Tune in to the Friday Magazine Show today.  1.30pm Cameron Murray visits the Bakehouse in Gatehouse of Fleet where he speaks to Chrys Salt, Karen Campbell and Margaret Elphinstone about the fab Big Lit Festival.

It is next Saturday and promises to bring some great literary talent to the village and is sure to be popular.

Tune in and find out more or click on http://www.thebakehouse.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=15&Itemid=38 for more info.

A Dumfries Cruise event is expected to take place at the Crichton Campus in Dumfries between 19.00hrs and 21.00hrs on Sunday 20 May. While at this stage it is not confirmed how many will attend the event, it is anticipated that around 250 cars may turn up.

Cruise events such as these are organised by car enthusiasts who want to share their passion for like minded people.

Sergeant Doug Millar from the Roads Policing Unit said: “As a result of the increased numbers attending this event, we would ask local motorists to be aware of possible traffic congestion in and around Dumfries town centre on Sunday evening.  I would also ask anyone planning to attend the event to drive with consideration for all other road users. We will deal with any traffic violations or anti-social behaviour like any other time.”

Join Mark Smith on Drivetime from 4pm today.  On his show continuing their Legal Matters feature, Robin Braidwood joins Mark for some more free legal advice on Alive 107.3fm

Ultimate self-starters The Xcerts released their critically acclaimed debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’ in 2009. In 2010 the band were invited to New York by super producer Mike Sapone for album number two, ‘Scatterbrain’, coinciding with an amazing run of supports across Europe with the likes of Manchester Orchestra, Biffy Clyro, Taking Back Sunday, Frank Turner, I am the Avalanche and Brand New.

With an avid UK and ever growing international fan base, they play SXSW for the first time in 2012. This Dumfries date is part of their headline tour, the last in support of “Scatterbrain” and their blend of alternative pop is not to be missed in such an intimate setting.

Visit the band’s website at www.thexcertsband.com. Support for the show comes in the form of Scotland’s alt-rock trio Fatherson and Finding Albert.

Tickets are available now from ticketweb.co.uk, ticketmaster and Barnstorm records priced £6. Entry on the door priced £8. For more information, “Like” Fire The DJ Promotions on facebook or visit www.thevenuedumfries.co.uk.

Join Lee Medd tomorrow at 9pm as Dumfries decides in the local Council elections on the 3^rd of May.

Lee is joined in the studio by the candidates standing for the big three Scottish parties in the Lochar ward.

John Charteris – Scottish Conservative and Unionist – John Charteris is one of the current Tory councillors for Lochar.

Yen Hongmei Jin – SNP – Yen is standing for the first time.

Jeff Leaver – Scottish Labour Party

What ever your view on local politics, Lee Medd is sure to give you food for thought at the candidates explain what they feel what they can do for their ward.

Alive is also giving you, your say.  Email in to hello@aliveradio.net and give us your questions for our studio guests.

For a full list of candidates standing in all Dumfries & Galloway Council wards click here (PDF reader required).

Darrell Klose – winner of The Nithsdale Community Awards – is coming in to chat to Annette Richards about his achievements to date and hopes for the future.  Tune in to be inspired.

email questions to hello@aliveradio.net for Annette’s attention

Get the inside track on what makes business in Dumfries tick.

Kath Lord-Green of Insight Training speaks to Gordon Mann, the Chief Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce in this months edition.

Listen in an see what Gordon has to say.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Do you have something to say on business in the town? Contact Kath on info@insighttcc.co.uk

Alive has a brand new feature on the station.

The last Friday of every Month, Kath Lord-Green from Insight Training presents a 10 minute digest on what’s happening in your town.

This month Kath spoke to Cheif Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce Gordon Mann.

The podcast of the interview will be available shortly.

Do you have any stories for Kath to look at for the May programme? Email her now info@insighttcc.co.uk

Why the cryptic title?  This is the name of Dumfries Poet Hugh McMillan’s blog. http://drumsleet.blogspot.co.uk/

Join is this Friday as reviewer Fiona Blackwood interviews Hugh about his poetry, influences, awards and shares a laugh or two.

Hugh launches the “Thin Slice of the Moon” at Gracefield Arts Centre next Wednesday but you can get a generous insight into his life and writing at 1.30pm on Friday 27th April. 

Many thanks to Bibliographic Data Services based at the Crichton Business Park in Dumfries for arranging Hugh.  It’s a fun interview and we know you will enjoy hearing “life and Poetry”, the McMillan edition!

Shortly after broadcasts the podcast will be available for download on www.aliveradio.net

Moniaive’s internationally famous Folk Festival is back and as big and bold as ever.

Enjoy Cairn Chorus, Siobhan Miller, Michelangelo the stilt walker,

Tony Bonning storyteller, Cape Breton Step Dance

Fiddle, harp, accordion, guitar, flute/whistle, slow sessions

Plus the awesome Andy Irvine and the splendid sound of Galloways own “Dangleberries”

Click on the Folk festival icon on the right hand side and find out more

Sessions in the Craigdarroch and the George all weekend, and probably elsewhere.

Weekend pass covering all events and camping £40/ £25.  All tickets available online www.moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk or from Wendy Stewart on 01387 820 241.

Want to be a part of London 2012 on your doorstep?

The Olympic Torch Relay will be visiting communities in Dumfries and Galloway as it makes its way from Athens to London for the 2012 London Olympics. The Flame will travel through Dumfries on the morning of Thursday 21st June with torchbearers travelling 300 metre stretches though the town.

There is a chance for you to be up close and personal and play a key role in this exciting event. Stewards are required to line the route in Dumfries with approximate timings of the event 7.50 – 8.25am. There will also be a stewards briefing prior to this time. Along with having a front line view of the event you will also receive a “thank you bag” with some London 2012 goodies and activity vouchers.

If you are interested in helping Dumfries host this fantastic event then please contact Darren Little from D & G council using one of the methods below:

EMAIL * – Darren.little@dumgal.gov.uk

TEXT * – 0772506543

TELEPHONE – 030 33 33 300

* For Text and Email responses please add the title “OTR” and provide your name, a contact number and email address.

Today Pauline was speaking about space.

In the city, space, is a precious and expensive comodity while in the country space can be more or less taken for granted.

No matter, if we have little or a lot, we have to make the most of it.

Consider teh space at your disposal, both inside and out.  Appreciate how each room relates to the next, no room exists in isolation.

Before making any (often) expensive changes ask yourself, how the space makes me feel? Is it comfortable? What do I tolerate but not exactly like in the room?  Finally what do I dislike?

If you cannot answer those questions simply take everything out of the room and reassess it in that state.  Note however different times of day and night and even weather can make a difference.

If you have  a big room or want to separate space up, you do not need to build a wall!  You can use free standing folding screens which may be plain or themed.

Decorative tricks are good to amend space or give an illusion.  For example use stripes and patterns to create larger or smaller spaces.

The most important thing to remember is to be aware of what is appropriate to you.  Be independent of style and fashion norms.  Everyone loves a home that is unique!

I’ll be back in a fortnight talking about large spaces.  Join me then.

Pauline x

Join Mark Smith on Drivetime with more interior design tips from Pauline Jack.

If you have a small flat, you can make it appear much bigger.

If your house is cold and dark, we have ways to make it warm and light.

Tune in from 4.30pm for Pauline’s top tips!  Plus find out more about Hollywood Carpets by clicking the Hollywood tile on the right.

At Alive we are excited about Comlongon Rocks, being held in the grounds of Comlongon Castle, Clarencefield on Saturday the 5th of May.

The great local entertainment showcases the awesome bands we have here in Dumfries.  Artists include an incredible 48 acts!!! These include :

Xavia

Finding Albert

More from Jim

The Common Empire

Prawn Gumbo

Without Reason

Turbyne

Nicola Black

Witness the Fall

The Darcy DaSilva Band

Pablo Eskimo

Iron Claw

Jay Ingram

Zoe Bestel

Emma Forman

The Uzis

To find out more about all the acts playing, click the Comlongon Rocks icon on the right hand side.

Get your tickets soon to make sure you don’t miss out on a great day.  There is a lot for the kids to see and do too.  Listen in on the Friday Magazine Show this week from 12 noon to find out whats happenin’.

This exciting festival raises funds for Cash 4 Kids and Cancer Research.

Tickets are £17 . Ticket hotline; 01387 870283

Maxwelltown High Sport Hub is the first sportscotland funded Community Sport Hub in the region and is celebrating its launch this Sunday, Sunday 29th April at Maxwelltown High School.

The Community Sport Hub is a partnership between sports clubs and the school community and is making best use of the school sports facilities in the evenings and at weekends.

The programme of events runs from 11am – 3pm this Sunday. There will be a chance to have a go at a variety of sports including netball, tennis, hockey, baton twirling, cricket, gymnastics, trampolining, table tennis, boccia, football and rugby as well as the opportunity to try out the climbing wall and soccerena. It’s all free but the parent council is also putting on a table top sale, so bring your pennies.

If you’re more of a spectator there will be demonstrations in tai chi, baton twirling, dance and boxercise as well as information on what’s going on locally and how to get more involved in the Sport Hub.

Don’t miss the 7 Stanes stunt cycle display or the chance to get close to a police traffic car, fire engine and the My Pod.

If you like what you see and want to get more involved, contact Sue Brodie sue.brodie@dumgal.gov.uk

Yet again Iain finds a diamond in the dust.  A classic of the Scottish musical renaissance of the 1980/90s. The Big Dish with a big big song!

The Prime Minister David Cameron visits Dumfries today. He is due to deliver a speech to party activists before of next months’s elections. Speaking ahead of his visit Prime Minister David Cameron commented:

“This is an important fortnight for devolution. Last night the Scottish Parliament agreed that the Scotland Bill should proceed. We’ve seen all four main parties working together for Scotland. I promise that I will deliver on devolution and next week should see the Bill pass through Westminster”

 

 

Sue Brodie is an Active Schools Co-ordinator and will be chatting to Annette Richards about her work and interests

Robin Braidwood, Solicitor will be in the studio speaking to Mark Smith this at 4.20pm today. 

Friday 27th April sees the official launch of Shax, a new charity in Dumfries which has been formed out of the Christian Care for the Homeless furniture project. The launch party runs from 12noon, with short speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12.30pm, followed by drinks and nibbles. Guests will be shown around the extensive facilities.

Russell Brown MP is an honorary guest and will be cutting the ribbon to officially open the facilities at Merrick House (formerly the Laundry) on Crichton Business Park. For more details and directions see the Shax website: shaxdumfries.com/official-launch

Why not listen again to acclaimed Dumfries & Galloway author Liz Niven being interviewed by Cameron Murray.

Liz talks about the river Cree, planes, beaches, granite and Chinese Radio.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Liz Niven is an award winning Poet with a great catalogue of work.  Like many excellent writers Liz lives and works in Dumfries & Galloway.  Many thanks to BDS in Dumfries for organising this great interview.

Find out all about Liz and her work at 1.30pm today on the Friday Magazine Show.

After the interview is aired it will be available as a Podcast to listen to again.

Liz Niven is one of Scotland’s most popular poetry facilitators. She is a poet writing in English and Scots and has published  several poetry collections, including The Shard Box, Burning Whins, Stravaigin

She has written and edited texts to support Scots and English language work in  Education and appeared in Literary and Language events in Europe, Scandinavia and the Far East.

 Her collaborative work includes various projects with artists, photographers  and sculptors.

The public  art work Cree Lines in South West Scotland was a text-led collaboration with Scottish Natural  Heritage, but there is a lot…lot more!

Iain Renicks this evening has more music to make your Tuesday night swing!

Sunlight Productions invites young people aged between 10 – 18 to learn new and develop on old theatre skills in a free Theatre Skills week held in The Convent on Maxwell Street, this Easter Break. The course will run from the 9^th-13^thApril between 9:30 am and 4:30pm.

Theatre skill development workshops will be run in acting, dance, stage design, musical theatre, directing and Script writing by practitioners skilled in their field.  This is a rare opportunity to explore more than one specific area of theatre and learn how all filed intertwine into a final performance on the last night.

The structure of the week allows each participant to choose two out of the six options to explore in more detail after the initial taster workshops on the Monday.

To register for the course please contact info@sunlight-tae.co.uk or download the registration form from www.sunlight-tae.co.uk and email it to the above address. The closing date for registration is the 6^th April.

Welcome to today’s Style Council!

Spring is here, well and truly…

We like happy and jolly rooms and colour is a big part of that.  So yellow..

Yellow gives a room a feeling of warmth and happiness, as it reminds us of sunshine.

A word of warning though, use yellow very sparingly in a room that gets drenched in sunshine.  Yellow overload is a headache waiting to happen.

Yellow can range from bright to very soft and subtle, and blends nicely with most other colors. It can add a touch of warmth and brightness to a predominately cool-toned room (think blues, purples, greens), it also pairs well with other warm hues (orange and red) for a fiery appearance, and also works with natural materials like wood and stone.
I usually recommend shades of yellow especially in cooler rooms that tend to be overcast frequently.  A north facing kitchen..bingo!  The colour fools the eye slightly into thinking it is sunny, and thereby makes the room feel more inviting on cloudy days.
Very bright yellow works particularly well as an accent colour, as opposed to a wall paint color. If you want to paint, a soft pastel yellow is usually best.   Accents make good additions to curtains, rails and details.  When was the last time you bought yellow stripey curtains or a yellow shelf?  Excactly.  It is eyecatching, cheery and yellow does not react badly to most other colours.

Why not find out more by visiting Pauline at Hollywood Carpets! www.hollywoodcarpets.co.uk

Why not go to the top of the Alive website and click the “listen again” tab and hear Pauline’s spring colour endorsements!

We have a fabulous competition with Hollywood Carpets down at Kingholm Quay.

Pauline Jack, who does our Style Council feature every second Wednesday has a fab rug and metal wall art to give away.  In fact they are in this picture. The rug pictured and the beautiful butterfly wall hanging could be yours. We have two pictures, A and B, picture B has two things missing.  If you can spot them email us at hello@aliveradio.net and we will put you in the draw.  Someone will win on Saturday afternoon!

Picture A

Picture B

Just after the 1 o’clock news on the Friday Magazine Show, catch Military Wife Annie Fraser talking to host Cameron Murray.

The Military Wives are a choir apart, they have inspired across the nation, their single “Where-ever you are”, the Christmas Number one became the fastest selling single in the 21st century, their album is number One across the UK and they have raised over £500,000 for the Royal British Legion and the SSAFA Forces Help.

Alive is proud to have Annie on the show.

If you could ask Annie a question what would it be? Email us at hello@aliveradio.net we may ask it for you!

Koko’s Star Cage

Koko, the stylish gift boutique in Queensberry Street, Dumfries is two years old this week and shop owner Gail Kempsell is celebrating by offering an excellent competition this week with Alive FM.

This great gift box of goodies could be yours.

If you can identify the celebrity Koko has put inside one of their ornamental cages you can enter our competition.  If you can identify our actress email hello@aliveradio.net with your answer.

The competition runs until this Saturday 12 noon.  The winner will be announced after 12 noon…so make sure to listen in!

Alive Competition terms and conditions apply.

Today at 1.30pm this afternoon  Fiona Blackwood spoke to Sally Hinchcliffe about her novel Out of a Clear Sky.

Editor of Dumfries and Galloway’s Poetry sheet “The Fankle”, Sally is also a stunning psychological thriller writer.  Sally makes not only interesting reading but great listening too.  Why not check out Sally’s website http://sallyhinchcliffe.net/

Sally is the latest of a long line of excellent local authors that Dumfries’ own Bibliographic Data Services, as one of the world’s leading Book information companies, have arranged.  Like BDS we are pleased to present our local authors to talk all about their work and explain why as writers, Dumfries and Galloway is the place to be.

Plans are underway for regional celebrations to mark The Queen’s diamond jubilee in June of this year.

A large number of national and local events are being organised, primarily for the weekend of 2 June 2012. In Dumfries and Galloway, events are being organised by the Council, Lord Lieutenants, and community groups. These include:

• Concert, Dumfries (Thursday 10 May)
• Garden Party, Stranraer (Saturday 2 June)
• Street Party, Dalbeattie (Sunday 3 June)
• Grand Concert, Kirkcudbright (Sunday 3 June)
• Fireworks and Grand Lantern Parade, Kirkcudbright (Monday 4 June)
• Street Party, Castle Douglas (Tuesday 5 June)

Colin Warden, Vice Lord Lieutenant for the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, said, “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the diamond jubilee of a serving monarch. Queen Victoria is the only other UK monarch to have celebrated a diamond jubilee, and that was in 1897. So, we hope very much that as many people as possible will participate in our community’s celebrations for Queen Elizabeth.”

The Diamond Jubilee Concert in Dumfries will feature members of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the brass quintet from the Royal Conservatoire of Music, and many of the region’s top young musicians.

In the Stewartry, additional celebratory events being organised by community groups include:

• Vintage Car Exhibition
• Grand Street Party
• Street Event and Fireworks
• Carers’ Lunches
• Schools’ Art Project and Exhibition
• Service of Thanksgiving

Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952, but she still has a couple or so years to go in order to match Queen Victoria (1819-1901), wo reigned for 63 years and 7 months, longer than any other British monarch. The diamond jubilee of her reign was celebrated in June 1897.

It is International Women’s Day on 8 March, the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women Partnership has organised a free screening of ‘Killing Us Softly 4’ at the Robert Burns Film Centre, Dumfries. It starts at 6.30pm.

The film provides a very interesting insight into the role of gender stereotypes in connection with gender-based violence and how advertising impacts on our culture. There will be an opportunity for an informal discussion after the film. Tea/coffee will be provided.

Deputy Chief Constable Mike McCormick said: “International Women’s Day marks women’s achievements in their pursuit of equality. The Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women’s Partnership wants to celebrate the advances that have been made’ but also to recognise that far too many women continue to experience forms of abuse and violence including domestic abuse, rape, stalking and harassment. As a Partnership we are committed to working towards the elimination of violence against women and want to encourage awareness through showing this DVD exploring how women are presented in advertising and having a discussion afterwards. We hope that this will help raise understanding of the many issues that impact on women and explore the many issues around violence against women.”

The film will also be screened on 26 March at 1pm at the Ryan Centre in Stranraer.

Independent retailers in Dumfries town centre are being encouraged to enrol in the ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ programme, a free course of specialised Shop Doctor support which is being offered for the first time in Scotland.

Bill Smith, the Shop Doctor, will be delivering his informative and motivational retail master-class, ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ workshop to retailers on the evening of Tuesday 20th March. The evening starts at 6.30pm at the DG One Leisure Complex, and there are high hopes for a big turn out from town centre businesses. Business owners attending will have an opportunity to share ideas on how the economic vitality of independent retailers in Dumfries can be enhanced.

In addition to the master-class, up to 12 independent retailers in the town will qualify to receive an ‘in store’ surgery from The Shop Doctor enabling them to directly benefit from his specialised advice.

Each of the twelve shops enrolled for the one to one visits will also receive a comprehensive report focused on helping to re-energise each of the individual businesses taking part. They will also be eligible for a £500 grant towards the implementation of recommendations made by the Shop Doctor. A follow-up check-up will be arranged 12 months later.

Business Gateway is supporting this initiative and will have experienced advisers available to promote to the retailers the wealth of services and courses they have to offer.

Councillor Roger Grant, Chair of the Council’s Planning, Housing and Environment committee said, “We are delighted to fund the ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ programme and to bring it to Scotland for the first time. We look forward to hearing about the practical benefits for those who take part.”

Rab Smith, the Chair of the Dumfries Town Centre Retailers Association said, “This has to be seen as a positive step to help retailers thoroughly review their customer care and presentational skills. This programme will give the participating independent retailers the knowledge of how to compete with the national chains.”

To register for the ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ workshop, contact the Council on 030 33 33 3000 and ask for Ash Wylie in Economic Development or email Ashlene.Wylie@dumgal.gov.uk

On Sunday 4 March ten curlers in Dumfries Ice Bowl broke the world record for the longest continuous curling game. They smashed the current record of 57 hours and 44 seconds by posting a time of 61 hours, 39 minutes, 33 seconds.

The game lasted 245 ends, with Team 2 taking 220 shots to Team 1 taking 216.

Graham Sloan, Curling Development Officer and a member of the team, said, “Beating the current world record is a great result for the team. It also has helped to raise the profile of curling in the area.”

The team has had fantastic support from local business and individuals both financially and also by coming along in the middle of the night to encourage the team.

Local curlers also had the opportunity to be coached by Scotland’s top curling coaches to try to beat elite athletes.

Councillor Ivor Hyslop, chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said, “It is a fantastic achievement for our region’s curlers to receive world wide recognition. Congratulations must go to the players for the tremendous effort.”

The team is raising money to help develop curling at Dumfries Ice Bowl and around the region.

Funds will go towards developing the junior section and general curling facilities. It will also go towards upgrading the current stones to competition standard which would allow Dumfries Ice Bowl to start bidding for national and international events.

Two rinks squared off against one another with the fifth player rotating in when someone needed a rest.

The team will send their evidence to Guinness World Records for verification.

Kath Lord Green and her exciting new company Insight, is a breath of fresh air in Dumfries and Galloway if you value the positives of Life Coaching.  Insight does a lot more, but Kath took time out blow away the misconceptions of Life Coaching and told us what it is and what it does.

What is a life coach?

A life coach is someone who supports and encourages people to fulfil their potential and really make the most of their life. It helps empower individuals to take control of their life in various areas  eg, career, finances, health, relationships, confidence and addictions.

 It can be easy to lose direction in our lives and life coaching explores ways to enhance the skills, qualities and creativity we already have but may not be making the most of. Life coaching often involves exploring our attitudes, beliefs and values, discussing our aims in life and setting appropriate goals to help us to reach them. Unlike trying to achieve goals on our own, having a life coach should help to keep us committed, motivated and focussed. Just like sports men and women have their own coach, a life coach helps us to become the best we can be in our own lives.

 What happens during a life coaching session?

Life coaching sessions are usually between 45 minutes and 60 minutes. Sessions are usually conducted face to face but are followed up with phone calls and/or emails.

 During the session, you and your life coach will discuss certain aims and together you’ll set goals and work towards these. Although a life coach will work with you, it’s often up to you to challenge or reflect upon certain ideas to help you move forward with your life. You will not be forced to make any decisions you’re not comfortable with and the sessions are confidential, so you can explore your thoughts and feelings privately.

 Life coaching is a partnership between you and your life coach, in which you will be encouraged you to explore how to make positive changes in your life. A life coach should offer support and feedback, and help you to stay focused on your goals.

 A coach is beneficial to anyone, from top celebrities to housewives and small to large businesses. People who have used and are using coaches include Madonna, Ruby Wax and business giant IBM.

“Coaching is for people who want to take their life to the next level”

Already-successful people often use life coaches because they know the importance of making the most of every opportunity for personal growth.
So do you want a coach? 

Do you want your life to be all it can be? Having a coach will help you achieve your goals by providing support and being dedicated to your success.

“Life Coaching is a broad church,” says experienced life coach Aboodi Shaby. “Ask 500 coaches what it is, you’d get 500 different answers.”

Until recently coaches were exclusively for top-executives, celebrities, athletes and the rich and famous. Today, with over 60,000 coaches on the planet, coaching has been made available to anyone and everyone.

 Why me?

I’m a qualified life coach living locally with over ten years experience in one-to-one coaching

I specialise in addictions but  I am experienced in all areas of life coaching

I am dedicated to what I do, professional and I relish seeing client reach their goals.

 You can get in contact with Kath by info@insighttcc.co.uk  mobile: 07921072792  http://www.insighttcc.co.uk/

Did you catch Mark Hutton talking to Charlie Landsborough on Sunday at Seven?

If not, never fear.  Check out our Podcast.

Charlie is one of the nicest men in music and hearing him talk about his life in music, growing up and his faith is a delight, plus we have two songs off his new album “Destination” on the podcast too! www.charlielandsborough.com

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

No matter if you missed or want to rehear this weeks Review with local Poet John Hudson, you can hear it on our Podcast.

If you want to read his work, we are very happy to announce Kings Bookshop in Dumfries have copies of “Shed” for sale. It is a great poetic journey around the characters of a place, characters you know while growing up.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tune in tomorrow at 1.30pm, as the Friday Magazine Show presents John Hudson, a Poet with International appeal.

Many thanks to Bibliographic Data Services based int eh Crichton Business Park for organising another great local author for us.

John is originally from London and his collection “Shed” depicts the characters of the place he grew up.  Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining!

In the aftermath of Hurricance Katrina, John was present to see first hand the devastation and was compelled to write about it.  Hear about it on the Book Review at 1.30pm tomorrow.  It really is a rivetting interview.

If you miss the interview, don’t worry, we will podcast it from 2pm tomorrow for you to enjoy at your leisure. 

You can find out more about John on his website www.johnhudson.info

Still Collecting The new exhibition at Stranraer Museum

‘Still Collecting’ is the new exhibition at Stranraer Museum, celebrating the last 12 years of collecting from 2000 – 2012. On display is an array of objects from prehistoric tools to Stranraer FC memorabilia.

This is a chance to see some of the fascinating material donated to the Museum that reflects the history of Wigtownshire.

The exhibition runs from 3 March – 14 April. Admission is free. Details are available from Stranraer Museum on 01776 705088

Tune in today at 4.30pm for Legal Matters with Robin Braidwood, Solicitor.

Many of us buy and sell on ebay and use paypal, but do we know our rights?

Two weeks of high quality sporting opportunities have been organised as part of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Annandale & Eskdale Sports Academy during the two week school Easter holiday period. Supported by main sponsors, Energy Solutions, the programme has a distinct Olympic Games feel. The majority of the sports included will be featured at the London 2012 Games which begin in July.

The highlights include a number of basketball workshops with Stuart McKay who gained his first Scottish cap in 1994, before moving to play in Georgia (USA). After turning pro he played for the Scottish Rocks and Thames Valley Tigers in the BBL and has over 50 International Caps, including at the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

There will also be table tennis with Dylan De Silva who has played internationally and coached players of Commonwealth standard and gymnastics with former Scottish and British gymnast and qualified level 4 coach Neil Robertson. Children can try their hand at fencing with respected coach Judith Holmes, or take part in rugby festivals with an appearance in Annan by a Glasgow Warrior and Scotland player (subject to club fixtures). Lockerbie will host a celebrated tennis festival lead by tennisscotland development manager Mike Cohen which will include a number of coaching sessions and tournaments.

Finally, there are two trips organised to two Scottish National Centres for sports that will feature heavily in the Olympic Games. Budding Steve Redgraves can join the Sports Academy for a day at the Scottish Rowing Centre, Strathclyde Park, Glasgow, the venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games where we will be joined by Sean Leyland, Performance Coach & Coach of the GB U23 lightweight men’s double scull. This trip will include a shot in the state-of-the-art indoor rowing tank. Gymnasts will also have the chance to visit Inverclyde’s National Sports Training Centre in Largs which has a stunning international standard gymnastics hall used by Scottish Gymnastics for residential squad training.

Contact Calum Graham, Sports Development Officer on 01461 207046 or e-mail calum.graham@dumgal.gov.uk for further information.

This is our recommendation tonight. We will be playing 2 tracks by this World Music Supergroup.  Niyaz are fairly new on an already crowded World Music Scene until to realise who is in the band.

Click the logo to visit the band’s website.

      Want to hear our Margaret Elphinstone interview again?

Here is our podcast of Fiona Blackwood speaking with Margaret about her novel “The Gathering Night” and more.  Plus Margeret reads a few excerpts from her book. 

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tune in to the Friday Magazine Show at 1.30pm. Local author Margaret Elphinstone, one of Scotland’s most highly regarded writers is on air.  Alive’s Fiona Blackwood caught up with Margaret to speak about her ground breaking novel “The Gathering Night” and more.

Margaret comes to us thanks to Bibliographic Data Services, an information rich data supplier based in the Crichton Business Park in Dumfries.

Set in the Mesolithic “The Gathering Night” sets the scene for Scotland in a near unknown age and even gives a fictional account based on archaeological facts known of a real Tsunami that struck Scotland in that misty far past time.  It is a gripping read from start to finish. 

You can visit Margaret’s website http://www.margaretelphinstone.co.uk/ 

If you miss it do not worry we will be podcasting the interview for you to enjoy again.

http://www.bibliographicdata.co.uk/

With Spring here, most of us may be thinking about injecting some fresh spring colour into the homes.  Buds opening, plants sprouting, the green grass and textures inspired by nature, nothing can beat it.  We want our homes to reflect the new, fresher, brighter colours that we’re seeing around our fabulous rural region. 

Whether you’re ready for a complete makeover or just a dash of spring in the home, hopefully the Style Council will inspire you.

A beige room and little budget?

Do you have a beige, sorry, a bland room but no budget for the ornaments or wall hangings or paintings you would like?  Pick up some pots of colourful paint and be brave.  It’s only paint and there is no need to be afraid of colour.

To match your new walls think about what to adorn them with.  Look around and cast the net wide as there are a lot of places where you can pick up very inexpensive wall art.          

Kitchens

Add colour to the walls and you are bringing out the best in your most colourful dishes.  That is one reason for the popularity of highly colourful kitchenware today.

Carpet and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can emulate nature and the fields we pass on a daily basis.  Think corn swaying in the breeze, rushes at the side of the loch, grass in the field or the play of light in the river Nith as it passes Kingholm Quay.  Depending on the manmade fibres in the carpet you can set great effects at work on your floor.

Think Spring and spring into action.

Back on the Style Council in a fortnight with more tips.

Pauline x

Now we have cleared the clutter and brought the breath of spring into the house what now?  How do we turn our humble abodes into the sort of house we want.  Pauline Jack from Hollywood Carpets will give us the next installment of her great new series on Alive.

Beastly Machines is a new exhibition by acclaimed mechanical sculpture maker, Johnny White and it is at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries until 7 April.

Already receiving a great response (over 1000 visitors since it opened), the exhibition is proving popular with visitors of all ages. Adults are enjoying the clever construction and humour of the kinetic sculptures and children are having great fun with the interactive nature of the art works and the accompanying quizzes and activities. Visitors comments include: “Absolutely brilliant, A1+++”, “Amazing and great fun too”, “Love the canoodling!”, “It was cool” and “Awesome!”.

The exhibition features “Canoodling Gnus” in a five and a half metre long blue canoe, “Having a Whale of a Time” – a six metre long galvanised steel whale that burst into life when visitors push its button. This majestic mammal’s fins swish to and fro, its water spout spins and a shoal of steel fish swim up and down the length of the whale’s back. Another exhibit popular with younger visitors is “In the Dog House”. Visitors are able to make this hound move in and out of its kennel and push buttons make Rover’s eye’s light up and his tail wag.

Other works on show include “Shopping Centaur” – a mythical half-man, half-horse creature pushing a shopping trolley and “Lifecycle of a Mosquito” – a huge insect riding a penny farthing whilst drinking from a bottle of blood and “Thrush Hour” – a crash hat wearing bird speeding along on a motorbike.

Entry to Gracefield Arts Centre is FREE and the gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am -12pm & 2pm – 5pm. There will be free fun quiz and activity sheets for all young visitors to the exhibition.

One DVD in our review this week.  As we wanted something current historical but bucking the trend and being that most old fashioned of concepts – futuristic, Bibliographic Data Services gave us Jon Favreau’s blockbuster Cowboys and Aliens.

Now if you are thinking “Aww Naw, Ave had enough of Will Smith beating up intergalactic bad guys…just haud yer horses.

This certificate 12A sees Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Keith Carradine, Noah Ringer, Olivia Wilde, Paul Dano and Sam Rockwell

Based on a graphic novel, the picture stars Daniel Craig, a stranger both to the west and to sci-fi, and Harrison Ford, minus his wookie.

They play a couple of gun-toting hardmen in post-civil war New Mexico, the stamping ground of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett, who have somewhat alarmingly close encounters of the third kind with extraterrestrials. The western is the set and backdrop to what unfolds, but the movie might well have linked several familiar franchises by calling itself James Bond and Indiana Jones vs the Alien Predators.

Science fiction usually marries the western and produces offspring sporting familiar plots such as in the reworking of High Noon as Outland, with Sean Connery as an isolated sheriff on a grim planet, and The Magnificent Seven exchanging their horses for spacecraft in Battle Beyond the Stars, where Robert Vaughn reprises his earlier role. Some, of course, think that in their purest forms the western and science fiction are at once complementary and antithetical.

The best part of Cowboys & Aliens is the first half, and the best of those is the pre-credit sequence. An amnesiac, later identified as Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), recovers consciousness in the wilderness, horseless, a photo of a woman half-buried in the sand before him and a curious manacle or bracelet on his left arm, which, given the movie’s title, suggests extraterrestrial origins.

Suddenly three bearded hombresd turn up on horseback, asking the way to the resonantly named town of Absolution. They’re bounty hunters and they’ve picked the wrong strong, silent man. Within seconds they’re dead and their would-be victim, who has yet to utter a word, has a gun, a hat, a horse, but no identity.

Jake comes to a nearby town where he encounters a philosophical preacher, a naive saloon owner, an intrepid sheriff and the spoilt, wilful son of a rich rancher. They’re familiar characters with a surprising amount of mileage left in them.

But they’re soon to be confronted by an equally familiar but altogether less varied collection of hideous, malevolent, HR Giger-inspired aliens, dripping goo from every orifice, jumping around like monkeys and flying small spacecraft from which they use lines and hooks to scoop up their victims like aerial fishermen. And sorry guys Sigourney Weaver does not make an appearance.

There is a hint of Swiss author Erich von Däniken has been telling us for decades that aliens have been visiting our planet for several thousand years.   While it would be big news for us.

The odd thing is that nobody in Cowboys & Aliens seems particularly surprised by their appearance, or by that of the mother ship half-buried in mountains.

It all concludes in the dramatic final scene when a coalition of settlers, outlaws and Apaches take on the extraterrestrials.

Some will really lap up the mix of Aliens V The man with no name. If you do not like either westerns or Sci Fi it may not be your thing, but if you like either, it is likely to be a fab 118 minutes and at a 12A certificate suitable for most of the family.

That’s it from the DVD review this week.  Next week, a big treat.  Celebrated local author Margaret Elphinstone joins Fiona Blackwood in the studio when we look at “The Gathering Night” set in Mesolithic Scotland.  A read stunning read that grips you from the start.  If you read Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear novels, this will simply blow you away.

That’s next week at 1.30 here on the Friday Magazine Show.

Listen again to Fiona Blackwood speaking to local Poet and Author Tom Pow.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

www.dyingvillages.com | www.spl.org.uk | www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Friday 3rd February at 1.30pm Alive features Tom Pow.  Dumfries and Galloway has some stunning writers and thanks to BDS Limited in Dumfries, an information supply company with a great international reputation.  We have our fab local authors talking about their works and how Dumfries and Galloway is an inspirational place to be. 

At 1.30pm on the 23rd on the Friday Magazine Show, Fiona Blackwood is talking to Tom Pow about his writing in general.

Tom Pow was born in Edinburgh in 1950. Primarily a poet, several of his collections have won awards and three of his poetry collections have been short-listed for Scottish Book of the Year. Most recently, Dear Alice – Narratives of Madness (Salt Publishing) won the poetry category in the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust’s Scottish Book Awards in 2009. He has also written young adult novels, picture books, radio plays and a travel book about Peru. In The Becoming, Selected and New Poems (Polygon) has recently been published (June 2009).

He has held various writing posts, including that of Scottish/Canadian Writing Fellow, based at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and Virtual Writer in Residence (Scotland’s first) for the Scottish Library Association’s Scottish Writers Project. He was the first ever Writer in Residence at the Edinburgh International Book Festival from 2001 to 2003.

From 2000 to 2009, he worked for the University of Glasgow in Dumfries, latterly as Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and Storytelling.

He is currently Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Glasgow University Dumfries and a part-time lecturer on Lancaster University’s distance learning Masters in Creative Writing.

Find out more about Mary Smith by checking out www.tompow.co.uk More information can be found about BDS, whose help in arranging these book reviews is very much appreciated at

www.bibliographicdata.co.uk

Get the outside in!

fresh air flowing through the house from room to room, especially when you have a lovely day like today.  Your house will thank you for it.

One of the best house tips you can have, is just open your windows.

When we make hot meals, tea, take a shower, have a bath, dry our clothes, or do anything else that adds moisture to the air (including  breathing), we’re also creating an environment that’s conducive to mold.  It loves warm, damp environments.  The problem is growing as construction technology makes our homes even more water and moisture secure.

You also have cleaning products, bleach etc.  They hang around in the air.

The next time you come back home, take note of the smell and how humid the house is.  Is it stuffy?  You don’t notice these things when you’re in the house for a couple of hours.

So today try opening the window.  Feel the fresh, clean feeling that only actual natural clean air can offer, even if it’s just for a brief minute.  You will feel energized too.  You will realise quickly why your mother and hers all did this.

It is simple, it is green and it is free.

Join me in a fortnight,

Pauline x

Saturday, 4 February 2012, Launch event; 7.30pm until 10.30pm, then a further viewing day on Sunday 5th February from 1pm – 4pm

Kings is playing host to an exciting one night, one day pop-up gallery, showcasing some great up-and-coming young talent. Following the great success of the Big Burns Supper, last weekend, Kings is proud to be enable people to see some more great budding artists.

Peter Smith, one of the organisers of the event says, “Saturday evening is our opening event, where all the artists will be present and the normal coffee tables will be cleared back, allowing for a proper gallery experience and hopefully some free drinks. Sunday afternoon will allow people who can’t make in on the Friday night, to still enjoy the experience, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee at the same time”.

There’s just one rule however: No Landscapes!

Peter and the team of young artists decided they wanted to show a different side of what art in Dumfries can be: more interesting than just pretty scenery. “We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, so it’s not surprising that many local artists lean towards representing that, but there’s more to art than landscapes, so we felt our pop-up gallery should focus on works beyond landscapes”, continues Peter. “We found 7 young, local artists with a voice and something to say:

Rachel Speedie

Adam German

Blossom Mccuaig

Sophie Wilson

Fraser Irvine

Peter Smith

Dave Miller

We’re really excited to welcome the public in droves, to visit our pop-up gallery this weekend … and it’s free!”

It’s all about the bugs! Tune in tomorrow for Interior Design and Home Furnishings expert Pauline Jack.  More great home tips!

Bibliographic Data Services, based in the Crichton Business Park have chosen for us two great DVD’s to review at 1.30pm today.

The moive that gave Gary Oldman his Oscar Nomination – Tinker Tailor, Soldier Spy.

Plus an Eastern European film that has stood the test of time since 1999 – Black Cat/White Cat

Live broadcast of the Big Burns Supper Launch event and Red Red Rose production on the Whitesands, Dumfries, on Friday 27th January 2012. The event starts at 6pm, and uses multi-media, film, dance, and music through the characterisations of four people from Dumfries; J.M Barrie, Robert Burns and Calvin Harris, who are stuck in time, and they don’t know why. You can see it all live as it happens, here on our Alive TV channel.

Click here to link to the TV page, or use the Alive TV button above.

 This week is Dumfries and Galloway’s local Sexual Health Week – ‘Let’s talk about Sex – what’s new 4 u?’

 Alive radio is working with NHS D&G to encourage you to consider your sexual health and what could be new for you.

 Don’t be afraid to talk about it, it’s your body and you must always be happy and safe in how you approach sex and relationships.  Check out what is new in contraception and STI testing on http://www.c4urself.org.uk/

 Sheila and Margaret have the awesome local lad and world famous tenor Nicky Spence in the studio today.  Nicky will join them after 5pm in the second hour of their show.  Hopefully we can get him to sing too!! 

Nicky is performing “Nicht at the Opera” at the Theatre Royal on Saturday.  Tune in to find  out  more  about the show!

Topcat enters the world of Dancing on Ice again this Friday when he talks with Mark Hanretty.

Mark is the professional partner of Rosemary Conley, 65 but with the verve and energy of a woman half her age.  Find out their experience on the ice just after 5pm this Friday.

 Robin Braidwood from Braidwoods Solicitors is in the studio talking about your rights with faulty or “not as described goods”.

http://www.braidwoods.com/

Alive Radio’s Burns Supper today, on air from 12 noon until 1pm. Hosted by Cameron Murray, with input from Dumfries, Italy and Canada it is truly international. You can listen worldwide here by clicking on the links on the top right.

Don’t miss it! This is one of the events in the Big Burns Supper festival in Dumfries, which runs over the coming weekend.

BURNS ON THE BEAT

Primary school children from across Dumfries and Galloway have been learning about the Scots language and how Robert Burns intended his songs to be performed. Throughout January Dumfries Museum has been hosting a series of workshops with Dr Fred Freeman, whose background is in Scottish literature and history, but who is also a renowned bagpipe player and the producer of 30 internationally acclaimed cds of traditional Scottish music, including the complete songs of Robert Burns.

Three workshops have been available to school classes, one concentrating on the immense energy of Burns’ compositions, with the children marching to their rhythm and learning about traditional dance forms such as jigs, reels and hornpipes. They have discovered “mouth music” and “diddling” as well as the stories behind the songs. A second workshop has concentrated on the origins of the language Burns used, and how many words we are familiar with today have their origins centuries ago. A third, introduced for 2012, has looked at Robert Tannahill, considered by many to be Robert Burns natural successor, and the way he used the Scots language.

Several schools took the opportunity to visit the Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries to watch the haunting audio visual about the poet’s life in Dumfries and examine the scale model of the town as it was in the poet’s day. Others visited Robert Burns House, the simple sandstone dwelling where the poet spent the last three years of his life.

By the end of the project Dumfries Museum will have welcomed well over 400 children to the workshops, which received financial assistance from Live Literature Scotland.

BURNS AND GRAHAM – A POET AND HIS PATRON

Opening at Robert Burns House on Saturday 21 January, “Burns and Graham – A Poet and His Patron” describes the friendship between Robert Graham, 12th Laird of Fintry and Robert Burns.

The poet first met Robert Graham, an Excise Commissioner, in 1787 and the latter soon became a patron and friend, supporting Burns’ application to become an Excise Officer. In 1793, a two volume edition of “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect” by Robert Burns was published in Edinburgh. Burns presented several copies to his friends, including the Grahams. Theirs has been cherished by the family ever since. The current owner, the 18th Laird of Fintry, has kindly loaned the books to Robert Burns House for this exhibition.

The first volume has a telling dedication to Mrs Graham, written by the Poet – “It is probable, Madam, that this page may be read when the hand that now writes it is mouldering in the dust.”

As well as the books, a group of delicate miniature portraits of the Graham family are also on exhibition. They include a portrait of Robert Graham, along with portraits of several of his children. A couple of keepsakes from the Duchess of Atholl to members of the Graham family complete the display.

Admission to Robert Burns House is free, and it is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm. The exhibition runs until Sunday 15 April.

ROBERT BURNS HOUSE – DAVID SIBBALD IN RESIDENCE

David Sibbald, leading Burns orator and renowned after dinner speaker, will be “in residence” at Robert Burns House on Saturday 28 January between 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Many will remember David for his keynote speech in Glasgow’s George Square for the Homecoming in 2009, but he has spoken about Robert Burns on hundreds of occasions over the last 20 years, including on the Royal Yacht Britannia and at the Globe Theatre, London. From the tales behind the songs to life at the time of Burns, this informal drop in event is bound to be fascinating – you may even hear a poem or two!

David says “At the end of the day Burns should be fun. Let’s all enjoy the friendship and camaraderie along the way”.

Admission is free.

Thanks to Pauline Jack from Hollywood Carpets for the Style Council today.  Lots of good ideas and tips.

Are you wanting to declutter for the spring?

Pauline gives use some top tips!

1. Deal with your clothes. Clean out wardrobes and drawers. Throw out anything that you no longer love or that no longer fits you. If it’s beyond repair, out of style, unflattering, or useless (like one sock only), then au revoir. 
2. Clear out your loft. Let go of those old love letters, broken chairs, old baby clothes, mouldy rugs, useless tools, old towels and sheets, extra blankets, anything you no longer need. If you haven’t used it for the past 2 years, chances are you don’t need it, and perhaps someone else could make use of it. 
3. Kitchen. Remove everything from your kitchen counters that is not essential for every day cooking (blenders, mixers, jars of dried beans, rice, flour, etc.). These items should be stored in cupboards. Clean out the cupboard and fridge to make sure nothing is expired, moldy or rotten. Make sure to also check under the kitchen sink.
4. Recycle paper. Magazines, junk mail and newspapers should be tossed out weekly. Books – especially paperbacks that you’ve read can be donated to the charity shop. Keep only books that are essential and irreplaceable. Old textbooks, paperback classics, can be given away to book car boot sales and friends. 
5. Don’t forget the garage. Broken items, scraps of wood, rusty tools, parts of appliances, electrical equipment that no longer works are all candidates for the recycle bin, refuse bin or skip. Fix it, use it or let it go.
6. What about your bathroom. Clean out medicine cabinets often. Keep a minimum of towels out. Make sure the linen cupboard is up to date and neat.
7. Stop clutter at the front door. Only buy what you need and have a place for it. Stop buying purely on impulse, throw out junk mail, it has a tendancy to grow. Accept other people’s stuff only if you really need it. If you acquire a new piece of furniture, let go of a piece of furniture that someone else can use. Recycle cans, bottles, papers, and plastic at least monthly.
8. Clean out your car. A car is an extension of your personality.  Is it tidy?  It speaks volumes about you. 
9. Ask yourself these questions:
• Do I love it?
• Do I need it?
• Is it essential?
• Does it enhance my life?

Then: Sort your things into 3 piles:

• Yes – I love it and I need it, it works and it’s useful
• No – Someone else can have it

No – Toss it out

More in a fortnight!

Join Topcat for an icy delight this Friday! He will be chatting with Frankie Poultney, Dancing On Ice Professional and a firm favourite with fans everywhere.

4-6pm this Friday Topcat with special guest Frankie Poultney!

Join our Interior Design and home furnishings guru Pauline Jack from Hollywood Carpets today at 4.15.

Today, clearing out your home, getting it looking good, what to clear and why.

Listen in to Drivetime tomorrow from 4.15 for the Style Council.  Local Interior Designer Pauline Jack from Hollywood Carpets at Kingholm Quay will be in the studio every fortnight talking about how to get the most out of your home.  Want a new colour scheme? Want to make your rooms look bigger? Just moved in? Or  looking to sell and want your house to look as good as possible? Listen in to Pauline and get the “Style Council”.

If you like history you will love this! Cluaran Boat Building Project is based in Dumfries and is raising money to build a Viking Longship in Dumfries.  Their first fundraising feast is this Saturday at St Johns Church Hall in Dumfries. Check out the website and see what it is all about. www.cluaranhaven.org.uk

Win a super Burns Supper kit from Mogerleys Butchers which includes their amazing haggis!

Go down to the shop on Friars Vennel, Dumfries and enter our “Guess the Name of the Haggis” competitions.  We have two haggii, a boy and a girl.   Guess the name of either correctly and you win!!!

At only £1 per guess it is a fun way to support your local Community Radio Station.

Tune in on Thursday morning to hear Graham Main – Big Burns Supper chat to Annette Richards about this big weekend packed with events

Any questions to hello@aliveradio.net

Looking for something cool to do kick start the new year?

Drop in on free ‘Try Curling’ sessions at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Saturday 21st January.

Curling is a fantastic way to exercise, meet new people, and have fun. These free drop in sessions are open to anyone aged 8 – 80+ and cater for all levels of ability. Their qualified coaches will welcome you along, teach you the basics of the game and show you how to deliver curling stones full length.

All you need to try curling is a pair of clean, flat, rubber soled shoes (trainers are ideal) and loose fitting, warm clothing. Stones, brushes and all other equipment will be supplied for you.

You can Try Curling at Dumfries Ice Bowl on

21 January

10.00am – 12.00noon

To reserve your place or for further information email to Graham Sloan on graham@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org or telephone Andy McLean on 01387 243568.

Dumfries Music Club Concert held at St John’s Church, Lovers Walk, Dumfries at 7.30 pm.

Tom Poster, piano
Gluck/Sgambati: Dance of the Blessed Spirits
Bartok, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Kabalevsky & Kurtag: Sequence of miniatures
Beethoven: Sonata in E major, Op.109
Grieg: Lyric Pieces Op.43
Chopin: Sonata in B flat minor, Op.109

Non-members are very welcome at all concerts, as are students and schoolchildren.
Tickets for non-members cost £11 per concert and £3 for students (on production of a student card).
Children in primary and secondary education are welcomed free of charge.
Tickets from the DGArts (Midsteeple, High Street, Dumfries) tel: 01387 253383 or on the door.

The River of Life Church, by the Railway Station in Dumfries, are once again inviting people who would be alone for Christmas, but would like to spend it with others, to a Christmas Day Dinner. There’s no charge for the meal, although people are free to donate if they wish, but there’s absolutely no expectation to do so.

They have an open door for absolutely anyone to come to the event, or even to join their team of enthusiastic volunteers on the day.

Mark Smith, Senior Pastor at the Church says; “We’ve hosted a special meal on Christmas Day for several years now and it’s always amazing to see the difference it makes to people for whom Christmas would otherwise be an ordeal. When everyone seems to be having fun, it’s pretty tough to feel as though you’re the only one not! At this event, we not only make sure everyone has a good meal, with all the trimmings, but also have a lot of fun in the process, like every family should.

“We have a service at 11am on Christmas Day too, and everyone is welcome to come to that, but they can just arrive for the meal at 1pm if they’d rather, or just come to the Christmas Day service without staying on for the meal.

“We’re also very grateful to individuals and local businesses who contribute to the meal and, of course all the volunteers who donate part of their Christmas to help in this valuable way”

christmas_day2011

Holy Communion is celebrated at St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church on Newall Terrace at 8.00am

The Christmas Day Family Eucharist at St Johns takes place at 11am. Children are invited to bring along one of their new toys.

*

At 9.30am the Christmas Day Mass is celebrated at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in New Abbey

*

The congregations of St Mary’s-Greyfriars & Caerlaverock have their Joint Christmas Day Service followed by Communion at St Mary’s-Greyfriars Church at 10.30

*

There is a Sung Mass at Saint Bride’s Anglican Church on Church Crescent starting at 10.30.

*

Dumfries Baptist Church’s Christmas Day Service is at Newall Terrace and starts at 10.30am

*

The River of Life Church has a Christmas Day service at 11am, by Dumfries Railway Station, followed by Christmas Day meal at 1pm for anyone alone this Christmas (no charge)

*

Family Worship with Holy Communion takes place at Maxwelltown West Church, Laurieknowe at 11am.

*

The  Christmas Day Service of Troqueer Church takes place at 11.

*

The Christmas Morning Service at the United Reformed Church on Irving Street starts at 11.00am

*

Christmas Day Mass is celebrated at Saint Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church on Brooke Street at 11.30am

Candlelit Carol Service followed by Mulled Wine and Shortbread at the United Reformed Church on Irving Street in Dumfries.  This starts at 4pm.

*

St John’s Episcopal Church on Lovers Walk has it’s Christingle Family Service followed by Fellowship and refreshments.  The service starts at also starts at 4.

*

The Baptist Church on Newall Terrace starts it’s Family Christmas Eve Service at 4.30 with fellowship and refreshments and the service commencing at 5.

*

Then at 6.30 there is a festival of carols at the Crichton Memorial Church, up in the Crichton.

*

At 7pm the joint congregations of St George’s and St Marys Greyfriars hold their family service in St Georges on George Street.

*

St Andrews Roman Catholic Church on Brooke Street has its Christmas Vigil Mass starting at 7 o’clock

*

Maxwelltown West Church has its Christmas Eve Candlelit Service  at 7pm.

*

Watch Night  Service of Carols and cocoa at the Lighthouse Church at 11pm.

*

The congregations of Caerlaverock, St Marys Greyfriars and St Georges meet up for a jount Watch Night Service at 11.15 in St Marys Greyfriars church on St Marys Street.

*

Midnight Mass will be celebrated at St Andrews Roman Catholic Church on Brooke Street commencing at 11.30.

*

Troqueer Church’s Watch Night Service starts at 11.30 in the church on Troqueer Road.

*

In St Johns Scottish Episcopal Church on Newall Terrace the Midnight Eucharist of the Nativity commences at 11.30pm.

Carol Singers will be meeting up at Troqueer Church on Friday the 23^rd and on Christmas eve at 6.45.  They will be singing carols in  the streets of Troqueer from 7 o’clock.

They will be collecting money for Cancer Research Scotland and the Scottish Bible Society.  They invite you to come along and ensure you are dressed warmly. Refreshments will be served in the Centre to revive you at the end.

Forgotten Carols With The Feral Choir at 2.30pm, Dumfries Museum, The Observatory on Rotchell Road, Dumfries.

Researched & conducted by Ali Burns

This beautiful and atmospheric concert has become an essential part of Dumfries and Galloway’s winter celebrations. It features “forgotten” carols originating from Britain’s rich folk traditions. The performance is woven together with readings of contemporary poetry and prose.

Tickets £8.00 (including light refeshments)

Booking is required – please phone Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374.

*

Dumfries & Galloway Schools’ Regional Youth Choir  -  Christmas Carol Concert at 7.00pm @ Crichton Church

Dumfries & Galloway Schools’ Regional Youth Choir invite you to their annual Carol Concert in the beautiful setting of the Crichton Church. All will be made very welcome to this evening of Christmas Carols to hear our young people perform a selection of Christmas music.

Audience participation will be a feature of the evening through taking part in singing some well known Christmas Carols. Also performing will be young musicians from our Schools’ Regional Brass Band.

The evening will be compèred by Andrew McKenzie and the Youth Choir is conducted by Jamie Brand.

Entrance to the concert is free of charge. A collection will be uplifted for ‘Let the Children Live’, a charity supporting street children in Columbia.

For further information please contact Alan Cameron, Education Services on 01387 260431.

*

St Marys Greyfriars Church host advent discussions in the Hall on St Mary’s Street in the town.  It starts at 10am and fairtrade tea and coffee will be served afterwards.

Then at 11.30 the Church holds their Family service with the Sunday Kids.

*

Dumfries Baptist Church hold their regular Morning Service including the Discoverers Nativity Play. The service is in the Dumfries High School commencing 10.30.

In the evening, from 6.30 the Baptist Church also has a praise and worship celebration of Christmas in the Church on Newall Terrace.

*

The River of Life Church has its regular Sunday Service at 10.30 in the church which is sited by the train station. This Sunday is a Christmas Special, with features from Kids Church.

The River of Life also wants us to mention if you would normally be spending Christmas Day alone, you are invited to come along to the church and spend it with them.  The Christmas Day service commences at 11am and then at 1 o’clock they have their Christmas Day Dinner. As well as all the usual Christmas food there will be great company and lots of fun and games.  There is no cost, but if donations are of course welcome.  If you are on the net check out http://riveroflife.org.uk

*

Maxwelltown Church West has its Christmas Family service at the Church on Laurieknowe starting at 11.

*

Troqueer Church hosts their Christmas Family Service at the Church on Troqueer Road in the town starting at 11am.

*

 St Andrews Roman Catholic Church on Brooke Street holds its “Christmas Big Sing” from 3 to 4pm.

7.30pm at Lighthouse Church on Maxwell St, Dumfries presents Tony Vino.
Tony has been touring the comedy scene since early 2005. Tony is best known for the way he seamlessly mixes well thought out observational humour with audience interaction and quick witted responses. His life and interests are wide ranging, and so is his material, all performed in a warm, friendly and non-offensive style.
“A Great Show, the assured Tony Vino copes with a mixed audience really well” Kate Copstic, The Scotsman
It’s going to be an amazing night. Come and enjoy a 2 course meal with fantastic entertainment. All profits go to Cash for Kids.

The cost is £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children.
To book, please email us at lccdumfries@hotmail.com or facebook  lighthouse church.

Hat Trick – the story of gentlemen’s headwear through the ages
is on at the Dumfries Museum, The Observatory on Rotchell Road.
Open 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday.
For centuries the hats men wear have served as status symbols and fashion accessories as well as being functional and protective. From the formal, stiff top hats worn by the aristocrats and professionals of the 19th century to the soft felt berets favoured by intellectuals and artists, men’s hats have made important statements. This exhibition, based on Dumfries Museum’s own collections, explores this very interesting subject.

You would not have put these two singers together! David Bowie and Bing Crosby

Hello,

Ho, ho, ho!! Getting into my vocal exercises now.  That was a great party last night.  The elves and reindeer had a great time except for the game of musical chairs.  Have you ever seen a big reindeer sit on an elf!

Well, Mrs Claus and I have then all scrubbed and in their Sunday best.  After my cup of tea we are away down to Tankevaara in Finland again.  The elves have make lovely wooded bawbles for the Christmas tree outside the church.  The tree is huge. I am very sure the Pastor will approve.

My goodness look at the time.  I will need to put my tea in an thermos flask and drink it when we arrive in Finland.  By the way did you try the recipe I gave you yesterday? It is yummy.

Bye for now, we are looking forward to a lovely morning in church and hope you have a wonderful time too.

Love

Santa xx

httpv://www.ustream.tv/channel/santaclauslive-inside-cam

Hello

Santa here.  Yawwwn! Oh, I had a great long lie this morning, I am getting on you know.  Mrs Claus has just put a big bowl of porridge in front of me.  Lovely.  Oooh too hot.

Good that gives me some time to write my blog for Alive 107.3.

Now tonight we have a Christmas party for all the Elves and Reindeer.  I have a top secret recipe for a lovely Christmas drink.  For the first time ever I am going to give it to anyone else.  Got a pen and paper?  Good, here it is…

Are you ready, mix 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of hot water in a bowl and watch out for elves poking their noses in, and mix it all until the cocoa is dissolved. Place the cocoa mixture in a blender with 1 cup of milk, 4 tablespoons of frozen blueberries and 4 cubes of ice and blend for 40 seconds.  Yummy!

Well, my porridge is cool enough to eat so I will bid you a good weekend and look forward to sending you my blog for tomorrow before we all go to church.

Love

Santaxx

Hello,

We had more wrapping paper delivered today, then with a big gust of wind it blew across the North Pole. We will be picking it up in the new year!!

Oh! The Post is here. Lots of letters from Dumfries. I will look forward to reading them. 

We are so busy, Mrs Claus is even helping out.  Between you and me, I like that. Mrs Claus ties better bows on the presents!  I am really happy. Lots of letters arrive every day asking for traditional old fashioned toys. I like making those, especially wooded trains.

Just a quick blog today..sooo busy. Not even had a cup of tea this morning yet!

Bye for now, Love

Santa xx

If you are singing Carols tonight, this one is for you!

Hello,

Santa here, brrr, very cold here and windy too.  I heard your weather forecast last night over the internet and you have a very windy day today.  Keep safe!!

I got a letter from Ali Donowho in Dumfries.  Apparently he has been a very good boy in 2011 so we have some good presents for you young Ali.  The elves tell me there’s some lovely gold wrapping paper and red ribbons.  You are a very lucky boy!

Mrs Claus likes to take care of me and this morning she has made me two rolls in scrambled egg.  Yum!!! 

Today the Elves replace the ski runners on the sleigh.  Rudolph, Donner and Blitzen all say they were not running well so we have our wonderful Elves working on it.  Infact I can hear them hammering at the moment.

Best go and have my rolls.  Oh Mrs Claus..thank you!!

Bye for now and a bigger blog tomorrow, Scrambled egg here I come!

Love

Santa xxx

Well, you ain’t heard a Christmas song sung like this before!

Hello, Santa here again,

Now what a busy day.  We were listening to lots of Jive Bunny (the Elves like it!) so the time passed quickly and we got a lot of toys finished today.  Having our tea break last night about 5.3o we heard Mark Smith on your Alive Radio play Jive Bunny so the Elves insisted on hearing it played in the workshops today.

I have recieved the first letters posted at the Loreburne Centre in Dumfries.  I can see you have been good boys and girls and you were so polite in your letter, we will make sure you get some wonderful presents young Tom and Natalie.

Time for more chimney climbing exercises again!  Considering I am very very very very old, I really should be taking it easy.  But I do like to see smiling childrens faces so I really must continue making and delivering presents.  It’s fun too!

Oh, well back to the exercises. Oh, Mrs Claus has made some lovely cakes.  One won’t hurt will it?

Love

Santa

Santa requested this.  Ooh the power he wields!!

Brrrr,

Santa again, and I hear it is as cold in Dumfries as it is at the North Pole at the moment. 

I hear the North Pole Post Box has arrived at the Loreburne Centre in Dumfries, which means you can post your letters to me!  I get a lot of letters so make sure and send your letter soon!!

The Elves have just taken possession of a big delivery of nuts and bolts.  Good news! We have a workshop full of dolls that we need to put together. I think there are Action men in their too.  “What’s that”? Alfred the Elf just shouted that there are Action Men in their too.  

“What’s that Alfred”? Yes you will have to stay up late and finish making the dolls and Action Men, the boys and girls are counting on you.  You will need to excuse me, I must go and help him.  It sure gets busy at the North Pole!!

Love

Santa

Mariah Carey, remember how BIG this song was?

There’s one school closed in our region today; Tundergarth Primary, due to the snow. They plan to reopen tomorrow, subject to weather conditions later in the day. For more info contact the Head Teacher, Mrs A Ritchie on toffice961@ea.dumgal.sch.uk or telephone (01576) 710221.

Hello Children,

I hope you had a great time at Church yesterday.  We had some great old Christmas songs.  I love “O Come of Ye Faithful”.  The Elves say I cannot sing, but between you and me I love singing!!

The post this morning brought me more letters from Dumfries.  Mrs Claus has put them by my comfy armchair so I can read them when I have my mid morning cup of tea.

Donner and Blitzen, who are my number 2 and 3 Reindeer after Rudolph, came to see me.  They asked if they could visit Dumfries first and go along Craigs Road.  I did not know they were fond of it there.  Apparently they like how Georgetown looks at night but have not been along Craigs Road.  So I said we will do that.  So children, listen out for the bells on the sleigh on Christmas Eve if you live near Craigs Road. 

Oh, that’s more wrapping paper arrived.  Time I got off this computer and started wrapping.

Have a lovely day.

Love

Santa

Lighthouse Church is holding their annual fundraiser for Cash for Kids on Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm at the Convent.

Pastor Sandy Jamieson says, “Come and enjoy a 2 course meal with fantastic entertainment. All profits go to this great charity. The cost is £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. To book, please email us at lccdumfries@hotmail.com or Facebook us at Lighthouse Church.

“Our Guest is Tony Vino, he has been touring the comedy scene since early 2005. Tony is best known for the way he seamlessly mixes well thought out observational humour with audience interaction and quick witted responses. His life and interests are wide ranging, and so is his material, all performed in a warm, friendly and non-offensive style”.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is running a series of 4 Winter Skills courses and 3 Avalanche Awareness courses this winter. These one-day training courses provide a great opportunity to learn new skills, which should enable those new to Scotland’s winter mountains to be more self-reliant and make better judgements when out on the hills.

The courses are organised by the MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, Heather Morning, who says: “The MCofS winter courses are great value for money and a superb way of equipping yourself with the skills needed in the Scottish mountains in winter. By limiting the course content to the key requirements and one day only we are able to keep costs to a minimum.” Heather went on to say: “The MCofS is working tirelessly to reduce the number of mountaineering incidents in Scotland and we are urging those that are new to winter activity to take up this opportunity of good quality training as part of achieving that aim.”

The Winter Skills courses are for MCofS members only, whereas the Avalanche Awareness courses are open to both members and non-members.

The MCofS courses are as follows: Winter Skills courses at Glenmore Lodge. Tuesday 3rd January, Friday 6th January, Saturday 28th January and Sunday 29th January. Course fee £50.

Avalanche Awareness courses are on the following dates and venues. Sunday 8th January – Nevis Range. Saturday 4th February and Sunday 5th February – Glencoe ski area. Course fee £40 for MCofS members and £50 for non-members.

For further information contact Heather Morning on heather@mcofs.org.uk or 01479 861 241 or go to the MCofS website at: http://www.mcofs.org.uk.

Hello Children,

Phew, you ought to have seen it half an hour ago.  On a Sunday because we go to Church down in the Finnish village of Tankevaara, I make sure all the Elves have a good breakfast.  Horace had porridge, toast and and egg roll and promptly spilled the egg all down his good green shirt. I’ve been scrubbing his shirt and it is drying by the fire.  I do hope it is dry in time.

It was a busy day yesterday.  Helen in Troqueer “hello”!! You asked me to say hello on my blog. Hope you are having a nice morning.

When get back from Church we have a lovely dinner with all Elves and Reindeer and let me tell you Mrs Claus makes a wonderful dinner.

Very soon the Loreburne Centre in Dumfries will have my special North Pole Postal Service.  I will get your letters, which is wonderful.

Have a good Sunday and if you are going to Church like us I hope you have some good Christmas songs to sing.

Love

Santa xx

Hello,

Santa here. I’m a bit sore yesterday.  All those exercises to get me down the chimney have taken their toll.  I’m not a spring chicken you know.

So today we are really busy.  We work really hard so we can take tomorrow morning off as the Elves and I fly in the Sleigh down to Tankevaara in Finland to go to Church.  The reindeer love it there too.  The children like to pat them and give them hot apple juice to drink.

Today we packed a lot of presents for Newton Stewart.  Some of my wooden trains went there. 

Hang on, what’s that I can smell.  Spiced apple and bramble juice, hot too! You will need to excuse me, I will write to you tomorrow!! Have a lovely Saturday! Remember be good!

Love,

Santa

Reach for the glitter!!!

Hello, Santa here!

It’s another busy morning here in the North Pole. Rudolf is putting all the other reindeer through their paces and after I finish my Breakfast I start limbering up with my chimney exercises.  It take a lot of effort to get down chimneys, drop presents and not leave soot on the carpet you know.

Last night we painted all the wooden toys going to Norway, the next country’s presents will be Scotland.  I thought you will have liked that.  Hello to John aged 7 from Georgetown.  I got your letter in the post today, just thought I would let you know.

Take care children and be good. 

These chimney exercises won’t do themselves…oh dear.

Love,

Santa

Thank’s for suggesting Celine Dion.  This is stunning.

Look forward to Christmas with a selection of nostalgic festive musical treats from Alive.  Today we venture south of the border and enjoy a “Wassail” courtesy of Waterson Carthy.

Hello,

Santa Claus here, or if you want to give me my proper name Saint Nicholas. Thank you Alive for asking me to write to all the little children in Dumfries, every day until Christmas.  It gives me a chance to relax for 2 minutes with a nice cup of tea. It’s needed, pheww!

 The North Pole Post Office has given me a few letters, thank you for those, but I have exciting news for you!! The Loreburne Centre in Dumfries very soon will have a special North Pole Only Post Box that will send all your letters to me.  So I hope you have been good boys and girls, and when I get your letters I will see what I can do. The elves are working hard in the workshops making all the toys. They were busy making little wooden trains this morning. 

I had better go, my tea is finished and I need to go walk the reindeer.  Bye for now.

Lots of Love,

Santa

Want to know where Santa Claus lives? He’s now got a webcam!! httpv://www.santaclaus.fi/?deptid=11779

Welcome to the last classic Scottish song on our feature.  This song has been very popular to put it mildly.  So it made it to be played on St Andrews Day itself. 

Dumfries will celebrate the big switch on of its 2011 Christmas Lights display on Sunday 27th November following a full afternoon of musical entertainment from the Plainstanes performance space.

The programme

1.00 pm: Christmas carols

2.00 pm: Maurice Sutherst and Elaine Erskine, locally based singer songwriters presenting a selection of their contemporary ballads.

3.00 pm: Lorraine McCauley and the Borderlands, fresh from an extended tour in Ireland and recording for the BBC Lorraine will present her lyrical and haunting songs to a modern folk accompaniment.

3.45 pm: Panto stars; Katrina Bryan, best known as Nina from the hit CBEEBIES show Nina and the Neurons and Leah Macrae, Julie from BBC’s Gary, Tank Commander will appear on stage to promote the DG One pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

4.00pm: Man at the Window, Scotland’s hottest reggae outfit will have the crowd bouncing with their infectious brand of musical sunshine.

5.00pm: Provost Jack Groom will switch on the lights with a phalanx of royal assistants; Queen of the South and the Princesses Beauty and Kind Heart not forgetting an early appearance of Santa Claus.

Lighthouse Church is holding their annual fundraiser for Cash for Kids on Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm at the Convent.

Pastor Sandy Jamieson says, “Come and enjoy a 2 course meal with fantastic entertainment. All profits go to this great charity. The cost is £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. To book, please email us at lccdumfries@hotmail.com or Facebook us at Lighthouse Church.

“Our Guest is Tony Vino, he has been touring the comedy scene since early 2005. Tony is best known for the way he seamlessly mixes well thought out observational humour with audience interaction and quick witted responses. His life and interests are wide ranging, and so is his material, all performed in a warm, friendly and non-offensive style”.

A song you know but have never seen the video! 

A bit of contemporary Scottish Folk in the form of Karine Polwart.

How about some great Scottish Salsa from Skye?

The annual exhibition of the Royal Photographic Society (Scottish Region) is now on show at Stranraer Museum. This is a chance to see some of the best in Scottish contemporary photography.

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853 ‘to promote the Art and Science of Photography’, a mission it continues to this day. The Society’s Scottish Region organises events across the country and each year an exhibition of members’ prints travels to venues throughout Scotland.

The 2011 exhibition comprises 40 black and white, sepia and colour prints. Subjects include landscapes, portraits and natural history.

Also on display at the museum is a selection of prints produced by members of the Stranraer Camera Club. A number of these prints are for sale.

The exhibition runs until 30 December and admission is free.

Time to celebrate our BIG country.

A great one with a jazzy vibe.  Hue and Cry with one of Scotlands favourite cool tunes.

Did you know “Donald whurs yer troosers” was a US Sci Fi Smash hit? Here it is in it’s USA format.  We do apologize as the guid auld Scots tongue has been flouted and that proper Enlgish nonsense has been used insteed. Crivens an’ jungs ma boab!

More than halfway through the month and we add Scotland’s answer to Elvis.  Steak and Sydney anyone?

Last night we heard of the sad passing of Jackie Leven, one of Scotland’s finest singers and songwriters.  This is our tribute.

Joan Stroud – a very interesting lady, with many experiences and ‘hats’.  Over the years Joan has enjoyed writing poetry and has recently she started Poetry Magic4U…….tune in to find out more – you will be entertained!!

The St Andrews Day requests keep acomin’.  Love this one too!!

We are centred on Dumfries, its community and we are ethical too! You can help us get bigger and better by becoming a Friend of Alive.  A simple £10 donation per month for the whole of 2012 (less than 34p per day) entitles businesses to cheaper advertising on our website and for individuals, it means when when we run ticketed events you get the news and ticket offers first.  Email cameron@aliveradio.net or call 07980 170 160 to sign up or find out more.

Some great modern Gaelic fusion with Karen Matheson of Capercaillie.

Twenty eight of Scotland’s best potters are represented in the new “Fire and Earth” exhibition opening at Gracefield Arts Centre Gallery 2 on Saturday 19 November. Members of the Scottish Potters Association will be present from 11am until 3pm to answer questions and enjoy some seasonal refreshments with visitors. With 200 ceramics pieces for sale there will be a wide range of beautiful and unique Christmas presents available to buy.

The exhibition, themed “Fire and Earth”, features the use of clay in its widest array, from the beautifully functional, to sculptural installation. All of the potters exhibiting are members of The Scottish Potters Association which has been in existence for over 30 years. Its original aim “to raise the standards and awareness of the craft whenever possible” remains the main focus of the group. The association regularly meets to share techniques, ideas and experiences with each other and with the audience for Scottish crafts. Members range from students to professional full time potters and ceramicists and those who just share a love of clay.

Further information about the group is available at www.scottishpotters.org

Local potters taking part in the exhibition include Chrisitne Smith from Barnbarroch Pottery at Kippford, Hannah McAndrew from Kelton, David Alexander from Kirkpatrick Durham and Ruth Jones from Moniaive. Other exhibiting potters are from as far afield as the Isle of Skye and Arbroath in Aberdeenshire. One Scottish potter now based in France is posting her work over especially for the exhibition.

The Fire and Earth exhibition will run until 14 January 2012, but please note that the Arts Centre will be close from 3pm on Christmas eve until 10am on 4 January. Full opening details and directions on how to find the Arts Centre are available from the website www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield.

A piece of classic Scottish Gospel today with Lena Martell

The wonderful Claire Grogan and Altered Images big hit!!

Great way to finish working on a Friday.  Well done to Mandy at Mandy’s Barbers on Galloway Street for winning the tarts today!!

Today's winner

One request in yesterday we just had to put on the website.  Who remembers this?

Stranraer, Cairnryan, Dumfries, Annan, Eastriggs and Gretna have been chosen as some of the areas that the Olympic Torch will be passing through as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The Relay will see communities across Dumfries and Galloway welcoming the Olympic Flame as it passes through the region.

Stranraer, Cairnryan, Dumfries, Annan, Eastriggs and Gretna are six of over 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Bank of Scotland and Samsung. LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in Dumfries and Galloway to devise the route.

The 70 day Olympic Torch Relay, will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.

In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour’s journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, over 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.

People are invited to view the interactive map at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap to find their nearest community through which the Olympic Flame will be carried.

On the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay, it is LOCOG’s intention that the Olympic Flame will travel down the River Thames as it makes its way to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year, successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from February 2012 onwards.

Interesting requests yesterday.  Dundee’s finest was in demand.  So here they are!!

We had requests for Eddi Reader and John Martyn, so what better than them both together.Eddi Reader and John Martyn

A real classic with the incredible Frankie Miller.  

Enjoy this today.  Great video and a modern Scottish Pop classic.

Scottish Soulful Weekender runs over this weekend – Friday 4th Nov – Sunday 6th Nov. Doors open: 17:00 til 06:00 @ Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

Over 50 of the finest djs and live acts from around the world get together for a whole weekend celebrating soul, funk, boogie, house music and more!

Yogi Haughton presents Scotland’s first ever Soul Weekender as house, funk, soul and disco grooves take over Dumfries featuring Todd Terry, Kerri Chandler, Lil Louis, Greg Wilson, Craig Charles, Joey Negro, Deep City Soul (live), Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King (live) and many more.

Weekend pass £80. Call for Tickets: 01387 254111

Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club are once again hosting a firework display at Park Farm, on the New Abbey Road. This year it’s on Sunday 6th November and features various entertainments – music & funfair, with catering stalls. It’s always a huge hit with the audience, – a breathtaking and ambitious display and this year is set to be better than ever.

Gates open around 5.00pm and the display itself fires up at 7pm. Tickets are available on the gate, priced at £4 adults, £2 children. £10 family tickets can be purchased in advance at Barnstorm Records and DG One.

More great music coming in.  You asked for this! Enjoy.

Yesterday afternoon crowds of people crammed into the cafe at Gardenwise garden centre in Dumfries for the official launch of the People’s Project Dumfries calendar. Mark Jardine, director of the project, introduced the concept of the calendar, which aims to raise cash for local community projects which are designed to help develop and improve the town. He outlined some of the good work which has already been achieved by the organisation, as well as some of the plans for the future, which includes a pledge of £10,000 towards the creation of flood defenses for the Whitesands.

Queen of the South football club was there in force, endorsing the People’s Project’s catchphrase; “Helping to make Dumfries & Galloway the Queen of the South” .

Ruth Jardine, who took the photographs featured in the calendar, read a letter from Penpont resident, Joanna Lumley, apologising she couldn’t be there for the launch, due to preparations for her West End show which begins at the weekend. In the letter she expressed her feelings about the region, which are shared by her husband Stephen Barlow; “What a ravishing part of the world we belong to … we can’t wait to be back, north of the border, in the Queen of the South!

Pupils of New Abbey primary school, where Ruth Jardine teaches, read their poems about one of the images on the calendar – Sweetheart Abbey.

Copies of the calendar, which has an initial print run of 1000 are available from sponsors and in many outlets around the area for £4.95. All the proceeds are toward the People’s Project. Mark Jardine commented to Alive Radio’s Mark Smith that the calendars have attracted lots of interest already and  he’s hoping they will need to commission a repeat print run to satisfy demand.

More info from www.peoplesproject.co.uk 

It looks like Simple Minds is popular. A lot of requests for this song yesterday.

More great Scottish music chosen by you.  Ali in Dumfries, you asked for this.  Enjoy!!

A new photographic exhibition opens on Friday in the Tolbooth Art Centre, Kirkcudbright. It is the annual print exhibition of the Royal Photographic Society. The 40 prints on display have been selected from a larger number of submissions from the Society’s 300 members resident in Scotland. The 40 photographers represented come from all over mainland Scotland from the Borders to Inverness.

The exhibition is touring venues throughout the country and goes on to Stranraer Museum from Kirkcudbright. The colour and monochrome prints cover a range of subjects inspired by nature, landscapes, building and interiors, and people, both at home and abroad. The quality of the photographs is first-rate following the high standard set by previous RPS exhibitions making the exhibition well worth a visit.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, November 12th. The Tolbooth in Kirkcudbright’s High Street opens from 11 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday and entry is free.

We are very privileged to have Fiona Castle in the breakfast studio following an evening of music, chat and humour at St George’s Hall Wednesday 9th Novemember. Fiona looked after her husband Roy Castle (entertainer) during his fight with cancer and will share her experience and how she coped.

Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Registered Social Landlords and the Council’s DGFirst and Trading Standards from the Council have joined forces to prepare a bonfire strategy aimed at reducing the number of bonfires on unauthorised sites and the illegal sale of fireworks.

Mike Aldersey, Community Safety Manager from the Fire and Rescue Service said “It is important that bonfire night is a safe and enjoyable time for all. Do follow the “Fireworks Code” and follow all manufacturers’ instructions. Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time. Keep pets indoors and warn neighbours if you intend to have a fireworks display. Members of the public are reminded that no materials intended for designated bonfire sites will be allowed to accumulate on or around these sites before Friday 28 October 2011. Any materials found before this date will be removed. Any bonfires on sites which are not designated will be removed. Regular checks on all areas are carried out by the Fire and Rescue Service, and other partnership agencies.

Police Constable Mike Jardine, Community Policing Unit said:

“Bonfire night is traditionally an event where families can gather and enjoy the festivities. We intend to facilitate this for the communities in Dumfries and Galloway and will take robust action against any individuals who commit offences and affect the enjoyment and safety of the evening.

We will also have a zero tolerance approach to any verbal or physical abuse against any of our partners working at the event.

Modern day fire engines are fitted with CCTV and this will be utilised to help identify anyone carrying out such acts.-

The building of any bonfire on non designated land should be reported to the Council (DG First). Where the property is either owned by the council or any other housing organisation any bonfires built should be reported and they will arrange removal of same.

The point of contact for such reports should be directed to Peter Clingan, at DGFirst Neighbourhood Services on 01387 271100.

Other Contact Numbers:

Fire and Rescue Service: 01387 252222

Police: 0845 6005701

DGFirst: 03033 333 000

Crimestoppers: 0800 555111

Any person wishing to hold a bonfire on an existing designated site, or wishing to apply for their site to be considered as a designated Bonfire Site, should do so by also contacting Peter Clingan on the previous number.

Listed below are the designated bonfires sites throughout the Nithsdale area, any other bonfire site will be removed.

The area between Cairnsmore Crescent and Carrick Road in Lochside has been recognised as an approved site for one supervised bonfire.

· Auldgirth (Accessed from the end of Ballochan Road)

· Castledykes (Accessed from sports field next to McLeod Pavillion off

Kingholm Road

· Georgetown (Rear of play park adjacent to Oakfield Drive)

· Cresswell and Larchfield (Access from Eastfield Road)

· Dunscore (Access through playing field on School Road)

· Kingholm (Top playing field adjacent to allotments)

· Troqueer (Field adjacent to West Riverside Drive)

· Janefield (Access through Janefield Gardens)

· Lochside (Access land adjacent to Glentrool Road)

· Lochside (Area between Cairnmore Cres and Carrick Road)

· Lincluden (Park) (Access behind Lincluden Community Centre)

· Lincluden (Poplar Road) (Access through play park of Poplar Road)

· Moniaive (Bottom end of Dunraggen Park access from A702)

· Nithside and Sandside (Common land bottom of Goldie Crescent)

· Noblehill and Parkhead (First pitch accessed through Greenbrae Loaning)

· Locharbriggs (Access left hand park through Community Centre)

· Kirkconnel and Kelloholm (Access land adjacent to Kingsway/Nivision Avenue)

· Parkgate (Playing Fields access from Beech Avenue)

· Penpont (Gladstone Park access from Grennen Road)

· Sanquhar (“Drying Greens” access from Queens Road)

· Terregles (Access off Kirkland Road)

Social historian Frances Wilkins will be leading a gentle walk around Dumfries on Saturday afternoon to discover the story of banks and bankers of 18th and 19th century Dumfries.

Starting from Dumfries Museum at 2.00pm on Saturday 22nd October participants will discover the locations and stories behind the eight main banks of this busy and thriving market town, discovering that history frequently repeats itself.

And at 7.30pm on Friday 28th October Frances will use Dumfries Museum’s collection of local bank notes as a basis for a talk on the early banking history of this area. Find out about Robert Herries of Halldykes, the father of the traveller’s cheque and James Ewart, accountant of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and his passion for the State lottery.

All welcome, both events are free, to book a place please phone Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374.

World famous celebrity chef, Antony Worrell Thompson, will be on Alive Daytime this afternoon at round 3.45pm.

Cameron Murray, presenter of Friday Daytime, will be interviewing him about the BBC Good Food Show Scotland, which takes place over 21st-23rd October. He also has 10 free tickets to give away, so don’t miss this chance to hear Antony and find out how to get a free ticket.

Jane Henderson – organiser of the Bridal Ball to be held at the Cairndale Hotel on Saturday 12th Novemeber from 3pm – will be Annette Richards Guest on the Breakfast Show Tuesday 4th October.  Tune in after 8am to get your invitation and find out more

Nine children, six locations, two days, 21 tantalising questions and almost 200 miles – it all adds up to the first ever Youth Challenge, held as part of this year’s Doors Open Days weekend.

The adventurous group of 12 to 14 year olds from Teen Spirit, the youth club that meets at The CatStrand, New Galloway on Tuesday evenings, took to the road on Saturday 25th and Sunday 24th September. Their whistle stop tour of six of the 36 local sites taking part in Doors Open Days ranged from 21st century Oasis Youth Centre in Dumfries, which has its own recording studio, to a 17th century cell in Wigtown, with time off for good behaviour and an overnight stay at the YMCA Drop-In Centre in Gatehouse of Fleet.

Accompanying the children on the trip were Teen Spirit’s youth leader Catherine Phillips and Aaron Edgar, Doors Open Days’ temporary intern. The Challenge’s top scoring team were Aaron Ferguson, 12, and Arron Clydesdale, 13, and are the lucky winners of a £50 Segway tour donated by Laggan Outdoor, the multi-activity outdoor centre located just outside Gatehouse.

Celebrating 21 years in Scotland this year, Doors Open Days is the national weekend event that opens up all manners of places to the public free of charge. Early indications from the venues taking part in Dumfries and Galloway indicate it was another successful weekend, with thousands of site visits taking place throughout the region.

The inaugural Youth Challenge and internship were new Doors Open Days initiatives for this year, and were made possible by funding from the Holywood Trust, the Dumfries-based charity, which supports opportunities for young people in Dumfries and Galloway. Doors Open Days is managed by Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Doors Open Days is part of the European Heritage Days network, which sees similar events take place every September in all 49 European member states, coordinated by the Council of Europe. Information about Doors Open Days in Scotland can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk

Dan and Deborah Whitt, from North Carolina, USA, fell in love with Scotland on a visit last year and will be returning to Dumfries in late September to hold four seminars. They are coming to Scotland to teach and minister to and with folks of all denominations and churches in the Dumfries area. Thanks to Pastor Sandy Jamieson, all four seminars will be hosted at the Lighthouse Church on Maxwell Street in Dumfries (www.lighthousechurch1.com).

The seminars will include:

A Christian Perspective on Money – 29 September starting at 1930 – This will include a Jewish perspective on money, stewardship, inheritance, investing, and the three kinds of giving: tithes, offerings, and alms. Pastors have asked Dan to bring this teaching to their churches because it is a well-balanced teaching on how to handle money.

Ministry Gifts and Moving in the Holy Spirit – 30 September starting at 1930 – This will begin with a short teaching on ministry gifts and conclude with “practice” time for all who want to move more in ministry gifts and be more used by the Holy Spirit. Of course, folks who want to be baptized in the Holy Spirit can come expecting that, too. This is really all about helping folks to understand that the signs and wonders talked about in Mark 16 are supposed to be happening around ALL believers, not just a few, and that they, too can be part of the miraculous works on earth today.

Healing and Flowing in Healing Ministry – 1 October starting at 1400 – This will start with a teaching about healing (physical, emotional, deliverance, etc.) and how God heals and wants to heal followed later in the afternoon with “practice” time for those who want to be used more in healing ministry.

Healing Rally – 1 October starting at 1930 – This will begin with a short teaching on healing leaving plenty of time for Dan, Deborah, and a prayer team from the afternoon teaching on healing to pray for the sick and watch God work miracles. Dan and Deborah report an amazingly high percentage of people who are truly touched and changed during rallies like this.

Dan and Deborah have been teaching and ministering in the US, Mexico, Guatemala, Germany, Kenya, and, of course, Scotland. God has given them a compassion for hurting humanity, and they would rather come to Scotland to make friends and pray for the sick rather than as tourists just seeing the beautiful sights. On their last trip Dan discovered that his people come from around Loch Lomond.

This couple not only minister together but, Dan is a pastor, Deborah is an artist, they have a lovely daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Kevin Flanagan, and are proud grandparents of four wee grandchildren: Hannah, (Corinah, Elorah, – twins) and Aedan.

For more information about Dan and Deborah and their home church, check out their website at www.cecmessiah.org. The local contact for these seminars and the Whitt’s visit is Jean Nelson, 01387-720380.

Dan Whitt(dwhitt39@earthlink.net)

Over the last 25 years Comlongon Castle, Clarencefield has steadily been building up an unparalleled reputation for excellence within the wedding industry and is now regarded as one of the premier wedding venues in the country.

Owned and run by Phillip Ptolomey, Comlongon Castle has organised thousands of weddings and receptions for couples from all over the world.

“We have spent a great deal of time and resources constantly improving the Castle and grounds,” said Phillip, “guests are stunned at what we provide.”

Comlongon Castle rarely comments on their client list, but has had many well known celebrities through their doors.

“Organising successful weddings is about attention to detail. Many of our clients have told us over the years the estate is the perfect location for a music festival, so it’s always been in the back of our minds”

What started as an idea for a party has now progressed to a full live festival. Event coordinator, Alex Roberts, Comlongon Castles Duty Manager has managed to pull together in a few short weeks an amazing list of local talent who will appear at Comlongon Rocks on Sunday 25th September.

“We were stunned by the level of support shown by everyone who has contacted us. We have only been working on this for the last few weeks and are delighted to confirm that Finding Albert and Iron Claw are to appear on the main stage”

So far over 20 bands and DJ’s have been booked. The festival hopes to raise funds for two charities Cash for Kids and Cancer Research UK.

Phillip added “The region desperately needs a venue for local bands to play to a local audience. With a huge increase in PPL fees planned over the next 3 years there will be very few venues for local bands to appear.”

It is hoped that the festival will be a huge success and will be repeated again next year.

Coors have agreed to sponsor the beer marquee whilst catering will be provided by Comlongon award winning chefs and Lazy Joes unique pie bus.

Tickets are £10 each and on sale at various vendors across the region.

Details are available on Facebook Comlongon Rocks and www.comlongonrocks.com.

The event starts at 12.00 and concludes at midnight

Roads Policing Officers in Dumfries are gearing up to police a proposed ‘Cruise’ event in Dumfries on Sunday evening, 18 September 2011. “The event is to be held on the Whitesands in the town and at this stage it not known how many cars will turn up for the event” says Sergeant Billy Broatch of the Roads Policing Unit. “Cruises are not new things and we have been involved with them as far back as 2006 when we used to attend and give out advice to motorists on road safety, traffic law or just anything to do with driving really. Our attitude to Cruises is that we do understand that people who have an interest and passion for their cars want to get together to share experiences and information about their vehicles. We will however take a robust stance to any traffic violations or anti social behaviour that might take place. Our experience over the years is that the majority of those who attend do so because of their interest in cars.”

Summer Football in North West Dumfries came to an end on the 24th of August with the Big Match finale.

North West Dumfries Youths played a Wardens Select Team made up of players from Council services including Annan Wardens, DGFirst, Fire and Rescue, Leisure and Sport, Community Learning and Development and YPSS. Russell Brown MP and representatives from Queen of the South and Dumfries and Galloway Police also took part, which included the Chief Constable getting his football boots out in aid of this event. The match was again refereed by Neil Patterson from DGHP.

This year the weekly sessions had 56 young people through the gates to join the football coaching sessions organised by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Wardens, YPSS and Leisure and Sport in partnership with Queen of the South.

The Ewan Q Fraser Challenge Cup was presented to Northwest Dumfries Youths, for winning 3-1, by Councillor Ronnie Nicholson.

Medals and certificates were presented by Iain Campbell from Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue.

This year they received generous funding from various local business and organisations and a local councillor, making it possible for the programme to take place.

Curling is a fantastic way to exercise, meet new people, and have fun. So come along and drop in on our free Try Curling sessions at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Monday 12 September.

These free sessions are open to anyone aged 8 to 80+ and cater for all levels of abilities. Their qualified coaches will welcome you along, teach you the basics of the game, and show you how to deliver curling stones full length.

All you need to try curling is a pair of clean, flat, rubber soled shoes (trainers are ideal) and loose fitting, warm clothing. Stones, brushes and all other equipment will be supplied for you.

See below for a list of dates and times that you can Try Curling at your local ice rink and who to contact to reserve your place.

You can Try Curling at Dumfries Ice Bowl:

Monday 12 September 2011

6pm to 7.30pm

or

7.30pm to 9pm

A film from David Slater, at the Bank of Scotland Olympic Torch Roadshow in Dumfries last Friday. The Olympic torch was present, and there was a lot of interest from local people. We’re hoping that the torch may return to the Region in 2012.

The countdown to the arrival of the Tour of Britain in Dumfries is well and truly underway.

On Sunday 11 September 2011, Britain’s blue-riband national cycle race will race through Moffat just before 1200 (noon) before the 96 cyclists from 16 professional teams head for Dumfries.

The cyclists are expected to arrive on the Whitesands in Dumfries at around 1245, before setting out on a sweep of the Solway Coast, travelling through New Abbey and Beeswing, as they race back to Dumfries.

The winner of the first stage of the Tour of Britain is expected to cross the finish line on the Whitesands at around 1350 (1.50pm).

The entertainment on the Whitesands starts at 1200 (noon).

Bike parking facilities will be available free on the Whitesands in Dumfries. Look out for signage.

The Council is providing a free bus service to take cycling enthusiasts to the Devil’s Beeftub (above Moffat) to view the race. The bus will leave the Whitesands at 1015 and return to Dumfries in time for the stage finish. Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place, email: gosmart@dumgal.gov.uk or phone: 0800 0234 586 before 8 September.

For full information on the Tour of Britain, see: www.tourofbritain.co.uk

A host of activities has also been organised around the Tour of Britain:

Friday 2 September 2011, 1000 to 1600 (10am to 4pm)

Olympic Torch Relay

High Street, Dumfries (near fountain)

Have your photo taken with the 2012 Olympic Torch and have your chance to nominate someone to be an Olympic Torchbearer.

Commonwealth Games cyclist and Endura Racing professional Evan Oliphant will also make an appearance.

Saturday 10 September 2011, 1100 to 1700 (11am to 5pm)

Sporting Sessions

High Street, Dumfries

Local sports clubs host a range of come and try sessions to encourage more people to participate in sport and leisure activities.

Saturday 10 September 2011, 1800 to 2100 (6pm to 9pm)

Emily Smith and Band

Plainstanes gathering space, High Street, Dumfries (beside Midsteeple)

Free concert by one of Dumfries and Galloway’s favourite musicians. Emily is a leading performer on the contemporary Scottish folk scene. Her powerful clear vocals have gained her awards and worldwide recognition.

Sunday 11 September 2011, 1200 to 1430 (noon to 2.30pm)

The Tour of Britain

Whitesands, Dumfries

Dumfries hosts the first stage finish of Britain’s premier cycle race. A host of cycling activities are programmed to keep the crowd entertained while the cyclists race to the Dumfries. Entertainment includes pipe bands, unicyclists, children’s races, street entertainers, a large cycling trade zone, and live race commentary from the Tour of Britain team.

On September 5th at 7pm, the Million Dollar Man – Ted DiBiase is speaking at Lighthouse Church, Maxwell Street, Dumfries.

The son of a professional wrestler, Ted DiBiase started his pro wrestling career as a fan favorite, but soon “changed sides” and became a heel throughout the rest of his career. DiBiase entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the late 1980s where he gained his fame as “The Million Dollar Man.”

DiBiase stayed in the WWF for more nearly 10 years, ending up as a manager for (soon to be star) “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Hear his amazing story; a man who had everything but found that without God he was the poorest man in the world.

Cream teas and fun for all the family will be on offer at a unique garden party on Saturday 27th August. It takes place at River of Life Church, beside Dumfries Railway Station, from 2 – 5pm. Everyone is invited to sample traditional treats, home-baking and a sumptuous chocolate fountain. Professional manicures and facials will be available as well as crafts and cards, tombola, face-painting and a whole host of children’s activities, including a bouncy castle.

Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children under 16. Proceeds from the event will split between the A21 Campaign which aims to prevent people from being trafficked and protect and support victims, and City Hearts, and Sheffield based charity which runs a ‘safe house’ as a refuge for girls from around the UK escaping from prostitution or domestic servitude.

This event is being hosted by Women Connect, who meet together regularly to support one another and to raise the profile of key issues. The issue of human trafficking was discussed at a recent meeting and inspired the group to do something about it. According to member Ali Spellacy, “This whole thing has really shocked us. We want to do something to make a difference and hope our garden party will be a start.”

Here’s Ali’s interview with Mark Smith on Drivetime earlier this week:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The A21 Campaign is committed to abolishing justice in the 21st century. It has established a schools prevention programme to educate pupils on the risk of trafficking and operates a crisis care shelter providing medical care, legal services, trauma rehabilitation and life skills training to victims. A21 also partners with a range of agencies to strengthen legal responses to trafficking and prosecute perpetrators. More information on the work of A21 will be available at the event. See thea21campaign.org for more info.

City Hearts, in Sheffield, exists to help young vulnerable women and has the capacity to house up to 30 women at any one time. The Safe House provides a place of safety for women coming out of prostitution and women who have been rescued from human trafficking. See hopecitychurch.tv/community/city-hearts for more info.

“Human trafficking might seem a remote issue but it is happening closer to home than we think.” says group leader Helen Smith. “Trafficked women have been found in Glasgow brothels. Victims could be coming in through local ports like Stranraer. By raising awareness we hope we can help bring an end to this terrible trade.”

A special joint exhibition exploring the landscapes, buildings and people of Dumfriesshire opens at Dumfries Museum and Gracefield Arts Centre this weekend.

The exhibition at Dumfries Museum focuses on historical works, showcasing the way artists have recorded the county over the last three centuries. It compares romantic 18th century prints of historic monuments and idealised 19th century oils with 20th century works that reflect the contemporary colourist movement. It includes a dramatic depiction of the River Nith south of Sanquhar by an unknown artist which contrasts with a tranquil rendering of Rabbit Island, south of Brydekirk, by George Wright. Visitors can explore the jumbled closes and grand facades of 19th century Dumfries through the work of William Coston Aitken and Joseph Watson amongst others. Contrasting views of the Solway shoreline sit alongside the works of Christian Jane Ferguson which show both town and country scenes remarkable for their light and colour.

Visitors to Gracefield Arts Centre can view selected contemporary works of art by over 20 artists that present new interpretations of the Dumfriesshire area. Works have been submitted by well-known local painters like Alexander Robb, Julie Dumbarton, Freda Blackwood, Bella Green, Angela Lawrence and William Spurway, to name but a few, and there is also a selection of exciting photographic works from Roger Lever and Jane McLaughlin. With a wide selection of styles and media there is guaranteed to be something to suit all tastes and visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite. The winner of the public vote will be purchased for the Gracefield Permanent Collection through a grant from the Dumfriesshire Educational Trust who are celebrating their centenary this year.

This partnership exhibition opens officially at Gracefield Arts Centre at 7pm on Friday 12 August. It will run at both venues until Saturday 22 October when there will be a special late night opening from 7pm at Dumfries Museum, when the result of the public vote for the Gracefield Collection Purchase will be announced.

Dumfries Museum is open from 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday and 2pm – 5pm Sunday. (From October 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday)

Gracefield Arts Centre is open 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday

Admission is free.

Mark Smith interviewed his daughter, Rebecca (Bec), who lives near Hackney and close to some of last night’s riots. She also works in Leather Lane, in the borough of Camden:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

It started in America and now it’s reached Dumfries. On Friday, 12th August 2011 ‘Drive In Movie Night’ is coming to town and promises to be a real experience. Come along in your car, or join in without a car, and experience a cinema experience like no other.

The event is brought to you by Dumfries and Galloway Council and is FREE.

One of the biggest Films of 2010, The Social Network, will air from 8 pm in George Street Car Park, next to the Old Art School in Dumfries. Gates open at 7.15 pm.

So come along and enjoy what promises to be a novel experience for Dumfries.

The local branch of Gatekeepers Global Ministries, is holding an event; “Rivers of Revival”, with Catherine Brown, on Saturday 13th August at 7.30pm in Lighthouse Christian Centre, Maxwell Street, Dumfries, DG2 7AN.

Further information from Francis McFaul: 07743596477.

Police in Dumfries and Galloway are asking motorists to be aware of the presence of a large number of motorcycles in the Newton Stewart area on Sunday 7 August 2011. Between 11.30 hours and 1200 hours some 300 plus motorcycle will travel from New Galloway Fire Station into Victoria Street in Newton Stewart. The run is part of a Rotary Club event ‘The Wheelie Good Bike Show’ which takes place in Newton Stewart that day. The route will use the A712 and B7079 towards Minnigaff. Most of Victoria Street will be closed that day and motorists are asked to take care if they find themselves travelling in the vicinity of the run.

Some of the world’s top cyclists will race into Dumfries when the first stage of the Tour of Britain finishes on 11 September 2011.

After leaving the centre of Peebles, the first stage travels along the Tweed valley to Innerleithen. It then heads uphill, taking the race over a series of climbs to Tweedsmuir, and on to Moffat. After reaching Dumfries, the stage race around a loop of Dumfries and Galloway, before sprinting towards the finish line in Dumfries.

Relaunched in 2004, after a 5 year absence from the calendar, the Tour of Britain is now the UK’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.

The Tour of Britain attracts some of the world’s top cyclists, including Olympic and World Champions and Tour de France stage winners, to compete on British roads each September.

16 teams of 6 cyclists will start the first stage, with 7 of the squads recently racing in the Tour de France, including Sky, HTC Highroad and Leopard Trek. Also competing will be top domestic British teams such as Rapha Condor Sharp, Team Raleigh, Endura Racing, Sigma Sport – Specialized, and Motorpoint Pro Cycling.

The 9 stages of the Tour of Britain take place over 8 days, from Sunday 11 to Sunday 18 September 2011. The first stage runs from Peebles to Dumfries, finishing on Whitesands. The final stage is an individual time trial in central London, finishing on Whitehall. Along the way The Tour visits North West England, Wales, the Potteries, Devon, Somerset and East Anglia.

For full details of the Tour of Britain see: www.tourofbritain.com

The first stage, from Peebles to Dumfries, is the result of partnership working involving Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, EventScotland and the Tour of Britain. Dumfries and Galloway Council has paid £20,000 to attract the first stage finish to the region.

With a day of cycle-related entertainment for all the family being organised, it is expected that the event will attract a large number of people to Dumfries town centre. It is anticipated that the event will have a significant economic impact for the region, through visitors and television coverage.

The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland Tour Ride takes place on Sunday 4 September, 1 week before the first stage of the Tour of Britain. This event gives cyclists the opportunity to ride on part of the official Tour of Britan route while raising money for the Prostate Cancer Charity. Riders can choose whether to take on the 170km pro ride from Peebles to Dumfries or the shorter 70km challenge ride. For full details see: www.tourride.co.uk

Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Annandale & Eskdale Sports Academy was on its travels again last week when another fully subscribed trip made a journey to Belhaven Bay, Dunbar on Scotland’s east coast.

30 children were joined by Scottish Surfing champion Josh Christopherson at the Coast2Coast Surfing school where children were taught the skills and jargon of surfing including the “Tube”, “Barrels”, “Cut Backs” and “White Water”. 10 year old James Marshall from Eastriggs said, “We had a great day and if it was not for the Sports Academy we would not get to try sports like this.” 10 year old Katie McCall from Langholm added, “I have been surfing before on holiday, but to be taught by the Scottish champion is amazing and I learned some new moves today.” These opportunities are made possible by the sponsorship and funding from EnergySolutions, Awards for All, the Annandale & Eskdale Area Committee and the Andrew Stevenson Foundation with prices heavily subsidised to make them fully inclusive.

Local children also had the chance to meet another Scottish International on Monday at Lockerbie Bowling Club. Coaches from the club were joined by Scottish International Iain McLean who joined a group of children at a green bowling coaching session on Monday morning. Iain has been in the Scottish team for 5 years and it is hoped his visit will act as a catalyst for children to continue bowling at the club.

Full programme details and on-line bookings for the Summer and now October Sports Academy can be made at www.dumgal.gov.uk/sportsacademy or by calling Calum Graham on 01461 207046 or 077876 90611 or e-mail calum.graham@dumgal.gov.uk

Police in Dumfries and Galloway want to thank festival goers who attended the annual Wickerman Festival at East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan at the weekend for their good behaviour. The festival, which is now in it’s tenth year provided the largest crowd yet over the three days, with some 15,000 attendees, was policed to what is now a well tried and tested plan which resulted in only a handful of minor offences which required to be dealt with.

This year, those attending the festival were met with a police operation as they entered the festival site which was aimed at combating the misuse of drugs. Vehicles and people were searched, with the assistance of police sniffer dogs in an attempt to stop illegal drugs being taken on to the site. As a result of this operation 63 people were found in possession of illegal drugs and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. In addition, five offences in relation to the supply of illegal drugs will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. In total drugs with a value of just under £3500 were seized in the operation. The drugs seized included cannabis and herbal cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and diazepam.

As the festival goers left on Sunday, those driving off the site were offered the opportunity to take a voluntary breathalyser test to check on their fitness to drive on the public roads. In total, nearly 500 drivers too advantage of this initiative and police are again encouraged by the level of responsibility taken by drivers in this initiative.

Inspector Stuart Davidson, who was responsible for pulling the policing plan together said “once again the good working relationships developed over the years between all those involved in running the festival has paid dividends. The low numbers of arrests in high numbers of attendees is a credit to those who come along to the festival. While there is an increase in the number of people found in possession of illegal drugs, the positive factor in the manner in which we carried out our searches has ensured that none of theses drugs were able to be taken into the festival site to be misused. Our officers engaged with the festival goers and there was a good atmosphere about the place. The majority of those being searched for drugs were fully supportive of the measures taken to stop this type of activity inside the site.”

Youth Beatz has launched its packed day-time schedule which will run from 1pm-5.30pm on Saturday 13th August in Dock Park, Dumfries. The highlight will be a guest appearance from X-Factor’s Wagner who will be taking to the stage along with local acts from youth and community groups.

There will be loads of free activities including:

* a climbing wall

* laser quest

* a mobile Ski Slope

* bungee trampolines

* rodeo bull

* a range of inflatables

* human table football

* police display team

* mobile youth centre

* YMCA world Zone

* music bus

* wrestling display team

* and Scotland’s largest inflatable slide

There will also be an interactive youth area called Wonderland where young people can take part in a range of activities to explore issues facing young people in the area.

With such a wide range of entertainment and activities on offer, both on and off stage, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Youth Beatz – and all you have to do is book your FREE ticket at www.youthbeatz.co.uk, then come along to the Dock Park on Saturday 13th August and join in the fun.

This is the third consecutive year that the event has run and it is one of the highlights in Dumfries’s entertainment calendar. It is also the final event in this year’s Sumit Tae Dae programme for young people in Nithsdale.

Youth Beatz is now Scotland’s biggest FREE music event, and although top-class stars such as Chipmunk, Basshunter and Emma’s Imagination will be entertaining the crowds in the evening, the event aimed at 12-25 year olds has plenty on offer throughout the day.

Runners and riders have been taking part in a range of Sports Academy sessions across Annandale & Eskdale as part of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Annandale & Eskdale Sports Academy.

In Annan last week nearly 50 children joined in the four day Startrack Athletics coaching scheme at the recently re-laid running track. Supported by Annan & District Athletics Club, children were put through their paces in a range of run, jump and throwing events. The session incorporated coaching for people with disabilities and the children were lucky enough to be joined by Scottish athletes, 100 metre sprinter Hope Robertson and Kirsty Yates who does the shot put.

Young riders were also offered a day to remember with a visit to Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre in Silecroft, southern Cumbria. After receiving over 80 bookings for 30 places this popular activity did not fail to deliver with children learning to groom and tak, a lesson in the arena, horse management and study and pony games. The highlight was a beach ride of up to 5 miles depending on ability. Some took part in a gentle stroll along the sand whilst others went on an exhilarating gallop through the surf.

With a second trip organised to meet demand, a third will be organised should another 10 interested children come forward.

These two activities are just a small part of the Summer Sports Academy Programme which is funded by EnergySolutions, Awards for All, the Annandale & Eskdale Area Committee and Andrew Stevenson Foundation. Full programme details and on-line bookings can be made at www.dumgal.gov.uk/sportsacademy or by calling Calum Graham on 01461 207046 or 077876 90611 or e-mail calum.graham@dumgal.gov.uk

From 22 to 24 July 2011, people across the UK will have the chance to take part in events and projects to celebrate one year until the start of the London Olympics in 2012.

People across Dumfries and Galloway are being encouraged to take part in the local Twenty12 walks which are located across the region. There are 20 walks at 12 different locations all of only 2,012 metres long.

The walks have distance markers along the route all with fun facts and challenges to complete along the way. The walks are perfect for all the family, young and old. These walks are free to take part and the routes will be open for the full 3 days of the weekend.

Local Scottish national athlete Kirsty Yates joined pupils from St Andrews primary school to try out the Dock Park route in Dumfries in preparation for this weekend’s events. Kirsty, who made her senior international debut for Scotland in Loughborough, was on hand to help the children to take part in the challenges and answer questions about how they too can become a national level athlete and the importance of staying active.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 organising committee, said, “Open Weekend is focused on celebrating the One Year to Go countdown to the London 2012 Games and helping communities across the country experience the best of British sporting, artistic and cultural talents up close. I’d encourage people to get involved at a local event as part of this nationwide celebration; it will be an amazing event.”

Councillor Patsy Gilroy, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said, “The Twenty12 walks recognise some of the fantastic parks, forests and trails Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. I encourage everyone across the region to take part in these small walks and challenges linked to the Olympics.”

The twenty 12 walk routes range from Langholm across the region to Stranraer. To find a route near you see www.dumgal.gov.uk/twenty12walks or visit your local library or leisure centre for the list of venues.

Justice Secretary to meet police and other justice partners in Annan and Dumfries.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill will travel to Dumfries and Galloway tomorrow  to meet area officers and discuss local policing issues and police reform.

Mr MacAskill will undertake a busy day of meetings with a range of police representatives, including senior staff, the Scottish Police Federation and community officers, as he seeks to build a consensus on the most appropriate way forward for Scotland’s police forces.

He will also see community policing in action in the town centres of Annan and Dumfries as well as discussing local priorities with representatives from the fire and rescue service, the NHS, the local alcohol and drug partnership, social services, and youth justice officials.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr MacAskill said:

“Every community in Scotland is entitled to an effective and sustainable police service that is able to respond to their local needs while at the same time protecting them from national threats such as organised crime and terrorism.

“The police in Dumfries and Galloway do a superb job each day keeping communities safe in each part of this diverse region – be it in a rural area or in one of the towns.

“But reform of the service across Scotland is necessary to ensure that this visible local policing can be maintained and improved in the face of the looming budget cuts from Westminster.

“Our reform programme will also ensure that senior officers in Dumfries and Galloway can continue to set policing priorities for their neighbourhoods while being able to call on the very best national expertise when it is needed.

“No decisions have been taken on the shape of reform, and I will be travelling right across the country during the summer, talking to police and others about the most appropriate way forward before proposals are brought before Parliament in the autumn.”

Deputy Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway Police, Mike McCormick said:

“The Cabinet Secretary’s visit will allow him to observe frontline partnership working in action and highlight the importance of our collaborative and accountable arrangements, which enable responses to be put in place that allow the police to work with partners in Dumfries and Galloway to provide a safe and secure environment for our community.”

The Cabinet Secretary will be available for interview and photo opportunities in Annan and Dumfries. You are invited to confirm your attendance in advance (contact details below).

This week on The Late Show: Thursday 7th July 2011:

Shaun Hollamby will be joining Michael Greaves Mackintosh on The Late Show.

With a racing career lasting over 30 years Shaun Hollomby could be one of the most experienced British drivers yet to win a major title. currently driving a VW Golf in this years British Touring Car Championship along side his day job, running a tuning buisness in Essex (AMD).

 If you have a question for Shaun you can Text 07564364464 or email hello@aliveradio.net

The Late Show  Thursday 7pm-10pm Alive 107.3fm www.aliveradio.net

http://www.amdessex.com/index.cfm

Nominations set to open on the 7^th of July for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2011

The Second annual Awards recognises the best in the independent retail industry.

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards will take place at the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow on the 13^th October 2011. The sparkling occasion recognises and rewards independent retailers for their hard work and their commitment and dedication to their businesses. Nominations will open on the 7^th of July for 12 weeks, closing on the 29^th September 2011.

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards highlight the value that independent retailers add to the communities and country they operate within; thus acknowledging their diversity within the industry. The Awards also celebrate the entrepreneurial flair and business acumen that the best in the business possess, nurturing their ventures to success.  

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards were introduced in September 2010. The nomination response from the Scottish public and independent retailers was phenomenal thus, returning  this year as title sponsors, United Wholesale (Scotland) (1) are gearing up to present an even bigger and better event. Asim Sarwar said: “Awards such as The Scottish Independent Retail Awards provide an excellent opportunity for any business and entrepreneur. These events not only acknowledge and congratulate fellow retailers, they also provide occasion to meet with like-minded people and create and develop long standing business relationships. At United Wholesale (Scotland) we understand the importance of being a community business and appreciate the impact that community can have on business decisions and success. Running your own company presents many challenges but it is also exceptionally rewarding and these Awards truly acknowledge the hard work that goes into planning and managing your own ideas and bringing them to life”.

Irfan Younis, Founding Director of Creative Oceanic (the event organisers) said: “The Scottish Independent Retail Awards launched only last year and we were immediately overwhelmed by the response from business owners wanting to be involved in the event and of course, from the Scottish public eager to nominate their favourite local, independent retailers. The response rate was exceptional; over 4000 nominations were received and we are confident that that figure can easily be surpassed this year”.

There is a broad spectrum of categories for independent retailers and their patrons to nominate in the following titles:

• Convenience Store of the Year
• Newsagent/Grocer of the Year
• Off Sales of the Year
• Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year
• Responsible Retailer of the Year
• Hair & Beauty Retailer of the Year
• Fashion Retailer of the Year
• Accessories Retailer of the Year (inc. shoes, bags, jewellery)
• Technology Retailer of the Year (inc. printers, mobile phone shops, electrical goods)
• Book/Stationery Retailer of the Year
• Service Provider of the Year (inc. travel agents, business services)
• Health & Lifestyle Retailer of the Year
• Eatery of the Year (inc. cafes, restaurants)

The Scottish public can vote for their favourite within the categories using the online nomination form or by downloading a copy and sending it to Creative Oceanic (3). The glittering ceremony on the 13^th of October is geared up to be a very glitzy bash with nominations opening from the 7^th of July and closing on the 29^th September 2011.

Saturday 9th July, from 8 pm

Local folk singer, BILLY HENDERSON, performing at the

BARONS CRAIG HOTEL, Rockcliffe, by Dalbeattie.

Scots, Irish & U.S. Folk-songs.

Roman coins from Dunragit

Last year the British Museum ran a hugely popular exhibition called ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’. Not to be outdone – and always quick to spot a good idea – Stranraer Museum now gives you ‘A History of Wigtownshire in 100 Objects’.

The museum has selected one hundred unique local items. The earliest is a fossil graptolite, a strange marine creature which inhabited the region’s prehistoric oceans some 400 million years ago. The most recent is a hand-drawn political cartoon from the 1997 General Election which rather bizarrely features the Spice Girls and Stranraer’s Castle of St John. The remaining 98 items cover some 8,000 years of Wigtownshire’s human history.

Among the objects on display are Stone Age flint tools from Kirkcowan, a mediaeval pilgrim’s badge from Whithorn and a hoard of silver pennies buried near Garlieston during the Wars of Independence. The more curious items include a man-powered plough from Stranraer Reformatory, the patent for a manure spreader made at a local foundry and the propeller of the first plane to land in Wigtownshire. Also on display is the skull of the Shire’s last wild boar.

Each object has a special story to tell. And together these objects help us to understand the history of Wigtownshire.

Visitors are invited to select and vote for the item which best represents the spirit and history of Wigtownshire. The winning object will be announced at the end of the exhibition.

The exhibition opens on 2 July and runs until 8 October. Admission is free.

Nestlé staff from the company’s Girvan site will zoom past Loch Doon, through Dumfries and across the border to Carlisle on Friday, July 1 as they ride the first leg of a 500 mile cycle relay for Alzheimer Scotland and Alzheimer’s Society.

The nine cyclists are one of eight teams to take on the Nestlé Site to Site Challenge, a tough fortnight-long cycle relay around Nestlé offices starting in Girvan, South Ayrshire and finishing in Croydon, Surrey.

The team from Nestlé’s site in Girvan will be split into two, with the first cyclists pedalling 66.5 miles to Dumfries. They will then pass the baton to the second Girvan team who will ride the remaining 33 miles to Carlisle.

The money raised from the 500 mile relay will go to Alzheimer Scotland and Alzheimer’s Society.

More than 60 Nestlé staff across the UK are taking part in the cycle challenge, with the final team crossing the finish line at Nestlé’s head office in Croydon on 14 July.

Organisers of Youth Beatz today announced that Swedish superstar BASSHUNTER will perform at the event this year. Thousands of young people are expected to flock to Dock Park, Dumfries on August 13th to attend what could be Scotland’s largest free youth music event.

Best known for his massive hit singles “Now You’re Gone” and “All I Ever Wanted”, as well as appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, Basshunter will take to the main stage alongside Chipmunk, Emma’s Imagination, Twenty Twenty, Soundgirl and Wagner. Basshunter was quoted as saying: “I can’t wait to perform and I’m really looking forward to the show in Dumfries.”

Created in partnership with, and at the request of young people, Youth Beatz 2010 attracted an audience of almost 12,000 people. Youth Beatz is an interactive event for young people aged 12-25 to have fun, take part and be better informed about relevant issues, services and opportunities. The event is about socialising and experiencing major main stage acts, and is also aimed at creating civic pride and a lasting legacy of young people being fully involved in their community.

A young person from the events team who are involved in planning Youth Beatz said; “We are really pleased with the different styles of music in the line up this year and we hope it will appeal to a wide range of young people.”

Provost of Dumfries Jack Groom said; “Youth Beatz is an opportunity for our whole community to show their support for our young people, through engaging with them in an environment which they own and want to be in. Alongside providing information for young people which will help them access services and new opportunities, Youth Beatz is about young people enjoying themselves. Nithsdale Area Committee is delighted to be contributing to Youth Beatz, alongside commercial sponsorship.

The event will also feature activity-based entertainment, family attractions, dance and youth services information, local musicians and community groups. Youth Beatz 2011 will continue as free to enter, but for the first time tickets will be required. Free tickets can be obtained from www.youthbeatz.co.uk

This year’s RSAC Scottish motor rally returns to our region for another spectacular day of thrills and spills. There are lots of opportunities to see the action, which kicks off in Dumfries Town Centre at 8.30am on Saturday 25th June.

The full spectator schedule is available from www.scottishrally.co.uk and covers viewing opportunities in Ae Forest, Heathhall, Castle O’er and  Twiglees forests, with the cars returning to Dumfries town centre between 3.50 & 6pm.

Scrutineering takes place from 4pm today, 24th June, in the Ice Bowl, Dumfries.

As the rally is taking place on Armed Forces Day, there will be several opportunities to make a donation to the Help for Heroes charity during the event.

Local driver, David Bogie and co-driver, Kevin Rae Mitsubishi are seeded No1, for the rally, in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.

Here’s some extra video coverage of last Saturday’s Guid Nychburris day celebrations, courtesy of David Slater:

Organisers of Youth Beatz today announced that Emma’s Imagination will perform on the main stage this year. Thousands of young people are expected to flock to Dock Park, Dumfries on August 13th to attend what could be Scotland’s largest free youth music event.

Having won TV show “Must be the Music” last September, and a prize of £100,000, Emma’s singles “This Day” and “Focus” both reached the top 10 UK singles charts. She later signed for Gary Barlow’s label Future Records and released her debut album “Stand Still” to much critical acclaim. Emma has had a whirlwind year and is performing at Youth Beatz amongst a hectic schedule of summer festivals including T in the Park and V Festival.

Created in partnership with, and at the request of young people, Youth Beatz 2010 attracted an audience of almost 12,000 people. Youth Beatz is an interactive event for young people aged 12-25 to have fun, take part and be better informed about relevant issues, services and opportunities. The event has been designed to be about socialising and experiencing major main stage acts as well as creating civic pride. The aim is a lasting legacy of young people being fully involved in their community.

Although Emma is from Dumfries, this will be the first opportunity for many local people to see her live since she shot to fame. Emma also performed at Youth Beatz in 2009 and accessed our Council’s Community Learning and Development Services like the Youth Enquiry Service and Oasis Youth Centre as a young person. An important part of Youth Beatz is giving young musicians the opportunity to perform at large scale events. With local acts Finding Albert and Xavia joining Emma’s Imagination on stage, the event promises to have a strong local representation.

Youth Beatz will be headlined by UK chart star Chipmunk and will feature a daytime guest appearance by X-Factor star Wagner. Organisers have promised there are more acts to be announced in the coming weeks. Youth Beatz 2011 will continue as free to enter, but members of the public are advised that for the first time tickets will be required. Free tickets can be obtained from www.youthbeatz.co.uk

The event is managed through a partnership led by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Learning and Development Nithsdale and is part funded by Nithsdale Area Committee. Funding for the event has been secured from EventScotland, Awards for All and The Holywood Trust alongside main sponsors Stagecoach, Magnox North and Dunlops.

DGTripshare.com is offering four lucky people the chance to get free tickets to the Wickerman Festival!

You can win 2 tickets by registering on www.dgtripshare.com. Another two tickets can be won by logging as many trips as you can on the site. The person who logs the most trips in the month between 15th June and 15th July will win 2 tickets to the festival. No purchase is necessary; visit www.dgtripshare.com to become a member and start logging your journeys.

The Wickerman Festival is an annual music festival held near to Dundrennan in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Dubbed ‘Scotland’s Alternative Music festival’, the festival will celebrate it’s 10th Birthday in 2011 on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd July. Find out more at www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

Roger Grant, Chair of Planning, Housing and Environment Services said:

“DGtripshare is a great way to find a car share partner, save money and reduce your carbon footprint. I’m delighted we are able to give these tickets to some lucky people. But everyone is a winner with DGtripshare.”

Full competition details can be found at www.gosmartdumfries.org.uk

A film from David Slater, previewing the Scottish Rally, which starts and finishes in Dumfries next weekend. More info from the Scottish Rally website: www.scottishrally.co.uk.

Video of the Big Parade as part of Guid Nychburris Day 2011. Here’s a chance to see it if you missed getting there, or to see it again. A great turnout of floats and participants:

Courtesy of David Slater

On Tuesday 21 June at 7.30pm, the Lighthouse Church, Maxwell St, Dumfries is hosting a ‘Healing Encounter’ event, with Roy Todd.

Roy Todd is a world travelled minister who communicates and demonstrates Jesus’ message of healing and wholeness. He has prayed for countless thousands of people and numerous stories of outstanding miracles have emerged – including many that were thought impossible. Nothing is impossible for God!

The event is part of Roy’s national tour.

If you are a young disabled person aged 12 – 25 then the DG Voice Youth Matters Conference 2011 is not to be missed.

Share your views at the free ‘Youth Matters’ day from 10am to 3.30pm on 24th June 2011 at DG One, Hoods Loaning, Dumfries. The event is funded and supported by the Council, NHS and Holywood Trust. You can also meet Tam Baillie, Scottish Commissioner for Children and Young People.

The conference also has support right across the third sector including Parents Inclusion Network (PIN), Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC) and Users and Carers involvement (UCI). LGBT has worked with the Council’s Community Learning and Development service to develop the workshops.

This conference will be an opportunity for young people with a disability to tell decision makers what needs to happen for them to live their lives to the full as equal citizens in their communities. The conference organisers can enable attendance and participation for young people with a wide range of disabilities.

The day includes Dance performance by Youth Alive, Body Electric Dance and Soul will be opening the morning and Cree Sound Band will be opening in the afternoon.

Carers will be made very welcome and their involvement in this conference will contribute to the promotion of a good quality of life for disabled young people, their families and wider networks.

Transport can be arranged via Accessible Transport Forum

For more information contact tel: 01387 257770

email. info@dgvoice.co.uk

web www.dgvoice.co.uk

Yes they certainly did! Iain Renicks and Michael Greaves-Macintosh successfully completed a non-stop 24 hour broadcast from our studios in the Old Convent, Dumfries this weekend. Although radio stations have broken records longer that this, it must be a first for Dumfries. As fas as we know, no one has done this in Dumfries and Galloway before, so as such, the boys have set an unofficial local record! They were in the studio live on air from midnight Friday to midnight Saturday.

Iain and Michael were also joined by teenager, Aaron Kelly, who faithfully served them coffee and kept them topped up with moral support! Other presenters, family and friends called in, providing a steady stream of encouragement and listeners were texting, calling and emailing along the way.

All this, to raise funds for the station. Sponsor sheets are out and the guys gave invitations to donate online, and several hundred of £s have been raised through the event.

It’s not too late to pay tribute to Iain, Michael and Aaron’s efforts, by making a donation, large or small, through clicking the ‘donate’ button below:

This weekend, presenters Iain Renicks and Michael Greaves Mackintosh host 24 hours of radio! Within the 24 hours, we’ll have a variety of mini shows, with themes from Disco to Blues, easy listening to classical.

We’ll also feature local bands and artists and various guests and fellow presenters will be popping in for moral support. We kick off at midnight tonight (Friday), running through to midnight Saturday.

Here’s a rundown of whats on when:

12-2 am       Iain and Michael with the Insomnia Roadshow

2am – 4am     Michael with  Disco til Dawn

4am til 6am    Classic Albums; Iain plays out 2 classic Albums

6am til 7am    Movie Madness; Top movie music

7am til 8am     Easy Like Saturday Morning (the ultimate in easy listening)

8am till 10am    The Morning After the Night Before show, with special guests

10am til Noon     Michael presents “Live” on Alive

Noon til 1pm     “Listen Local”. Local acts and bands with live music from Way Up

1pm til 3pm       The Blues Train … Rock n Blues, with Iain

3pm til 5pm      MGM presents, “Unplugged”

5pm til 7pm     Take a chill pill … Chill out zone

7pm till 8pm     The Alive Symphony; the best of classical with Iain

8pm til Midnight    Saturday Night Fever, with Michael and Iain (the home stretch with some great party choons)

YOU CAN STILL SPONSOR THE GUYS BY CLICKING HERE (and please, please, please do):

 

 

 

On the Thursday 26^th May, Cycling Dumfries will be holding its inaugural meeting at Mi Amore on the corner of Bank St and Irish St. Cycling Dumfries is a brand new cycling group that will be campaigning to improve conditions for cyclists in and around the town so that anyone who wants to can use their bike to get around. Anyone who is interested in cycling – even if they don’t ride much or don’t even have a bike – is welcome to attend.

Cycling is a healthy, active way to get about that not only saves you money and keeps you fit but can make the whole town a more pleasant place to be, cutting congestion and pollution and easing pressure on the roads. More that 25% of car journeys in the UK are less than half a mile and 68% of journeys in Dumfries are less than 5 miles, distances which are ideal for cycling. Yet many people simply don’t feel able to get about by bike whether because they are worried about the traffic, don’t have a bike or anywhere secure to keep it, or don’t know how to go about it. Many parents would also like to see their children have the freedom to get around by themselves as they did when they were teenagers but feel it’s now too dangerous to let youngsters out on their own. While there have been some good cycling and walking facilities built around the town – such as the Maxwelltown Railway path and the Caledonian Cycleway – they’re still not joined up enough to make using your bike to get to the shops, school or work as easy as it could be.

Cycling Dumfries is a grass roots campaign which aims to identify and tackle some of these barriers to cycling, urging the council to do more and to make the legacy of the Go Smart! campaign permanent. We welcome the participation of anyone who lives or works in and around the town – including the outlying villages – or anyone who’s interested in promoting everyday cycling in the area. Anyone who’s interested can find out more by visiting our website on http://cyclingdumfries.wordpress.com or email Sally Hinchcliffe (sallyhinchcliffe@gmail.com)

If you are a young disabled person aged 12 – 25 then the DG Voice Youth Matters Conference 2011 is not to be missed.

Share your views at the free ‘Youth Matters’ day from 10am to 3.30pm on 24th June 2011 at DG One, Hoods Loaning, Dumfries. The event is funded and supported by the Council, NHS and Holywood Trust.

The conference also has support right across the third sector including Parents Inclusion Network (PIN), Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC) and Users and Carers involvement (UCI) in relation to supporting carers. LGBT has worked with the Council’s Community Learning and Development service to develop the workshops.

This conference will be an opportunity for young people with a disability to tell decision makers what needs to happen for them to live their lives to the full as equal citizens in their communities. The conference organisers can enable attendance and participation for young people with a wide range of disabilities.Council Leader, Councillor Ivor Hyslop, said, “This is a varied and interesting conference programme which matches the Council’s values including teamwork, partnership, equality and diversity. I hope young people will go along so they can share their views with the decision makers. It’s a unique opportunity to talk to senior people from the Council, NHS and Police. ”

DGVoice Youth Director Callum Dirom said, “We know that young disabled people want to be heard and to make a difference, this is just the start. Please come to the conference, have some fun and at the same time help us make Dumfries and Galloway a better place for everyone to live.”

Hazel Borland, Nurse Director, NHS Dumfries and Galloway welcomed the opportunity presented by the conference:

“I commend DGVoice on their initiative in setting up this important conference. I welcome the opportunity it affords to put the focus on how local partner organisations respond to the specific needs, concerns and issues which affect young people with a disability. It will be a significant step forward in helping us to a clearer understanding – as expressed by the young people themselves – as to what our organisations need to do to make a positive difference to their experience of our services.”

The day includes

* Dance performance by Youth Alive, Body Electric Dance and Soul will be opening the morning and Cree

Sound Band will be opening in the afternoon

Keynote speakers

* Ryan McCann, Young Scot finalist, will be speaking in the morning. Two years ago Ryan was in a car crash which left him with a broken neck. His jobcentre referred him to yipworld.com, a charity in Cumnock, Ayrshire, where he is a volunteer. Ryan, 20, also acts as a mentor for two schools. He will also be facilitating one of the workshops.

* Tam Baillie, Scottish Commissioner for Children and Young People, will speak in the afternoon to give Dumfries and Galloway’s results from the ‘Right Blether’ This national consultation gathered information about issues that affected the lives of young people. Tam wants to hear what young people think about this.

Other events:

Networking and market place

You’ll also be able to share your experiences, ideas and concerns with people who are facing the same or similar challenges and to chat to people from a variety of agencies who have some fun lunchtime activities planned and lots of free stuff to take away.

Interactive workshops

A series of workshops, running in the morning and afternoon, will allow you to discuss in greater depth, areas of specific interest:

Access All Areas: General access related issues including transport, buildings, roads etc.

New Directions: Issues relating to employment education and training

Ask Artie: Negotiating the complex world of friendships and relationships

Moving Out, Moving On: Looking at the tools needed for independent living

Play It Safe: Keeping young people safe at home, online and in their communities

Activ8: Participation and having your say

Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC)will host a ‘Carers Space’ all day for carers to have their say too.

Carers will have an opportunity to contribute their views about the topics being discussed by the young people and to meet informally with representatives from PRTC. Representatives from Parents Inclusion Network and Users and Carers involvement will also be available.

Carers will be made very welcome and their involvement in this conference will contribute to the promotion of a good quality of life for disabled young people, their families and wider networks.

Transport can be arranged via Accessible Transport Forum

Programme

10.00am Registration and refreshments

10.40am Welcome – Frank Smith Chairperson DG Voice

10.45am Youth Alive – Body Electric Dance group

10.55am Keynote Speaker – Ryan McCann finalist from Young Scot awards

11.05am Workshops

12.05pm Lunch and Market Place

1.30pm Welcome – Callum Dirom Youth Director DG Voice

1.35pm Band – Cree Sound

1.45pm Keynote Speaker – Tam Baillie SCCYP – D&G Outcomes from National Big Blether Consultation.

1.55 Workshops

2.40 Refreshment Break and Market place

3.10 What now – Tam Baillie and expert listeners

3.30 Close

The 9^th Spring Fling will take place throughout Dumfries and Galloway from 28-30 May 2011.  Over 85 participants across the county will open their doors to the public over the bank holiday weekend giving the opportunity to see artists at work, join a workshop or just buy while travelling to studios amid some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.  This is the most successful artist open studios event of its kind in Scotland.

In addition to the core open studios trail there is an exciting programme of additional events for Spring Fling visitors, including a ceilidh and hog roast, magical mystery bus tours and a free guided bike ride and guided walk.  New for this year will be a guided Spring Fling walk on Sunday 29 May which will take in 3 artists at 2 studios.  (Details of these activities are at end of release).

This year’s artist-in-residence, Deirdre Nelson is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art. She is a textile artist whose work uses research into textile and social history. Narrative plays a part in her creations, which combine traditional and contemporary techniques. In 2008 she received the Jerwood Makers Award.

Based at The Bookshop in Wigtown, Nelson’s exhibition is the result of a 10-day Spring Fling residency at Wigtown Book Festival last autumn.  Wandering through The Bookshop word related textile works are on display. In addition to viewing the works, visitors will be able to add to the collection of ‘favourite words’ on their visit and become part of this ongoing project.

Says Nelson “Throughout the residency I became a ‘word collector’, gathering favourite words from both writers and visitors to the festival. The resulting words have been a source of inspiration for embroidered and printed textile works, which you will discover by roaming the unusual gallery setting of the largest second hand bookshop in Scotland.”

Spring Fling is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council and EventScotland. More info: spring-fling.co.uk

On the 8 June at 19:00 at Casa Mia Dumfries, Lighthouse Church are holding a fantastic night of great food and entertainment to help raise funds for the New Life Centre in Malawi.

Pastor Sandy Jamieson says, “Come and enjoy a great evening with a 3 course dinner all for just £20. We’re also having live music, a disco and a magician.

Give me a call to book your tickets 07799178108,why not try to book a table of 10? You’ll have a blast!”.

Drop in at Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries on Saturday 23 April and enjoy the annual Easter egg hunt with challenges suitable for all ages. Find the treasured golden eggs and solve the Easter egg riddle.

There is also an arty Easter competition for children. Come along to the Arts Centre from 11am on Saturday and discover lots of fantastic art materials. Spend time in the lovely gardens or galleries drawing a spring picture. The competition closes at 2.30pm and the winners will be announced at 3pm (three age categories: up to 4 years, 5 – 8 years and 9 – 12 years).

Streets of Dumfries, the new big opener for Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival on Saturday 21 May has seen new investment in the arts in the region.

The Festival has attracted £32,000 from national investment streams, allowing the creation of a new event, Streets of Dumfries, as well as an improved PR operation to reach out to visitors from outwith Dumfries and Galloway. The Festival generates a spend of £60,000 annually in the local economy and it is expected that local business  will also benefit as visitors to the Festival fill up accommodation and visitor attractions.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland commented, “We are delighted to be supporting the new “Street of Dumfries” element to the Festival, an exciting new development for this long standing arts event which should help to engage new audiences and drive increased visitor numbers to Dumfries and Galloway”.

Development Officer for the Arts Festival, Peter Renwick said, “The aim of the Festival is to create a wide ranging programme that reaches out across the region.  This additional investment greatly expands our reach to both locals and visitors. Our publicity strategy ensures good local awareness, but also has a national reach to get people to sit up and take notice of all that the region has to offer.”

Peter continued: “We are incredibly grateful for the support for this project from EventScotland, Awards for All, Make a Splash, The Holywood Trust, and Dumfries and Galloway’s Beacon Events Programme.   This has enabled us to add a whole new dimension to the festival, which we hope will be able to grow in future years.”

EventScotland and Beacon Events investment has enabled the Festival to offer some extremely good names at a very accessible ticket price.  Funding from Awards for All, Make a Splash, and  The Holywood Trust has allowed the development of an imaginative workshop programme of Dance, Circus, Carnival music and Props that will run regionwide from the beginning of May. Artists from Ignite Dance Project, Theatre Modo, aethAERIALarts, Orkestra Del Sol, and Annapurna Indian Dance Company will be going into schools and youth groups regionwide.

‘Streets of Dumfries’ offers an early summer afternoon of free family entertainment on Saturday 21 May.  Join the crowds on the High Street from 1pm to follow a Big Band Street Carnival on its way down to Dock Park beside the River Nith.  Look out for street dancers from Ignite, stilt walkers from Theatre Modo and all the brass, drums and atmosphere of carnival.

At 5pm in Dock Park there will be a funky ticketed show, headlined by Celtic Connections stars Skerryvore, and also featuring the extraordinary Orkestra del Sol, The Hidden Orchestra and Horndog Brass Band.

Tickets are now on sale for the Dock Park show from dgArts at the Midsteeple 01387 253383 – £8 in advance or £10 at Dock Park on the day.  Under 16s only £4. Adult tickets for people coming by public transport from outwith D&G are £5.

Free full colour Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival brochures are available in public places.  If you would like a copy posted to you please contact the Arts Festival office on 01387 260447.  The full programme is also available online at www.dgartsfest.com .

Kings Coffee and Books on Queensberry Street, Dumfries, is staging their second “Acoustic Night”, this Saturday 16th April, from 7pm.

Guest artist this time is Andrew Lewis, 17 year old singer songwriter from Wishaw. Helen Smith, who has been putting the event together says, “Andrew is known to many people in Dumfries as ‘Andy the Busker’. I was walking through the town a few weeks ago and heard Andy singing next to M&S and was immediately struck by his voice piercing the crowds and by his confident approach. When I found out he is only 17, I realised this guy will go far.” He sings an Folky/Indy style which generates a wide appeal

Andy was delighted to be noticed and is looking forward to playing in Kings’ town centre venue. Asked why he comes from Wishaw to Dumfries to busk he said, “Well my dad comes down here sometimes, so I get a lift with him, but the weather is nice in Dumfries”

Andrew plays guitar and keyboards as well as singing and he’s been accepted for the Music course at Motherwell College starting in September. His passions as music and skateboarding and he plays in Carluke band, ‘Miscued Vein’, which has recently been offered music recording contracts.

In addition to Andy performing on Saturday night, Kings’ staff will be serving speciality coffee and other drinks & food throughout the evening but they’ll also be providing a unique demonstration and tasting opportunity for various ingenious brewed coffee techniques.

Castle Douglas Art Gallery begins its 2011 programme of art and craft exhibitions on with an exhibition of paintings by Philippa Sinclair of Rockcliffe, following her highly successful show there towards the end of last year.

Entitled “Watercolour Spring Show”, Philippa comments about her exhibition as follows:

“My Spring show coincides with a groundbreaking exhibition at Tate Britain titled ‘Watercolour’. Groundbreaking as it aims to relegate to history the misapprehension that watercolour paintings are pallid, dull and perceived with disdain as the poorer relation to oils. The Tate Britain exhibition reveals the uniqueness of this medium and its vital contribution to the history of art and artist. Only in watercolour could Turner have produced such luminous ethereal images of Venice.

“So in my show I am exhibiting my particular style of watercolour painting which is characterised by a bold palette and vigorous brush strokes. Gone are pale insipid washes and in comes vibrant use of colour and wash. I hope to show that watercolour is a medium that can convey luminosity and gravitas. My inspirations include local seascapes and landscapes and still life.”

The exhibition opens on Thursday, March 3rd and runs until Saturday March 12th. The Art Gallery is located adjacent to Castle Douglas Library. Core opening times are from 11am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday and admission is free.

To celebrate World Book Night 2011, The Ewart Library will be taking part in the largest book give-away ever attempted by hosting a World Book Night Party.

Councillor Graham Nicol, Chair of Resources Committee, said, “This is a dynamic and unprecedented celebration of adult books and reading and I am pleased to see our library service taking part. The night will see one million free books being given away nationwide by passionate readers. The event in Dumfries hopes to celebrate reading and our local authors and give away hundreds of free books. The idea of the night is to make reading attractive to everyone, both to regular readers keen to try a something new and to those who haven’t read a book in a long time or indeed ever.”

Local authors Rab Wilson, Vivien Jones, Gwen Kirkwood and Giancarlo Rinaldi will be introducing their own favourite book from the World Book Night Shortlist and helping to giveaway hundreds of free books.

The selection of 25 World Book Night titles offers a wide array of outstanding books encompassing all types of fiction including historical, literary, crime and commercial as well as memoir and young adult. There is something for everyone. Join the party at the Ewart Library, Dumfries on Saturday 5th March 5.00pm – 7.00pm. This is a free event.

Our Competition starting today is for 2 tickets for Midge Ure at DG One on Sat 26th Feb.

To be in with a chance of winning this exclusive prize, just answer this question:

Midge Ure wrote the Band Aid single Do they know its Christmas. But when was it recorded; date, month and year?

You can enter by calling 01387 26 24 23 or send a text to 07 564 364 464,  or e mail hello@aliveradio.net

Remember to include your contact details. Competition closes at 8pm 22nd Feb, winner will be announced on the Iain Renicks Show.

Competition rules and terms are on this website

Come along to this community event tomorrow, Thursday 27th January, and have a chat with friends and one of our friendly advisors could save you energy and money on your energy bills.

Take the Eco-Driving challenge on our driving simulator that will be available on Queensberry Square and see how much money you can save whilst driving. Also receive a free TV PowerDown plug to start saving energy.

Dumfries Customer Service Centre

52-60 Queensberry Square

Dumfries

DG1 1BF

10:00am – 4:00pm

Do you know someone whose work for a Nithsdale community deserves public recognition?  If so – here’s the opportunity to make them feel appreciated.

The 2011 Nithsdale Community Achievement Awards are held to recognise and celebrate the involvement and achievements of a wide range of community members and community groups throughout Nithsdale.

All those nominated for an award will be invited to attend the Nithsdale Community Achievements Awards evening, which will be on Friday 11 March at DG One, Dumfries.  The evening promises to be a great celebration of success and achievement, with food, entertainment and the main awards ceremony.

There are fourteen categories for the awards this year:

• Adult Achiever of the Year
• Young Achiever of the Year
• Community Group of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Local Partnership Award
• Environmental Impact of the Year
• Inspirational Individual of the year
• After School Excellence Award
• Youth Project/Programme of the Year
• Making Nithsdale Healthier
• Peer Educator/Role Model Award
• Arts and Entertainment Award
• Outstanding Achievement Award

All the awards are Nithsdale-wide, and each award will have three finalists.  Details for each of the categories and how to make a nomination are available in a leaflet which can be picked up in Dumfries from The Midsteeple, Oasis Youth Centre, The North West Resource Centre and in Upper Nithsdale from Kirkconnel Resource Base or Sanquhar Community Centre.  Alternatively you can download it from www.dumgal.gov.uk.

The Awards Ceremony is organised by Dumfries & Galloway Arts (dgArts), Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Community Learning and Development Service (Nithsdale) and Nithsdale Council of Voluntary Service.

For further information you can contact Richard Davidson on 01387 279279 or 01387 260243.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 9 February.

The River of Life Church, at Dumfries Railway Station is inviting lonely people to come for Christmas dinner on the big day.

The Church has run a similar event over Christmas day in the past few years and have helped many people who would otherwise have a miserable Christmas.

There’s no charge for the meal, which is provided by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, with food items provided by individuals, local businesses (Iain Renicks butchers, Thornhill and M&S Dumfries) and the Church.

The meal starts at 1pm, but the Church has a Christmas morning service from 11am – 12noon which people are welcome to come to as well.

Pastor Mark Smith says, “We are so grateful to all the people who have made this possible (including Iain Renicks butchers, Thornhill and M&S Dumfries) and it’s really great that lonely, homeless and needy people have a place to go when it seems the whole world is having fun. We still have need of a few items; if anyone wants to donate to the meal, please do let us know on 01387 264646 or drop items into Kings Coffee and Books in Queensberry Street. We hope that lots of people will make use of this opportunity to have a great Christmas.”

Local singer/songwriter, Lewis Fergusson is performing in the first monthly ‘Acoustic Session’ at Kings Coffee and Books tonight. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7pm, with performance from around 7.30pm.

Lewis recently sang, with his band in the Venue, to an enthusiastic audience, so although he’s on his own tonight, he’s excited to be singing in his hometown again.

At the Lighthouse we believe in putting something back in to our community. We are pleased to host our annual fundraiser for Cash for Kids on Wednesday 15 December at 7.30pm at the Lighthouse Christian Centre, Maxwell Street, Dumfries. We have planned a great Christmas night out for you, mixing fashion, music, live entertainment with cheese and wine all for £5.00. Tickets available by phoning Sandy 07799178108 or you can pay at the door. Why not come have a fun night for all the family and raise money for a great local cause?

On Saturday 11th December St. Andrew’s RC Church are having their annual Christmas Fayre.

It runs from 10am until 2pm in the St. Andrew’s Church Hall. Tickets are available on the door priced £2 or £1 for concessions, and include a free tea/coffee.

There will be a variety of goods on sale, including a bake sale and raffle, and all are welcome.

Is your community group planning to apply to the council for a Nithsdale Area Committee Grant? The workshop will cover the new application form and criteria as well as how to apply for funding.

Due to demand we are now offering a further workshop on Friday 10^th December 2010, 2pm to 4pm at The Hub, 24-26 Friars Vennel, Dumfries.

To book a place please contact: Jeanette Nithsdale CVS on 01387 269161 jeanette.murray@thehubdg.org.uk

This free workshop is funded by the Fairer Scotland Fund

Preparations for this year’s Nithsdale Council of Voluntary Services Charities Fayre are well underway.  The event is being held at DG One  Leisure Complex in Dumfries on Saturday 4^th December  2010 from 11am to 3pm.  This annual event is a great opportunity for local community groups and voluntary organisations to raise awareness and funds by taking a stall and selling their wares.  All few stalls are still available. We are expecting a good turnout on the day. There is a free soft play area for the kids and admission to the hall is very reasonable at £1 for adults, and 50p for kids over 3 years of age.

Jeanette Murray at NCVS said “this year NCVS have a number of new organisations taking up stalls as well as our regulars and there will be a wide range of merchandise on offer, including fair-trade goods, delicious home baking and handmade crafts, bottle stalls, tombolas and seasonal gifts. So please come along on the day to support the event’. For more information please contact NCVS on (01387) 269161 and speak to either Jeanette or Suzanne.

White Ribbon Scotland (WRS) and the Dumfries & Galloway Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women Partnership (DAVAWP) are celebrating the 2010 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with an event in Dumfries.

The event will take place on Thursday 25th November from 6.30pm at DG One leisure complex in Dumfries.

The White Ribbon Campaign is an international movement which seeks to involve men in tackling violence against women. In signing up to the Campaign, supporters pledge “Never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms”.

The programme for the evening includes presentations about the campaign, with a focus on how people can join and challenge gender based violence within Dumfries and Galloway. Players and representatives from Queen of the South FC will also be present to lend their support to the campaign.

George Graham, Deputy Chief Constable and Chair of the DAVAWP said: “This event is another step for further partnership work with White Ribbon Scotland and a great opportunity to start involving more men in working against Violence Against Women. The DAVAWP is committed to changing attitudes and beliefs that support gender based violence and this event is part of our approach to achieving this.”

The DAVAWP is a multi-agency partnership which works towards the elimination of domestic abuse and violence against women in the region. DAVAWP membership includes Dumfries and Galloway Council; Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary; NHS Dumfries and Galloway; the Procurator Fiscal’s Office; a local solicitor specialising in family law and Voluntary Organisations including the two Women’s Aid organisations (Dumfriesshire and Stewartry, and Wigtownshire); South West Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre.

WRS and the DAVAWP have been involved together in awareness raising work in the past; WRS has supported the DAVAWP conferences providing awareness raising workshops and information materials that encourage men to take an active role in working against Violence Against Women. This event is a natural development of that partnership.

If you are living with a long term condition, come along to Have a Go Arts and Crafts Activities at The Y, in Castle Street, Dumfries on Tuesday 30 November.  This is a special event from Dumfries & Galloway Arts (dgArts) in partnership with Building Healthy Communities, creating opportunities for improved health and wellbeing.

This whole day course is free, including lunch, and consists of demonstrations by four different artists of Mosaic Design, Silk Painting, Willow Workshops and Singing.  Then you Have A Go yourself!  The day begins at 10am and ends at 3pm.  For more details visit www.dgarts.co.uk and to book your place please ring dgArts on 01387 253383 or call in at the Midsteeple, High Street, Dumfries or call Kirsty McDonald 01387 279279

Through Building Healthy Communities, Have a Go Arts and Crafts Activities is intended to assist people who have been diagnosed with a Long Term Condition, such heart problems, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, HIV, mental health problems, stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure or IBS.  Do call Kirsty McDonald (Long Term Condition Worker BHC) on 01387 279279 to find out if you qualify.

Arts & Communities Co-ordinator for dgArts, Louise Davies said: “We hope that Have a Go Arts and Crafts Activities at The Y will encourage like-minded people to try out new activities, and help us plan arts activities they would like to do during 2011 in partnership with Building Healthy Communities.”

“Spirit of place” is the title of a new exhibition of paintings and prints by Morag Muego in Gracefield Arts Centre Cafe Gallery. Morag studied drawing and painting at Glasgow School of Art in the late 1960s. Since then, her painting has gradually moved closer to abstraction.

The paintings are about the city of Venice and Morag has approached the subject through a series of large canvases, with the aim of capturing the spirit of the floating city.

Morag’s first encounters with Venice were in the early 1990s. Last summer she returned there and was struck again by the city’s unique qualities.

The large paintings take different aspects of the city’s fabric and reduce them to simple colours and shapes. Sometimes the shapes are mysteriously soft and indistinct, at other times clear and sharp as though lit by bright sunlight.

By contrast, a set of seven small paintings show yellow canaries singing from their cages in the top windows of Venetian homes. When the sun shines, they can be heard clearly from street level and their songs seem to add colour to the city.

The exhibition continues until 3pm on December 24th.

There will be a Peace/Remembrance Vigil at Dumfries Northwest Church of Scotland on Sunday 7 November between 6.00 and 8.00pm.

Film footage of all of the major conflicts will be played on the interior walls of the sanctuary. The music will be The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace (Jenkins) Requiem (Faure) Requiem (Lloyd Webber).

This is for everyone. Come and go as you please.

Are you applying to Dumfries & Galloway Council or Nithsdale Area Committee for funding?

Nithsdale CVS is holding a workshop to raise awareness about the application process for council funding using the new D&G Council
application forms and criteria.

Date: Friday 26th November 2010 Time: 2pm to 4pm
Location: the hub 24-26 Friars Vennel, Dumfries, DG1 2RL

To book a place please contact Jeanette on 01387 269161
or email jeanette.murray@thehubdg.org.uk

Members of the Dumfriesshire Federation of the Scottish Womens Rural Institute converge on DG One in Dumfries on Friday and Saturday for their federation show.

The showcase event includes competitions from photography to home baking, floral art to crocheting.

The show is open to the public and the ladies of the SWRI are hoping to have lots of visitors attending and give them an insight into the many and varied activities in which they take part and hopefully encourage new members to come along to the many institutes that are located throughout our area.

The SWRI provides lots of opportunities to get involved: attend classes in crafts, go to cookery demonstrations, go to summer school, join a drama group, sing in a choir, take part in sport, go on a study tour at home or abroad, debate local issues, organise events or simply enjoy the friendship of fellow members at the monthly meeting. If you require any information on the SWRI contact www.swri.org.uk

Doors are open Friday; 5pm until 9pm and Saturday; 10am until 4.30pm with trophy presentations at 2.00pm.

The Dumfries Fairtrade group is looking forward to the Fairer World Fair to be held at St George’s Church Hall, George St., Dumfries on Saturday 6th November.

The Fairer World Fair will feature at least 9 stalls from local fair-traders, selling a range of products from chocolate to jewellery, and from rice to bags. All the products are ethically sourced and produced from developing countries and provide the producer with a fair price for their goods.

Sandra Watson of the Dumfries Fairtrade group said, ‘This is a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. There will be games and quizzes – including a giant snakes and ladders game. For refreshments there will be Fair trade Café serving soup and homebaking – using local and Fairtrade products where possible. There will also be information about the Dumfries Fairtrade Campaign and help and inspiration for schools, businesses and anyone that want to get involved in making Dumfries a Fairtrade Town’.

The Fairer World Fair runs from 10am – 3pm and admission is free. For further information please visit www.dumfriesfairtrade.org.uk

Our picture shows Rolf Buwert and Sandra Watson – two of the stall holders at the Fairer World Fair – with a selection of the products for sale at the Fair.

With winter fast approaching there’s never been a better time to get active as exercise helps generate a feel- good factor that’ll keep those blues at bay. With a varied programme, the fitness team are sure that there’s a class to suit everyone and here’s what they had to say:

As the nights grow darker and you begin to feel a nip in the air, your first thought might be, to head home and hibernate, but don’t be tempted, get your trainers on and join us at our fitness classes. You’ll notice the benefits both inside and out and will leave the re-energised.

With so many classes to choose from you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can get your legs and heart pumping at one of our Studio Cycling classes or maybe you’d prefer to be put through your paces at our Boxercise class? Whatever class you choose you can be sure of a workout that’s safe, effective, motivating and enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself along to one of our classes.

Mid and Upper Nithsdale Profiles Plus Group Fitness Classes:

Monday

Mellow Movers, Thornhill Community Centre, 11am to 12noon

Mellow Movers, Sanquhar Town Hall, 2pm to 3pm

Total Body Toning, Hillview Leisure Centre, 7pm to 7.45pm

Dance Fusion, Hillview Leisure Centre, 8pm to 9pm

Tuesday

Studio Cycling, Hillview Leisure Centre, 6pm to 6.45pm

Boxercise, Hillview Leisure Centre, 7pm to 8pm

Wednesday

Aquaerobics, FUN Pool, 11.45am to 12.30pm

Studio Cycling, Hillview Leisure Centre, 6.15pm to 7pm

Aquaerobics, FUN Pool, 7.15pm to 8pm

Thursday

Mellow Movers, Moniaive Institute Hall, 11am to 12noon

Studio Cycling, Hillview Leisure Centre, 6.15pm to 7pm

For more information on any class, visit or phone Hillview Leisure Centre in Kelloholm or telephone 01659 67777.

Dumfries & Galloway Council is starting its Autumn October Sports Camp at Hillview Leisure Centre Kelloholm.

Why go come along and sample 5 taster sessions at the following days and times at Hillview Leisure Centre;

Monday 18 October Gymnastics: P1 – P4 10am – 11.30am;  P5 – S2 11.30am -13.00pm

Tuesday 19 October Netball: P1 – P4 13.00pm -14.30pm;  P5 – S2 14.30pm – 16.00pm

Wednesday 20 October Athletics:  P1 – P4 10.00am – 11.30am; P5 – S2 11.30am – 13.00pm

Thursday 21 October Table Tennis:  P1 – P4 10.00am -11.30am; P5 – S2 11.30am -13.00pm

Friday 22 October Hockey:  P1 – P4 10.00am – 11.30am; P5 – S2 11.30am -13.00pm

The cost is only £1.50 a day or to book 5 days and only pay for 4.

To book a place or to get more information visit Hillview Leisure Centre or contact the Leisure and Sport Team, telephone 01659 67777

A new exhibition of paintings by Rockcliffe-based artist Philippa Sinclair opened in Castle Douglas Art Gallery on Saturday 16 October.

Philippa is a professional artist who has exhibited over the last twenty five years in Edinburgh, Cambridge, Ely, Eton, the CCA Gallery in Farnham, and at 54 The Gallery, Mayfair

Philippa comments on her exhibition:

“Originality in creativity is a preoccupation for all artists. In this exhibition I hope to convey both as I revisit traditional genres such as still life, landscapes,and seascapes. And as the title of the exhibition suggests – the sensational effects of colour and light on the subject matter.

In my flower paintings – a cornucopia of spring and summer flowering – I aim to capture the essential forms and shapes all empowered by intense pigments. The plant stands naked on the support without an eclipse of supporting cast of background or foreground.

In my portrayal of our jewels such as Hestan, Screel I have conjured hopefully their timeless majesty with strong expressive lines and a vivid palette of colours

The exhibition runs in Castle Douglas Art Gallery, adjacent to Castle Douglas Library, until October 30th Admission is free.

Mark Smith’s Drivetime guest today is Annie Corder, from Dumfries Social Group, which is part of the Meetup umbrella organisation.

To contact the group, with link to Twitter, Facebook and email, click on www.meetup.com/Dumfries-Social-Group

There are still a few tickets left for LATIN NIGHT, 23rd October, 7.30pm – midnight. Tapas at 8pm. Ticket only event.

Latin Night is a Gale Force event and will be a Latin themed night of Argentine Tango performed by the Solway Argentine Tango Society and Salsa performed by Adora La Salsa. Expect a night of incredible dance performances by the two dance groups, who will take it in turns to impress. You will also have plenty of opportunity to learn some of the basic moves yourself, and join in with the dancing. SATS and Adora la Salsa will join forces to bring the dance floors of Buenos Aires and Cuba to Dumfries for a hot night of Latin moves.

Spanish Tapas (Vegetarian choices also) served at 8pm are included in the ticket price. This is a ticket only event. Tickets are £10 and can be bought from the DGAA at the Midsteeple. Event location is the Masonic Hall, George Street, Dumfries.

Sharon popped into the studio earlier today to talk about Emma’s success and her family’s experiences through the stages of the competition. In case you missed it on Drivetime today, you can listen again by clicking on the links below:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The annual Wigtown Book Festival starts later this week. All the details are on the festival website: wigtownbookfestival.com. For a full programme of events, download the Festival Programme by clicking on the front page image on the right.

Scottish Opera, in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Arts, are offering a special opportunity in advance of the arrival of their production of the classic opera ‘Carmen’ in the region this autumn.  They will be running two ‘taster’ workshops which offer opera fans the chance to learn a bit more and get closer to this acclaimed professional production – and just as importantly create a way in for all those new to opera.  The workshops will provide a chance to participate and join in singing, or just sit in and watch.

The free workshops will take place on Sunday 3 October at Newton Stewart Cinema 4pm to 5.30pm, and on Tuesday 5 October at the Brigend Theatre, Dumfries from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Please call dgArts on 01387 253383 to reserve a place or find out more. All places are free of charge but need to be reserved.This autumn will see Scottish Opera bringing Carmen to Dumfries and Galloway, performing on 9 October at DG One, Dumfries and on 11 November at Newton Stewart Cinema.  For tickets and information visit www.dgarts.co.uk or pick up a GaelForce Guide or ring 01387 253383.

Carmen is an outspoken gypsy with a beautiful face and a fiery temper, who sets her sights on soldier Don Jose. As their relationship disintegrates and she leaves him for another, he sets out to prove his love. But Carmen has seen her future in her tarot cards and it isn’t a happy one…

Bizet’s boldly seductive opera has been one of the world’s favourites for over a century. Directed by Ashley Dean (Opera Highlights 2009) this is a new production set in 1960′s Spain, a country firmly entrenched in General Franco’s right-wing regime, echoing the social oppression of Biznet’s original. For Carmen, a gypsy in a male-dominated society, the stakes are particularly high as she treads a dangerous path between two lovers.

The production features both piano and chamber orchestra accompanied performances. Annie Gill and recently announced Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Rebecca Afonwy-Jones share the title role, along with a superb cast of singers including Nick Ransley (Cinderella) as Don Jose, and Michel de Souza (Scottish Opera Emerging Artist) as Escamillo.

Tonight, on the Drivetime Show, Mark and Helen Smith are talking about The Marriage Course, they are running for couples who want to improve their relationship. It starts this Monday at 7pm, in Kings Coffee and Books, and runs for 7 weeks.

The course originates from HTB in London, the home of the Alpha Course, and aims to be an enrichment to relationships where partners are seeking to make it even better! See The Marriage Course website for more info.

Cost is £6 per couple per session and includes a romantic candlelit meal.

Call Mark on 07710 111727 for more info.

Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Sulwath Connections has been running a year-long, seasonal photo competition called “In My View”. Now they need the public’s help to choose an overall winner.

Over 900 entries have been received in the twelve-month period. Photos have been entered by all ages and abilities and from right across the region, covering a wide variety of subject matter associated with the area.

“The whole competition is a wonderful record of a year in the life of Dumfries & Galloway”, said Ed Forrest, Sulwath Connections Project Manager. “There are incredible wildlife shots, great photos of people enjoying the outdoors and of course the weather – the floods in the Autumn last year, the ice and snow last winter and the coming of the Spring”.

The twelve winning entries chosen by the selection panel over the course of the last year are now available for viewing and for voting at the Sulwath Connections website. As part of the competition final the panel would like your help in selecting the overall winner who will be awarded a digital SLR camera, part sponsored by Jessops.

Its easy to vote, just go to www.sulwathconnections.org and follow the links to the ‘In My View’ competition. Here voters will see the winning photos and can then choose their favourite. People can vote for the photo which best captures the people, the wildlife or the landscapes that makes Dumfries and Galloway such a special place to live in and visit. Voting closes at midday on Thursday 30th August.

Everyone can also help promote Dumfries and Galloway to friends and family around the world by sending a favorite picture from the competition as an e-postcard? It’s free, it’s easy and a great way of letting people know what a fantastic place Dumfries and Galloway is.

Sulwath Connections would like to thank the Selection Panel who are: Keith Kirk, Countryside Ranger, Dumfries &Galloway Council and wildlife photographer; Andrea Thompson, Commissioning Editor, Dumfries & Galloway Life; and Rod Wheelans professional photographer, creative-camera. They have dedicated their time and expertise to select each group of seasonal winners over the last year.

‘In my View’ is one of the Sulwath Connections Landscape Projects (SCLP), a £3.9 million partnership project whose main source of funding is through Heritage Lottery Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage. It is hosted by Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) and is designed to celebrate and enhance the landscape and environment which helps to make Dumfries and Galloway such a special place. The ‘In My View’ competition is one of over twenty-one projects that come under the Sulwath Connections umbrella.

Join us with the special birthday party during Drivetime today (4pm – 6pm)

If you want to send us a birthday gift today (you’re so kind), click here for the support page, or use the Paypal button below:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Alive Radio’s Sports Reporter, Stig Nordkil caught up with Ross Hyslop earlier this week.

Dumfries Male Voice Choir is presenting a highlight of the year – a massive celebration concert in DG One, at the weekend. The choir appeals to all ages and consists of guys from across our region. Also performing, will be internationally acclaimed trio of tenors; “Caledon”, featuring Alan Beck, Ivan Sharpe, Jamie MacDougall.

The concert takes place on Friday 23rd April at 7:30pm. Tickets are available from the DG One box office (01387 243550), priced £12 (£8 for under 16s), they’re also available from any choir members.

New members are always welcomed – at the weekly practices, which take place in Dumfries Northwest Church, on Wednesdays at 7:15 – 9:15pm. Enquiries to Jim Kelly, on 01387 710386.

Friday 16th April Drivetime will feature an interview with The Soldiers, Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi.

The real-life ‘Soldiers’ released their debut album ‘Coming Home’ on 26th October 2009. Part of the album’s proceeds are planned to go directly to charities including Help For Heroes, the British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund.

The show will also feature an interview with Julian Smith who took third place in Britain’s Got Talent 2009.

To hear more tune in to Drivetime on Friday 16th April.

Glasgow 2014 is now recruiting for people like you to represent Scotland in the Handover Ceremony at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

On Thursday 14 October 2010, within the Closing Ceremony of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Glasgow and Scotland will make the first public statement to the Commonwealth and the world by presenting a Handover Ceremony that will set the scene for the four years leading up to the delivery of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Handover Ceremony will mark the start of an amazing journey for athletes, citizens and communities of Scotland and the Commonwealth towards the biggest sporting event Scotland has hosted.

This is your opportunity of a lifetime to join a cast of hundreds to train and perform in what will be a truly exciting and historic event watched by one billion people around the world.

The performance will involve a mass choreographed dance routine with a cast of hundreds from all across Scotland and from all walks of life. It will draw on traditional symbols of Scottish identity in a way that is both modern and inclusive of Scotland’s diverse society, and will communicate the spirit of our Commonwealth Games to an international audience.

To make sure that adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can get involved in this exciting project, Glasgow 2014 will fund three people from each of the 32 Local Authority areas – none of whom will have professional dance or drama experience – to perform at the handover segment of the Closing Ceremony, alongside hundreds of cast members who are being sourced from dance groups, sports clubs and organisations from across the country.

The opportunity is open to all residents across Dumfries and Galloway who will be a minimum of 18 years of age on the 10th June. All you need to do is complete an application form and detail in 150 words why you want to be involved in the Handover ceremony. Applications will be available from your local Leisure Centre or you can phone the Council for a form or download a copy from www.dumgal.gov.uk/delhi. The closing date for this opportunity will be 22nd April 2010.

Andy Reed from the Council’s Leisure and Sport service is leading on finding the lucky young people from Dumfries and Galloway. He said “This is a unique opportunity for three people from Dumfries and Galloway to take part in what will be a spectacular event, broadcast to an international audience.

We are looking forward to receiving entries from people from every walk of life in Dumfries and Galloway and can’t wait to announce who will represent the region as part of the mass cast in Delhi.”

Do you enjoy singing (even if it’s only in the shower, bath, car or garden shed!)? Sing pop, folk, songs from the shows, even the odd “doo-wop”, “sha-la-la” and more! Your host will be your musical guide, helping you to add easy harmonies. You will not be asked to audition, sing on your own or read music! All Welcome: Female, male, young, old, nervous, confident, or ‘Diva’!

Perfect ‘credit-crunch busting’ activity for the whole family, only £2 (includes refreshments). 7pm – 9pm

Colvend Public Hall, Colvend by Dalbeattie Dumfries Galloway DG5 4QD

Fri 16th April 2010.

Website: www.singtogether.org

The Dumfries Film Festival is looking out for the best short films to showcase at its annual Film Festival which takes place this year between 30 April and 9 May.

The fourth Dumfries Film Festival is set to light up screens this Spring bringing a host of films, unique events and special guests to the region. This year the festival is spreading its wings and screening a huge range of films in 10 days in over 10 venues across the whole region.

The short film competition is open to everyone, all ages, amateurs and professionals, and we are looking for films that explore the theme ‘Living the Land – Life in the countryside of Dumfries and Galloway’. It will be a chance to see your work on the big screen – at Machars Movies, Scotland’s most southerly cinema, during the Dumfries Film Festival. The Scottish Countryside Alliance who recently awarded Machars Movies ‘Best UK Rural Enterprise 2009’, will also screen winning entries at the Royal Highland show in Edinburgh (24 – 27 June 2010). Each entrant will receive a pair of cinema tickets at their favourite cinema in Dumfries and Galloway, and the winning entry will receive a year’s supply of cinema tickets!

For application guidelines and entry forms, please visit www.rbcft.co.uk. The deadline for submissions is Monday 19th April 2010.

Mike Marshall who represents Machars Movies, and who has a career spanning over 40 years in programme-making about farming, food production and the countryside said: “Creating films is now within everyone’s grasp, thanks to superb digital camera technologies. It’s never been easier to explore our creative talents, and bring together pictures, writing, music, sound and many other skills. It doesn’t have to be Hollywood blockbuster style – sometimes the best programmes are based on a simple approach, stories that are told with imagination and sensitivity. Dumfries & Galloway’s countryside and coastlines are full of contrasts, and our theme ‘Living the Land’ provides plenty of opportunities to tell stories about how we live, work and enjoy ourselves in such a magnificent environment.”

The actual subject matter and style of films is left entirely to the entrants, and the competition’s selection team, all with many year’s experience in film and television, will be looking for those productions that will be form part of the special screenings in the fourth Dumfries Film Festival.

Alice Stilgoe, Film Officer, Community and Support Services

Telephone/ Fax: 01387 263094 / 07811 460110 E-Mail: Alice.Stilgoe@dumgal.gov.uk

Dundee manager, Jocky Scott got sacked yesterday, following a 3-0 defeat by Airdrie, Dundee failed to win any of their last four games, resulting in their lead at the top of the Scottish First Division being cut to just three points.

It’s been announced tonight that Queen of the South manager, Gordon Chisholm has accepted an offer to become manager of Dundee, he has also taken coach Billy Dodds to Dens park with him.

Having taking over as manager at Queens in 2007 when Ian McCall left, Chisholm guided Queens to the Scottish cup final in 2008 and good seasons in the Scottish first division. Queens are still challenging for promotion with other teams including Dundee, and it will now be an even more interesting fight with the manager moving.

Chisholm’s first game in charge for Dundee will be on Tuesday night against, yes you guessed it, Queen of The South. Both teams will be out to impress their new managers and I’m sure Queens players will have an added incentive to get one over their old boss!

Kenny Brannigan who was assistant manager under Chisholm will take over as manager till the end of the season at Queens. We believe and hope Kenny will be able to carry on the good work Gordon was doing for us.

Gordon have done a fantastic job for us the last years and we would like to wish him all the best in the future………well apart from Tuesday that is!! This game will be broadcast live, from Dens Park Stadium, on BBC Alba TV, with coverage starting at 7.40pm.

Stig Nordkil

With just two months to go before the General Election, film-maker Alison Jackson hits the road in a desperate bid to find a stable of political lookalikes.

As the clock ticks towards May 6 she hunts for a Gordon Brown, a Peter Mandelson and Alistair Darling. Her whistle-stop tour of the country takes her to locations significant in each politicians political journey. For example: the industrial Scottish town of Kirkcaldy for Brown, the fishing port of Hartlepool and the night-clubs of Manchester for Mandelson; Loretto public school and a meeting of the Scottish socialist workers party for Darling.

The ostensible purpose of the hour-long film is to find a passable lookalike for these political heavy-weights amongst the people they grew up or lived with – and with this in mind Jackson is armed with megaphone, battle bus, and cardboard cut-outs. The resulting impromptu castings provide a fascinating insight into the world of the wannabe-lookalike. But at the same time Jacksons tour also manages to take the political temperature of the nation at this key time providing a humorous, observational and informative snapshot of pre-election Britain – and what ordinary Britons really think of their political overlords.

Dumfries – Sun 21st March, Best Western Station Hotel. 49 Lovers Walk. 4pm – 8pm

This weekend is a big one for the Sharks – the culmination of this winters’ season. Come and see the teams in action at the Ice Bowl – the matches are as below, or visit solwaysharks.co.uk:

Live on Drivetime Friday 12th March we will have a phone interview with British blonde singer/songwriter Philippa Hanna who has bounded onto the Christian music scene with her debut album ‘Watching Me’. The Northern lass has received a big welcome into the industry with her first release topping the charts of independent online sellers cdbaby, and since signing with Authentic Media in July 2007 she’s shared a stage with worship leader Chris Tomlin and Scottish mainstream indie artist Amy MacDonald

The countdown has begun to the Dumfries Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 21st March. Dumfries and Galloway Council has teamed up with Sport Relief to organise events in Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Stranraer. You can choose to do 1 mile, 3 miles or 6 miles – whatever is a challenge for you. So from teeny-tots with their mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock, there’s something for everyone on the big day. You can walk, hop, skip or run – it’s the taking part that counts. The Dumfries event is at the David Keswick Athletic Centre with the 3 mile and 6 mile events starting at 10.30am and the 1 mile starting at noon. Jim Thomson from Queen of the South will start the races. Entry is £5.00 for adults and £2.00 for children, and sponsorship is optional. Council leisure facilities across the region are also hosting Mile Challenges in every Profiles Plus Fitness Suite from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st March. You can run a mile, cycle a mile, row a mile or X-train a mile with prizes available for the best times. You can make a donation for taking part – make your mile make a difference. Sunday 21st March is set to be an amazing day. It’s fantastic that so many people of Dumfries and Galloway are gathering together to show their support for Sport Relief 2010. The Council want this to be the best Sport Relief event yet, so please enter the Mile events or complete a Mile Challenge, and join us to raise plenty of cash.

You can enter online and find further details at www.sportrelief.com For further information about a local event or using a Profiles Plus Fitness Suite please contact 030 33 33 3000

Do you enjoy singing, (Even if it’s only in the shower, bath, car or garden shed!)?

Sing pop, folk, songs from the shows, even the odd “doo-wop”, “sha-la-la” and more! Your host will be your musical guide, helping you to add easy harmonies. You will not be asked to audition, sing on your own or read music!

All Welcome: Female, male, young, old, nervous, confident, or ‘Diva’! Perfect ‘credit-crunch busting’ activity for the whole family, only £2 (Includes refreshments). 7 pm – 9 pm Colvend Public Hall, Colvend by Dalbeattie Dumfries Galloway DG5 4QD Friday March 19th, 2010.

www.singtogether.org

Do you enjoy singing, (Even if it’s only in the shower, bath, car or garden shed!)?

Sing pop, folk, songs from the shows, even the odd “doo-wop”, “sha-la-la” and more! Your host will be your musical guide, helping you to add easy harmonies. You will not be asked to audition, sing on your own or read music!

All Welcome: Female, male, young, old, nervous, confident, or ‘Diva’! Perfect ‘credit-crunch busting’ activity for the whole family, only £2 (Includes refreshments). 7 pm – 9 pm Colvend Public Hall, Colvend by Dalbeattie Dumfries Galloway DG5 4QD Friday February 19th, 2010

Website www.singtogether.org

Our very own presenter Alan McLauchlan has, himself, suffered the trauma of last night’s flooding in the region. His own business office on Brewery Street was waist deep in water by the middle of the  night. All he could do is watch as the water seeped in through vents and ducts, even though his flood defences were up.

Despite all that, he’s been out and about, both through the night and today, talking to people afffected by the flooding in our area. Don’t miss his reports throughout drivetime today – 4pm -6pm.

We’ve actually been broadcasting for nine weeks now, so we thought it was about time we made our station ‘official’! To mark the occasion we’ve invited people from the community and from local Churches to come together for a civic drinks reception. It’s on Friday 13^th November (no, we’re not superstitious!), from 5pm – 6pm, and Russell Brown MP and Provost Jack Groom will do the honours. Council Leader Ivor Hyslop will also be there, along with lots of others from Dumfries and this area. Many of our team of presenters and helpers will be there, and the event will be broadcast live on air.

ITV Border News are covering the launch, through their Lookaround show on Friday night and the BBC are covering it on the local news service from Radio Scotland, on Friday morning. Hopefully we’ll be in the local papers as well.

Make sure you tune in from 5pm – 6pm on Friday 13th, so you can be a part of the official launch of community radio in Dumfries too!

Our intrepid reporter, Iain Renicks has set up an interview with the Proclaimers, during their visit to Dumfries tonight. It’s the sell-out concert in DG One. Listen out for what they have to say, during our shows on Friday.