In this Issue 4 Read Rhu's short story – if you're feeling brave 7 Birdwatching and lots of birds 9 A recipe for dumplings from Hungary 15 A new initiative at the school involving the wider community 16 Charlie Macallan gets a big Dunscore send-off 1 The Dunscore Digest Dunscore Church and Community Magazine Autumn 2014 Pam and Colin Mitchell with Sally Magnusson and a film crew who were in Dunscore to make a film about Jane Haining. You can read about Sally's visit to Dunscore on page 7
Transcript
In this Issue4 Read Rhu's short story – if you're feeling brave
7 Birdwatching and lots of birds
9 A recipe for dumplings from Hungary
15 A new initiative at the school involving the wider community
16 Charlie Macallan gets a big Dunscore send-off
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The Dunscore DigestDunscore Church and Community Magazine
Autumn 2014
Pam and Colin Mitchell with Sally Magnusson and a film crew who were in Dunscore to make a film about Jane Haining.
You can read about Sally's visit to Dunscore on page 7
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Minister's Musing Jannie du Plessis
Take a Stand for Freedom!“Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to becomeslaves again.” (Galatians 5:1)
As I am writing now, the referendum on the independence of Scotland is only a few days away. There are many differentopinions and different expectations. Many are still undecided. But everyone wants what is best for Scotland. Is thisgoing to be a new chapter in the striving for freedom that played such an important role in the history of Scotland?
All this makes me think of man’s search for freedom. We live in a time and world where people (even churches) do noteasily take a stand on what seems to be right or wrong according to Scripture or, shall I say, according to God? We donot want to be bound or boxed in by any rules. The general attitude is that everyone must surely decide for oneself. That is freedom. Or is it...?
The apostle Paul says that the opposite of freedom is to be the slave of your own opinions and desires, to be driven by asinful and selfish nature or the nature and opinion of the world. To me this sounds a lot like jellyfish floating along withthe tides! That is not what God had in mind for us.
Freedom is to be freed from this kind of slavery and to become what God created you to be. Let’s compare this to fish,created to live in the water. They are bound by the water, yet they are in their element in the water. Because, whentaken out of the water, they die. So, their freedom is in the water where they were created to exist.
Freedom is to be like fish in the water, to be where we are supposed to be – back with God. Freedom is to do what wewere created for, fulfilling our God-given purpose. And in a marvellous way Jesus Christ restored us to that position bygiving his life to set us free from the bondage of sin. Now we are free to make responsible choices, respecting God’sWord as a beacon of light, the only true guide to responsible and meaningful living. Now we are free to say no to eviland yes to God.
So, take a stand for freedom!
Pray for a clear visionthat we may know where to stand
and what to stand for,because unless we stand for something,
we will fall for anything.
– Peter Marshall
Church Fabric Update Peter Gunnell
Counting the cost of the winter storms As anyone who has been to the church recently can confirm, the exceptional storms and rains of last winter have lefttheir mark. Three sandstone pinnacles were blown off the parapets around the building, there has been major damageat the junction of the church roof and tower and there has been significant water penetration at the entrance to thechurch, around certain windows and in other places. The purchase and re-erection of the sandstone pinnacles is covered by insurance but Derek McGregor, FabricConvenor, and the Church Board have been wrestling with the problem of how the remaining remedial works can befunded. Initial indications are that they will cost over £50,000, an amount which far exceeds the financial reservesavailable. Following a Board meeting that was thrown open to all members of the congregation on 15 July, consideration is beinggiven to an application to the Heritage Lottery. An outline proposal has been submitted and lottery staff haveresponded with supportive comments and advice. We are now starting to draft a more detailed application. This willhave to include a full conditions survey of the church undertaken by someone with the appropriate professionalqualifications and the survey will have to set out the costs of any urgent work required, after which we will see whetherthe initial estimate of £50,000 needs to be revised up or down. There will be a number of hurdles to overcome if a heritage lottery bid is to be successful but one silver lining is that wewould be encouraged when bidding to include a sum to enable artefacts relating to Jane Haining to be properlydisplayed and the church’s heritage to be better publicised.
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Church Fund Raising Gill Allan
So, lots of money required and, as a consequence, a fund-raising committee has startedwork. Over the next couple of months:•10 October – Arabian Nights meal in the Glenriddell Hall•7 & 8 November - “Pop Up” shop in Dumfries (we need donations of baking and good“bric a brac”)•15 November – Christmas Bazaar and Santa's Grotto in the Glenriddell Hall.Presents for sale as well as lunch and refreshments
The Digest editor, Kath Aitken and Gill Allan all endured the “Ice Bucket Challenge”recently raising more than £200 for church funds.
Ian enjoying soaking the editor
Gathering of the Clans Lynley Smith
In June I was very privileged to meet some very distant relatives of mine – perhaps not such a big deal normally, but theperson who connects us is none other than Jane Haining of Dunscore!
I had been doing a tour, talking about the life of Jane Haining, her sacrificial death in Auschwitz-Birkenau for the sake ofthe Jewish children she cared for in Budapest during WW2 and the issues her life story raises for today. My journey hadtaken me from New Zealand, where I live, to Budapest, to Brussels, to London and the south of England, to the Midlandsand now to Scotland. The basis of my talks is the book I have written about Jane’s life, From Matron to Martyr, afictionalised diary of her life published in USA in 2012 and to be published and launched in Hungarian in Budapest inOctober this year.
Now for the first time since I began on this journey to write and tell Jane’s story, I was staying in the village she wasbrought up in, hosted by good friends Pam and Colin Mitchell. I took the opportunity to wander around Dunscore’sbeautiful narrow country roads, enjoying the wonderful (unprecedented, I’m told) spring weather and taking in the vistasof rustic stone walls, fields full of buttercups and little old farm cottages dotted around. For someone from an entirelydifferent country but with a strong Scottish heritage, this was absolute bliss!
However, the high point of my visit to Dunscore was the meeting which washeld in the local church on the Sunday evening. I I was amazed to seeabout 50 people turn up for my talk – it must have been most of the village!But most amazing of all, was the presence of Deirdre McDowell, JaneHaining’s half-neice all the way from Northern Ireland, and her brotherKevin O'Brien from Southampton along with another half-neice Alice Hyslopfrom Dumfries. I also am a relative of Jane Haining, but the connection isnot nearly as close. They had come specifically to hear me talk and tohonour Jane’s memory.
It may surprise the good folk of Dunscore to know that people as diverse asNew Zealanders, Belgians, Hungarians, Americans and English have notonly now heard of Dunscore, but can now explain where it is and the nameof its most famous inhabitant.
Seventy years this month (July) since Jane’s death, her life and her sacrificial death are having an impact in manycountries and in many hearts. Her inspirational story is being used in Hungary by a group which is working in the field ofreconciliation between the Jewish community and the Church and secular communities, at a time when Europe is seeinga rise in the popularity of right wing nationalist parties and associated anti-Semitism. Jewish people are finding a hugemessage of comfort in Jane’s undeniable love for the Jewish children and others are seeing a wonderful model of a lifeof commitment, faith and love.
A Hungarian group has made a DVD, funded by the Hungarian government, of Jane’s life story and this will show onmain Hungarian TV channels in late October. A conference is planned to be held in Glasgow to honour Jane’s life andother initiatives are in the pipeline, including an event hosted by the Israeli andHungarian Embassies in Brussels at which I will do a presentation about Jane.
So her story lives on, continuing the work she started in Budapest – a work towardsmutual reconciliation and respect, based on the solid foundation of God’s love for Hiscreation.
Have you taken the Jane Haining Trail round Dunscore?
There is a leaflet and map showing where Jane lived, went to school and worshipped.
Ask Pam or Colin Mitchell for a copy of the leaflet or pick one up in Dunscore church.
Lynley (second from the left) with Deirdrie, toher right, and Alice and Kevin to her left
Map from the Trail Leaflet
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Dunscore Playgroup Reunion Sheila Anderson
Calling former Dunscore Playgroup Parents... Reunion - Friday 14 November!
Have you ever wondered where all the mums and dads you made friends with all those years ago are now - and whatthey are up to? A get-together of parents whose children attended Dunscore Playgroup from 1975 to 2000 is planned. Why not come along and enjoy catching up? It will be a chance to renew old friendships and lots of laughter and chatteris guaranteed!
Do you have offspring now aged between 17 and 42 who attended the playgroup? If you do you are eligible to attendthis reunion in the Glenriddell Hall, Dunscore at 7pm on Friday 14th November.
Kate Johnston (Mossop) together with Mary Waugh, Sheila Anderson and Pam Mitchell are trying to contact as many ofyou as possible. In true 'Dunscore style' there will be a 'Potluck Supper so please bring a savoury or sweet dish andsome wine/beer and enjoy an evening of nostalgia! The cost is £2 per person to cover the hire of the hall and there willbe a raffle. Surplus income will go to Dunscore Pre-School.
If you have any old photos from Playgroup days please let us have them. Either email or send them and we will copyand return them to you. Please also 'spread the word'. So that we have some idea of numbers, please contact eitherKate Johnston on 07500 901302, [email protected] or Sheila Anderson on 01387 820236][email protected] to let us know if you are coming. Please make the effort - the more the merrier!
The Ghosts of Tynron Doon Rhuairdh MacKenzie
Rhu MacKenzie, who is 10, along with other primary 6 pupils from Dunscore, Penpont, Moniaive, Duncow and Wallacehall, took part in a competition to write a ghost story about Tynron Doon. The stories were judged by local poet HughMacmillan who awarded Rhu a special pen and notebook so that he can continue writing and a “future author” badge.Mr. McMillan said he had real talent and urged him to keep writing! A word of warning - the story should not be read bythose of a nervous disposition!
Jamie’s boots slugged in the boggy mud that surrounded the bitter heaths at the edge of the forest. “C’mon wee Jamie,me and Krankie are waiting for you. We need ta get up to that hill fort’ now,” yelled McDonald, a scrawny old man withgrey greasy hair and a bald patch, “what’s keeping ya?” “Ah, nothin’ McDonald, you carry on ahead there, laddie,” “Suityourself then. C’mon Krankie”. He gestured to a younger man, about mid-fifties, slim with brown stubble shielding hisrosy cheeks. They both slung their bag packs higher on to their backs and set off, while Jamie followed, cocking hishead to one side. Suddenly he stopped. Something unnatural was in the air, something strange... something old.Shrugging he continued on, admiring the temperate uniqueness of the forest; the bright, orangey pines with dew runningoff their ends, the sparrows chattering and flying from tree to tree.
The forest was becoming thick and humid now, and pines were brushing against him. The thick plants seemed to beclosing in on him, as if they were trying to trap him like a rat. The bog was becoming thick and dense, like the forest. Thesparrows’ friendly chatters were turning into the mad squawking of crows. Jamie wiped the sweat from his neck.Suddenly some sort of air rushed by, quick, like a puff of smoke. Jamie began to run. His heart pounding, sticky withsweat, he rushed to a patch of light, obviously where a tree had been cut down, and he put his hands on his knees,wheezing and panting for breath. Something warm hung in the air, the smell familiar to young Jamie. He sniffed. Hebegan to walk towards the smell, even though the mist was twice as thick as the stuff he was used to, he continued,eager to find its source.
There was some sort of a stump carved into something in the tree up ahead, and this seemed to be the source of thesmell. He got closer, and then something so gory, and so shocking, and so unexpected, that Jamie almost fainted. Hehad reached the tree now and this sight met his eyes at last; It was a young manslumped against the tree with rosy cheeks a brown stubble covering his face, hiscurled locks congealed in a tangle of earth and blood. The stuff was also making itsway in a revolting trickle down his nose. There was something that was even morepeculiar though, it was almost as if some of the mist was sticking out of him in theshape of some sort of axe or something. It was Krankie. From the lodged misttrickled more blood making a reddish puddle on the forest floor. Jamie was soshocked he ran as fast as he could to the edge of the forest ahead. Soon enoughhe caught up with McDonald, who was hiking quite merrily and whistling to himself.“McDonald! McDonald, Krankie was in the forest, against a tree! There was blood,comin out his head. He was impaled by mist!” “What laddie?” “Ah said that Krankieis dead!” roared Jamie, shaking him by the shoulders. “Come and look!”
They reached the spot at last but now they were both shocked. Staring at themwas a figure made of mist, hairy chested, all naked but a loincloth round his waist.His muscles bulged, hands thrust forward to rest on top of his battle axe. His chest-length, dirty hair flapped behind him as he gave a grunt of satisfaction. Then heclosed his eyes and started in a coarse, deep manner, to hum a sad tune.
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They reached the spot at last but now they were both shocked. Staring at them was a figure made of mist, hairy chested,all naked but a loincloth round his waist. His muscles bulged, hands thrust forward to rest on top of his battle axe. Hischest-length, dirty hair flapped behind him as he gave a grunt of satisfaction. Then he closed his eyes and started in acoarse, deep manner, to hum a sad tune.
As he did this, he suddenly took out a woven flagon from his tattered sheepskin loinclothand began to gulp down the broth inside. The two astounded men watched, paralysed,as it trickled out of his body collecting on the soil and pine cones littering the forest floor.He wheezed, then slammed in the cork as some drops sloshed out, and put it back in thesheep hide clothing. The two men absolutely terrified began to settle their eyes onsomething even stranger: similar as they were other, dirty, brutal barbarians in the same,misty, form started appearing behind the warrior each of them bearing, along with opal-studded shields, bloody Franciscas, chipped great swords, morning stars and otherdreadful weapons. Now this vast, countless army was moving slowly towards the twomen. They each picked up a big stick to defend his self and edged away. Suddenly thewarriors threw a hostile roar at them as they charged forward. The first to reach them,muscled and swift, raised a Francisca above his head, before getting hit in the ribs with astick, followed by a dull crunch of bones. Next, the suspense building in his head Jamieslammed a warrior’s head on a log impaling his bloody skull in one strike of his hand,while Krankie smashed one in the back with his walking pole. Another one came at them,wearing a horned helmet, and twirling his sword, which he soon found being thrust intohis gut by Jamie. Now arrows were thudding against the trees, chipping the wood. Morearrows hailed on the ground as the two men dashed, retreating over logs and through
branches, the attackers no more than two feet behind them. Running Jamie heard a cry behind him. He spun round tosee them getting close to Krankie who was limping. He couldn’t help him though, but as he turned, he felt a jab andlooked round, but all he saw was a sword plunging into the chest of his best friend. He felt a pressure of sadness buildingup now, but he had to keep running. Nobody knows what happened to Jamie for the rest of the day. Maybe he was killed.Maybe he escaped. Or maybe, just maybe, just by the slightest chance, maybe he’s still running.
Rhuairadh with his prize
The Guild Programme Aly Robertson
This year's theme of the Guild programme is 'A World to Serve' and this gave us plenty of scope!
First a word about the selection of the speakers. On the last meeting of the previous session, members and folk thatcome along to the Guild, bring their suggestions. We also pick one of the six national Guild projects to support. This yearit is close to home with 'Heart for Art' which helps dementia sufferers through their artistic efforts. To raise funds tosupport this work anyone is invited to make their own artwork, maximum size A4 and to pay 50p to display it in anexhibition at the last meeting of the session. Your artwork can be on any subject but, if you can make it fit the theme, somuch the better.
We are indebted to members of the Ball family - Sarah is speaking to us about her experiences with VSO in Cambodia atthe first meeting of the session and David will speak about his work on a different continent with the charity 'FacingAfrica'.
Rolf Buwert will bring his Created range so that people have a chance to order for Christmas, This will be Rolf's last visitin this capacity.
We will have a session called 'Craft into Christmas' where we can make our own decorations and gifts. There will be atalk about autism and John Drabble will tell us about a rest and relaxation centre for injured servicemen, based in ourregion.
So there we are - A World to Serve. Guild meetings are open to all, there is always something new and interesting tolearn. Do ask Judith or Alison for your own copy of the programme.
Dates for the coming meetings can be found in the Digest Diary.
Dunscore Writing Group Libby McFadzean
The Writing Group has continued to meet monthly over the summer, and although fewer people were able to attend westill managed to keep writing and having fun. The next meeting is on Wednesday 17th September at Moss Side,Dunscore (phone 820398) at 2pm. Hopefully more of us will get there. Our last assignment was on the theme of "Thepolitician's excuse". Hilary's was absolutely hilarious! For next time, our task is to write 100 words Flash Fiction on "I'msorry officer ....". Anyone is welcome to come along, even if only to find out more.
There is a fascination in maps that starts early in life and for some folk it stays with them. A map is as fascinating forwhat it shows as for what is left out. Those maps of foreign parts that one would gaze at when younger had large blankspaces on them. This was merely a point of departure for the imagination. There could literally have been anythingthere. To paraphrase Johan Bleau the great 17th century map maker: they allowed you to contemplate the far-reaches ofthe earth from the comfort of home. This was thinking about space, but DAMP allows you to contemplate the past fromthe comfort of your own home…a sort of time travel if you like. The Dumfries Archival Mapping Project, at its most basic, aims to collect and digitise as many pre-1860 estate maps inthe Nithsdale area. Having done that, we aim to present them on the web. The maps that we are seeking are pre-Ordnance Survey and generally stretch from around 1740-1860. Amazingly we reckon that there could be as many as1,500-2,000 estate plans and maps that cover Nithsdale. Many of them are held at Drumlanrig but others are heldoutwith the area as far afield as Hull or Scone. There are also a few in collections in London and as the projectprogresses we will probably find maps popping up in all sorts of obscure places.
At the moment we are building a large database that will include material outside our subject area as well since thedevelopment of a large database is a great start for any project and, if built correctly, can develop into a useful researchtool. At the moment we have culled other databases and have about 1,300 entries, and another few hundred are stillwaiting to go in. Of these, I would reckon that around 700 are in our area and in our time frame, so we have still a way togo on gathering maps.
Our (over 60) members are a very mixed group and range from academics to landowners as well as those who just havea general interest in mapping and their local history. Please check out our website www.damproject.org or get in touchwith Archie McConnel ([email protected]) should you have an interest and come along and see for yourself therich cartographic history that we have in this region. Becoming a member allows you to access the “Map of the Month”after all!
Community Council Column Colin Mitchell
Your Community Council meets every six weeks in the “Flying Pig”. The agenda is posted on noticeboards about a weekbefore the meetings to which all are welcome. Recently we have been working on the following:
Dalswinton Windfarm Benefit Fund: Following presentations from representatives of each group, funds wereallocated to:
• Auld Alliance twinning group - £600• Dunscore Writers Group - £100• Flicks in the Sticks Community Cinema - £300• Dunscore Gala - £1000• Dunscore Pre-School - £1000
Co-Opted Member: We welcomed Mrs Anne Hart as a co-opted full member of the Community Council.
Harestanes Windfarm Community Benefit Fund: Alistair McFadzean has agreed to represent our CommunityCouncil as a director of the group that is being formed to distribute funds from this windfarm. There will be an annualamount given to each Community Council and a central fund that groups can bid into.Proposed Windfarm at Loch Urr: Representatives of EON explained how plans had been altered in response tothe local consultation. A copy of the plan that is about to be submitted is displayed on the wall in the Glenriddell Hall. TheCommunity Council will debate the application when it is submitted. We would invite the developers, the landowner andthose objecting to speak at the debate.Flooding at Newtonairds: A meeting took place with local residents, the landowner and SEPA (ScottishEnvironmental Protection Agency). This was a positive meeting and we hope that flood defence work will be carried outbefore the winter rains.War Memorial and Vigil: This has now been cleaned and the base repaired. The vigil to mark the 100 th anniversaryof the declaration of WW1 was well attended by the Community.Rebuilding of Speddoch Hall: In response to concerns raised by residents living in the Speddoch Hall area, adiscussion of the plans and noise prevention measures took place at the August meeting.Dunscore Gala: The Community Council thanked the Gala Committee to organising this year’s superb Gala.
Just for the ScientistsWhat does DNA stand for? National Dyslexia Association. There are 10 kinds of people in this world, those whounderstand binary, and those who don't. A blowfly goes into a bar and asks: "Is that stool taken?"
Tea at my aunt and uncle's house involved ham salad, cream horns, seed cake and my grandmother's recollections ofher second husband's injuries sustained in the first World War. She recounted that he was injured in the leg and that youcould feel the lumps of shrapnel that the surgeons couldn't get out, underneath his skin.
Gilbert Cooper died in 1930, when my dad was four, due to tuberculosis which developed as a result of his injuries. Heand his family ran a chrysanthemum nursery in Kent, which must have been the greatest possible contrast to his wartimeexperiences. A contact has carried out some research for my brother and me. Seventy percent of WW1 servicemen's records weredestroyed in a fire in 1940. It is more difficult to find out about those that survived as, sadly, the dead generate morepaperwork. The researcher found my grandfather in the medal rolls: Gilbert Cooper, 5th Battalion, King's Royal RifleCorps, regimental number R19460. He enlisted on 14 February 1916. Allowing 3 - 6 months for training he probablyarrived in France at some point during the battle of the Somme (probably not for the high-casualty opening days). Hewas discharged on the 6 December 1918, having been injured. My grandmother's first husband was Gilbert's bestfriend. They are buried in the same grave in Bexleyheath. My reason for telling this family story is to encourage others to share their reminiscences: perhaps of people who workedon the land, in the local big houses which became hospitals, in munitions factories or those who decided not to fight. Itwould be very interesting to have them printed in Dunscore Digest. I'm sure young people, perhaps in the school, wouldfind such histories helpful.
Gala Book Stall Chris Whittle
I must first of all thank the helpers who “personed” the stall that afternoon and help cope with the tent during it’s take off,flight and landing periods, disturbing events but in truth, minor happenings compared to selling of stock! I had received agoodly influx of books in the weeks prior to the event and even some on the day, as the sale was in progress!
Some of the larger hard back books were, I felt, too difficult to price easily so these were left unpriced with a note invitingpeople to pay what they felt was a price suited to their judgement. This tactic paid off well.
The events of the Gala in the ring made a super back drop to our activities on the stall, which were glimpsed between thefolk browsing. All in all a good afternoon resulting in the best sales figure ever of £170.50 of which £50.00 went to theGala. Thanks to suppliers, buyers, sellers and to Duncan for his collecting the unsold stock for the Moniaive Book Sale.It was sufficient to encourage me to do it again next year.
Birdwatching Farne Wide Colin Mitchell
At 5:00 am on the 16th of June, 14 bleary-eyed Dunscore birdwatchersgathered at the Church Car park and boarded the Community bus for aspecial outing to the Farne Islands. We had to leave at this early houras the boat left Seahouses at 9:30 am and would not wait for us. Onarrival at the harbour we were informed that due to the northerly windthe boat would leave at 11:00! This gave us the chance to have somebreakfast (great bacon rolls!) and go bird watching along the cold andwindy coast.
The weather improved when we eventually set sail and we enjoyedsunshine and blue skies for the rest of the day. The sail out to the FarneIslands was quite rough with a big swell running. Some members wentquite green and then lost their lunch to the fishes! We sailed around theouter islands and saw thousands of guillemots as well as shags, puffins,razorbills, kittiwakes, eiders, gannets and excellent close up sightings ofseals. Sadly we could not land on these islands as the swell was toohigh.
However we were able to land on Inner Farne which is the home tothousands of puffins as well as a colony of very aggressive arctic terns.We were advised to wear hats at all times whilst on the island. One ofour group took off his hat and had a bleeding head as a consequence. The close up views of terns and puffins were superb as were the viewsfrom the island. The sail back to the mainland was equally rough buteveryone kept their lunch down! An excellent fish supper was enjoyed on our return before the long drive back toDunscore. A superb day enjoying one of the world’s best wildlife spectacles.
It Seems That Pam Took a Funny Tern
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Sarah in CambodiaYou may have seen Sarah Ball's report in the last edition of the Digest about her work with VSO in Cambodia.
If you would like to hear her whole story first-hand, make sure that you come along to the Dunscore Guild evening onThursday 11 September in the Glenriddell Hall at 2:30 pm.
Bird of the Month Colin Mitchell
As a new Digest feature, we asked Colin if he would write a little about a couple of birds to particularly look out for at thistime of year.
September: GoldfinchGoldfinches are birds that are now widely distributed in our area. They are particularlyattractive with red faces, black and white heads and golden yellow wing bars. Theircalls are varied and include a song that sounds a bit like a canary.
Goldfinches were reasonably scarce birds usually seen in winter feeding on thistleseeds in roadside verges or field edges. Their numbers have increased significantly inrecent years probably due to the feeding with nyjer seed at bird tables.
Now that the breeding season is over goldfinches will be found in flocks of goldfinchesonly or in mixed finch flocks.
The collective noun for goldfinches is a “charm”. A term that describes this beautifulbird really well.
October: OystercatcherPam and I know that spring is approaching when we hear the oystercatchers calling late at night as they fly over ourhouse moving up the Cairn to nest on the shingle banks. The breeding season is now over and the oyster catchers havemoved to the coast where they will be joined by others from Britain and areas further north. Soon there will be huge flocks of oyster catchers on the Solway with many thousands spending the winter monthsfeeding on the shellfish and other creatures living in the rich mud. Our Solway is a vital habitat for waterbirds with116,000 birds using it during the winter.
To watch a large flock of oystercatchers in flight is one of the wonders of the natural world and we can enjoy thespectacle by visiting our coastline. The birdwatching group will visit the estuary during the winter. You would be mostwelcome to join us.
Goldfinches Feeding
(Assistant) Editorial Alison Boyes
Could going to church make you happier?Last month I went to see a film at the cinema called `Hector and the Search for Happiness`. It wasn't a very good filmbut made for an interesting discussion afterwards. Hector is a psychiatrist. He is good at his job, makes plenty of money,has a swish apartment in London and an adoring and beautiful girlfriend but somehow he isn’t really happy. In an attemptto find out the nature of true happiness, he packs his bags and sets off on a trip around the world – to China, Africa,Australia and Tibet. Along the way he has plenty of adventures, meets a lot of people, and writes down in his notebookthe `wisdom` he uncovers (e.g. `Happiness comes when least expected`).
I was a little surprised that there was no mention in the film that faith might make a person happier (Hector did meetsome jolly Buddhist monks in Tibet but they seemed most happy when they had a good internet connection for Skype).After all, studies have shown that people who attend church regularly have higher scores of happiness than non-churchgoers. Critics say that this is not because faith makes you happy but that if you go to church often you willbecome part of a community and make friends and this will make you feel better. Or maybe it`s all the singing?
I think Hector could have saved himself a lot of time and money if he had just come along to Dunscore on a Sundaymorning. 28 September is `Back to Church Sunday`, when people who might not have been to church for a while areencouraged to come back. Why not see for yourself? You may enjoy the singing and you will certainly find somewelcoming, friendly folk and a sense of community. You might even find that it was about faith after all…
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Remembering Jane Haining Pam Mitchell
Much is happening this year to highlight the life of Jane Haining. On 5th August I met Sally Magnusson when she cameto research and film around Dunscore. The planned film is the idea of Sally who has been touched by the story of JaneHaining. Her journey has taken her to the USA to meet and talk to one of Jane’s students who remembers her well. Shehas also visited Budapest, Auschwitz, Dumfries, Glasgow and, of course, Dunscore.
The film should be shown on November 30 as a BBC production. It starts on the lane below Lochanhead Farm where,after many takes, Sally, a perfectionist, was finally satisfied with filming. There have been over 100 hours filmed and theproduction team are now reducing that to a 29 minute film!
It was a delightful experience though a little nerve-racking to work with this professional team and contribute a little bit inthe telling of Jane’s story. Sally Magnusson was presenting and narrating, her daughter Anna Lisa Stone was theproducer, her husband Norman Stone, the director with a cameraman and assistant filming.
They spent many hours marvelling at out lovely countryside and I look forward to seeing the resulting film which willincrease the knowledge of a local lady of whom we should all be proud.
Jane Haining Link Pam Mitchell
Hungarian Visit to Dunscore
On 6 August Colin and I collected our visitors from Hungary. They had had a very early start.....up at 4:00 am, arriving inGlasgow at 10:00 am. The journey to Dunscore included some wonderful scenery that thrilled them. Loch Doon wassparkling and the purple heather was glowing.
The Jane Haining day was on day two when we visited Dumfries and Irongray in the morning and the church and farm inthe afternoon. Sheila and Archie again hosted a wonderful barbecue in the evening and the sun shone. The Robertsonstook the group to the coast on the Friday and visited New Abbey and Threave Castle followed by an evening meal.
This year the visit coincided with the Gala Day and the girls loved the event on Saturday followed by a meal at Kay's withGill and Shona.
Sunday was church where they all contributed to the service and, after a roast lunch, we drove them into Leadhills wherethey gathered heather and saw gold panners.
On Monday we "did" Edinburgh with an open-top bus tour and tasted the Festival fun on the High Street followed by anItalian meal and a late night. Tuesday was back to Dumfries in the morning after a long lie and a visit to AuchenageFarm in the afternoon.
Adrienn , Lilla and Vera all really enjoyed their visit. They left on Wednesday to spend two more days in Glasgow beforereturning to Hungary.
Thanks to all who helped make their stay a wonderful experience. Sadly we did not have a student from Jane's schoolthis year. There is to be a meeting in November with all involved in the organization to try to sort this out before the nextgroup is selected.
Reader's Recipe Adrienn Csehovicsné Guba
While our Hungarian visitors were in Dunscore, the Editor asked if they would send a recipe for the Digest. Here it is:
We will never forget the week we spent in Dunscore in August 2014. As the winners of the Jane Haining competition ofthe Vörösmarty Secondary Grammar School we arrived to Glasgow by plane. Vera Lővei from Budapest and Lilla Szabówith her teacher Adrienn Csehovicsné Guba from Tiszaújváros. Pam and Colin welcomed us and became our wonderfulhosts for a week. We admired the green countryside, the animals and the old dry-stane dykes (we have learnt someScottish too :-) We had a great day at the Gala and we will never forget the trips to the beautiful Sweetheart Abbey, theseaside, to Dumfries, to the heather fields, to a farm and to Edinburgh. “Playing” the bagpipe was an unforgettableexperience, too! We have visited all the places associated with Jane Haining and we will spread her memory at home.We were very excited before doing a presentation at Dunscore Church. We will never forget the hospitality of themembers of the congregation and the inhabitants of the village who packed us lunch, invited us for a barbeque party, fordinner or just had a chat with us. Thanks for your kindness and in return I would like to share a traditional Hungarianrecipe with you. It is a main dish, because it makes you full very easily. It is called Túrógombóc in Hungarian. I havelearnt it from my mother and it is my family’s favourite. As most of you already know I have a son and a daughter andthey like it very much. I hope you will like it, too!
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Curd cheese dumpling
Ingredients (for about 20 dumplings)500g curd cheese 60g grits (or semolina) 4 eggs a pinch salt2 tablespoons of butterbreadcrumbs powdered sugar200ml sour cream
Method: For “dollop” read “batter”. The first step is toput the curd cheese, the grits, the egg yolk, and a pinchof salt in a pot. Grab a wooden spoon and mix up theseingredients. Cover the dollop and put it into the fridgefor about two hours. This is needed in order to softenthe grits. Put two tablespoons of butter into a frying-pan and brown the breadcrumbs on it. Stir it quickly in order not toburn it! After it is ready, put it apart. When the grits in the dollop is soft enough, whisk the white of the egg and fold itslowly in the dollop. Now put water in a cooking pot with a pinch of salt, and wait until it starts to boil. This part is thebest, even children can help. Wet your hands to shape little balls from the dollop and put them in the boiling water.(Notes for the kids: not throw, but put!) At the beginning stir them carefully so they won't stick to the bottom. When thedumplings come up to the top of the water, then they are ready. Cut one of them in half, and check if it is really ready(they will be soft). If they are, put them in the breadcrumbs. Serve it on a plate with sour cream, and powdered sugar onthe top. Enjoy!
Presbytery News Alison Boyes
Another Year – A Few More Bun FightsA year has passed since I became Presbytery Elder and I've just signed up for another. It takes a while to get used tothe way things are done, including the traditions and terminology. The new session will begin officially at the end ofSeptember with a celebration of Communion. This is usually held in the church of the new Presbytery Moderator – for2014/15 this is held by Rev Neil Campbell, minister of Dumfries North West.
In addition to ordinary business, members of the Presbytery (Ministers, Presbytery Elders and Corresponding Members)are often called to meet for other reasons, one of which is the induction of a new Reader, Minister or Ordained LocalMinister (OLM). Inductions are typically joyous occasions with tea (or as one Minister put it, a “bun fight”) afterwards.Those that were able to attend will remember the wonderful service for Jannie's induction and the amazing receptionheld in the Institute in Moniaive. In my year as Presbytery Elder, no fewer than four Ministers have been ordained –plenty of occasions for joy and buns.
Pre-School News Lee Mackenzie
We've had a busy summer at Pre-School. Following the discovery of old lead water pipes, extensive work has been doneto replace these with a new pipes. This has afforded us the opportunity to give the cloakroom a much needed make over.With the help of local tradesmen it now looks much brighter.
• Thanks to all those who supported our stall at the gala and helped raise over £200.The parents on ourcommittee work very hard all year to raise funds for the Pre-School to buy equipment and resources to enhancethe children's learning experience.
• Our development plan this year includes a focus on community involvement. We are proud to be part ofDunscore and believe that it takes a community to raise a child. If you have a special area of expertise such asart, craft, music, dance, nature, gardening, woodwork or whatever and would appreciate sharing it with thechildren, please call Dunscore Pre-School 820273 or email [email protected]. You will be made very welcome!
• Following on from the success of last term's Wood Wednesdays we hope to continue the children's outdoorlearning for as long as the weather allows. The children have gained so much from these visits and we are verygrateful to Mr Crawford for kindly allowing us to share this wonderful resource. If you see us walking on ourcrocodile through the village on Wednesdays do give us a wave.
Mac's MemoirsRegrettably, space has defeated us in this edition and we cannot fit in a worthwhile extract of Mac's Memoirs. Hopefully,it will be possible to include more next time.
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SOrS - Saving Our Red Squirrels Colin Mitchell
Red squirrels have been in this area since the last ice age (about 10,000 years ago) and grey squirrels were introducedto UK in 1876 by the Victorians as an exotic species.
We are fortunate to be living in an area with a good population of red squirrels. Unfortunately our reds are in dangerfrom grey squirrels. Grey squirrels are bigger and more robust, eat a wider variety of foods and have a lower mortality oftheir young. However many people are helping in the fight to save our red squirrel population.
Grey squirrels are being trapped and killed by both professional and volunteer trappers in Scotland and south of theborder. Many of these squirrels are also tested for the antibodies of squirrel pox that greys are resistant to but can infectred squirrels.
In 2013 a grey squirrel was tested positive in this area but our reds appear not to have been infected . Also anextensive squirrel survey has been carried out in the south of Scotland for the past three years. This survey involvesplacing feeding stations on trees within a defined area. These feeder stations have sticky pads under the box lid. Whena squirrel feeds in the box some hairs are left on the pad. These pads are collected and checked for grey squirrel hairsand red squirrel hairs.
I survey Dalmacallan Wood (including Bogrie Hill) and an area centred on Stenhouse Wood near Tynron. DalmacallanWood has recorded red squirrels only in the last 2 years. It also recorded a Pine Marten last year! Stenhouse Woodarea has recorded both Reds and Greys in the last 2 years. It was good to see, however, that the number of reds hasincreased and the number of greys decreased. Maybe the trapping is having an effect.
You can help our red or grey squirrels by reporting sightings at http://www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk/ and by avoidingrunning over red squirrels on our roads. Sadly I see significant numbers as road casualties in our area. Many locallysee red squirrels on their bird feeders and these feeding stations help our reds through times of low natural foods.These feeders also let us enjoy superb views of these wonderful native mammals.
The following article was prompted by a request for information to our Minister from a Canadian lady who had comeacross a book of poems of Willie's in a book sale in Ontario!
Willie Rankine was born in 1903 in Maxwell Terrace, Dunscore (now Jalee, opposite the new Health Centre). Thefollowing are mainly excerpts from stories that Willie had published in his day. His father had the village smiddy atThroughgate. 'The children coming home from school looked in at the open door to see the flaming forge and hear thebellows roar'. Willie went to Dunscore School and his 'weekends were taken up with playing in and round the village...and going sedately to Kirk and Sabbath School'.
In 1919, Willie took over his father's cycle repair business in Maxwell Terrace. With family help, he opened new premisesin 1925 near the King's Arms Hotel (what is now one house and the old surgery). This garage was on the ground that isTownsend Terrace. His two brothers, Dave and Tom, who had assisted him, both emigrated to Canada in the 1920s. In1931 Willie married Mary and set up home next to the hall in Church Crescent. Much later in life he built Calluna as ahouse to retire to - just opposite where he was born!
Willie did much more than run the garage / ironmongers / car hire / taxi service. He was a great fund-raiser. His twochildren, Jim and May, were frequently commandeered to walk with him in Dunscore's surrounding hills (especiallyBogrie) searching for white heather which was more prolific in days past! He sold the heather and raised money over theyears for the RSPCC. He loved his church and attended every week. Profits from his books of poetry and articles onDunscore went to church funds - including raising enough to repaint the exterior of the building. One interesting littlepamphlet I have 'Dunscore - A Pen Picture of a Country Village' was written in 1975. Some interesting snippets include:'It is only comparatively recently that it [Dunscore] was given the name of the parish. Previously it was called Cottack -which described the group of houses set up for cottars, or smallholders. These men for the 'tack' of their few acres, paidrent and gave some days' work to the landowner, which for centuries was the monastic house of Holywood.'
Tradesman in the first half of the 20th century included: 'Three tailors' - Tom Charteris at Greenwell, Adam and John Harkness at Maxwell Terrace and a Mr Grierson who hadhis workshop in a room attached to a house at the entrance to Thrashers Close. This room, when tailor Grierson went toCanada, was used to house the books which came from Hopeside at Mansegate, but originally formed the circulatinglibrary founded by Robert Burns for the parish'. How many of you knew that?
'There were three shoemakers - Bob Gracie at Greenwell, Rob Halliday in the main street and Wallace Brown beside thejoiners' shop of Messrs Farish. There was even a photographer - Jas Laurie at Willowbank. In the past there were moreshops and more vans going out and always, heaps of vans coming in. In the old days the Village was really acommunity... tradesmen dealing with other tradesmen - Giff-Gaff as one tradesman called it'.
Willie was well-known by everyone in the parish. His garage was the hub of the community and latterly the garage shopsold much more than spares! As a child 'up the Glen' I remember going once a week with my dad to buy 'bits and pieces'he needed for the farm as well as to get petrol and every few months the all-important huge battery our wireless required! Willie retired into Dumfries but really missed his Dunscore hills which he frequently 'waxed lyrical' about. He died in 1989having spent nearly all his years in his beloved village.
Some verses from The Old Church (Willie Rankine)
1. A landmark fair upon the hill,'Mongst fields in green abiding,Established old: a need to fill,His House on earth providing.
2. O'er the village nestling nigh,And on the wind fair borne,Her hidden bell suspended high,Proclaims the Sabbath morn.
3. Then in her precincts hushed and quietThere we may humbly pray,From worldly things a brief respite,Within her sanctuary.
4. Against the angry winds that whirl,'Bove floods that swell the river,Our Church stands steadfast on the hill,His House that fails us never.
Lubuto Update John Drabble
Our three guests from Lubuto, the Minister, Rev. Munjita Kamya, Joyce Chisumba and Susan Mwanza had a great timewith us and were very grateful for kindness of all their hosts and those that took them on trips. The slight snag of luggagebeing over the weight limit at Glasgow airport did not dampen their memories of a special visit.The day before they left, we met at the Manse to review our twinning, which has been a bit flat for the last two years. Weall expressed a wish to rekindle our relationship and resolved to improve our communication, share more information andremember each other more regularly in our Sunday worship.
Joyce, assisted by Martha, is to be our main contact in the future. Martha has just sent an excellent newsletter that youcan see on the church website. The Lubuto Congregation Secretary, Mary Banda, is linking with Katie Easton toexchange prayer requests between us. This all bodes well for the future.
I am looking for someone to help with communication from this end – if you could assist, please talk to me about what itentails.
Dumfries Churches Network Pam Mitchell
I attended a meeting of the DCN (Dumfries Christian Network ), the group promoting Christians Together in Dumfries.Dunscore Church Session has agreed that Dunscore church will become a member. Alison Robertson and Pam will beour representatives.
Coming events include the performance of a Passion Play after the Walk of Witness next Good Friday (3rd April ). Therewill be more about this in our own church notices soon but you can also check out the websitewww.dumfrieschurches.org.uk.
I am also convener of the local Presbytery Mission and Discipleship Committee and will keep people posted on Churchof Scotland activities and events throughout this session.
Eco Congregation Matters Alison Boyes
September sees the start of the new year for several Christian denominations and it also marks the beginning of“Creation Time” which runs until 4 October (have a look at www.ctbi.org.uk/295). This is traditionally a time (coincidingwith harvest) when our prayers and worship focus on ecological and climate justice issues. Many “green” Christianevents are taking place across the UK (www.greenchristian.org.uk/whats-on) and this includes our own area where theEnvironmental Chaplain to Eco Congregation Scotland is talking at Dumfries North West Church on Wednesday 10September at 7:30 pm on “The Environment: A Christian Imperative?”. Several members of our congregation will begoing and we intend to share lifts so please talk to me if you are interested. Luckily, this event does not clash with WorldCare Free Day (www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd)!
Dunscore Gala Week was another great success. The gala week started with a church service in the gala marquee thenthe gala week was opened by Leslie and Stella McCubbin who crowned our gala queen Lauren Fitzsimmons and herattendants, her little sisters Bethany and Jessica. It was a real family affair. This was followed by an afternoon of live
music, circus workshop, inflatables, gladiators and smashing the plates torelieve your stress! It gave people the chance to enjoy the barbecue and enjoya blether with people they had not seen for a while. There was also a drawingcompetition for the kids.
A new event for this year was The Great Dunscore Bake Off. There wereplenty of entries and the overall winner was Kirsten Griffiths. The afternoon’sactivities were rounded off with a well attended sing-song with Tam and Fudgein The Flying Pig.
Monday Night saw the return of the bike challenge organised by RossAnderson from Kirkpatrick’s Cycles and was enjoyed by everyone who tookpart and those who were spectating. The boy’s event was won by FergusHiddleston and the girl’s by Jessica Hiddleston.
Tuesday Night was the pet showwith 53 entries including dogs,cats, hens, guinea pigs andbutterflies! The champion wasDaisy the Springer Spaniel ownedby Stacia Henderson. OnWednesday night we had to setour sat navs or hunt out our mapsfor the car treasure hunt. With agreat turnout of 28 cars,
Raymonds’ Angels won one route and Dumb, Dumber and the driver won theother route.
Thursday night saw budding football players past and resent in the Adults 5-a-side football and Friday night was Quiz Night, where there were someWeakest Links and some Eggheads! Again we had an amazing turnout witha record 34 teams. Everyone had a great night with Geordie and SheenaHowat and Danny and Shirley McGrain’s teams coming out joint winners. Sadly, this was Maureen Bostock’s last quiz for the Gala. She has done thequiz for the past 13 years and this has been greatly appreciated by everyone.
Then Saturday saw Gala Day. The floats this year were all of high standardwith a great turnout for such a small village. The overall winner was TheCairn Corsair. The Gala included displays by Galloping Acrobatics horsedisplay, and Tracey Gibbons Full Monty Birds of Prey and lurcher and terrierdisplay, the Buccleuch & Queensberry Pipe Band also played in the mainarena. There was something for everyone to enjoy through the day includingLoreburn Archers, vintage machinery, a locomotive railway, quad bikes, laserquest, inflatables, pony rides, face painting, gyroscope, climbing wall, a minifun fair, Alpacas, and Daffy Dill. The day was thoroughly enjoyed byeveryone and the great week was brought to a close with a dance to thefantastic Huggy Bear.
Everything was well supported which makes it all worthwhile for the hard working committee. The Gala week is anopportunity for the community to come together and meet people. It was really good to see people come out andsupport us, some coming quite a distance, and they all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the events throughout the week. It isnice to see there is still community spirit in the area and I hope this continues.
We would like to thank everyone who volunteers and supports the gala and people who donate their lorries and tractorsand trailers for the parade. Once again, the hard work by the committee started again on Sunday when everything hadto be cleared up. Plans have started for fund raising for next year’s gala!
We would like to see new committee members. Please come along to one of our meetings or speak to one of thecommittee members and please support us throughout the year at fund raising events.
Galloping Acrobatics
The Gala Queen and Attendants
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Gideons InternationalThe World-Wide Impact of the GideonsThe following article was contributed by the Dumfries Branch of Gideon International. William Millar, one of themembers, gave an address at Moniaive and Dunscore churches recently.
Currently under God’s gracious leading and provision we are able to distribute His Word in 197 countries in over 90different languages and at a rate of over two copies of the scriptures every second. Furthermore God appears to beopening a door for The Gideons International to be legally distributing worldwide 120 million copies of His word annuallyby the year 2020. This is a huge undertaking. But is it really that much more difficult for our Lord than feeding fivethousand people with the lunch of a little boy? We serve an awesome God who is able to do exceedingly abundantlymore that we can even ask or imagine.
Did you know that in India last year, a country of 1.24 billion people, 12 million copies of God’s Word were distributed byGideon International teams. Here is a testimony of a boy Zezito Epiphania, a young Namibian boy who was kidnappedby Angolan rebels when age six and given a gun and taught to kill. He said that he became very good at it and killedhundreds. When he was 14 years old he was rescued by the Red Cross and taken back across the border into Namibiaand placed in an orphanage. He could not read – only kill, and yet he found a little red book, (the Gideon NewTestament) on a shelf and it had a fascination for him. Although unable to read, that book spoke to him. He kept askinghis teachers what certain sentences meant and they were amazed at what he was taking in. Not only did Zezito learn toread from that little Gideon New Testament but met Jesus and came to a saving knowledge of the love of God. Zezito isnow a pastor and working in North Namibia. He says that for the first part of his life he was a killer, killing hundreds, butnow he is bringing hundreds to life – eternal life in Jesus Christ. It’s amazing the impact that one copy of God’s Word can have.
Fish and Chip JumperIn a previous edition of the Digest we made reference to Fish and Chip Babies and the need for knitters help out. Itseems that the requirement is still there: There was an article in the May edition of Dumfries and Galloway Life (page 106) concerning a group of people inThornhill who knit clothes and blankets for African children. Specifically, they are knitted for so-called 'fish and chip'babies, who leave hospital wrapped in newspaper because there is a shortage of blankets. Their mothers are sufferingfrom Aids and are impoverished. Emily Reilly from Dumfries, who has been knitting for this appeal for a long time, gavethe Thornhill group guidance.
Here is the pattern copied from the magazine. Use only double knitting wool (8 ply). No pastels or white, please, asthese garments may never be washed. Bright and mixed colours are best or stripes.
Baby Jumper Pattern (knitted all in one)Double knitting yarn (approx 50 grams)Size 6 (5mm) needles (tight knitters), Size 7 (4.5mm) needles (loose knitters)Cast on 44 stitches. Work 18 rows in K2, P2 rib.Work 30 rows in stocking stitch (1 row K, 1row P)Cast on 12 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows and change to K2, P2 (for the sleeves).Rib 22 more rows. Next row (for the neck) rib 21, cast off 26, rib 21. Next row: rib 21, cast on 26, rib 21.Work 22 rows K2, P2. Cast off 12 stitches at beginning of next two rows. Work 30 rows stocking stitch.Work 18 rows K2, P2. Cast off. Sew up side seams.
There is a manned collection point for the knitting at Tesco's at Cuckoo Bridge, Dumfries, on the second Monday of themonth between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Golf without Walls John DrabbleThe Annual Dunscore v Moniaive Churches Golf Match 14 golfers, with varying talents, turned out for the annual challenge at Thornhill Golf Club on Wednesday 27 August. Itwas a glorious day but despite Dunscore tweaking the rules in our favour, Moniaive’s splendid team won the day – theirfifth win in a row! There were, however, some notable Dunscore successes – Ian Hyslop won the prize for the longest drive and I only lostfive balls (a personal best). Everyone brought something for the raffle and with some clever manipulation by KatieEaston, our Patron, everyone went away with a prize. How clever was that? We raised £75 to be shared betweenGlencairn & Moniaive and Dunscore Church funds.
Thanks to Katie and all who supported a most enjoyable event.
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Fairtrade Renewal Approaching Matthew Aitken
The time to renew is approaching - in early 2015 we need to confirm to the Fairtrade Foundation that Dunscore stilldeserves to be called a Fairtrade Village.
While we have done so many things since our last renewal (two years ago), itis always a daunting prospect. We need to have met all of the five goals(again!) and, in a couple of cases, this is tricky to demonstrate. Given that weno longer have a shop or a cafe, we will have to be creative in demonstratingto the Foundation that retail and catering outlets stock Fairtrade products!
But we have a great story to tell and can show off an amazing list of events,activities, support and enthusiasm. We just need to keep the momentumgoing and plug the few little gaps.
Our most recent outing was at Dunscore Gala where our banner was on fullview and we supplied Fairtrade tea and coffee for use throughout the Gala.On the Gala day, our new Fairtrade game board had its first proper outing. It
was a simple game of throwingbeanbags through the hole in theFairtrade mark to win a banana! Wewere grateful to the Thornhill Co-opfor a good supply of Fairtradebananas.
In June we, along with our friends inthe Dumfries Fairtrade Group, ran the tea and coffee stall at the World PeaceFestival at Allanton. We raised some cash for our coffers and lots of Fairtradeawareness. Many thanks to all those baked, helped to set up, clear up andserve.
We are planning a Fairtrade cookery demonstration for the autumn. Moredetails to follow soon.
We need to demonstrate to the Fairtrade Foundation that organisations aroundthe village are supportive of Fairtrade so we will be in touch with businesses andother village organisations to ask them. We will also be asking them if they
would include the “We are a Fairtrade Village” logo on letters, posters, fliers etc. If your business or organisation wouldlike to use the logo, please let me know and I will send you a copy.
Finally, we are delighted to be able to work with one of the new school groups as it starts down the road of Dunscorebecoming a Fairtrade School!
Game Board at the Gala
Colin and Danny Confirm that DryingDishes is a Serious Business
School News Mrs Moyes
The school are very excited about a new initiative to develop their pupil forums this session. Pupil forums, such as PupilCouncil, are an important part of school life. They allow pupils to have a say in the running of the school and to developskills in communication and citizenship. While these skills are embedded in the curriculum, often only a few childrenrepresent the whole school and participate in such groups.
However, in one of their partnership schools, Duncow, pupil forums are part of the weekly timetable and every child in theschool is a member of a group. This means that they all have the opportunity to feel part of, and contribute to, theirschool community. This session both Moniaive and Dunscore are going to adopt the same approach with regulartimetabled sessions where every child will participate. They are particularly delighted that in Dunscore the widercommunity is also getting involved. Members from the Community Council, the Church Eco-Congregation, the FairtradeGroup, and the Writers Group have all volunteered to come along and support our pupils. Head teacher, Mrs CarolMoyes, said: 'We very much value this link between the school and the community and appreciate the time being givenby many volunteers; their support and advice will be invaluable.'
There will be five different groups in operation: Pupil Council, Fair Trade Group, Junior Librairans, Eco Group, andFundraising. We can't wait to see what each of the groups achieve over the coming year and you can find out what theyget up to by visiting their pages on the school website at www.dunscoreprimary.org.uk or checking out their displays inschool. Why not pay them a visit?
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the Digest are not necessarily those of the editor, the minister, the Church ofScotland or the Community Council.
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Charlie Heads South Irene Crockett
At the afternoon tea to give Charlie Macallan a great send-off, IreneCrockett gave a speech about Charlie and his time in Dunscore.Here is an extract:
Charlie worked at Singers Sewing Machines as a General Manager.Singers was the largest sewing machine manufacturer in the worldmaking 13,000 each week. Facing redundancy, he moved to acompany in Edinburgh that specialised in the use of radiation formedical purposes. Charlie is the only adopted Dunscorian we knowthat glows in the dark.
But how did Charlie come to Dunscore? Well, he and his late wife, Dorothy, were running a hotel in Fife when theydecided to buy a Post Office and shop in a wee village. Some time later they were driving through the Dalveen Passmoving on to the next episode in their lives to Dunscore and its Post Office and shop.
That was 1991 and for the next nine years, Charlie and Dorothy ran the business very successfully.
Charlie got involved in the local community and soon became a member of the group with Archie Anderson, Ian Walkerand Alan James to organise, raise funds for and keep the community bus running.
He has also been an asset in the church becoming Clerk to the Board and later he followed in Sheila Anderson'sfootsteps when he became Session Clerk.
Charlie's 23 years with us have passed quickly. Alas, the Post Office and shop are no more, the hotel has gone and thebutcher has retired. Now, Charlie's view from his easy chair in the conservatory has changed. Sheep no more, cows nomore and the fragrant smell of freshly-spread slurry absolutely no more. Instead, from his home on the Kennet and AvonCanal he will look out onto the tranquil scene of barges and canal boats gliding past. He's 10 minutes walk fromNewbury that has the biggest Marks and Spencer in England but, best of all, his son and daughter live nearby.
For you, Charlie, we think this is a very good move to be near your family and from us we thank you very much for beingpart of our community and playing a significant role. We wish you well and if you ever feel the urge for sheep, cows,tractors and slurry, I'm sure we can arrange a visit for you.
The Top Table at Charlie's Farewell Tea
Back to School Matthew Aitken
Work as a Team to Make the School Green
What a privilege – to share some time with a really keen group ofchildren from Dunscore school deciding how to make the school“greener”. I was in at the beginning as the Green Team (the name thatthe newly-formed Eco Group decided fitted them best) started to thinkabout all things Eco and how they might spread the word to others inthe school and beyond. The first meeting of the Green Team was allabout deciding on a Chair, Secretary and Web-Master (all elected bythe team) and beginning to think about a notice board and how to “sell”their Eco message (including their slogan – above).
Eco School awards are some way off but the first steps were taken withthought and care. I look forward to working with them again as theGreen Team develops.
I believe you are sometimes interested in tales of successful “free-cycling”. On the Dunscore list, there has been arequest from Helen Divitt of Dumfries Day Centre for comfortable chairs for their counselling room. I have been helpingJane, my friend of 61 years, to clear her parents’ house following their death. I had contacted Helen to say I might beable to help with chairs from Jane’s parents’ house. In fact this was not possible as the chairs do not have fire certificatesbut, through establishing that link, I was able to provide them with a part-used roll of disposable aprons, someincontinence pads, a raised toilet seat and Zimmer and some other items for their “sales table”. Also through your list Iwas able to facilitate Allanton Peace Sanctuary getting a 1933 knee operated Singer sewing machine, which had beenpurchased in Germany, and is to be used at Allanton initially to make costumes for an event commemorating the FirstWorld War. Through meeting with Jessica and Caroline, who came to collect the sewing machine, my friend was able tore-home a kiln to Lucianne Lassalles and a potters wheel to a contact of Jason’s (Jane’s father did pottery as a hobby).Jessica’s partner also accepted all the Kilner jars. So many thanks to Dunscore Freecycle list. There was a “nice” twistabout the sewing machine going to the Peace Sanctuary in that Jane (and her family) and her father are / were allQuakers.
Jane’s parents, who were both in their 90’s when they died, were of the generation and era that did not throw thingsaway, but used and re-used stuff. It has been so good to help Jane (and her siblings) through my local contacts tofacilitate the recycling and re-use of “stuff” from the house. The work is still “in progress”, but we have begun to make in-roads.
As a child growing up in Nottingham, I became the local contact for collecting milk bottle tops, (which in those days weresilver paper fitted onto glass milk bottles delivered to your door). I would sort, wash and store sack-loads (we had someoutbuildings in the Vicarage where I grew up) and they were eventually collected and sent off for recycling. The moneyraised, if I remember correctly, went to the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity. From the 1980s onwards, my husband and Iwere the local collecting point in Linlithgow for aluminium cans. If I had a penny for every aluminium can I had collectedand separated from steel ones, I would be a wealthy woman! In fact the money raised went to Oxfam. Once again weused to collect until we had about 90 – 100 sacks, which were then uplifted and taken to the recycling centre nearGlasgow. One year a blackbird built her nest on top of a pile of cans and we had to wait until the chicks had fledgedbefore that pile of sacks could be sent away. I think you could say recycling has been a way of life.
It is very easy to join the Dunscore Freecycle list. All you need to do it to send an email request [email protected] and you will be added to the list. You will then receive an email any time someone hassomething to offer or something that they are looking for (this averages at about once or twice a week).
There are over 100 people on the list now but it is great to have more.
Church Services and Village EventsChurch services are held every Sunday at 10:00 am
Date and Time Event
Wednesday 10 September at 7:30 pm in Dumfries North West Church
The Environment: A Christian Imperative? A talk by Rev Trevor Jameson (Environmental Chaplain for Eco Congregation Scotland)
Thursday 11 September at 2:30 pm in the Glenriddell Hall Guild Meeting: Guild re-dedication and Sarah Ball talking on her Cambodia VSO trip
Friday 12 September at 7:30 in the Glenriddell Hall Harvest Supper – Faith / Share Supper (bring food to share). All welcome
Sunday 14 September at 10:00 am in the church Harvest Thanksgiving Service
Saturday 20 September from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at the school then on to the Flying Pig
Alternative highland games and fun day followed by Flying Pig first birthday party
Saturday 27 September from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Flying Pig
McMillan Coffee Morning
Thursday 9 October at 2:30 pm in the Glenriddell Hall Guild Meeting: Rolf Buwert talking about changes in Tearfund and Created
Friday 10 October in the Glenriddell Hall “Arabian Nights” meal – church fund-raiser
Friday & Saturday 7 & 8 November in Dumfries “Pop Up” shop in Dumfries – church fund-raiser
Thursday 13 November at 2:30 pm in the Glenriddell Hall Guild Meeting: “Bring Craft into Christmas”
Saturday 15 November in the Glenriddell Hall Christmas Bazaar with Santa's Grotto – church fund-raiser
Friday 14 November at 7:00 pm in the Glenriddell Hall Playgroup reunion
![BIRDWATCHING (EN) [TP - 2012]](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/577cdf751a28ab9e78b14738/birdwatching-en-tp-2012.jpg)
