphere. Trophies have been fiercely contested and won by rinks skipped by Annie Margaret Johnstone, Steve Groom and Bobby Carson, giving us all the joys of success and the frustrations of “poor ice”. Like most other curling clubs we are look-ing for new members to keep the sport and tradition alive. This is a sport which all ages and levels of fitness can enjoy, so why not come and join us for the 2010/2011 season - we will even arrange qualified coaching!Contact Secretary Keith Kemp on 814152.

SnookerThere is a possibility of starting up a snooker club in Gatehouse with full snooker facilities and a full-sized table at a room in the Com-munity Centre as and when the building is

restored. Any snooker players who would be interested in joining a snooker club are asked to signify their interest and support to Willie McKie 01557 815008 or by email to willmckie@aol.com.

AnglingApplications to fish on the River Fleet should be channelled to the desk at the Mur-ray Arms Hotel 01557 814207.Members of the Gatehouse and Kirkcud-bright Anglers Association seeking fishing fa-cilities on Lochs Whinyeon or Lochenbreck should apply to the Spar shop 01557 815050.

Walking GroupsThe Stewartry Ramblers offer a regular walk-ing programme at different venues in the Stewartry on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month starting at 10.30 and finish-ing at 2.30 (no dogs please). Contact Peter Addison 01557 814398 or Denis Samways 01557 814095 for details.

CricketCricket was first played at Gatehouse in 1875 and on the present pitch at Cally from 1907. It was not until the late 1920s, however, that the sport enjoyed a fresh im-petus at the hands of the then Miss Mur-ray Baillie, who was elected President of the Club in 1928, and then, as Mrs. Murray Usher in 1952 donated a wooden pavilion which is still standing. In January 2000 Galloway Cricket Club was set up by Tony White and in the 2008 season Galloway fielded two cricket teams in the Glasgow-based Western Union League. The 1st.XI plays in Division 1, ably supported by the overseas Indian professional, Suresh Muk-erjee, and the second XI plays as Gatehouse in Division 5. Spectators and supporters are made very welcome at the Cally ground and can ex-pect to be offered a cup of tea and a cake during the tea interval! See the Diary for the dates of home matches.

Gatehouse Tennis ClubMembership of Gatehouse Tennis Club gives unlimited use of the excellent court beside the golf course. Annual memberships run from Easter and are very good value at £25 for an adult, £35 for a family and £7 for a junior, obtainable at the Murray Arms Hotel. Visitors are welcome and members can bring guests for a small charge. Balls and racquets are available at the Hotel. For fur-ther information contact Barbara McDavid 814305 or Ian Cain 07809626966. Old rac-quets would be very welcome.

Sport

Gatehouse Library opening hoursMonday 2.30 – 5Wednesday 10 – 12.30Friday 10 – 12.30; 2.30 – 5; 6 – 7.30

The BakehouseSpace, both on the page and on the stage; the Bakehouse at 44 High Street is dedicated to the literary arts live and is home of Markings Magazine, a bi-annual publication present-ing the best in contemporary writing. A pro-gramme of events runs throughout the year. And in June the Bakehouse brings Shake-speare’s Globe Theatre back to Dumfries with A Midsummer Nights Dream on June 22nd and 23rd. Contact 01557 814175.

Gatehouse Festival GroupA little Rootie-Tootie! Home-made music is thriving in Gate-house! Every Thursday night at the Masonic Arms – still the town’s only real ale outlet – resounds to it, as guitar, banjo, bass, bod-hran, saxophone and voices are often joined by fiddle, concertina and whistles in a con-vivial congregation of melody and song. There’s a prolific crop of songwriters living within walking distance of the Masonic, so much of the music is original – but there’s still room for familiar favourites too. And as it’s not so much a performance as a free-form musical conversation, anyone can join in and all are welcome.Many of the regulars are committee mem-bers of the Gatehouse Festival group who will again present their annual MIDSUM-MER MUSIC FESTIVAL on 18th, 19th, and 20th of June where local talent blends with that from further afield in a pro-gramme of concerts, pub sessions and the ever-popular music Café. Watch this space (see our Diary) and other spaces for more details nearer the time.For more information about Festival Music, ring Harry on 814707, Michelle or Alan or Ted on 814461 or come to the Masonic on a Thursday night!

Gatehouse Music SocietyDetails of the 2010/11 winter programme of concerts will feature in future issues of the Gatehouse Newsletter. Enquiries in the mean-time can be made to Helen Keating 01557 814376 or Shirley Massey 01557 815088.

Gatehouse Horticultural SocietyThe society’s Annual Show will be held on Saturday August 28th. More details will be available in the July issue of this Newsletter. Enquiries about the society to Suzette Harris 01557 814511.

Family & Local History ArchiveThe Archive was set up in 2004 to collect material for future generations.. Many peo-ple throw away old photographs, letters and other documents because they think they are of no interest to their family and of no use to anyone else, but infact they may be a useful source of local history in years to comeIt also provides help for anyone visiting the town to research family history, especially when the library and other information cen-tres are closed. This has been successful with many contacts coming in through the web-site www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk.The third service is to help anyone wishing to begin researching their family history. A small class was held in the Drop-in Centre last win-ter and individual help is also available. Those who would like more information, can offer materials, or would like to help, telephone Margaret Torrance on 01557 814620.

The 431 SquadronThe bus service to Kirkcudbright is quick, frequent and reliable but very under-used. The 431 Squadron (no, nothing to do with the Battle of Britain), is being set up to en-courage people to use the service and be more independent. Those who lack mobility (mobility scooters can be accommodated on the bus), and lack the confidence to take the bus can join a group popping in to Kirkcud-bright for a couple of hours for a change of scene or shopping. You can be dropped off or picked up at any point in Kirkcudbright, allowing you to visit friends, art exhibitions and so on with ease. The group provides support for those who are hesitant about go-ing alone. The next proposed outing will be soon with a view to a regular weekly service. Telephone Margaret on 814620 or Jean on 814777.

Gatehouse SingersUnder the direction of their popular con-ductor John Duncan and equally popular accompanist Susan Smyth, the Gatehouse Singers spring concert on Friday April 30th will offer a varied programme of seasonal folk-song settings by John Rutter and oth-ers. Tickets at £5 will provide you with a memorable evening’s entertainment. Venue: Gatehouse Parish Church. Contact: Peter Carpenter 01557 814432. The Singers will also be hosting a summer coffee morning as a fund-raising exercise: see our Diary.

Scottish Country DancingThe Gatehouse of Fleet branch of The Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society’s winter programme will begin in September and run

through to March 2011, with a short break at Christmas. The branch was formed in 1955 and has danced on Monday evenings at 7.30 – 9.0 p.m. in Gatehouse for many years. The present venue is the Church of the Resurrection Hall, Riverbank and there would be a warm welcome for anyone who cares to join, both beginners and experi-enced dancers. Teachers tailor the classes to all levels of ability; classes are taken by Moira Stacey, RSCDS trained teacher. The cost is £3 per night for visitors, and current annual sub-scription for membership is £50 for the whole season.For interested dancers there will be a Three Branch Charity Dance with other RSCDS Stewartry branches from 7.30 to 11.30 pm on April 17th in Kirkcudbright Town Hall; tickets at £9 and proceeds to the Princess Trust for Carers. Contact for the branch of the Society is Anne Wilson (Secretary) 01557 814689.

University of the Third Age U3AWe will be featuring fuller information about U3A in future issues of the News-letter, but there is growing interest in Gate-house in this learning cooperative for older people providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environ-ment; already there is a small painting group which meets fortnightly at Derek Budd’s home 01557 814257. In the meantime, in-terested residents should contact Anne Levi for information on 01557 814738 e-mail laundrycot@yahoo.co.uk.

Bunkeroo – Nurturing young talentBunkeroo is a performing arts group for children between the ages of 3 and 16 years which is always pleased to welcome new starts They currently meet every Tuesday evening during term time at the Murray Arms from 6.00 to 7.30 pm.Bunkeroo will be hosting an open talent con-test for which auditions will be held – the event will take place towards the end of June and dates and times will be advertised.For any further information on joining the group, volunteering or fund-raising for the group, con-tact Sarah-leigh Cain on 01557 814627.

Scouts, Cubs and BeaversAll groups meet at the Scout Hall:Beavers aged 6 to 8 Wednesdays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm.Cubs aged 8 to 10 ½ Mondays fro 6.30 to 8.00pm.Scouts aged 10 ½ to 14 ½ Thursdays 7.15 to 9.00pm.

Entertainment, Leisure & Culture

The Group urgently needs volunteer Leaders to help out, particularly on Wednesdays for the Beavers.Thanks to grants from Awards for All and the Scottish Scout Development Fund, al-most all the Group’s camping equipment has been replaced. The Scouts Christmas Card local postage delivery scheme was a great success and raised £500 towards the Group’s funds, a commendable effort. Contact Mark Grieve 01557 814763.

Stewartry Flower GroupThe Stewartry Flower Group, the majority of whose membership comes from Gate-house meets monthly at 1.30pm. on the 2nd Thursday in the month, normally in the Par-ish Church Hall. Exceptionally the Meeting on April 8th will be at the Murray Arms, and the date of the June meeting which is to be a Garden visit is yet to be advised. Anyone interested in joining should contact Mrs McConnell, Committee Member on 01557 814582.

Gatehouse Scottish Country DancersSeptember to March on Monday nights 7.30 - 9.00pm.We dance in a happy thriving class presently at the Gatehouse Primary School Hall. We have a very experienced teacher in Willie Little, have both a pianist and accordionist and a good mix of experienced and beginner dancers. We dance for fun and as it’s good exercise it helps to keep all ages fit.Those who are experienced dance at demon-strations for the Gala and for the Mill on the Fleet.Learning Scottish Country Dancing al-lows attendance at the many local dances where individuals are welcome, music is live and charges are kept low. Many thousands dance all over the world with much enjoy-ment so why not give it a try yourself?Classes start in September so look out for our posters and come along to our 2 free initial classes to see if you could enjoy this dancing.Contacts: Carol Clark Tel. 01557 814259Ute Weber Tel. 01557 814476

ChurchesChurch of Scotland Gatehouse Parish ChurchRev. Val Ott. 01557 814233Sundays: 10.30am Morning Service. (2nd Sunday of each month: a short Commun-ion service is held afterwards.) Roman CatholicChurch of the Resurrection, Riverbank.Father William McFadden 01557 330687Saturdays: Vigil Mass at 6.00pm. Holy Days: Vigil Mass at 7.00pm Scottish Episcopal ChurchSt. Mary’s Church, Dromore Road.Contact: Rev. Roger Cutler 01557 330146Sundays: 9.30am Sung Eucharist.(5th Sunday of month a joint service is held with Greyfriars, Kirkcudbright - see notice board)Weekdays: 9.30am on Wednesday. Assemblies of GodGatehouse Christian Fellowship, Church of the Resurrection, Riverbank, G of F, until further notice.Pastor Malcolm Macpherson. 01557 814894Sundays: 10.30am Morning Service & Children’s Church (Communion 1st Sun in month.) Midweek House Groups meet regularly in Gatehouse district (Wednesdays). Please tel-ephone Pastor for details.

So what’s new for this year then? Due to popular demand, the pedal kart track has been extended – but not into the adjoining field, nothing that or-dinary for Cream o’ Galloway. No, the farm staff who do all the building work at the visitor cen-tre decided to make their life more challenging… they have created an amazing multi-storey version of the kart track! More hills to climb, more tun-nels to zip through and more hair-pin bends to test your skills.Again in response to visitor requests and in reluc-tant acceptance that summers don’t seem to be as hot and sunny as they used to be, the centre now boasts an outdoor sheltered picnic area. Very smart it is too. You’ll now be able to sit under cover and with the company of your dog too if you wish.You’ll notice some changes in the ice cream se-lection too – new additions are Mango, Banana choc chip, Blackcurrant, Elderflower and Honey & ginger Ice Creams. If the flavours sound famil-iar it’s because they used to be frozen yogurts and smoothies, but it turns out our customers prefer the delicious indulgence of ice cream to yogurts and smoothies, so Cream o’ Galloway is now strict-ly luxury ice cream!

A new year at Cream o’ Galloway

Tel: 01557 814466

Inspiring gift ideas, for the person who thinks they have everything.

Mirrors and jewellery, furniture, prints, ceramics, soft furnishings and a vast range of fashion

accessories.

We also stock the complete range and the very latest designs from the

10% off on presentation of this voucher - expires 30th April 2010

Rutherford Hall Gatehouse of Fleet

Email: francambruno@hotmail.com

The Bakehouse : LiTerary arTs Live

Bookings01557 81417507891 803027

44 The High StreetGatehouse of Fleet

DG7 2HP

www.thebakehouse.info

The origins of Galloway Lodge Preserves will be familiar to any 30-year-plus Gate-house resident through its retail presence in the High Street (and now in its more recent home overlooking Horatio Square and the clock tower). Started by the late Nigel Hes-keth as a small marmalade-making enter-prise at Bleachfield and then at the old fire-station in Victoria Street, it was combined with a high-class shop featuring a wide range of quality Scottish products includ-ing locally-produced food. It was the shop which endeared itself to local residents and visitors alike and was the main strength of the business in its early years. At the same time the quality of the local marmalade (master-minded by the late Annie McNicol under Nigel’s direction) and the ownership of the Gatehouse Honey Farm by Nigel’s step-father Philip Thomas, made these two products natural allies, a relationship which exists, albeit in a different form, to this day, as the Honey Farm provides a distribution and delivery service for both businesses.. Nigel’s sad and sudden death in 2001 marked a change of direction for the busi-ness under Fiona’s leadership. The former shop premises were sold and the shop moved to its present location while the production side of the business moved to Fleet Farm buildings, providing Fiona with an opportunity to grow that side of the business by widening the range of products under the Galloway Lodge Preserves name. It is the quality production side of the busi-ness which is achieving today’s successful results. The range of products in the shop has been reduced with a greater emphasis on the Galloway Lodge Preserves brand items and a smaller range of bought-in products. Two part-time staff, Lynden Mc-Crae and Carol White look after the shop. The “factory” at Fleet Farm behind Car-neys Corner houses an office, production

area and ample storage space. It is spot-lessly clean, operates to the highest hygiene standards in a temperature-controlled en-vironment and is equipped with modern cooking facilities and machinery including a fully-automated vacuum-sealing unit. No preservatives are used and all raw materi-als are fresh. The result is the wide range of marmalades, jams, chutneys and mustards which bear the Galloway Lodge name. La-belling is done by hand. Our photograph shows Fiona with her two full-time em-ployees, Liz Scott and Piotr (Peter) Roznia-kowski. Specialist office support is brought in occasionally, but Fiona herself is very much in charge of marketing, customer contacts and the overall direction of the business. Galloway Lodge Preserves products are most commonly to be found in quality food shops and delicatessens in SW Scot-land and the Borders but there are outlets as far away as London and other parts of Eng-land, and even in Germany and USA. Sup-

plies of Galloway Lodge Preserves products are made to Castle McLellan Foods and McMillan Hotels. Fiona maintains contacts with present and potential customers and with new trends in the food industry by attending the annual Glasgow Food Fair. Flavours can come in and out of fashion quickly and product-innovation is vital to future growth. The now famous “Poachers Pickle” name is patented and should be on every well-dressed luncheon table or side-board! What is Fiona’s most pressing business problem? Although the economic slow-down has not left her unscathed (especially among the smaller delicatessen customers), the need to grow both markets and produc-tion volumes by further investment in her small base in Gatehouse is at the top of the list. Many of us would also like to see the Galloway Lodge name displayed in a fascia sign over the shop in its new home! Watch this space!

Fleet Gallery7 & 9 Fleet Street, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2JT01557 814228 fleetgallery@btinternet.com

Open daily 10am - 5pm

A wide range of art and gifts from Scotland and the Borders. Plus exclusive baby clothes.

Business in FocusEach issue we plan to feature an in-depth interview with one of our local businesses to highlight individual contribution by the business sector to the local economy. For the first issue our choice is GALLOWAY LODGE PRESERVES, owned and managed by Fiona Hesketh.

AprilApril 1st Maundy ThursdayApril 2nd Good FridayApril 3rd Senior Citizens Coffee Morning: Parish Church HallApril 4th Easter SundayApril 4th Golf: Auchenlarie Cup - Opening Competition of the seasonApril 8th Stewartry Flower Club meeting Murray Arms.April 17th Gatehouse Rainbows: Cancer research UK Dance, Bank of FleetApril 18th Gatehouse Rainbows: Cancer research UK Cairnsmore ChallengeApril 24th Cricket at Cally: Gatehouse vs. BeesApril 24th Golf: Jubilee GreensomesApril 24th Bakehouse: Poetry reading by TS Eliot Prize Winner Jen HadfieldApril 30th 7.30 Gatehouse Singers Spring Concert. Parish Church.

MayMay 1st Cricket at Cally: Galloway vs. PartickMay 8th Cricket at Cally: Gatehouse vs. Alps.May 13th Stewartry Flower Club AGM, Parish Church HallMay 15th Cricket at Cally: Galloway vs.MeikleriggsMay 22nd Cricket at Cally: Galloway vs. East KilbrideMay 22nd Bakehouse: Launch of Markings 30, Scotland’s foremost literary magazine.May 29th Gatehouse Rainbows :Cancer research UK Half Marathon.May 29th Golf: Gents Cally CupMay 29th Cricket at Cally: Galloway vs. PrestwickMay 30th Golf: Ladies Cally Cup & Saucer

JuneJune date to be advised for Cubs District CampJune 5th Cricket at Cally: Galloway vs. IrvineJune 12th Cricket at Cally: Gatehouse vs. Vale of LevenJune 7-18 Gatehouse Rainbows : Cancer research UK Relay for Life.June 18-19-20 Mid-Summer Music FestivalJune 19th Gatehouse Singers Coffee morning: Parish Church HallJune 22-23 The Bakehouse: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre pro-duction of A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream (Crichton, Dumfries) June 26th Cricket at Cally: Galloway vs. Hillhead

JulyJuly 3rd-5th – Scouts outing to Londonderry.

Editor’s note: In the next issue of the Newsletter we will be listing events for July, August, September and October, so if you want to pub-licise an event during those months, let us have details in good time, ie. by the beginning of June.

Gatehouse Community CouncilProvost Mrs Pat Jacques 01557 814425Gatehouse Development InitiativeChairman David Steel 01557 814226Gatehouse Gala CommitteeChairman Pauline Logan 01557 814667Mill on the FleetChairman Ken Smyth 01557 814458Friends of the MillChair Hilary Hawker 01557 814249 Murray Usher FoundationCally Estate Office 01557 814361Gatehouse of Fleet YMCA Drop-in CentreJosephine King 01557 814704Gatehouse Scouts, Cubs & BeaversMark Grieve 01557 814763Gatehouse Carpet Bowling ClubAnnie-Margaret Johnstone 01557 814059Gatehouse Green Bowling ClubAnnie-Margaret Johnstone 01557 814059Gatehouse Bridge ClubG Swann 01557 814663Anwoth & Girthon Curling ClubSecretary Keith Kemp 01557 814152Galloway Cricket ClubCaptain Pat Druce 07881585431Fleet Star Football ClubSecretary A I Hannah 01557 814829Gatehouse Golf ClubClubhouse 01557 814766 (messages will be dealt with by a Committee member). Gatehouse Tennis ClubSecretary Barbara McDavid 01557 814505Royal British Legion Gatehouse BranchChairman Willie McKie 01557 815008Gatehouse Community CentreSecretary Rosanne Macpherson 01557 814894Gatehouse Lions ClubSecretary Arthur Brown 01557 814333Gatehouse Horticultural SocietySuzette Harris 01557 814511Gatehouse of Fleet Music SocietyHelen Keating 01557 814376Gatehouse SingersChairman Peter Carpenter 814432Gatehouse Scottish Country DancersUte Weber 01557 814476Royal Scottish Country Dance SocietyAnn Wilson 01557 814689Gatehouse Family History & ArchivesMargaret Torrance 01557 814620Gatehouse Festival MusicTed Percy 01557 814461Bunkeroo (Young theatre & talent group)Sarah-leigh Cain 01557 814627University of the Third Age (U3A)Anne Levi 01557 814738.

Editor’s note: If your club or group is not listed above, please provide details to me and I will make sure it features in the next issue of the Newsletter in July.

If you would like to contibute an article or other content for future issues of the Newsletter, contact the editor: Willie McKie, 51 High Street, 01557 815008. e-mail: willmckie@aol.com.

Hatterick’s House DesignYour Local Gatehouse Design Service

Website Design u Graphic Design u Brochures u Flyers

t: 01557 814458 w: www.hatterickshouse.co.uk

Clubs, Societies & Voluntary Bodies Community Diary: Spring - Summer