Spring Fling Urges Fellow Cumbrians To Head For Dumfries & Galloway

May 4, 2022

Spring Fling urges fellow Cumbrians to head for Dumfries and Galloway — Spring Fling Original Artists at Gracefield Arts Cebntre, Dumfries, 24/03/2022: Clare Hannah (Holywood Trust), Chris Bridgman (Upland / Spring Fling assistant director) and Amy Marletta (Director of Upland). Photography for Upland / Spring Fling from: Colin Hattersley Photography - www.colinhattersley.com

Organising Spring Fling, which sees nearly 100 studios across Dumfries and Galloway open their doors to the public, is hugely challenging at any time. This year the project manager is Cockermouth-based Chris Bridgman who took on the role as maternity cover for Joanna Jones, Assistant Director of Upland Arts Development CIC, which runs the annual open studios weekend.

Adding to the challenges of running a large visual art and craft event across a huge and highly rural area is the fact that 2022 is very special.

For one thing it’s the 20^th Spring Fling and for another it is returning to being largely in-person rather than digital – giving people from Scotland, northern England and beyond a chance to enjoy Dumfries and Galloway’s amazing art and beautiful countryside.

Chris, who has had a long career in the arts and is also the Development Producer for the Cumbria Arts and Culture Network, said: “One of the things I’ve discovered is just what an amazing and thriving creative community there is in Dumfries and Galloway.

“I’ve loved being part of the team and am hugely impressed by the quality of the art and craft that’s involved, and the way the organisation behind it punches so far above its weight.

“I’d really encourage people from Cumbria to pay a visit and to enjoy some of the Spring Fling weekend, it’s such a great opportunity to visit some fabulous studios in wonderful places, see some superb art and meet some remarkable people.”

Spring Fling has been specially extended this year and takes place over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend from 2-5 June.

Chris particularly recommends a visit to the Gracefield Arts Centre for the Spring Fling at 20 exhibition (28 May to 2 July) which features work by more than 40 past and present participants.

He said: “It’s a great way to see where the event has come from and to appreciate all it has achieved over the years.”

Spring Fling was set up by Dumfries and Galloway Council Visual Arts Development Officer Jane McArthur and Crafts Development Officer Clare Hanna and was seen as a way to rebuild after foot and mouth. This year it’s helping with COVID recovery.

Chris is also looking forward to this year’s special Creative Bursary project, which is called Earthlight, and involves a series of installations that project digital images onto ceramics.

Earthlight, which is by Ruth Elizabeth Jones and Emma Varley, will be at the Gracefield Arts Centre throughout Spring Fling.

Cumbrian creativity will also be on display during the event thanks to the Neighbours scheme which invites artists and makers from regions bordering Dumfries and Galloway to take part.

Miles Moore Ceramics, from The Lake District, will be showing some of their work at the studio of furniture-maker Daniel Lacey in Langholm.

Others with strong Cumbrian links are visual artists Suzanne Stuart Davies, now based near Shap, and Anne Waggot Knott who lives in Cockermouth.

Amy Marletta, Upland’s Director, said: “Chris has tremendous experience and has been a huge asset. We’re a small team and have had more than ever to do as this is such a special year for us.

“We are really looking forward to the launch of our exhibitions like Spring Fling at 20 and to the main event itself – and to welcoming visitors along in person as we look to start rebuilding after the COVID years.”

Spring Fling visitors can follow six colour-coded routes taking them round the 96 studios in different parts of the region. Some studios will have special evening openings and offer other attractions like demonstrations. As ever there will also be bus tours round selected studios.

There will also be an illustrated online talk by artist Amy Whiten of Recoat, about the highly successful Rural Mural project. And for those who can’t attend Spring Fling in person, there are virtual studios to explore on the website.

Brochures can be downloaded from www.spring-fling.co.uk.
The organisers will ensure that all government COVID-19 guidance is followed so visitors and participants can take part in a safe Spring Fling.

Stewartry Win At Strathendrick – Rugby News

May 4, 2022

League leaders Stewartry travelled to Fintry knowing that a bonus point four try win would secure second place in Tennent’s West One as earlier in the week Irvine dropped out of the league and Allan Glen’s had been allocated two bonus point wins ten points to secure the title and Garnock could not catch Stewartry.

Stewartry had beaten Strathendrick 93-0 down at Greenlaw earlier in the season but the Blacks had seven regular’s missing from the lineup and a tighter game was forecast.
Strathendrick were being pushed back in the scrums but winning the lineouts as Stewartry put the pressure on with captain John Picken showing the way with the opening try. 0-5 the conversion missed as would another five with no kickers available. A number of penalty awards to the home team seen the open their account with 3 points.Hugh
Carson was on hand to finish a forwards play with a second try 3-10. A generous Andy Wilson trying to keep the ball in play saw the Strathendrick take the free ball in for a try. 8-10.

Stewartry hit back in 25minutes John Picken going down the blind side for the third try. Ty Wilson hit the post with the conversion. Half time 8-15. After the half time chat Strathendrick went on the attack and a converted try took them level 15-15 and looking at the young Strathendrick producing a surprise win. The Stewartry started to put their game together with a number of changes. Jason Forsyth led the way with two tries the first one converted by Scott Milligan 15-27.

Andy Wilson made up for his gift in the first half scoring the Blacks sixth try in the corner 15-32. It was game over with Stewartry adding a seventh try to win 37-15 against a spirited young Strathendrick side who can look forward to next season on this showing.

Stewartry’s Mick McCulloch was voted man of the match.

Trix Is Still Looking For Love After A Year In Kennels

May 4, 2022

This handsome boy is called Trix, he came to Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre a year ago next Tuesday back in May 2021, looking for help finding a new home and although he hasn’t had much luck, they haven’t given up hope as they know the right person for him is out there somewhere.

Based near Glencaple, the Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre is a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs

Emma from Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre told DGWGO “Trix is a young Bull Lurcher who is very affectionate, will do anything for a biscuit and loves a bit of a fuss made. His favourite pass times include a good run in the paddock, nice long walks, enjoying home comforts like cuddles on the couch and he can never turn down a game of fetch.

Trix walks nicely on the lead but does pull when he sees another dog. He can be reactive to other dogs when passing them on lead so is looking for someone who can help him with further socialising and training. Once he knows a dog we find he walks nicely alongside them and does seem quite playful.

What Trix needs.

We are looking for a home without cats and young children but older children would be fine. He needs a calm home with a family who can support him in adjusting in to a new routine as he has been here at the centre for quite some time now.

Trix is a big lad and with it comes strength. He needs an owner who can handle that when out walking.

If you think you may be the one for him please get in touch for more information.

Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre 01387 770210″

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022

The Queen is due to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee this year beginning on June the 2nd, marking 70 years since she ascended to the throne.

As the Queen is a well-known animal lover we thought it was a great opportunity to celebrate!

Are you holding a garden party/coffee morning etc. to commemorate the Jubilee?

If so would you consider making it a charity event and holding it to raise funds for our dogs?

Printable packs will be made available along with collection tins for anyone holding an event.

We would love to see photos of your events and will be sharing them over our social media platforms. Here are a few photos of our dogs getting in the party mood!

For any more information please get in touch!

Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre 01387 770210

Still Alive – A Kirkcudbright Artist’s Experience of Cancer Treatment During the Pandemic

May 4, 2022

The emotional rollercoaster of undergoing breast cancer treatment during the COVID pandemic – from diagnosis to all clear – are the essence of a new exhibition by Julie Hollis.

Alongside Still Alive, the Kirkcudbright painter will be running a series of free workshops where people directly affected by life-threatening illness can explore their own feelings and experiences by creating personal art journals.

The workshops are the final events in the Together Again season, a grassroots arts and cultural initiative organised by the independent arts organisation DG Unlimited with over £42,000 of funding from Dumfries & Galloway Council.

Julie was diagnosed in 2020 and in treatment into 2021 – a time that was already incredibly tough due to the impact of COVID and the lockdowns on her work as an artist and the owner of a small gallery.

She said: “The paintings are a faithful interpretation of how I was feeling throughout. With cancer treatment you go from highs to desperate lows, and then there’s the exhaustion.

“Creating the work was cathartic for me. Sometimes I would sit at the easel and be in tears.

“Having cancer treatment during Lockdown meant that there was much less in the way of support. You couldn’t meet up with people going through the same experience and talk it over – it was just a matter of relentlessly heading off to hospital for chemo every two weeks.

“I realised that there must be so many others out there who went through similar things so I decided to do the workshops.

“You don’t have to have any skills, no one’s going to ask you to talk about your experiences. I just realised that so much gets locked up inside, and if these sessions can help people unlock a little of what’s trapped within, that’ll be brilliant.”

One of the aims of Together Again was to promote wellbeing, recognising that people have endured isolation and emotional pressures of many kinds as a result of the pandemic.

Still Alive, which takes place at Kirkcudbright’s Made on Cloud 9 gallery from 14 May to 18 June, features 12 standalone mixed media works, each inspired by an aspect of Julie’s experience. Among them is a self-portrait she painted after undergoing a mastectomy.

Julie said: “It’s about dignity; about saying that despite everything my head is still held high.”

There are four Together Again workshops, taking place on 18 and 27 May.

Stephen Lacey, Chair of DG Unlimited, said: “Together Again has been very successful in promoting community events and grassroots arts and cultural activity all across the region. This is something we felt was enormously important as part of the rebuilding process that needs to take place due to the pandemic.

“Julie’s exhibition and workshops mark a fitting conclusion for the season – they really sum up what we were aiming to do – making use of the unrivalled capacity of the arts to act as a catalyst and to bring people back together.”

Together Again funded 23 groups and projects ranging from theatre and music, poetry, cabaret, dance and visual art in ways that engaged people of many different ages and interests in towns and villages all across Dumfries and Galloway.

It formed an important part of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Major Festivals and Events Strategy 2021/22.

Cumbria Police Launch Witness Appeal After Serious Crash In Carlisle

May 3, 2022

Cumbria Police are appealing for information as part of an investigation into a serious road traffic collision which occurred in Carlisle.

The incident occurred at approximately 4pm yesterday (Monday 2 May) on Stanwix Bank.

The collision involved a white Mercedes A45, a blue BMW 320d and a black Fiat Punto. All three vehicles were travelling in the direction of the city centre.

The driver of the Mercedes, a man aged in his 50s from Carlisle, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with life-threatening injuries. He remains in a critical condition.

The driver of the BMW, a 52-year-old man from Cleator Moor, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious injury. He remains in custody at this time.

Both the driver of the BMW and a passenger in the Mercedes were taken to the Cumberland Infirmary with minor injuries.

Collision investigation officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to get in touch. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage.

Anyone with information can report information online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 162 of 2 May. You can also email [email protected] with information you may have in relation to this incident or call 101.

Turning Point Scotland’s Accessart Service Opens Art Exhibition To Celebrate Learning Disability Week

May 3, 2022

To celebrate Scottish Learning Disability Week during the first week of May, Turning Point Scotland (TPS) will be holding an art exhibition in Dumfries.

The exhibition was created by the TPS AccessArt Service, which has provided opportunities for people with complex needs to express themselves through creative outlets for the past 15 years.

Titled Primavera, the exhibition will be held at the Stove Cafe from Monday, 2 May 2022 to Sunday, 8 May 2022.

Turning Point Scotland Senior Arts & Crafts Co-ordinator, Steven Burnie said the exhibition took inspiration from the famous Sandro Botticelli painting depicting the arrival of Spring.

‘‘Back in January we were able to once again offer group workshops to participants who use the AccessArt Service,’’ he said.

‘‘After having the opportunity to do workshops and the hope that more restrictions would be lifted, the groups thoughts for this exhibition turned to the themes of rejuvenation and renewal. As we moved out of Winter and into Spring, we felt the seasonal change represented this theme.’’

The exhibition will feature a large reproduction of the Primavera, produced by all of the participants who use the AccessArt Service.

Smaller works of art will be found alongside the main artwork, showing the development and observations that lead to the large reproduction.

‘‘At the core of AccessArt we believe that everyone has the innate ability to create,’’ Steven said.

‘‘At AccessArt we are inclusive, adaptable, creative left-field thinkers, who see through potential barriers to participation, who provide a safe non-judgemental space with the appropriate levels of support with a good amount of encouragement.’’

First Milk Announces Milk Price Increase For June 2022

May 3, 2022

First Milk has today announced that its member milk price will increase by 2.0ppl from June 1, 2022. This will take its June 2022 milk price on a manufacturing standard litre to 42.05ppl, including the member premium and regenerative farming bonus.

Commenting on the announcement, Robert Craig, farmer director and vice-chairman, said:

“We fully recognise the challenges faced by our farmer members because of the significant cost inflation being felt across society. Our aim continues to be to return additional income from the market to our members as quickly as we can, and to work to ensure these increased returns are maintained, to deliver a more equitable dairy industry for the future.”

Castles of Galloway: Latest Thoughts

May 3, 2022

Our understanding of Galloway Castles is always changing – what do we know about how they influence the landscape we see today? On 11^th of May at 7.30pm, the ‘Can You Dig It’ community archaeology project invites you to join Chris Tabraham as he gives an online talk that builds on more than 40 years’ experience on this topic.

Castles are an iconic part of Scotland’s identity and heritage. Often located in dramatic locations in the landscape overlooking the sea or the land around them, this event is a chance to hear what we know and still don’t! The evening will be led by the Castle expertise and knowledge of Chris Tabraham. Chris retired from Historic Scotland in 2010 after 40 years’ service. Graduating in Ancient & Medieval History and Archaeology from the University of Liverpool in 1969, he spent most of his career in the Ancient Monuments Inspectorate, before retiring as the Agency’s Principal Historian. During his career, he did much research on Scotland’s castles, inc. directing major excavations at Threave Castle (1974-78). He has published extensively, inc. Scotland’s Castles (Batsford, 1997 & 2005) and The Illustrated History of Scotland (Lomond Books, 2005, 2007, 2010 & 2015). He now lives in Argyll, within sight (almost) of Scotland’s oldest stone castle.

To book your free ticket for the online event (delivered through ‘Zoom’), click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/castles-of-galloway-latest-thoughts-tickets-327248768877.

Ahead of the event, Claire Williamson, senior archaeologist from the Can You Dig It project, said:

“Castles inspire a strange fascination but, in truth, their history is often far more eventful than anything we could think up. Castles are iconic in Scotland, but do we really know everything there is to know about these towering structures? Join us on 11^th May and discover that there are still a few surprises up Galloway’s historical sleeve!”

The ‘Can You Dig It’ project forms part of the Galloway Glens Scheme and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer added:

“I can’t wait for this talk. I was fascinated in Castles as a child always stunned by their presence and beauty in the landscape. Chris Tabraham will bring to life for us how they were used and help us understand how castles were used in relation to the community around them.”

Junior Cricket: Dumfries Under-11s Open Their League season

May 3, 2022

Dumfries Under-11s played their opening league match against Appleby on Sunday morning at home at Nunholm. Appleby set a big target batting first with their final batting pair adding over fifty runs to reach the adjusted total of 272. However the Dumfries bowlers had also hit their targets in taking 11 wickets, all bowled. Archie Coltart took 4, Angus Middlemiss took 3, and Isaac Ishmael claimed 2 wickets.

Batting, Archie Coltart and Isaac Ishmael were the top run contributors and Cory Dawson hit the boundary in the final pairing but despite only losing 6 wickets the side reached an adjusted total of 224 to fall short against a strong Appleby side. Thanks go to the Club’s junior team sponsor James Hallam Insurance for their support.

Advance Warning Of Essential Maintenance On The A75 At Dervaird Yard

May 3, 2022

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland as part of the Network Management Contract for the South-West Trunk Road Unit, are undertaking essential maintenance on the A75 at Dervaird Yard east of Glenluce from Monday 30th May until Sunday 12th June 2022, between the hours of 7am and 7pm, each day.

The work will be carried out using convoy working between the hours of 7am and 7pm. Temporary traffic lights will also be in place outwith these times to facilitate the cooling of deeper sections of treatment.

Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works.

Our operatives will follow strict physical distancing and hygiene protocols throughout the programme, in line with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 guidance.

Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.

A free Road Work Alerts service is available from our website: https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/ An email address is all that is required to sign up for the service.
To report a problem on the network please visit: https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/
Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

“I’ve loved being part of the team and am hugely impressed by the quality of the art and craft that’s involved, and the way the organisation behind it punches so far above its weight.

“I’d really encourage people from Cumbria to pay a visit and to enjoy some of the Spring Fling weekend, it’s such a great opportunity to visit some fabulous studios in wonderful places, see some superb art and meet some remarkable people.”

He said: “It’s a great way to see where the event has come from and to appreciate all it has achieved over the years.”

Amy Marletta, Upland’s Director, said: “Chris has tremendous experience and has been a huge asset. We’re a small team and have had more than ever to do as this is such a special year for us.

“We are really looking forward to the launch of our exhibitions like Spring Fling at 20 and to the main event itself – and to welcoming visitors along in person as we look to start rebuilding after the COVID years.”

Trix walks nicely on the lead but does pull when he sees another dog. He can be reactive to other dogs when passing them on lead so is looking for someone who can help him with further socialising and training. Once he knows a dog we find he walks nicely alongside them and does seem quite playful.

What Trix needs.

We are looking for a home without cats and young children but older children would be fine. He needs a calm home with a family who can support him in adjusting in to a new routine as he has been here at the centre for quite some time now.

Trix is a big lad and with it comes strength. He needs an owner who can handle that when out walking.

If you think you may be the one for him please get in touch for more information.

Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre 01387 770210″

Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre 01387 770210

She said: “The paintings are a faithful interpretation of how I was feeling throughout. With cancer treatment you go from highs to desperate lows, and then there’s the exhaustion.

“Creating the work was cathartic for me. Sometimes I would sit at the easel and be in tears.

“Having cancer treatment during Lockdown meant that there was much less in the way of support. You couldn’t meet up with people going through the same experience and talk it over – it was just a matter of relentlessly heading off to hospital for chemo every two weeks.

“I realised that there must be so many others out there who went through similar things so I decided to do the workshops.

“You don’t have to have any skills, no one’s going to ask you to talk about your experiences. I just realised that so much gets locked up inside, and if these sessions can help people unlock a little of what’s trapped within, that’ll be brilliant.”

Julie said: “It’s about dignity; about saying that despite everything my head is still held high.”

“Julie’s exhibition and workshops mark a fitting conclusion for the season – they really sum up what we were aiming to do – making use of the unrivalled capacity of the arts to act as a catalyst and to bring people back together.”

‘‘Back in January we were able to once again offer group workshops to participants who use the AccessArt Service,’’ he said.

‘‘After having the opportunity to do workshops and the hope that more restrictions would be lifted, the groups thoughts for this exhibition turned to the themes of rejuvenation and renewal. As we moved out of Winter and into Spring, we felt the seasonal change represented this theme.’’

‘‘At the core of AccessArt we believe that everyone has the innate ability to create,’’ Steven said.

‘‘At AccessArt we are inclusive, adaptable, creative left-field thinkers, who see through potential barriers to participation, who provide a safe non-judgemental space with the appropriate levels of support with a good amount of encouragement.’’

The ‘Can You Dig It’ project forms part of the Galloway Glens Scheme and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer added:

“I can’t wait for this talk. I was fascinated in Castles as a child always stunned by their presence and beauty in the landscape. Chris Tabraham will bring to life for us how they were used and help us understand how castles were used in relation to the community around them.”

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