A new group promoting and continuing to support the heritage of Galas, Common and March Riding festivals in the South West, The D&G ROM / Festivals Group met in Dumfries recently.
The newly formed group, consisting of organisers of the various major galas, riding of marches and similar festivals in Dumfries and Galloway have joined together, to, not only, foster relationships between the various towns, but also to share common ground and have a united voice in raising concerns with the relevant governing bodies, whilst also networking between each other to promote their historic events.
Under the chairmanship of Stuart Thompson, Chairman of Annan Rom, members from Dumfries Guid Nychburris, Dumfries Cornets Club, Lockerbie ROM, Annan ROM and Kirkcudbright Cornets Club are all part of the group along with representatives from Langholm Common Riding, Moffat Gala and Sanquhar ROM who had forwarded apologies to the Dumfries meeting. Invites are also being sent to other major riding of the marches and gala event organisers.
This is the first time a group of representatives of all the major towns in the region have joined together. Stuart Thompson added that the group will continue to ensure that the strong and long lasting inter town relationships would continue to prosper and the heritage of the region, which is the riding of the marches and common ridings will be alive for many years to come.
The Dumfries meeting saw Provost Cllr Ted Thompson, Depute Leader of D&G council in attendance along with D&G Council’s Graeme Alison, Roads Manager and Ian Barr, Principal Events Officer.
Ted, Graeme and Ian gave interesting talks to the group on how to proceed with applications for licenses, road closures, fund raising forms and other relevant information. Future meetings will see representatives of other local bodies and individuals attend to share their information to the group.
Local MP’s and MSP’s have been invited, and are willing to come on board and show their support to the group.
A Joint Charter is currently being drawn up which will be signed by representatives from all the towns enlisting the main aims and objectives of the newly formed Group.
The D&G ROM / Festivals Group will meet again at the beginning of 2017 in preparation for the next riding of the marches and gala season.
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