The Glencairn Gazette is now available online.
The Glencairn Gazette is the community newspaper which is produced and delivered free to every household in the parish of Glencairn and Tynron. It comes out every two months and covers issues affecting the community and reports on local events.
Produced and distributed by a team of volunteers the Gazette is self-funding. 700 issues are printed and articles, comments and letters are encouraged from the local community.
Competitions and prizes in every issue.
Submissions, advertising inquiries to the editor, Sue Grant suegrant23@me.com or call 01848 200331.
Deadline for June/July 2012 issue 76 is 20th May 2012.
SELECTED STORIES FROM GAZETTE 75
Goodbye Dancing Queen
The Institute was packed to the rafters with residents from Glencairn and Dunscore Parishes who had come to say ‘goodbye’ to Rev Christine Sime.
A potentially sad evening – but it wasn’t! Paul Lyttle did a sterling job of compere, telling a few ‘church’ jokes along the way proving Christine isn’t the only fount of questionable jokes!
Paul started by pointing out just how many roles Christine had played over her 17 years in the parish (obviously softening us up for her later ‘role’ with the Cairn Chorus!) and went on to outline the plan for the evening. Moniaive Primary School pupils would sing and give a poetry recital followed by supper during which there would be a harp recital. Supper was to be followed by the Cairn Chorus then a presentation to Christine and a finale of acts from Moniaive Musical Theatre Group.
The primary school children were amazing, both the singing and the poem which they acted out with gusto. During the unaccompanied singing the audience spontaneously joined in.
The supper was a spread to behold – sandwiches, savouries, crackers, sausage rolls, fruit and wine – provided by Frances Dunse, John Wilson, Jack Buckham and the event committee.
After supper Cairn Chorus gave a gospel type rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ which was much appreciated by the audience. This was followed by ‘Goodnight my Friends’ with the audience encouraged to join in the chorus. Christine obviously enjoyed this immediately joining in and tapping her foot in time to the music. If the standard of singing in the church is as good as this we have a talented congregation!
Then it was time for the presentation. First up was Scott Jardine who talked about Christine’s impact on himself, the Church and the wider community. He presented her with some books he’d ‘borrowed’ a while ago, her missing wing mirror he’d picked up after an ‘incident’ with the church gates and finally a beautiful shepherds crook.
Then onto the main presentation of a painting, by Melville Brotherston, of the Dalveen Pass.
Christine thanked everyone and showed off Toby’s new jumper, a MPS top courtesy of the school (although he was still wearing his Hearts t-shirt underneath).
Lyndsay Dunse then gave a vote of thanks to Jack Buckam and the event committee for organising the evening, Paul Lyttle for MC duties, Duncan Saunderson for setting up the Institute and The Gazette for covering the event and taking photos.
But the evening wasn’t over… Moniaive Musical Theatre group took to the stage for a rousing ‘Pack up your troubles’; then Claire and Charlie performed their amazing acrobatic ‘Sisters’ routine followed by Alma and Anya singing a duet. Then Tilda gave a tear jerking performace of ‘Time to Say Goodbye’.
Then Cairn Chorus returned. Wendy Stewart noted that both she and Christine had taken Science at University and now one was a Minister and one a harpist!
Christine (a closet Cliff Richard fan) was then invited up to join in Cairn Chorus’ version of ‘Living Doll’. Safe to say Christine enjoyed every minute of the wig wearing, dancing and singing!
An excellent night with more joy and laughter than sadness which ended with ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
As people left the children clustered round Christine and tried to give her the helium balloons that had decorated the hall.
“I can’t pack them,” she kept saying, but still they pressed them on her and I last saw her standing in the Insitute with two helium ballons floating above her head from where they’d been ‘popped’ into her hood! (Yes our ex-minister was a ‘hoodie’!)
Congratulations to the organising committee for a wonderful, fitting and uplifting send off.
Sue Grant
Duck Race 2012
Sunshine for the duck race and an excellent turnout to see them race down the burn.
Although less than 1,000 ducks were sold we still managed over 900 which was good for the gala coffers. This year new gala committee members Ralph, Hugh and Robin took to the water to catch the ducks. The Fishing Club did a sterling job of chasing the ducks downstream and loaned the gala waders and nets, many thanks to the club for their help.
Jane Nimmo had a stall in the Institute and kindly watched the soup while we were all out watching the race.
Gala committee members had spent the morning counting and sorting the ducks and ensuring all tickets were accounted for.
Thanks to everyone who purchased a ‘duck’ and for all those who came along to watch.
This year’s winners were Marcus and Trisha (duck 908), 2nd prize went to Cath Harley (174), third to R. Gillies (25) (in Inverness). So two local winners out of three this year. The booby prize went to duck 231 owned by Angela Carmichael (Thornhill).
Gala Queen Caitlin Harley kindly started the race at the garages by ringing a handbell and presented the prizes at the end of the day. The tractor and trailor used to drop the ducks into the water was supplied by Alan McNeil. Thank you both.
Soup, teas and biscuits were provided in the hall after the race and thanks are due to those who made and served the soup.
The ducks are currently drying out ready for next February.
Sue Grant
Windfarm Fund Allocations
This year’s second round of windfarm fund allocations took place in the Tryst Restaurant on Monday 19th March.
Applications received were requesting a total of £23,440 with only £19,311-46p available for distribution.
To start all applicants were asked to give a brief description of their project and reasons for requesting funds, panel members were then able to ask questions to clarify any outstanding points.
The names of all six applicants were then placed in a hat (decorative gift bag!) and pulled out by young Hazel Fairley-Keast to determine the running order of allocations.
First up was Moniaive Michaelmass Bluegrass Festival who were requesting £3,000 for their next festival in September to help cover the cost of band fees, toilets and showers. They were allocated £2,500.
Then came Graham and Elaine Watson on behalf of Moniaive Post Office. Graham had explained the continual losses suffered by the PO and showed how he was having to personally subsidise the service. They were requesting £6,240 to cover the shortfall for staff wages. Graham said if they were lucky enough to be awarded the full amount the PO opening hours would be extended to include Saturday mornings (hopefully starting in April). They were awarded the full amount alebit to be paid in two segments of £3,120. One payment being made now and the other in September when new windfarm monies arrived.
Third out the hat was the Horticultural Society who requested £2,200 for prize money, printing and engraving costs etc. They explained they were in the process of modernising the ‘show’ with a view to getting in more exhibitors. They were awarded £1,700.
Then it was the turn of Cairnhead Community Forest Trust who were looking for £1,000 to put on an open day at the forest. The money was to be used for insurance costs, commuity bus hire and toilets. Unfortunately no representative was avaialble to attend the meeting and there were a number of questions regarding the high cost of insurance for this event. Without answers and with money in the bank it was felt the group could put on the event without windfarm fund help and so the application was denied.
Playcare then had its turn asking for £7,000 towards staff costs. A detailed explanation of running costs and the numbers of children required to attend was given. It was felt the service was a real asset to the village and a necessity for working families. The full amount was allocated. Playcare successfully used their last allocation to match fund and it is their intention to do so with this allocation.
Lastly Moniaive Folk Festival had its turn in the spotlight. The benefits of the festival to the local economy were highlighted and £3,000 was allocated.
The next round of applications closes on 30th September with the allocations being made in October 2012.
Glencairn Community Council Windfarm Fund Committee
Moniaive – By Appointment!
As part of the planned Jubilee celebrations the ‘Queen’s Jubilee Committee’ are offering all communities across the UK the chance to gain status as a ‘By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen’ – one from each corner of the Kingdom.
Eligibilty criteria are strict but Moniaive does fill them all. Each village must serve the following needs of its community: food and drink (our hotels and restaurants and local shops); community space (the Institute, Masonic Hall and Paterson Rooms); education (the school); health (doctors surgery) and have a Market Cross.
Eligible communities are being asked to elect a leader who in Wales will be known as ‘Llangog’, in England as ‘Biggun’, in N. Ireland as ‘The Man’ and here in Scotland as ‘High Heidyin’.
Moniaive needs to elect its High Heidyin by May 1st and he/she will then be tasked with taking the community’s application to Buckingham Palace (where tea will be served).
Nominations for High Heidyin will be held at the Cross on April 29th when nominees will be hoisted onto the Cross at midday and given 15 minutes to outline their credentials. A show of hands will decide the winner.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Moniaive to place itself squarely on the map of ‘must-see places’ and would give us the chance to display the newly designed ‘crown’ symbol on all our signage and literature.
Further details and High Heidyin application forms are available from April Loodfays on 07901042012.
Sue Grant
Day of the Region
6th and Sunday 7th October 2012
For the second year D&G are looking for between 7-10 communities to become Day of the Region locations. Moniaive put in an initial proposal which has been accepted in principle. Thornhill are also planning events.
Dumfries & Galloway was the first place in the UK to host the Day of the Region initiative in October 2011 with a programme of events and activities. Day of the Region is about capturing the very essence of life in this region and encouraging more people to participate in the wide range of activities that go on throughout the year.
This year the theme is communities and what’s on offer in them. Communities are asked to develop a varied programme of events with activities taking place that cater for all ages, abilities and interests.
Linking with established Day of the Region celebrations in Germany, the Netherlands and also for the first time in Ireland, Dumfries and Galloway will be part of a rural movement in Europe with interest in 2013 already from Estonia, Finland, Poland, Austria and Luxembourg.
The proposal for Moniaive now needs to be firmed up and a full programme of planned events in by April 20th. To this end some community groups have already been contacted and interest in participating has come from The Fishing Club, Arts Association, Bluegrass and Folk Festivals, Jam session musicians, Cairn Chorus, Comic Festival, SLYC Youth Club, Gala, Institute and local hotels.
All community groups/BUSINESSES will be contacted in the next couple of weeks.
The plan is to hold events over the weekend where each group will have the chance to showcase what they do and encourage people to come along and see what each group has to offer. It would be nice if all the many and varied groups and businesses in the village were able to take part and in some cases link together. Your group could do anything… have an open day, guided walk, demonstration, food tasting, tea party, dance, concert, competition, exhibition, BBQ etc. etc.
Once all groups have been contacted those who are interested will be invited to a public meeting to hammer out the details and set up a timetable of events to send to Day of the Region for approval.
There is some money on offer. Not a huge amount but hopefully enough for groups to showcase what they do. Groups have to pay for 20% of their outgoings so any invoices submitted would only have 80% paid.
I’m sorry not all groups have been contacted by the time this issue comes out but I will endeavour to contact groups over the next week. If you are interested or have any questions or ideas please call me on 01848 200331.
Sue Grant
Index
Over the past 12 years the Glencairn Gazette has covered numerous festivals, village events, success stories about local people (and dogs!), stories of local interest plus your news and views.
Produced and delivered by volunteers the Glencairn Gazette is a local resource that charts the progress of the community over the years and will, in the future, be a snapshot of the history of this small, but vibrant, community.
One thing I have noticed, looking back over the years, is how the number of letters to the editor have fallen away so come on and put pen to paper and be part of your local paper! The other ingredient missing is the Moniaive Memories section so anyone with memories to share please contact us.
Following are just some of the stories covered over the years… how many can you remember and how many were you involved in…?
1 Dec/Jan 1999… Community Horizons Survey… School numbers fall… Millennium Collage nears completion…
2 Feb/March 2000… Millennium Gala Ball…
3 April/May 2000… Closure threat to Post Office… Glencairn leaflets… Community Horizons survey results…
4 June/July 2000… School to lose teacher… Midsummer festival… A cafe for the village… Wildlife survey officer appointed…
5 Aug/Sept 2000… Sunshine Gala… Community Council information…
6 Oct/Nov 2000… Community Council saved… School loses second teacher… Problems facing rural businesses… Bloodhounds gather in Moniaive…
7 Dec/Jan 2001… Fuel Crisis… Phil Kay opens cafe… Craigdarroch re-opens… Moira returns to Moniaive Primary… Ingelston horses star in film… Dance school opens…
8 Feb/Mar 2001… Council say no money for roads… Fire at the George… Nautical traffic jam… Railway book launch…
9 April/May 2001… Closed for business – foot & mouth… Guinea pig ID cards (April fool)… James Paterson museum reopens… Community Trust lauched…
10 June/July 2001… Moniaive Action Project launch… Village website launched… MacAlien arrives… Callander’s shop sold… Jade shaves her head…
11 Aug/Sept 2001… Gala special – 10 years… Traffic stopper… Film shoot planned… New garden for school…
12 Oct/Nov 2001… Magdalene Sisters filming… Moniaive Comic Festival… 122nd Flower show… Folk CD recorded in village…
13 Dec/Jan 2002… New houses plan for Dunreggan… Wildlife Garden… Craigdarroch Rovers football team… First Glencairn Mystery story… Bonfire Night…
14 Feb/March 2002… Thornhill hospital under review… Hogmanay… Hair salon launch…
15 April/May 2002… Chuffed at Crufts… Folk Club fundraiser… Village mascot (April fool)…
16 June/July 2002… Moniaive Folk Festival… local history week… MSPs visit PO… All change at the Woodlea Hotel… Striding Arches… Radio Sheep Dip…
17 Aug/Sept 2002… Gala… Llamas… Jubilee garden party… Jubilee tree planting…
18 Oct/Nov 2002… 2nd Comic Festival… Community benches… Nurse Young…
19 Dec/Jan 2003… Daniel picked to represent Scotland… Janice appointed Trust co-ordinator… Carnival of Light… Constituency boundary changes inquiry…
20 Feb/March 2003… Car park refurbishment… Mark, top student in Scotland… Harry averts tragedy… Auchenbrack fire… New community policeman…
21 April/May 2003… Loreburn planning approval… Champion Trial Dog… Community learning centre…
22 June/July 2003… Winds of change… Stars in Moniaive… Folk Festival… Institute break-in…
23 Aug/Sept 2003… Gala… Cashpoint machine arrives… Chief constable visits… Car park opens… Cairn Valley Community transport…
24 Oct/Nov 2003… Champion Ewan… Songwriter wins prize… Craigdarroch new owners… Hen Hoose closes… Comic festival…
25 Dec/Jan 2004… Broadband gets closer… Kite workshop… .
26 Feb/March 2004… Green light for Striding Arches…
27 April/May 2004… New houses ready… GI Jenifer…
28 June/July 2004… Stars in Moniaive…
29 Aug/Sept 2004… Gala… Dyking project
I30 Oct/Nov 2004… Comic costume capers… Horse show
Issue 31 Dec/Jan 2005… Gazette 5 years old… History group starts… Bloodhound trials…
32 Feb/March 2005… Franz Ferdinand… Mrs Hastings 100…
33 April/May 2005… Casino Night… Wether Hill approved… Bakery opens…
34 June/July 2005… Folk Festival..
35 Aug/Sept 2005… Gala… Beer Festival… Tornado over Moniaive… Comedy night…
36 Oct/Nov 2005… Last Comic Fest… Hens killed…Home Front Day… Legless in Russia…
37 Dec/Jan 2006… Glencairn Playcare…
38 Feb/Mar 2006… Mrs Patrick – outstanding service… Windfarm community fund… David Grant…
39 April/May 2006… Fishy Tale… Tynron fight cable route… House hit by vehicle… Andy, Stone skimming champion…
40 June/July 2006… 5th folk Fest… Core Paths…
41 Aug/Sept 2006… Elvis seen at Gala… Dalwhat Glen workshops
42 Oct/Nov 2006… Commuity Council election special… Kat’s Family Fun Day…
43 Dec/Jan 2007… Commuity election results… Hollywood falls for Moniaive… PC Buwert retires…
44 Feb/March 2007… Hogmanay… Tools for Malawi…
45 April/May 2007… New drink bylaw…
46 June/July 2007… The Sound of Music… The George reopens… Mrs Hastings…
47 Aug/Sept 2007… Chess star Haydn… Gala concert…
48 Oct/Nov 2007… Pencil people go global… Beer, Art, Horse & Flower shows… New teacher… Hill of Streams launch…
49 Dec/Jan 2008… Mensdorfs lucky escape… Evergreens … Wether Hill official opening… Watson’s open new store… Farewell Bainoon… Hotchpotch opens… Institute gets face-lift…
50 Feb/March 2008… New policeman… Alan Grant… Byre shortlisted… Glencairn memorial book…
51 April/May 2008… Moniaive tiger?… Church without walls.. Blackcraig public inquiry… Wizard of Oz…
52 June/July 2008… Senga – sports personality of the year… New footbridge… Folk fest…
53 Aug/Sept 2008… Gala… Veterans Day… Padre on tour…
54 Oct/Nov 2008… Secrets and lies… Striding Arches launch… Twinning ceremony…
55 Dec/Jan 2009… Moniaive PO to close… Housing survey… Three Glens opens…
56 Feb/March 2009… New website launch… Sharon Henshall… Ian Henderson…
57 April/May 2009… Unexploded bomb?… New noticeboard.. C116 new passing places… Alice in Wonderland…
58 June/July 2009… National lottery & PO… Chocolate maker open for business… George restuarant reopens…
59 Aug/Sept 2009… Gala… Cairnhead Fest… Homecoming ceilidh… Footpath opening…
60 Oct/Nov 2009… 10 years of Gazette… Geodial… Moira retires… Moniaive’s Got Talent… Guitar Fest…
61 Dec/Jan 2010… Save Thornhill Hospital… New post box… New Head at MPS…
62 Feb/March 2010… Too Little, Too Late… Local firm wins award… Geodial opening…
63 April/May 2010… Champion ‘Nan… Come Dine with Me… Climate Change Debate…
64 June/July 2010… Folk Fest… Gala Auction… Fishing Club…
65 Aug/Sept 2010… Gala… Musical Theatre Group… Vandals at work… Cllr Dykes nominated…
66 Oct/Nov 2010… Shows of Moniaive…
67 Dec/Jan 2011… Awards for Amelia & Jessica… Traffic survey… Halloween… Bowling Club… 50+ Party… Tam Maxwell…
68 Feb/March 2011… Water, Ice and Fire… Dr Behzad joins Practice… Victorian Xmas Fayre…
69 April/May 2011… Duck… MyPod… Community Awards… 10 years of Watson’s… Taste o’ Tartan…
70 June/July 2011… A Right Royal Knees-up… Moniaive inventor… Tryst Restuarant… Folk Fest… Public Meeting – Water…
71 Aug/Sept 2011…A very wet Gala… Right to Roam… School prizegiving… Group… Vandals at work… Cllr Dykes nominated…
72 Oct/Nov 2011… All Change in Moniaive… SLYC Out of Africa… Bluegrass Festivl… Moniaive Horse Show… Art Exhibition… Gala in crisis… Windfarm fund… Autoharp weekend… Guides and brownies go climbing… celebrating 12 years of local news
73 Dec/Jan 2012… Remembrance day parade… Institute is 90… UK Green Energy Farmer of the Year… New management at George Hotel… Book sale
74 Feb/March 2012… Hogmanay celebrations… New chef at Craigdarroch… Brownies in Crisis… Rev Sime leaving… Green Tea House to move… James Renwick anniversary… Fishing Club… Wishboats launch
75 April/May 2012… Farewell Dancing Queen… Day of the Region… Folk Festival lineup… Mary Stuart Shields… Don Fleming… Green Tea Room moves… Fishing Club Awards…. Windfarm Allocation… April Fool’s Day Story… Changes to buses…
And the stories continue….. Sue Grant