This weekend 23/24 of August the Stranraer RNLI held the 4th Park Fest , Music Festival in Agnew Park in the Town !

DGWGO was very kindly invited by Mandy, who runs the Event , to pop along and see what it was about for ourselves! On the Friday night, our Roving Reporter Alison Smith Went along to the ‘Young Guns Evening’ and did a Fantastic Report for us. And on the Saturday I managed to pop along for a few hours.

When I spoke to Mandy , she was extremely busy , she was saying they had over 2000 folk through the gate on the day. There was lots of entertainment to keep the crowds happy , including a funfair , stalls, food stalls, side shows, Murray the Magician doing his amazing escapology and sword stunts . Plus the main stage tent , with fantastic. Acts performing live music. I didn’t manage to get there until 6.00pm due to work. But I did manage to catch the Fantastic ‘ Ifoundation’ , then local music hero’s ‘Finding Albert’ then of course the amazing 90’s pop stars ‘Dodgy‘ who blew us away and had the crowd bouncing with hit after hit!

The evening was rounded of with the local band ‘ Missionary Men’ who were joined on stage by Lochryan Pipe Band! It was a spine tingling finish to one of the best wee music festivals I have ever been too!

After everything had calmed down , I was invited by Ali Donowho and Lee Medd from Alive Radio , who had been the MC’s for the whole weekend , to Sit in while the interviewed ‘Dodgy’ . As a novice press reporter , I jumped at the chance, and it was fantastic to see the pro’s at work . Plus it was a great chance for me to get some behind the scenes photo’s and to meet the band! Even managed to get my photo taken with them and the lads from Alive Radio!

Nigel the lead singer from Dodgy seemed to of really enjoyed the whole festival , and him and the band headed of the the North West Castle Hotel , in he town for a well earned rest!

DGWGO must thank the organisers of Park Fest for inviting us along , and letting us get involved in such a magical event! We are really looking forward to seeing what Park Fest 2014 has in store for us !

RB

Alison Smith of Galloway Media (and our roving reporter) went along to the Stranraer Inshore Lifeboat Park Fest Young Guns . She has kindly put together a wee report and some images.

You can see many more of Alison’s Images at her Facebook Albums

Roving Rhins reporter here reporting from Stranraer Inshore lifeboat Park Fest Young Guns in Agnew Park, Stranraer.

The best of our young talent! A real mix of muscial talent :

Scope & Dee, Jude Iyiku, Azariah, Ignite The Sky, Caution By The Door, Monumental Suits, Ashes to the End

I was lucky enough to see the show start with Bemz, Jude Iyiku. He is a 19 year old rapper, formerly of Stranraer academy, now based in Ayr. At the age of 15 he started to write lyrics and started recording when he was 16.

Following on we had “Ignite the Sky” a modern metal band formed in early 2012.

 

The third young guns to play were “Monumental suits”, some of Stranraers finest talent. The band formed in summer 2009 and play a variety of music ranging from 70’s rock through to modern day chart music. They were winners of last years “Stranraer battle of the bands”.

 

“Caution by the door” were the last band I saw before I left this evening. They are a local band that have been performing for 2 years. They play a variety of music and their sound is quite diverse.

 

I had a great night at “Young Guns” and tomorrow’s “Park Fest” is set to be a fantastic event with “Southbound” kicking off at 12.30 followed by some fantastic artists playing right through until the final “Expect the unexpected” event to finish. Well done to the organisers and everyone involved.

 

Alison Smith
Galloway Media

Mark Shelley has kindy sent us an article highlighting what to expect from this new arts festival which takes place in Dumfries and Galloway from the 30th of August to the 2nd of September 2013.

Days of Wonder

Decades in newspaper journalism make you cynical, just as the downward march of middle age can make you world-weary.

So for an old hack and PR like me it’s a particular pleasure when something comes along to rekindle a childlike sense of wonder.

Working to promote the new Environmental Art Festival Scotland (EAFS), which takes place here in Dumfries and Galloway from Friday, 30 August to Monday, 2 September, has done just that.

There’s a huge amount going on, but certain events and activities have really caught my imagination.

One is Dark Outside FM – there is something which makes me chuckle with delight about setting up a temporary radio station in the heart of a Galloway forest to play 24 hours of previously unreleased music. The music industry has the reputation of being a self-obsessed search for stardom. The fact that 200 bands, groups, singers and musicians from all over the world are donating pieces to the project gives a very different impression.

Voice From the Phone Box, by installation artist Katie Anderson, also has an evocative quality that really appeals to me. She has recorded memories of local life which people can listen to on six ceramic handsets being placed inside the disconnected phone box in Clarencefield, near Annan.

They include happy recollections of playing games around the waste pipe from the Chapelcross nuclear power station. Katie’s idea is great because so many of us have fond, and often powerful, associations with these crumbling red phone boxes.

For me one of the strongest is the hormonal 14-year-old urgency of waiting outside, coins clenched in sweaty palm, to try to call my nonchalant girlfriend Liz. I couldn’t make the call for ages because a large, older and rather weird kid was in there making anonymous phone calls to random numbers in the Soviet Union. Earlier today it occurred to me that he may have gone on to a sparkling career at GCHQ.

More generally what I love about EAFS is that it is a beacon of optimism in an often gloomy social and economic landscape. Joint organisers The Stove, Wide Open and Spring Fling have put something together that brings together art, science, politics and the public to try to promote a more sustainable future.

And instead of being all preachy, they are trying to generate ideas for new lifestyles that can be fun, engaging, full of vibrant opportunities – and which make the most of our environment rather than reducing it to wreckage.

One of the main commissions involves young artist James Winnett creating a big gravity powered fountain at the bottom of the Grey Mare’s Tail. I love the idea of seeing the river tumble down a woodland waterfall, only to shoot back up again with no apparent cause.
EAFS is an international event (which it’s hoped will become biennial) and involves some renowned figures like Ueno Masao from Japan, who is creating a seven-metre bamboo and willow sculpture near Gatehouse of Fleet.

And it’s actually one of the overseas visitors who intrigues me most – a woman shaman from Mongolia. The nomadic peoples of Mongolia understand rather a lot about sustainability and their land, and religious beliefs are things that have intrigued me for a long time. So the chance to drop into a yurt at the Cairnsmore of Fleet reserve and be introduced to something so far beyond my normal experience really appeals to me.

I was trying to think of a sophisticated way to describe how all of these things make me feel. While I was doing so I looked over at one of my elderly greyhounds who suddenly woke up from his afternoon doze and started to sniff the air, as if some special scent of summer had just drifted through the window. I suppose that sums it up pretty well.

Matthew Shelley

http://www.matthewshelley.net/

Last Friday evening two ladies from Castle Douglas , Leigh Riddell and Jenny Carson , held a fund raiser in the Local Town hall, to raise money for Castle Douglas Civic weeks and the Christmas lights , plus they also held a draw for someone to nominate a charity of their choice to benefit ! Jenny just sent us in the news  of the total raised .

The pennies have been counted and once again Leigh McFarlane and I have a massive thank you to say to everyone who came along to see the Benidorm Rovers on Friday night.

The grand total of £2375 was raised!! Andrea Williamson won the lucky ticket draw and chose Castle Douglas Hospital as her charity so £500 will be donated to them and the remainder will go to the Castle Douglas Development Forum to support things like Civic Week and the Christmas lights.

We really hope that everyone who came enjoyed the night as much as we did. Special thanks to the bar staff, those who helped us set up, Nokie’s Disco and Alan Riddell for their help in making the night such a success. Roll on January when hopefully the Rovers boys will be back on their winter tour!! — with Leigh McFarlane and 5 others.

DGWGO were invited along to take some photos and to see the Benidorm Rovers for ourselves . It was a fantastic night , with over 180 folk there , enjoying the Covers and Irish tunes from the band as well as all the Poptastic tunes being played by Nokies Disco (as  seen at the pimms bar at the Wickerman festival for the last 2 years !

RB

AS SEEN ON ITV TELEVISION NEWS!

Big Lights, Big Screens, Big Time Wrestling and Big Thrills in Dumfries on 30th August 2013.

Showcase Promotions, in partnership with Mississippi Bar and Grill are proud to present Showcase Wrestling LIVE @ The Club – 30th of August 2013. Suitable for all members of the family, young and old alike!

Showcase Wrestling have featured on ITV news and have been all over the local media in the run up to this event which promises to be one of the best nights out you’ll have in a long time with world-class wrestling action on your doorstep.

British National Heavyweight Champion, James Scott, will face of against Dumfries’ own Liam Watson in a match for the National Title plus a spot in the final of the prestigious Caledonian Cup which also involves Jam O’Malley and the behemoth that is Nathan Black and will be concluded on the night. Can Liam Watson triumph?

Scotland’s Mike Musso will be in action against an English counterpart in a Scotland vs. England match, in what is set to be a violent and explosive affair.

Womens sensation Vyper, who has been garnering attention worldwide with her destructive performances is sure to give the Dumfries crowd something to remember when she takes on Sara.

There will be a battle royal match featuring young up and coming stars in European wrestling and the winner will win a full-time contract with Showcase Wrestling.

This and more will go down on the night in a minimum 6 match event.

Tickets are available from Mississippi Bar and Grill and The Club, Lochside Rd, Lochside, Dumfries.

Doors open: 19:00 – First Bell: 19:30

Event Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/152679764921574/?fref=ts

Like Showcase Promotions on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/showcasepromotions

See us on ITV News: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl2ZKqfGAU8

Email us: [email protected]

Rerrick Events, the non-profit arm of the Wickerman Festival, will be raffling a piece of TV history as part of their ongoing commitment to sponsoring an African orphan.

From today, the charitable organisation will launch a raffle offering one lucky winner the chance to win a collectable Eastenders sign and a pair of VIP tickets to Scotland’s hottest summer party – The Wickerman Festival.

The iconic Albert Square street sign was kindly donated by Rerrick Events from the popular BBC1 soap and has been autographed by cast members.

The competition will close on Halloween, 31st October 2013 and the lucky winner will be drawn and notified on Bonfire Night, 5th November 2013.

All the money raised from the raffle will be pledged to help educate a young Tanzanian orphan, James Okeyo, who the organisation has sponsored for the last two years.

About Rerrick Events
Rerrick Events was established as a not for profit organisation in 2003, when the Wickerman Festival became a limited company. It is run by a local group from Dumfries and Galloway as a vehicle to raise money for charitable causes. For the last two years the organisation has supported a young Tanzanian orphan named James Okeyo, who lives in a small village near Mount Kilimanjaro.

Schools in Tanzania are not free to attend, however James was educated for free until the age of eight as his grandmother worked at his local school. On his eighth birthday, Rerrick Events took on the yearly cost of sending him to school and have raised the fee in various ways, including fundraising in the Wickerman Festival’s children’s area.

About The Wickerman Festival
The Wickerman Festival
Wickerman is one of the UK’s best-loved independent music festivals and is now entering its 12th consecutive year. With ten stages featuring an eclectic and exciting mix of leading artists, alternative acts and up-and-coming talent, the two day summer party caters for all musical tastes.

It is one of the friendliest festivals in Scotland and with hundreds of music-loving families in attendance each year, there’s a host of cool kids entertainment and activities on offer. The festival site is a working farm in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway; its rolling hills, lush forests and fresh country air make for a refreshing vibe. It is also where the classic 1973 Wicker Man film was made – the inspiration for the festival’s name.

The Wickerman site is a wonderland for adults and children alike with a cinema, fun fair, circus entertainment, grass sledging, mountain biking and array of arts and craft activities scattered throughout its fields. High quality yurts, tipis, cloud houses and spacious campsites complete the magical festival experience.

Every year the festival stages an unforgettable finale, as thousands of fans flock to watch a towering 40ft Wickerman be spectacularly set alight.

DGWGO Roving Reporter Martin Johnston went along to the Galloway Country Fair Today and has put together a wee report and some images.

The second day of the Galloway Country Fair at Drumlanrig saw better weather and large crowds to witness the shows, attractions, exhibits and events. There was an wide and varied selection of events/activities for all ages and all seemed to be enjoying the day. People were treated to a wide and diverse variety of shows ranging from motorcycle stunt show to fly fishing demonstrations ( move over J.R Hartley).

There was also some great examples of speciality food and drink manufacturers within the Food tent and a great array of talent being displayed in the Crafts Tent.

The organisers of the event should be applauded for their hard work and planning which helped to make this years event a great success.

Martin Johnston – DGWGO Roving Reporter

Alison Smith of Galloway Media (and our roving reporter) went along to the 2013 Leswalt Gala. She has kindly put together a wee report and some images.

You can see many more of Alison’s Images at her Facebook Albums

It was a day of mixed weather in Leswalt today with sunny periods then showers but it certainly didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits for the annual gala day in Leswalt in the North Rhins. The Gala started at 1pm and carried on throughout the afternoon until 4pm and took place on Leswalt playing field, in the centre of the village.

There was a very popular Car boot sale with lots of crafts for sale, home made jams, jewellery and bric a brac. Hot food, Donuts and Ice creams were on sale as well as alcohol from the beer tent which was run by the Blue Peter hotel from Kirkcolm.

The “Blue Bombshells” put on a great show for the crowds and during a rain storm too! Stranraer Lifeboat Crew won the Tug O war competition beating the “Blue Peter Kirkcolm Beer Bellies” and the Leswalt team. A pet show with lots of well behaved pooches, pony and trap rides, a snail race and lots lots more kept the crowds entertained. The Kids entertainment were doing the Conga around the parade ring and the kids were loving it.

A great day out for all the family. Tonight there is a quiz night in Leswalt memorial hall with a licensed bar

A few days ago Simon Raine from HM Coast Guard Kirkcudbright , asked DGWGO if we would like to go along to photograph their open day at Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station , and Joint Excercise with the Royal Navy Sea King Helicopter 177 from Prestwick !

The Excercise was held today ( Sunday 11th of August) at Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station, near Torrs point ! I headed down at around 11.00 am , and I’m rather ashamed to admit , even though I’ve lived here most of my life , I had never been to the lifeboat station before!

The current lifeboat Station at Kirkcudbright was built in 1890 to replace the old one, which is now a house just above Tesco’s in the Town . The current lifeboat in use just now is an Altantic 85 RIB style , ( Rigid,inflatable,boat) and has two huge outboard engines giving it 230 hp and a top speed of 35 knots, so it can get to emergencies as fast as possible! The crew were amazing today, and would answer any questions anyone asked, and were most willing to show you around the boat , I spoke to Ian and Rodney and Derek , who are all Helms men and they all said the ‘Sheila Stenhouse’ ( the Kirkcudbright Lifeboats name) is an amazing bit of kit, very manoeuvrable in the water, and very safe , with buoyancy assistance to bring water to what ever part of the boat it’s needed to to help it stay on the water and not bounce upside down, because it is so light and fast! The boat also has a self righting aid , just incase it ever did capsize . The boat was commissioned in 2006 , and can carry a crew of 4 , plus passengers that it rescues! Rodney and Derek both told me it is possible to go out on a call with a crew of 2 if they have to , plus there has to be somebody at the station to winch them in and out of the water! I asked Derek how they go about night time Rescue , he told me they have a really powerful lamp, plus they have night time vision equipment ! But they also use flares that light up a massive area, but if they are working with the helicopter the flares can not be used! There was so much to learn and see today , and I asked so many questions , I can’t remember everything I was told, but one thing I will say is , if you ever get the chance to go to a RNLI open day , you should. It makes you realise just how important such a rescue service is in an area like D&G that has 200 miles of coast line!

The crew are always in training , and the boat is taken out twice a month , plus any calls it gets. Rodney told me , that they are always looking for new volunteers to join the crew, and anyone can be trained up to be a lifeboat person, if they are keen and have good sea legs! Especially if they live and work in the town , so that they can get to call outs as quick as possible! If your interested contact the Lifeboat crew on 01557 330425

Also today speaking to Simon and Alan from HM Coast Guard Kirkcudbright , I learned just how much they do as well, just yesterday they were involved with the very same navy helicopter at the Exercise today, to rescue a young boy who had fallen on the cliffs at Carrick Shore , and broken several bones! The Coast Guard were also heavily involved in helping people during the Snow back in march , and help with inshore rescue at lochs and rivers as well as sea rescue .

Finally I got to meet the Navy Sea King Helicopter crew from 177 Prestwick ! This Machine was awesome , huge when you stand next to it! So much bigger than you can imagine! Everyone was given the chance to have a look inside the Helicopter , and see just how special it was! I spoke to the winch man , who is also a fully qualified paramedic , and he is the one that they drop down into the rescue zones all the time, he said he had been flying for 18 years now , but been in the sea rescue for 11 years! The helicopter pilot ‘Mike’ said he had been flying for 16 years, and he loved the job !

After around 45 minutes on the ground , it was time for the Excercise to take place. Just watching the helicopter take off so closely was amazing , but seeing them work as a team with the lifeboat in Kirkcudbright bay , is an experience I will never forget! It was like something you think you will only ever get to see on telly. To see the teams work together, to lower men on the winch , to pick up people out of the water, to see the flares and smoke , and hear the noise , is something that you can not imagine! These men are real hero’s , and we were lucky enough to see them at work in a controlled situation today, but when it comes down to it , if your ever in trouble at see , these are the people you will need! So next time you see a RNLI donation box , just remember , and maybe slot some change in it!

 

RB