Supporting the local community by linking Social and Business Networking LINK The Stewartry free to all residents June 2011 Issue No. 3 RRP £1.00 Distributed to the entire Stewartry community, every household and business. That’s nearly 13,000 addresses! Monthly magazine: Does your business or organisation need to reach out to more people? The Link will get your message across to the entire community with longer exposure. From simple classifieds to full page business profiles and newsletters, be Sociable with Stewartry and use the Link Two FREE Tickets! We have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader. Take a look at our cultural Tardus, the CatStrand p21
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Supporting the local community by linking Social and Business Networking
LINKThe Stewartry
free to allresidents June 2011
Issue No. 3RRP £1.00
Distributed to the entireStewartry community,every household and
business. That’s nearly13,000 addresses!
Monthly magazine: Does your business ororganisation need to reach out to more people?
The Link will get your message across to theentire community with longer exposure. From
simple classifieds to full page business profilesand newsletters, be Sociable with Stewartry and
use the Link
TwoFREE Tickets!We have a pair oftickets to giveaway to onelucky reader.
Take a lookat our culturalTardus, theCatStrandp21
2 Please mention when answering an advertLINKTheStewartry
Business Index: Find the local supplier you need quicklyin this handy guide...
Accountancy Serenity Bookkeeping ......….……. p25
ArchitecturalPre-Site Surveys……….. P26
Art Gallery Scottish Showcase Gallery……… p20
Bathrooms, DesignerRab Corder Bathrooms…………… p4
Bike Shop CD Bikes…………………………… p26
Buildier’s Merchant Keyline……..……………………… p26
Cafes The Mad Hatter…………………… p7
Community ClassifiedsCanine Rescue Centre…………… p10Gem Rock Museum……….……… p13Eden Festival……………………… p14
ElectricianGalloway Electrical Services…….. p31
Heating Engineer, Central Lewis Oil Heating …….……….…. P32
Logs, HardwoodRM Hardwood Logs………………. p31
Office ServicesVXR ……………………………….. p25
Organic Health Food The Organic Body Care Shop…… p17
Painter & DecoratorBrian McConnell ………………… p31
Professional PrintingFP Commercial Printing…….…… p25
Wedding Entertainment Corra - Live Band and Ceilidh….. p7
Wrought Iron, DecorativeRanchers………………………….. p26
Deadlines for inclusion is the first of everymonth prior to the month of publication… egan insertion required in the August issuewould need to reach us by the 1st of July
Win FREE tickets to the Wickermanin next month’s issue!
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Eden Festival ………. 15Natural Health…………. 16Monthly Recipe………… 19Art & Culture………..…. 21Gardening Tips…….….. 27Puzzle Page……………. 28Useful Phone Numbers.. 30
Stewartry Link takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of advert contentsor submitted articles and is purely the opinion of the company or author
Front Cover: This month’s photo wassent in by Mona Jardine of CastleDouglas. A stunning view of the RiverFleet.
Send in your pictures for next month’sfront cover to [email protected]
Entries can be anyone or anything, theonly requirement is to have someconnection to this area. (Wildlife,landscapes, people using localamenities, or just enjoying a day out)
All entries will be posted on Facebook
Advertise in this magazine for as little as £39No VAT - Call 07875 209927
Threave Gardens RestaurantReview next month.
Jo, The Ed
Stewartry Link continues to grow… I would like tothank everyone who continue to support the magazineand those who have recently discovered the benefits,thankyou for giving it a chance.
I continue to be amazed at what is going on on ourdoorstep. Last month I promised a review of theCatStrand but there was so much that goes on therethat Ronnie Bradford offered to write something up forthe Link to try to capture all that they do. And theCatStrand team have offered to donate a regularfeature on Culture and the Arts in Dumfries &Galloway.
I would like to mention that Moira Jardine who hassupplied the front cover also sent in one of the loch inDalbeattie Forest, which was just as lovely sohopefully I will get the chance to publish that one too. Ididn’t know the name of, don’t know if many do. Monadid and I have posted on Facebook next to her picture.
And this month we have 2 recipes - our normalmonthly one, a mouthwatering creamy cheescake thatis so unbelievably easy to make plus one in theNatural Therapy question for natural HRT treatment. Iknow of someone who swore by it and she gave me apiece to taste. It was surprisingly tasty, in fact Ipreferred it to normal fruit cake being a ‘nutty’ personrather than a ‘fruitcake’! Take out of that what youwill…
I am also really pleased to be able to offer free ticketsto the Eden Festival to one lucky reader and hopefullyoffer the same for the Wickerman next month, sothanks to the organisers for including The Link in theirfantastic events.
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Has there been someone who has given youreally good service? Give them a mentionhere and let everyone know...
Readers Recommend:Bank of Fleet , Gatehouse 01557 814302We were there for lunch yesterday and I have to say it is Excellent Food, GoodAtmosphere and best of all very, very reasonable. Mrs Pauline Thornhill, Castle Douglas
Kaapstone 01556 505893I would like to recommend Kaapstone of Castle Douglas who provide a TimberTreatment and Damp Proofing service. They have just completed woodworm treatmentand damp proofing of a house I bought recently. I found them to be very helpful,thorough and hard working. - 'Ms R, Whithorn'
Prana Hair & Beauty, Castle Douglas 01556 503 652I would like to recommend Prana for their hairdressing. Elisabeth, Small Print
Streetlights, Castle Douglas 01556 504 222Try the fishcakes with lemon mayo! Really tasty, their latte’s not bad either! Mr Brown,Dumfries
Tongland Famil Golf Centre tearoom 01556 680 226Really nice coffee and a beautiful view. Ms Smith, Dalbeattie
Art Exhibitions / Craft Fairs16/04-11/06 Official Recognition; Medals and Commemoratives - The Stewartry Museum, St
Mary's St, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ07-25-05 Norman Taylor: The Shed - Gracefield Art Centre Cafe, Dumfries14/05 – 02/07 The Secret Storyteller - Gracefield Arts Centre18-30/05 Simon Robertson & Ian Bigger Photography - Castle Douglas Art Gallery20/05-23/07 Fieldtrip at Dumfries Museum - Dumfries Museum21/05 – 30/07 Artists Rooms: Vija Celmins - Gracefield Arts Centre Gallery 223/05-04/06 In and Outside the Box - The Studio, Main road, Springholm, DG7 3LP28-30/05 Spring Fling - Throughout Dumfries & Galloway28/05 – 25/06 'Growing' - Stranraer Exhibition - Stranraer Museum Exhibition, The old Town Hall,
Stranraer01-22/06 Victorian Art - Annan Museum, DG12 6AA02-11/06 Brush Strokes - Castle Douglas Art Gallery08-19/06 An Appreciation of Birds - Tollbooth Art Centre, Kirkcudbright15-25/06 Take Two Girls - Castle Douglas Art Gallery18/06-01/10 Not only painters – Kirkcudbright craft workers 1900-1975’ - The Stewartry Museum,
St Mary's St, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ21/06-03/07 Purely Pastel - Tollbooth Art Centre, Kirkcudbright28/06-30/07 George Muir: Places and Experiences - Gracefield Arts Centre Cafe, Dumfries29/06-09/07 Creative Painting - Castle Douglas Arts Gallery02/07-29/08 The Glasgow Boys at Kirkcudbright’ - The Stewartry Museum, St Mary's St,
Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ29/07-01/08 Kirkcudbright Arts & Crafts Trail - Kirkcudbright Various
Children’s Shows & Activities27/05 Varanasi Nights (under 18's) - St Georges, Dumfries04/06 Art Club - Space pictures - Kids’ Art Club, Gracefields Art Centre, Dumfries10/06 'Wicked Wildlife Fun Day' - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR11/06 Art Club - Hand masks - Kids’ Art Club, Gracefields Art Centre, Dumfries12/06 Singing Kettle - DG One, Dumfries18/06 Art Club - Bunting decoration - Kids’ Art Club, Gracefields Art Centre, Dumfries19/06 Fieldtrip Fishy Heads, 6-13 - Dumfries Observatory, DG2 7SW25/06 Colours of Valley - Glenluce Hall25/06 Art Club - Mosaic paper plates - Kids’ Art Club, Gracefields Art Centre, Dumfries25/06-27/08 The Age of Dinosaurs - Annan Museum, DG12 6AA02/07 Art Club - Bugs and beasties - Kids’ Art Club, Gracefields Art Centre, Dumfries11/07-24/08 School Holidays18-22/07 Cadet Week (Dinghy Sailors) – Kippford10-21/10 School Holidays
Festivals, Shows and Civic Events20-29/05 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival – Various26-29/05 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh, 25th Year! - Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, Castle
Douglas, DG7 3TJ28/05 Castle Douglas Food Town Day - Castle Douglas28 – 30/05 Spring Fling Through out D&G29/05 'SUNDAZE' in the park - Dalbeattie Colliston Park10-12/06 Eden Festival - Raehills, Moffat16 – 19/06 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival17-19/06 Midsummer Music Festival - Gatehouse of Fleet, Various
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25/06 13th International World Peace Festival - Allanton World Peace Sanctuary, Auldgirth, DG20RY
25/06 Stranraer Armed Forces Day Waterfront Festival - Stranraer Waterfront & Agnew Park26/06 'QUACKERS' in the park - Dalbeattie Colliston Park09-10/07 Kirkcudbright Garden & Country Fair - Carse Kirkcudbright22 – 23/07 Wickerman Festival, Dundrennan DG6 4QW24-30/07 Castle Douglas Civic Week 2011 - Castle Douglas31/07-06/08 Dalbeattie Civic Week - Dalbeattie, various03/08 Wigtown Agricultural Show, Bladnoch Park, Wigtown DG8 9AB04/08 Stewartry Agricultural Show, Castle Douglas28/08 Dalbeattie Civic Flower Show - Dalbeattie30/08 Kirkcudbright Tattoo - MacLellan Castle Kirkcudbright
Evening Entertainment24/05 Marylin Middleton Pollock - The Mill on the Fleet, Gatehouse, DG7 2HS26/05 Dances from distant lands; Anapurna Indian Dance Company - Camphill Village Trust, Loch
Arthur, Beeswing, Dumfries, DG2 8JQ26/05 Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Cochran Hall, Kirkcudbright27/05 Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Buccleuch Centre, Langholm27/05 Dances from distant lands; Anapurna Indian Dance Company - CatStrand, High Street, New
Galloway, DG7 3RN27/05 Wild Thing; An Evening with Oliver Reed - Birchvale Theatre, Southwick Rd, Dalbeattie DG5
4HR28/05 Wild Thing; An Evening with Oliver Reed - Murray Hall, Auchencairn, DG7 1QS28/05 Mambo Jambo - The Mill on the Fleet, High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2HS02/06 New Rope String Band at A' the Airts - Sanquhar Town Hall08/06 Vladimir McTavish with Susan Morrison - The CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN25/06 Dumfries Music Club Programme of Concerts, 2011 Season - St John's Church, Dumfries15/07 Qiku - The Mill on the Fleet, High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2HS
Outdoor31/05 Bird Calls for Beginners - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR02/06 Bat Night - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR03/06 Hedgerow Safari - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR03-05/06 Langholm Walking Festival – Langholm05/06 World Environment Day - Cream o' Galloway, Gatehouse, DG7 2DR31/07-05/08 Kippford Week sailing and Regatta - Kippford
Other26/05 Dogs and Free Chips - Gatehouse & Kirkcudbright28/05 Cake & Candy Stall (for the Cub Hut) - Wilkinson Entrance, Castle douglas31/05 Healthy cooking masterchef (for people with young children) - Summerhill Community
Centre, Dumfries, DG2 9EF02/06 Dogs and Free Chips - Castle Douglas06/06 Dogs and Free Chips - Dalry, New Galloway, Dalbeattie07, 14, 21, 28/06 Healthy cooking masterchef (for people with young children) - Summerhill
Community Centre, Dumfries, DG2 9EF02/07 Cancer Research UK Relay For Life D&G - Bladnoch Park, Wigtown
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Email your event to [email protected] stating the event, location, dates and ashort description. Deadlines for inclusion is the first of every month prior to the month ofpublication… so for example an event in July would need to reach us by the 1st of Junefor inclusion in the magazine and you can never be too early to send in the event. If it is inthe calendar the magazine will be see it for inclusion
‘Dates for the Diary’ info…
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For Corporate and Wedding Entertainment
Traditional Scottish tunes, mixed with infectiously funky grooves and through the ages classic tracksTo make sure everyone at your event is catered for.
100% Live MusicWilling to travel UK wide
Female and Male VocalistsWide-ranging Selection of Music
Ceilidh with Caller and Live Fiddle10 years Event Management Experience
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Restaurant ReviewOn arriving at the impressive graniteentrance of the Baron’s Craig Hotel wewalked through an ‘olde worlde’ welcomingvestibule and hallway to the Lounge Barthrough which you find the restaurantoverlooking beautiful coastline. Whilestanding at the bar we were handed themenu which was a set menu with
reasonable prices to look at before taking a seat in the restaurant. So we ordered a couple ofdrinks at the bar while we pondered over the cuisine offerings. Which by the way was a reallynice choice, there were a few things that caught my eye.Having given our orders we were looking down the wine list when we were asked by anothermember of staff, if we had ordered and would we like any drinks with our meal. So we madeour choice of the house wine (we didn’t want a whole bottle that particular night so justordered a glass each) and she asked if we would like to take a seat, we thought she meant ata table but she meant the lounge bar. So we were called back and before we had had achance to get half way through our aperitifs the wine for themeal arrived. So when we were ushered through to our tablewe were carrying 2 drinks each.No sooner had we sat down, before we could get settled, didthe starters arrive. Apparently all tables except ours had thetime to have the bread rolls served although we had been leftthe side plates, butter knives and a little pot of butter.Unfortunately I was brought the salmon instead of the Venison& Duck that I had ordered in the rush to get the food to thetable. Our waitress returned with the correct dishes a little later.My husband’s melon and sorbet looked good and seemed to hit the spot. He said it was justwhat he was expecting and thoroughly enjoyed it. My Venison & Duck looked really good butthe flavours did not quite work so well together, the combination of the meat with the orangedecoration, the type of lettuce and the balsamic syrup brought out a slightly bitter flavour tothe overall dish and I could find no signs of the asparagus that was listed on the menu as anaccompaniment.The main course however was in my opinion perfection. My husband had a Rib-eye mediumrare, and with the sauce, onions, veg and gravy looked really appetising. He reported thesteak was cooked just the way he liked it. I think I made the better choice however. The pork
was so moist and tender and was served with one of myfavourite pork accompaniments of red cabbage with aslightly sweet, tart jus. Absolutely delicious, but the chefwent one better and served a beautifully crunchy piece ofpork crackling. It was so crunchy I broke it up with myknife rather gingerly in case a piece pinged off and shotacross the table. You don’t often get crackling so goodthat your husband looks uncomfortably at you audiblymunching away in a restaurant.My husband passed up the chance of trying out a sweetbut I went for the pannacotta as sounding the most
Restaurant Review
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Do you have an establishment you would like featured? Or have a favourite placeyou would like to recommend (along with your recommended dish or speciality)?Contact Jo, 07875 209927 or [email protected] with the details. Everyeffort is taken to be fair and honest.
Sampled from the Menu:Smoked Venison and Smoked Duck Salad
with toasted pine kernels and asparagusPressed Melon with a Raspberry and Melon
Sorbet and Glayva syrup~~O~~
Seared Rib Eye of Beef served withcaramelised shallots and red wine and
Madeira sauceRoasted Belly of Pork set on a bed of red
cabbage and jus~~O~~
Vanilla & Nougat Pannacotta with crèmeanglais~~O~~
2 courses £19, 3 courses £24
innovative choice, and it did not disappoint. I find some vanilladishes do not support the vanilla flavour terribly well and isoften lost amongst other ingredients but you could easily tasteboth the nougat and the vanilla. The flavours really balancedwell together and the pannacotta itself was a wonderfulsmooth, creamy, soft jelly texture. And the sharp blueberriesand strawberry it was served with rounded the dish outperfectly.The down side had to be the service. We had to wait quite a while between courses (exceptfor the starters which as previously mentioned seemed to be at the table before we were atthe expense of any bread rolls arriving and the asparagus in my starter), even though therestaurant didn’t really seem that busy. And yet the young members of staff were trying to besilver service. One young lad insisted on serving me on the left even though it was slightlyinconvenient for both him and I. And yet if they had concentrated on being slightly moreorganised instead of something as high-brow as to which side you are served from it wouldhave made the whole experience far more enjoyable.We then had to wait some time as the staff had lost our bill, and when they did eventually findthe bill it was totted up by calculator at our table. We were then charged for two 3 coursemeals when we only had one 3 course meal and one 2 course, but then a couple of drinkswere missed of the bill so rather than risk an additional wait I decided it probably worked outroughly even in the end.
To be fair, the food was reallyrather good and my slightdissatisfaction with my starter waspotentially down to personalpalette. And considering the costof the night, the beautifulsurroundings and the lovely foodyou could overlook the ‘BasilFawlty’esque tendencies of thestaff who came across as friendlyand willing but just a little bitinexperienced and disorganised.
Good Food at extremely reasonable prices and lovely views. Let down slightly by thedisorganised service. Worth a visit if you are in the area.
David Mabbs proprietor says: “We are delightedthat you enjoyed the food our head chef MarkDickson is producing this year; we are alwaysimproving staff training and take any commentson board gratefully. We are still within the firstmonth of opening and all staff take time to get togrips with service and improve continually. Wehope you will visit again and that your readers willtake the time to come and try our great menu.”Rating 3.5 out of 5
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Team Prana visited London on Sunday 10th
April for the finals of Aveda’s FashionistaPhotographic Competition at Masterjam theinternational hair show attended by hairprofessionals from the United Kingdom,USA, Canada and Europe. Gill Goldie, SalonDirector, Andrew Beattie, Senior Stylist andSarah Grieve, Stylist all submittedphotographic entries to this prestigiouscompetition searching for the Aveda look forsummer 2011.
Prana on London Visit to Aveda’s Finals of FashionistaPhotographic Competition
“Dogs Take to the Catwalk” is a Fashion Show beingstaged by Barbara Fisher of Second Chance in Springholm toraise funds for our charity. It is being held in Castle DouglasTown Hall at 7.30 on Tuesday 7 June 2011. Tickets cost £4including light refreshments and are available from our 4 CharityShops in Annan, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Newton Stewart aswell as from Barbara at Second Chance or direct from theKennels simply by ‘phoning 01387 770210.
Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre was established inMarch 2003 at Dovecotewells, Glencaple near Dumfries. It was set up to care for stray, unwantedand abandoned dogs across the whole region. Since then, almost 2400 dogs have been helped,
the majority being foundnew “Forever Homes”but a number of strayshave also been returnedto their owners.
The Charity relies entirelyon voluntary support withincome being generatedthrough its 4 shops atAnnan, Dalbeattie, Dumfriesand Newton Stewart;various fundraising activitieseg: can collections; specialevents such as the JuneFashion Show in CastleDouglas as well as asponsorship schemethrough which supportersmake regular donations.
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Dalbeattie MattersDalbeattie Community Initiative
The popular 4 day walking festival will take place this year from Thursday 18th through to Sunday 21st
August with a variety of walks and activities exploring the natural history and industrial heritage ofDalbeattie and surrounding area.
This will be the 4th annual walking festival organised byDalbeattie Community Initiative and participant numbershave been increasing each year with over 350 people takingpart in the 2010 event. The walks are of interest to localpeople who have often never been to some of the places thewalks take them to, as well as visitors to the area who comehere for the walking and outdoor activities.
Walks being planned for this year include: A walk across thesands at low tide and a guided tour of Rough Island with aNational Trust for Scotland Ranger; exploration of an IronAge hill fort atop Suie Hill; a circular walk at Auchencairn taking in the cliffs at Balcary Bay; a tour of theheadland at Almorness including Horse Isles and White Port Bays; the ‘Paddy Line’ tour - exploring part ofthe former Dumfries to Dalbeattie stretch of the railway line and Southwick Station and a coastal walkfrom Rockcliffe to Sandyhills.
A bus trip for the more elderly and less mobile residents was very popular last year and this years ‘dayout’ will be to the RSPB reserve at Mersehead where they will be given a welcome and talk by the RSPBWarden and a short tour of the reserve to suit all abilities followed by some refreshments before makingtheir way back to Dalbeattie along the lovely Colvend Coast.
There will also be evening activities with talks & slideshows by Tommy Henderson of Dalbeattie MuseumTrust on old Dalbeattie and Stuart McCullough who will explain the area’s connections with Robert theBruce. There will be a batwalk at Threave Gardens as well as a Geneology workshop to help people whowish to trace their ancestors.
On Sunday, the final day, the focus will be at Rockcliffe with beach art workshops and rockpooling aimedto encourage family participation as well as a butterfly hunting expedition to Rockcliffe Meadows.
All events have been free of charge in past years but it has been decided that this year a small chargeper person will be made to help withcosts of organising the event.
For further information and a fullprogramme of walks, contact GrahamPlatt or Susan McLellan at DalbeattieCommunity Initiative, 71 High Street,Dalbeattie DG5 4HA. Telephone01556-612518 or go to the website atwww.dalbeattiematters.co.uk
Dalbeattie’s 4th Annual Walking Festival
Last Year’s event - Station Wood
Last Year’s event - Howie’s Sawmill
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The summer holidays are almost upon us.While you sun yourself on a beach, or even inthe garden, your home will stand empty,increasing the risk of unwanted visitors.Most burglars are opportunists, who targetempty homes. This means that the holidayseason is bonanza time for them. However,with some preparation you can prevent thetrauma of burglary.Don’t assume that if you are out in yourgarden your home is protected. Remember tokeep all doors and windows closed andlocked while you are outthere.Did you know that sixtyper cent of burglars gainentrance through rear orside windows and doors?Make securing these apriority.Fences and hedges arethe first line of defenceagainst uninvited guestsso should act as aneffective barrier, ratherthan just being attractiveborders. Plant what theMetropolitan Police call‘hostile plants’; plants thatare spiky, prickly or verydense - don’t let themgrow too high though.Your home should bevisible from the street andto your neighbours. Plants should not providehiding places for intruders. Protect theentrance to your property too. If a gate isn’tpractical, consider covering pathways withgravel. Thieves don’t like to announce theirpresence and the sound of footsteps ongravel is often enough to put them offentering.Motion-activated lighting and well lit paths anddriveways are a necessity. Outside security
lighting can be cheap to set up and lowenergy light bulbs keep running costs down.Also, consider installing a burglar alarm - aswell as protecting your property, having analarm can also lower your insurancepremiums.While you’re away on holiday, some extraprecautions will help protect yourpossessions. Keep valuables out of sight. Ifthey can be seen, then someone might betempted to try to steal them. Don’t closecurtains in the daytime though, as this
announces to the worldthat your house is empty.Invest in timer switches toturn lights and the radioon and off. Cancel anymilk or newspaperdeliveries.Ask a friend or neighbourto help out. They canmove the post away fromthe door, draw yourcurtains in the eveningand make your home looklived in. They could evenpark a car on your drive ifyou are taking yoursaway. Offer to do thesame for them when theygo on holiday. Goodneighbours are worththeir weight in gold.Join your Neighbourhood
Watch Scheme, or if there isn’t a localscheme, set one up. Neighbourhood Watchhas an excellent track record of deterringopportunistic thieves.Follow these simple steps and you’ll protectyour home and belongings, which will allowyou to enjoy the summer and a worry-freeholiday. All it takes is a little vigilance andsome common sense – but just in case you’reunlucky, do make sure you’re fully insured.
While You’re Away……Burglar Bill can play
By Suki North
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“My family loves Galloway and we loved holidayinghere so coming to live here was a dream come true forus” says Tim Stephenson, owner of the Creetown GemRock Museum. “We could see that The Gem RockMuseum had potential. In our first year we had 10,000visitors, by 1990 we were getting 60,000”.“It’s amazing how much the Museum has changed sincewe took over in 1981. It has been a big DIY project refurbishing the old school building.After a few years we had to start making more space, so we built a new reception areawith a small workshop attached. However, by 1990 we had to replace the entire roof ofthe building, so we took the opportunity to make some major improvements, including anew car park, toilet block and larger workshop and put in our own accommodation levelupstairs. We also designed and built our own display cabinets, with much improvedlighting, which gave the whole collection a visual lift”.
“In 1991, our 10th anniversary, we built the Crystal Cave. This had been dad’s idea – heand mum got the idea when they were in Australia. Unfortunately he died in 1989 sodidn’t get to see the cave but it’s just part of his legacy and vision for the business whichhas become our life. In 2003, the tearoom needed re-roofing and we were given theWilson Collection - a private collection from American entrepreneur Bill Wilson, who wasalso an avid collector and a great family friend and left us his collection when he died.We decided, therefore, to build a bigger tearoom which gave us space in the mainbuilding to display Bill’s collection and also to create the Professor’s Study”.“Why has the Museum been so successful? Well, it’s a people friendly place and ourdisplays are not stuffy, dusty affairs, but full of colour, light and beauty. Rocks and gemsare fascinating and they appeal to our inquisitive nature. Understanding them is aboutunderstanding the world we live in. We also have a nice shop and tearoom – run by ourband of loyal staff - so you can take your time, relax and really immerse yourself in the
whole experience”.The Gem Rock Museum is a unique, worldwidecollection of gems, crystals, minerals and fossils. Ithas several display areas, an audiovisualprogramme, extensive gift shop and large tea room,serving home baking, homemade soup, snacks etc.The Museum is open seven days a week, 9.30am –5.30pm.
Happy 30th AnniversaryThe Stephenson family came to the GemRock 30 years ago this month
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The Eden Festival is a welcoming atmospheric family friendlyfestival set across 12 stages, the whole aim to provide a 3 daycelebration of music, dance, colour, culture and community andto exhibit live music hand with stunning decorations andsurrounding.This year the Eden festival team will be delving further intoPandora's box of tricks to bring you a kaleidoscope of sights,sounds and people to create the most fantastic Eden festival todate.
Eden Festival Director Adam Curtis commented ' Thepreparations have begun, it is all hands on deck to create thegreatest show of the year, we are very pleased with our line-upand cannot wait to once again welcome everyone through thegates of Eden'.The foundations are starting to rumble, the rafters are beginningto strain and creak, EDEN 2011 IS COMINGThe Galloway Drums are Banging...The Call has Gone Out...Back to Eden.…
Tickets available at www.edenfestival.co.uk at the price of £79 pre-sale, £89 on the gate. Carbon emissionsfrom the festival will be calculated by the local Crichton Carbon Centre after the festival.For more information about the Eden festival or any up and coming gigs please visit www.edenfestival.co.ukor contact [email protected]
Scotland's FreshestFestival's Line-up
On the 10th- 12th of June, Raehills Meadows near Moffat will once again betransformed into a creative carnival of colour. Scotland's freshest festival, The Edenfestival is set to wow crowds with it's truly inspiring atmosphere. Introducing 2 newstages to create a boutique festival like no other. With 12 truly magnificent stages andover 250 acts The Eden Team are over the moon to announce the first of their talentpacked line-up...
Emma’s ImmaginationGomezParov StellarHerbaliserEast Park Reggae Collective ft. LotekZion TrainOrkestra Del Sol
The Plump Dj’sBaghdaddiesSmerins Anti Social ClubShotnez3 Daft Monkeysany many many more.....
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TwoFREE Tickets!We have a pair oftickets to giveaway to onelucky reader.
For your chance to win two tickets ‘Like’ the StewartryLink Facebook page and attend the Virtual FB event the“Eden Festival Ticket Draw”. Names will be drawn outof a virtual hat. The draw will be made on June 6th at10am. Check the full terms & conditions below.~ The code required will not be available in the online version so you need the actualcopy of the magazine. Code Required is in the hard copy.
Like the 'Stewartry Link' page and reply that you are attending theevent for a chance to win a pair of tickets. The draw will be made at10:00 am and and a direct message that you have won and how toobtain the tickets will be sent shortly after. Providing you reply to the'winner's' direct message with the code printed above by 6pm andcan get to the festival in time for the photos the tickets will be yours.Good Luck!!
Since this competition is open to only facebook users it is presumedyou are at least 13, that you are able to travel to the festival and ifunder 18 have parental permission to go to the festival. If you arefound to be under 13, can not get to the festival or do not haveparental permission if under 18, the tickets will not be awarded and
the draw will be retaken as per the paragraph below. By entering this draw you also agree to photos beingtaken and for The Stewartry Link and the Eden Festival to use these photos in any way they see fit formarketing purposes.
Nb, if you do not reply by 6pm with the correct code and you have not or are not able to fulfill any of theseconditions a new draw will take place the following day at the same time with the same conditions. Thisprocess will continue until we have a winner who has replied or the festival has started on the 10th of June,which ever comes first.
In aide of the CD Cub Hut Polka-Dot, Castle Douglas Post Office, sponsored araffle, the prize being a huge Thorntons chocolate rabbit. Robert and Fraser,proudly wearing their uniforms, help Colin and Lorraine Wilson from Polka Dot,
draw the lucky winners name out of the hat.
"We are so grateful for the £212 raised from theCastle Douglas Post Office Easter raffle, for our hall.During the school summer holidayswe hope to re-decorate the hall,and this money will go towards that.We also recently received £200from The Dancing For Fun Club,that meets at the Parish Church,Castle Douglas. The committee isoverwhelmed by the community'sgenerosity." - Jane Hannah, Chair,Castle Douglas Cub Hut.
Colin andLorraine
Robert
Fraser
Colin hands the lucky Winner, Mrs Carol McKay, the prize
A Naturopath’s View of AllergiesThis month Sue Bain talks about allergensas pollen counts get seasonally higher
If you would like more information on natural therapies in general, you will find anexplanation of all the major therapies on our residential clinical reflexologist, PatArcher’s web site, www.scottishtherapists.co.uk, in her Database ofPractitioners, all of which are qualified and insured complementary andalternative therapists across Scotland.
If you are looking for more information on reflexology please contact Pat [email protected], or visit Prana Hair and Beauty, King St, CastleDouglas, 01556 503652, for an appointment , where she has her practice.
The term allergy was first used in 1906 by an Austrianphysician, Clemens von Pirquet. He described an“altered reactivity” which some of his patientsexperienced in response to substances, allergens, thatdidn’t affect other people, such as pollen, dust mites oranimal hair.
We’ve since learnt that multiple factors are responsiblefor allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing,sinusitis or asthma, and allergens are just the last straw.The allergic reaction is the body’s way of ridding itself of
a toxic overload. The liver and kidneys can be overwhelmed so elimination takes placeinconveniently through the skin, eyes, nose or lungs.
Food intolerances are one of the main factors involved but various types of stress, whetheremotional or environmental, can also play a part. Alongside eggs and dairy products, stress isoften the main trigger for eczema.
There may also be hidden fungal or bacterial infections present. Commonly occurring Aspergillusmoulds, found in the soil, compost heaps, animal straw-bedding and damp houses, can beresponsible for permanent coughs and even asthma. A recent study at Leicester Universityshowed that asthmatics, allergic to the mould, had narrowing of the airways. The narrowing wasworse in people who had the moulds growing in their lungs. Evidence may also indicate a link withtheir presence in some cases of lung cancer. There are homeopathic remedies that will kick startthe immune system to help kill these moulds, supported by a yeast and sugar-free diet, or anti-fungal drugs from your GP. Incidentally dust mites thrive alongside Aspergillus mould, whichapparently makes skin cells more digestible to the little mites!
Hay fever can be caused by an allergy to grass pollen so it may help to cut out all grasses fromyour diet during the pollen season. Don’t doubt that you eat grass! Wheat, oats, rye and barley areall members of the grass family. However it’s not always as simple as that. Hay fever is triggeredby sensitivity to many plants and other foods could be involved, such as dairy products.
Vitamins E and C with bioflavanoids and omega- 3-rich foods may help reduce inflammationcaused by allergies.
Try following the example of the 15th Century Venetian nobleman, Luigi Cornaro, who waspossibly the first man to work out his own detox diet. Close to death at only 40 years of age due toexcessive eating, he decided to eat less and only the foods that suited him. “Eat less and eat right”was his famous saying. His health was soon restored and despite his relatives worrying that hedidn’t eat enough, he lived until 98 and wrote his first treatise on longevity at the age of 83!
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“I have the start of arthritis, not that I have been to the doctors yet to confirm. It is in just one knuckle, its worse inthe mornings, especially cold mornings and tender if I bang it and I have had it for probably a year now. What can Ido to help keep it under control naturally?” - Mrs S of DalbeattieThe term arthritis covers a group of inflammatory and degenerative conditions that cause stiffness, swelling andpain in the joints. The most common form is called osteoarthritis, which most often involves the knees, hips andhands and usually affects middle aged and older people.In a joint affected by osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage found at the end of bones is worn away. As the conditiondevelops, the bone around the affected joint thickens and if the synovial tissue that lines the joint capsule becomesinflamed, fluid may accumulate within the joint. These changes cause pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints,reducing their mobility.Natural remedies include Glucosamine, which is popular with people who have osteoarthritis. It is a naturalsubstance extracted from crab, lobster or prawn shells. While it does not cure arthritis, some people believe that itdoes help ease pain and stiffness. Glucosamine, which comes in capsule form, is often taken in combination withchondroitin. Chondroitin sulphate exists naturally in our bodies and is thought to give cartilage elasticity.Fish oils, like cod liver oil, can produce a modest improvement in joint pain and stiffness. Some people find themhelpful, but there needs to be more scientific research to find out how effective they are for osteoarthritis.Omega-3 fats help to reduce the activity of the enzymes responsible for cartilage damage, and they switch offanother enzyme known to cause much of the pain and inflammation of arthritis.It would be advisable to discuss your condition with your GP to confirm a diagnosis and offer you additionaloptions.Q&A continued overleaf
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Are you a natural therapist? Do you have experience you would like toshare with the wider community? We are looking for some practitioners from different
fields to give their perspective as we know that certain treatments are more suitable fordifferent ailments. It wouldn’t be a commitment every month, just answer the questionsthat interest you or are applicable to your expertise. Please contact me, Jo Seawright,
“I think I have started the menopause and don’t want to go on to any HRT drug. My friend used to make what shecalled an HRT cake which was a fruit cake with lots of specific seeds and nuts etc. She swears that this allowedher to come off her medication and get through the whole process naturally. But she no longer has the recipe. Isthis type of thing recommended and have you ever heard of the HRT cake? Would love to find a recipesomewhere. And is there anything else you recommend?” - Mrs W of Castle DouglasYes, the HRT cake is very popular with women going through the menopause and below is thewww.herbsgardenshealth.com recipe which I hope you will enjoy (both making and eating!).
THE METHOD:Put dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix thoroughly, then add soya milk and malt extract. Mix welland leave to soak for about half an hour. If mixture is too stiff, add more soya milk. Spoon into loaf tinlined with greaseproof paper and oil. Bake in oven gas mark 5/190C for about 1 hour or until cookedthrough (test with skewer). Turn out and leave to cool. Delicious with butter or spread. Ideally, eat aslice a day.NB. ½ litre of soya milk makes a flapjack style cake, whereas ¾ litres makes a very moist cake. Thechoice is yours!Additional information; reduced oestrogen levels due to the menopause can lead to osteoporosis,increased risk of stroke and heart disease and is often managed conventionally with hormonereplacement therapy (HRT). There is another way though – through diet and supplements. Includecalcium-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables in your diet, cut down on saturated fat, eat oily fishfor its vitamin D (helps calcium absorption) as well as its omega 3 (moisturising properties) and nutsfor their boron and magnesium content (builds bones). Vitamin C, from citrus fruits for example, helpskeep skin healthy by boosting collagen production, it’s also an antioxidant. Eat tofu or drink soya milkas soya contains phytoestrogens, which are also found in pulses and cereals. And enjoy life!
As promised the new regular feature ofa Question and Answer for those whoseek a more natural approach to health.
This month’s questions were answered by Pat Archer, Clinical Reflexologist
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Recipe of the Month:
Method:For the base: Butter and line a 9 inch / 23cm loose-bottomed tin with greaseproof paper.
Put the biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to crumbs using a rolling pin.
Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, and then pour over the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until thecrumbs are coated thoroughly. Tip them into the prepared tin and press firmly down into the baseto create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 1 hr to set firmly. This is important – if the base isn’tset properly it will break up and become mixed with the filling later.
For the filling: Slice the vanilla pod in half lengthways and scrape out the seeds using the back ofa kitchen knife.
Place the soft cheese, icing sugar and vanilla seeds into a bowl, then beat with an electric mixeruntil smooth. Add the cream and continue beating on a slow-medium speed until the mixture iscompletely combined.
Spoon this cream mixture on to the biscuit base, working from the edges inwards. Smooth the topof the cheesecake down with the back of a dessert spoon. Leave to set in the fridge overnight.
To serve: Bring the cheesecake to room temperature, about 30 mins before serving. To un-mould,place the base on top of a can, run a round-bladed knife around the edge of the cheesecake firstthen carefully pull the sides of the tin down. Slip the cake onto a serving plate, removing the liningpaper and the base of the tin.
For the topping: Purée half the strawberries in a blender or food processor with 25g icing sugarand 1 tsp water, then sieve to remove the seeds. Pour the puree over the cheesecake and topwith the remaining strawberries and more puree.
No-Cook Strawberry Cheesecake
Serves 8-12, Prep 30 mins plus one hourchilling time for base and overnight chillingfor the cheesecake
Get the kids to help make thisdelicious summery tea time treat,its that easy to make!
Filling1 vanilla pod600g soft cheese (Quark or Philadelphia work well)100g icing sugar284ml pot double cream
Topping400g punnet strawberries25g icing sugar1 tsp water
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Scot
tish
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Showcasing the very best of Scottishart and crafts from all over Scotland
Over 600 original works by establishedand new artists, limited edition prints,picture framing, art materials & cards.Riverside Mills, Beaconsfield Place,Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway,DG6 4DP Tel: 01557 339400 (24 hrs.)
Open 7 days 10am-5pmSun 12noon-4pm
www.showcasegallery.co.uk
The Scottish Showcase Gallerywas established in 2007 only after its proprietor,Andrew Macdonald, found a suitably largeenough building to convert to a sizeable gallery.“Space and natural light was a key factor inchoosing this old mill property at Riverside Mills,as was the position on the harbour in the ‘Artist’sTown’ of Kirkcudbright”.Andrew had spent the previous five yearsscouring Scotland for great artists to publishthrough his Macdonald Fine Art business, which
supplies many galleries with high quality giclee prints in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. Healso promotes these and many more Scottish artists and makers in his Art News Scotland journal,50,000 of which are distributed throughout Scotland.It was with this experience and contacts that Andrew was able to exhibit many great Scottishartists and makers from opening the gallery right up to the present day. “Art lovers travel regularlyfrom as far as Inverness and Aberdeen in Scotland and London and Bristol in England especiallyto visit this gallery, as we exhibit many of their favourite artists together under one roof”.Come and see for yourself the quality of the art from all over Scotland, enjoy the relaxedatmosphere and wonderful displays of traditional crafts, all exhibited to their very best advantagein this bright and charismatic old building.The Scottish Showcase Gallery is on the harbour, 50 metres from the bridge at:Riverside Mills,Beaconsfield Place, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4DP. Tel: 01557 339400Open 7 days a week 10am – 5.00pm Monday to Saturday & 12.00 – 4pm Sunday
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Dumfries and Galloway’sCultural ChampionsCatStrand
Life People of the Year Awards. Theaward was particularly meaningful to us as‘Championing Culture’ is very much at theheart of what we do at CatStrand, not onlyin the sense of the arts - drama, dance,music and visual arts - but also in the widersense of social interaction, education andheritage, all with the aim of promoting agreater sense of well being and a stronger,more sustainable community.We are extremely proud to be at the heartof the cultural sector in Dumfries andGalloway, and pride ourselves on bringingtalented artists into the region but are evenmore delighted to also be working soclosely with the immensely talented artiststhat are already based here. We hope tocontinue to engage with and support localartists and urge creative individuals to getin touch.
Open since 2007, the CatStrand, NewGalloway, in the heart of the beautifulGlenkens, is a unique, contemporary arts,visitor and community centre offering ayear round programme of events, classesand community activities as well as trainingand conference facilities available for hire.At the CatStrand our highly motivated teamstrive to provide something for everyoneincluding performances and classes for allages, a youth club, adult exercise classes,free internet access and a cafe and shopfeaturing locally made arts, crafts & gifts.Our varied live events programme includeshigh quality music, theatre, comedy,dance, literature and changing exhibitionswhich again caters for all tastes andinterests.In 2010, CatStrand were the proudrecipients of the Cultural Champions awardin the inaugural Dumfries and Galloway
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For a small building the CatStrand packs apunch, it is amazing what you find there…
� Green Business Tourism Scheme – GoldAward status (one of only three in D&G)
� A wide range of social events,workshops and classes for lo-cals and visitors.
� Music, art, drama and danceworkshops for children andadults.
� A social event programme toappeal to all ages, from teadances to band nights.
� A wide range of classes including IT, exer-cise, language and healthy eating.
� One of the leading arts venues in SouthWest Scotland attracting artists from acrossthe UK and abroad.
� Year round programme of performing arts,music and film.
� Regularly changing art exhibitions and apermanent showcase of the region’s finestarts and crafts.
� Award-winning, contemporary design mak-ing CatStrand one the ’greenest’ venues inthe UK .
� Music, art and dance workshops.
� Comfortable, fully accessible, high specifi-cation venue with ideal facilities to meet theneeds of every visitor.
�Free internet access.
�Full disabled access.
�84 seat auditorium with retracta-ble seating, digital sound, satelliteTV, lighting and presentation facil-ities.
�Conference room to hire forsmall to medium sized meetings
and conferences.
� A natural hub for visitors, located in theheart of one of the most beautiful parts ofsouthern Scotland.
� Information on local heritage, what to doand where to stay in the area.
� Shop selling quality local arts, crafts, booksand gifts.
� Pyramid Cafe serving refreshments, snacksand home baking.
The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway,Dumfries and Galloway, DG7 3RN
01644 420374 www.catstrand.com
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“Where did Fathers’ Day come from?” asked someone in the pub a couple of monthsago. “Ruddy greetings card companies invented it,” came the reply, and this seemed tobe the general consensus.Back at home I wondered whether Fathers’ Day really was just the product of aboardroom meeting at Hallmark, so I set out to investigate.While it seems there is evidence of a Babylonian boy named Elmesu, carving some sortof greeting on a clay tablet 4000 years ago wishing his father health and long life, I don’tthink we can say Fathers’ Day started there - mostly because that’s pretty much it for theevidence until about 100 years ago.The most common theory about modern Fathers’ Day is that it originated in the US, andwith one particular lady, a Mrs. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. She felt that just as wededicate a special day to mothers, so we should do the same for fathers. It meant a lotto her, because she and her siblings were raised in a loving manner by her own fatherafter her mother died in childbirth.So she began a campaign, and the first Fathers’ Day was held on June 19th (herfather’s birthday) in 1910. It grew in popularity and in 1966, President Lyndon Johnsonsigned a proclamation declaring that the third Sunday in June would be Fathers’ Day.Now the waters become murky. How did Fathers’ Day make the leap across theAtlantic? No-one seems to know, but it’s likely that – in the manner of other Americantraditions - it gradually seeped into the British consciousness. Greetings cardsmanufacturers definitely played their part though. Never ones to miss a trick, they beganproducing cards and we bought them. It seems that in the UK, Fathers’ Day really tookoff in the 1970s but, unlike in the US, it’s never been declared an ‘official’ day.Still, as traditions go it’s a nice one. Fathers often get bad press, and some of them quitejustifiably so, but surely that doesn’t mean the good ones should go unrecognised.The role of dads has changed a lot in a generation. Most now take on a substantialamount of child care and are much more hands-on than their own dads were. Researchshows that dads who are involved in day-to-day childcare are key figures in helping theirchildren develop good self-esteem and self-confidence. Their rough-play helps childrenlearn a sense of control and independence. Crucially, dads who get involved when theirchildren are young, are much more likely to stay involved and in touch if their marriagebreaks down.Dads are important, so let yours know how much you love him this Fathers’ Day.
The Dad Factor ~Why do we haveFathers’ Day?
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As one of Scotland’s most popular holiday spots it is nosurprise that a programme of summer festivities and eventshas been provided for almost 40 years.The first festival was a small affair over a few weeks in thesummer and over the years it has continued to grow not justin length but also in its reputation and stature. An amazing
number of people from the town contribute lots of time, effort, skills and financial assistanceensuring the ongoing success of the Festivities.Our events begin at the beginning of May with the Spring Plant Fair. A little earlier than usual,on 11th June in the Soaperie Gardens, we are holding our Medieval Fayre, and on 3rd July atthe same place we have the Galloway Children’s Festival. Each Tuesday night from 28th Juneto 26th July our free Historical Walks begin in the Harbour Square at 7pm.Also in July, in association with James Smith Fencing, we hold two annual events at The Carsenear Tongland Bridge. On the 9th and 10th we have theGarden and Country Fair with all kinds of plants and awide variety of crafts and produce etc. On the followingSunday, 17th July, we hold a vintage tractor rally andbig car boot sale. These are both relatively new eventsand are well supported.Thursday nights from mid July to the end of August seethe core events which we hold each year. These areour very popular “Scottish Nights” where KirkcudbrightPipe Band, the Stewartry Wind Band, and a variety ofScottish dancers provide entertainment in the HarbourSquare. Events begin at 7pm and entry is free.Kirkcudbright Annual Art and Crafts Trail is becoming a really popular attraction in the town.Held for 4 days (29th July to 1st August) there is an opportunity to see the work of over 160artists and makers, and to visit often fascinating parts of the old town not usually accessible.This is a free event.Maggie’s Tours is street theatre in the form of historical re-enactments, describing life in thetown in 1650. Friday nights, 7pm, in High Street near the Selkirk Hotel, from 29th July to 19th
August.The holiday weekend at the end of August sees the climax of our summer long events.Kirkcudbright Parade Day is Saturday 27th and is a popular fun day. On Sunday 28th we hold an
Open Vintage and Classic Car Rally when there issomething to see in the Harbour Square all day long,and from 7.30pm on Monday 29th August, in theshadow of Maclellan’s Castle, we have our AnnualTattoo with some really special entertainment,including massed pipe bands. As entry tickets areonly £2.00 each, and the event has great familyentertainment, this is an extremely popular event.The Tattoo finishes with a spectacular fireworksdisplay which is not to be missed.
Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities
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Do you get on well with people?Do you have a nice friendly manner on thephone and are happy talking to strangers?Are you looking for a bit extra money with
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Garden ViewJune ~
The garden’s holiday month
Essential Jobs for June - Checklist� Plant new acquisitions and water regularly� Keep on top of weeds� Dead-head roses and container plants� Prune early summer shrubs� Take cuttings of pinks� Water tubs and baskets and feed regularly� Stand cacti and other houseplants outside� Continue to trim hedges and topiary� Plant outdoor tomatoes, runner beans and
French beans� Plant out winter brassicas� Keep sowing salad leaves� Keep mowing lawns� Harvest soft fruit� Mist greenhouses on hot days� Clear blanket weed and algae from ponds
27
Long summer days and warm light evenings make June the monthwhen the most reluctant gardener will enjoy spending time outside,even if only to lounge on the patio with a cool drink.Roses, honeysuckle and clematis are in full bloom, filling the garden with fra-grance and colour. Gorgeous peonies and oriental poppies are the stars of theflower border, quickly followed by geraniums, delphiniums, campanulas, fox-gloves and other favourites. Patio containers and baskets will be filling out con-tributing to the picture of abundance. In the kitchen garden there should be earlysummer vegetables to enjoy plus the first of the soft fruit.June is the month when the pace slows down -there are no urgent jobs to do providingyou can keep on top of the feeding and watering. So, pour yourself a glass of somethingrefreshing, put your feet up and enjoy your garden.June is usually calm, warm, sunny and dry but there is a degree of uncertainty. You onlyhave to compare June 2006 with June 2007 to see how varied the weather can be. June2006 was hot and exceptionally dry, whereas in June 2007 the heavens opened andmuch of Britain experienced three times the average rainfall. Traditionally, we can
expect daytime temperatures torange from pleasantly warm toswelteringly hot, with no frosts toworry about, but frost is not unknownat this time of the year.There should be more sunny daysthan dull ones so you’ll need to makesure that your greenhouse orconservatory is shaded and wellventilated.June is usually one of the driestmonths of the year and watering willbe crucial. Give priority to tubs andhanging baskets plus anything that isnewly planted. It’s best to water inthe early morning or evening makingsure you direct the water to thecompost or soil rather than onto theplant leaves. Now, where did I putthat cool drink?
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Puzzle Page
Sudoku: Hard, target is less than 15mins
Sudoku: Easy, target is less than 10 mins
Each Row, Column and 3x3 squaremust contain every number from 1to 9 with no duplicates
Each tree has one tentattached to it and eachtent is attached to a treeeither horizontally orvertically. No tents areadjacent to each other,either horizontally,vertically or diagonally.At the beginning of thepuzzle you are shown allthe trees and then needto deduce where each
tent is. To help you, thenumber of tents in
each row andcolumn is
displayed.
Like the Stewartry Link facebookpage or follow Stewartry Link onTwitter and ask for clues if youget really stuck on any of these
puzzles.
www.facebook.com/stewartrylink
www.twitter.com/stewartrylink@Stewartry Link
You can request Stewartry Linkposts are sent direct to your
mobile so you get all the offersand info in a text message.
Full answers will be publishednext month.
Tents: Camp one tent next to each tree.
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May SolutionsSudoku: ToughSudoku: Medium Tents
We are looking for some SIGs! … Special Interest Groups, for our newregular feature. So if you run, attend or know of any interesting clubs,
classes or social groups. Anything from keep-fit to books, photography to playingthe bongos, yoga to boxing. We would like to feature one SIG a month and start to post
details on the web-site. Get in touch and let people know who and where you are by [email protected] with your details and preferably a photo of the group or activity.
SIGs!
The Kippford Scottish Country Dancing Club
Dalbeattie Floral Club
Violet Jardine was at the Dalbeattie Spring Fling dayback in April telling everyone about the Country DancingClub that takes place in the Kippford Village Hall,Tuesdays 7:30 - 9:30 pm, October to MarchNew Season begins Tuesday 4th of October, 2011Violet explained that everyone is welcome and you don’tneed to bring a partner. It’s a great way to meet newfriends and have lots of fun. Phone 01556 630274 forfurther details
Kate Kerr (Chairperson) was on hand to show off herarranging skill. They meet the 1st Tuesday of everymonth at the Craignair Parish Church Hall, Dalbeattie.They are about to take a break for the summer monthsof July and August but contact Kate on 01387 268974or Sadie Hollis (Secretary) on 01556 611917 for furtherinformation
Emergencies� Police - dial 999� Fire Brigade - 01387 263921 or dial 999� Ambulance - 01387 267144 or dial 999� Coastguard - 01557 331133 or dial 999� Mountain Rescue - dial 999� Environmental Protection - 0800 80 70 60� Dumfries & Galloway Council - 01387 260000� Childline - Freefone 0800 1111� Samaritans - 01387 253555� Rape Crisis Centre - 01387 253113 / 01776 889331� Scottish Gas - 01387 268010� Scottish Power Emergency - 0845 2727 999
Health Services� Castle Douglas Clinic - 01556 503348� Castle Douglas Community Hospital - 01556 502333� Castle Douglas Dental Practice - 01556 503348� Cresswell Maternity Hospital - 01387 246246� Dalbeattie Clinic - 01556 610331� Dalbeattie Dental Practice - 01556 610917� Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary - 01387 246246� Kirkcudbright Clinic - 01557 330755� Kirkcudbright Community Hospital - 01557 330549� Kirkcudbright Pharmacist - 01557 332088� Newton Stewart Community Hospital - 01671 402015
General Information� Citizens Advice Bureau - 01556 502190� Narcotics Anonymous 24hr Helpline - 0141 2487101� Alcoholics Anonymous 24 Hr Helpline - 0345 697555� Family Mediation Service - 01387 263185� Trading Standards 01387 260092
Have we got the phone numbers right? Is there a useful number that has beenmissed off the list? Please contact Jo, 07875 209927, [email protected]
Useful phone numbers:
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