Auchencairn History

Auchencairn History Society - New Website

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:23:45 +0100

Auchencairn History Society website is now online - you can visit it here The History Society now has its own website that will provide a direct link to its extensive archive of material relating the Auchencairn and the surrounding area....

Snow Photos by Ross Paton

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:06:06 +0100

Take a look at these superb photos by Ross Paton. Despite having to battle through the weather to keep Torr Farm running, Ross managed to get out with his camera and capture these wonderful images.

FLYING LEGENDS 2010

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:57:50 +0100

On a week marking the start of the battle of Britain we have a report from Ross Paton (whose father was a spitfire pilot) on a recent related outing."On July 10th I attended the annual Flying Legends air display at the Imperial War Museum’s Duxford airfield near Cambridge. It was a baking hot day and the flying was a treat with vintage aircraft galore. The sight and sound of these aircraft roaring over the field is breath-taking - still so fast and powerful even now when the men who fl...

Thursday Club 2009

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:03:28 +0100

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009On 17th December 2009 members enjoyed a Christmas Party in The Murray Hall. As always it was a great success with lots of fun and food. Entertainment was provided by Hazel Osborne (piano), Dave Donohoe (trombone) and Roy Wilson (piano accordian) who ably supported Freda McCubbin, Mary Gordon and Davie Gordon with their songs and poem. ...

OLD SMUGGLERS INN - PLANNING APPLICATION

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:14:36 +0100

A planning application (09/P/2/0340) has been made to obtain a change of use for part of the pub to be turned into 2 dwellings. For more info see the application at D & G Planning or view at the Council Office in Market Street, Castle Douglas.

FOUNTAIN RENOVATION

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:58:49 +0100

The fountain in The Square has been renovated. (Click image for full size)

images/stories/Auchencairn/BrianHistory/fountain01.jpg

AUCHENCAIRN COUNTRY MARKET CLOSES.

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:52:46 +0100

Notice from Project Leader - See 'Read more' for details:

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:37:44 +0100

The show took place on 28th, 29th and 30th August 09.Organiser Roy Wilson reports that it was possibly the best ever show in terms of exhibits but unfortunately visitor numbers were adversely effected by the dreadful weather.. images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/img_3605.jpg images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/img_3604.jpgWatercolours by show organisers Roy Wilson (Lochindaal, Islay) and David Dunstan (Ely Cathedral)respectivelyClick on images to enlarge....

YOUTH CLUB 'DUCK RACE' RESULTS

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:43:47 +0100

CLICK 'READ ON' LINK BELOW FOR REPORT FROM ROSS PATON.
images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/duck race 04.jpg
Will Marshall managed to sneak in, despite being barred for suspected duck doping.

School Ceilidh 2009 Photos

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:02:39 +0100

The photos from the 2009 Ceilidh featuring 'Fanfare', the junior band and 'Jig & Pokery' the senior band.

LOCAL HISTORY BOOK LAUNCHED.

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:28:00 +0100

ANSWERING THE CALL: AUCHENCAIRN AND THE FIRST WORLD WARA hardback book with jacket sleeve, 256 pages, over 100 photographs (b&w and colour):costing £15.00 (plus postage and packing) The main focus of the book is the lives and fate of those who died; the eighteen men named on the village memorial and seventeen men with links to Auchencairn who are commemorated on memorials elsewhere.'Sons of Galloway' is written and published by Stuart Wilson of Auchencairn, Kirkcudbri...

Easter Eggs Found at Torr Farm

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:26:35 +0100

The recent Easter 2009 Egg Hunt at Torr Farm organised by Ross and Lee Paton was very successful and drew in a good number of 'hunters' who trailed the area to bag their booty. Here are a few photos sent in by Ross giving memories of the day.
images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/eastereggsstart here.jpg

RASCARRELL MOSS FOREST NEWS

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:50:35 +0100

George Brockbank, Forest Project Leader and a Director of Auchencairn Initiative has announced that the application to be considered to purchase the Rascarrell Moss Forest from the Forestry Commission as a community asset has gained the approval of the Forestry Commisions Evaluation Panel. It now passes for final consideration by the Director of Forestry.

WALKING STICK RAFFLE RESULT

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:27:10 +0100

The raffle with the prize of a hand made walking stick to raise funds for the Thursday Club and held on 21st March 09 at Auchencairn Country Market was won by Simon Brookes of Auchencairn.

Ploughing Match at Torr Farm

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:58:35 +0100

Thanks to Ross Paton for a series of photographs recording the St Marys Isle Ploughing Match held at Torr Farm, Auchencairn on 28th February 2009.
Click 'read more' below for results.

LOCAL SCENIC VIDEO RELEASED IN MARCH 09.

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:25:03 +0100

Keith Kerrison has released this montage of local photographs on 'U Tube' as an additional means to show the world our lovely area and perhaps make them feel like a visit. Click on the following link to view: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZO42UJl_Aw

NEW TABLES FOR THE MURRAY HALL

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:53:42 +0100

GALLOWAY PROJECT 2008 AWARDS. images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/storiesAuchencairnBrianThursday/feb09_06.jpg COUNTRY MARKET RAISES OVER £1500. AUCHENCAIRN COUNTRY MARKET PROJECT has after 17 events and with help from the John Scott Trust Fund purchased 14 new tables for the community hall.In addition the main store has been with fitted rubber mat flooring and appropriate hazard marking at a further £80 cost.Click link below for further details....

NSA HEDGE LAYING AT TORR

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:48:09 +0100

images/stories/Auchencairn/BrianHistory/hedgelay01.jpg

Click image above for full size

On 2nd November 2008 Ian Brown and Alastair Ross from NSA revived the old art of hedge laying at Torr Farm and created a new wildlife habitat at the same time as an attractive and secure hedgerow.

NSA VOLUNTEERS CLEAR FOOTPATHS

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:22:19 +0100

On 2nd October 08 a small team of volunteers from the NSA spent a hard day clearing some of the vegetation from the footpath on Torr Point leading Orchardton Bay. They were Ian Brown (Ranger), Magnus Ramsey, Lynn Warwick, Margaret Mullet and Sally Hincliffe.Images courtesy of Sally Hincliffe.images/stories/Auchencairn/BrianHistory/pathclear01.jpgClick image above to see full sized.More images - read on....

RASCARREL POLL YES VOTE

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:26:50 +0100

Votes were counted on Monday night to see if the villagers of Auchencairn wished the Community Council and Initiative to proceed with an application to purchase Rascarrel Moss wood under the National Forest Land Scheme. The 400 acre forest has been offered to the community by the Forestry Commission on condition that community support is shown. In the event over 78% of those eligible voted with 66% of those voting yes. The vote count was overseen and scrutinised by Gordon Kinghorn and Marie Jacks...

BURNS LUNCH 2009 report

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:25:43 +0100

On 22nd January the Auchencairn Thursday Club held its annual Burns Lunch in The Old Smugglers Inn. Due to the absence through illness of Club President Norman Osborne the event was looked after by Vice-President Nancy Aitken.Click 'read on' for full report and more photographs Click here to view details about the club and its activities....

MEMORIAL BENCH DEDICATED AT PRIMARY SCHOOL

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:29:26 +0100

On Friday 16th January 2009 at Auchencairn Primary School a bench was dedicated to the memory of Jack and Elizabeth Martin who both sadly died in 2008. They were friends of the school staff and pupils and are greatly missed by all. The memorial bench was the idea of the children and was purchased following fund raising efforts by the staff, parents and pupils. It provides a refuge in the grounds for quiet contemplation.images/stories/Auchencairn/BrianHistory/benchdedication03.jpgClick on ima...

NEW MONOGRAPH NUMBER 10 PUBLISHED

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:12:30 +0100

This Monograph has been transcribed from an exercise book that is held in the Hornel Library, Kirkcudbright, the authors being Robert and Alexander Trotter, sons of the village doctor. It contains stories, descriptions and sketches about Auchencairn, its characters and buildings. Being part of the collection - a follow up is likely. Available from Auchencairn Store and the History Society for £4.00 and from retail outlets in the general area. Excellent work from David McKie and Dennis ...

HISTORIC TAR BOILER FOUND AT TORR POINT

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:58:13 +0100

During an NSA organised walk on Torr Point a structure identified as a ‘tar boiler’ was discovered in the undergrowth. Report and photographs follow below:

HISTORY SOCIETY 2008

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:59:39 +0100

Thursday Club Events 2007/8.

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:35:21 +0100

Some of the activities from our 2007/8 season.

WEBSITE STATISTICS FOR 2008

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:51:36 +0100

What created the figures?Total for 2008 Average per month Unique computers using site. 24,590 2,049Visits to site by the above 52,812 4,401Hits within site produced by above 1,391,121 107,576 ...

CHRISTMAS 2008

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:08:28 +0100

images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/tree01.jpg

Click above for photo.

Congratulations to the Community Council for dressing the village Christmas Tree with lots of lovely new lights and for the great tree supplied by Paddy Higgins. It has made village look its best for many years.

PUBLIC MEETING RE. RASCARREL FOREST

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:47:55 +0100

THURSDAY CLUB SPORTS DAY

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:21:15 +0100

YES - IT SAYS "SPORTS DAY" Another afternoon of nonsense with the oldest teenagers in the area.More photographs follow of our afternoon with John Allison, the Council's Sports and Leisure Officer, while we tried Kurling (with a K), petanque and bowls in the Murray Hall. More photograghs on link below:Why not join us and act as old as you feel inside?THE THURSDAY CLUBP.S. A big THANK YOU to the Youth Club organising team and members who after their fund raising on bonfire ...

OCTOBER FLOODS HIT VILLAGE PARKS

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:29:00 +0100

Heavy rain on 10th October 08 wreaked havoc in the Play Park, Recreation Ground and Millenium Garden. The Auchencairn Burn in spate, first overflowed the bank just below the road bridge and diverted through the Play Park and across the Recreation Ground. It then overtopped the footbridge, which then being blocked by floating debris, diverted it through the Millenium Garden.Turtles in the submerged sandpit More images follow that require no commentary....

MASON Sheila

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:58:33 +0100

Mrs Sheila MASON (nee Spooner), resident of both Australia and New Zealand writing to the Website Editor in May 2008 with her memories of visits to Auchencairn.

JACK MARTIN - Obituary

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:25:43 +0100

images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian/jack martin resized.jpgOur village community was deeply saddened to learn that Jack Martin had died on 21st September 2008 after a short illness. Jack was born in the village in 1952. He was well known as Chairman of the Community Council and organiser of the annual Flower and Vegetable Show. His crowning achievement in the village was the establishment of its Millennium Garden. Jack will be sadly missed by us all.See below for eulogy from funeral servic...

CELEBRATING HEUGHAN

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:23:43 +0100

The Auchencairn Initiative building, has been named ‘Heughan House’ in commemoration of the blacksmith, Joseph Heughan, and his son Robert, both well known in their time for their contributions to local life. A descriptive plaque was unveiled on behalf of the community by Robert Caldow.

images/stories/Auchencairn/BrianHistory/img_2550.jpg

CHURCH GUILD FUND RAISING SUCCESS

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:44:32 +0100

Another great Soup & Sweet eventheld by Auchencairn and Rerrick ChurchGuild. Davie Gordon - sign writer & sweet muncher Check below for moreimages of the day.On Wednesday 16th July the members of Auchencairn and Rerrick Church Guild held their annual major fund raising event in the Murray Hall, Auchencairn. To call it simply a 'Soup and Sweet' seemed somehow not to do justice to the cornucopia of goodies on offer, all of which were home made and donated by the Guild members....

Fund Raising Success for Youth Club

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:27:28 +0100

images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/01glorious summer evening.jpg The Youth Club Duck Race and Barbecue raised approx £350 for funds and will see the club off to a good start in the Autumn.The winners were:1: Hugh Sturrock2. Aloma Marshall3.Willie WightThe booby prize for the lazy duck home went to Tom Walkinshaw. It was a lovely evening, finished off with a game of rounders organised by Will Marshall. Thanks to everyone who helped, especially Yvonne, Will and Phoebe who pulled it all&n...

'RERRICK ROOTS' EXHIBITION

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:30:43 +0100

NOW CLOSEDA very successful event was held throughout the summer. Thanks are extended to all the volunteers that contributed their time and produce for the cafe and of course to all those who visited and made contibutions.Info: Revd. MacKichan Te;01556 640041CHECK IMAGE FOR FULL DETAILS images/stories/Auchencairn/Brian02/rerrickroots.jpg ...

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPRING FLING FAIR

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:30:18 +0100

How we marked the Spring Fling Weekendat Auchencairn Primary School. Read on for report and more photographs ...

WEATHER WATCH

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:39:40 +0100

While the south of England has been battered by high tides we have been very fortunate so far. Our 9 metre tide on 10th March didn't get the push from the wind that was expected but still managed to cover the footpath at the head of the bay and encroach well onto the land of Torr Farm as shown in our photographs taken by farmer Ross Paton and his sister Lee....

PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS AUCHENCAIRN

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:19:48 +0100

On Wednesday 5th March 2008 our community was honoured with a visit from The Princess Royal. After arriving by helicopter she viewed the recently completed Enterprise Centre (now named Heughan House) that was build as a major project by Auchencairn Initiative under the project leadership of David Dunstan.Almost half a million pounds was raised by The Initiative from various funders to puchase the land an enable the build to take place. She looked around the new Auchencairn Store ...

Red Pandas Sighted in Auchencairn

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:21:43 +0100

Two Red Pandas that escaped from Kirkudbright Wildlife Park were sighted near Torr Farm at Auchencairn. One was subsequently found near Kirkcudbright.

REPORT ON SPRING FLING 2008

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:28:20 +0100

Spring Fling is Scotland’s premiere art and craft open studio event and this year provides the opportunity to view the work of 87 selected artists in 73 studios across South West Scotland.790 PEOPLE HIT THE EVENT WEB PAGES ON THIS WEBSITE PRIOR TO THE EVENTREAD POST EVENT MEDIA RELEASE BELOWCheck here for last years event. ...

Choir Visit a Great Success

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:25:06 +0100

The visit of the Dumfries Male Voice Choir to Auchencairn Parish Church to sing with the children of the Primary School on Friday 22 February provided an evening of great enjoyment for both singers and audience. In fact, everyone ended up singing, encouraged by conductor, David McCullough, to join with the choirs in a ‘round song’ of ‘Heaven is a Wonderful Place’....

The Ministers of Rerrick Church

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:56:53 +0100

These details have been supplied by Revd. MacKichan from Rerrick Church records for the History Society Archives and general interest.

Community Website Statistics for 2007

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:44:28 +0100

How the website performed in 2007.

Gardening Club Activity 2007

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:34:19 +0100

CHRISTMAS 2007 AT AUCHENCAIRN

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:11:17 +0100

The Christmas tree and crib in Auchencairn Church prepared for the 2007 carol service by the Church Guild.
A job very well done by Trish Dawson and her team.

AWARD FOR INITIATIVE

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:11:05 +0100

Ross Paton, Dorothy Anderson and David Dunstan.Auchencairn Initiative has been awarded the Leader+, European Fund Award for 'Reinvigorating the local economy' against some pretty good opposition. This was announced at an awards dinner and ceremony at the Easterbrook Hall on 15 November. The dinner was attended by Ross Paton, Dorothy Anderson, David Dunstan and George Brockbank on behalf of the Initiative. The award consists of a large engraved glass bowl which we will put in the new...

FIREWORKS 2007

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 21:02:54 +0100

WHO'S THE SCARY MONSTER?

OCTOBER 2007 - BARNACLE GEESE AT TORR

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 17:14:38 +0100

Image courtesy of Ross Paton. The Barnacle Geese have arrived for their annual visit. They can be seen (and heard) grazing on the fields of Torr Farm, Auchencairn and following the tide line in Balcary Bay....

COUNTRY MARKET SUCCESS

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:45:12 +0100

The first Auchencairn Country Market on Saturday 22nd September 2007 was hailed by the promoters, vendors and most importantly the public as a great success and the event is now established on the third Saturday of every month and the catering concession used by various community groups and organisations to boost their funds.Auchencairn Smokehouse stall....

Art and Craft Show

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 22:12:22 +0100

See our new 'gallery' containing 62 images from the exhibition.

20th Flower and Vegetable Show

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 21:50:34 +0100

Elizabeth Bardsley and her winning orchid.

Click below for results and another 24 photographs.

AUCHENCAIRN COUNTRY MARKET

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 11:33:54 +0100

CLOSED IN AUGUST 2009 AFTER 24 EVENTS 4244 SHOPPERS ATTENDED - MANY OF WHOM USED THE CAFE THAT RAISED£2498.00 FOR LOCAL CLUBS.FUNDED 20 TABLES, FLOORING, FRIDGE, KETTLE AND CLOCKS FOR THE MURRAY HALL. A SURPLUS OF OVER £800 CASH HELD BY THE INITIATIVE TO BE SPENT ON FUTURE TANGIBLE PROJECTS BY THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL. ...

" Hello Freda -my name is Bond"

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 19:50:52 +0100

Ever seen the original Bond Bug?
Check our 1956 archive for latest addition.

Bowling Club Photos - Key to subjects

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:18:03 +0100

KEY TO PHOTOGRAPHS IN GALLERY

If you can identify anyone not named please contact Brian Maxwell on Tel. 01556 640289 or maxwells@auchencairn.wanadoo.co.uk .

Full key below.

Peace Walk

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:18:16 +0100

Walkers greeted by Rev. McKichan

On 12 June a Peace Walk towards a Nuclear Free Future stopped at Auchencairn while en route from Dublin to London.

Parliamement's Presiding Officer buys village recipe book.

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:36:47 +0100

On 11th June 2007 the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alex Fergusson was spotted by two members of Auchencairn Coffee Club in Barry Smart Newsagent, Castle Douglas buying a copy of the Club’s recently published recipe book ‘What’s cooking in Auchencairn?’ – yes he handed over his £2.50. Mr Fergusson said that he was impressed by the book’s presentation and content adding that such enterprise by small communities must be praised and supported....

1929 and earlier.

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:04:34 +0100

The Fountain 1896Auchencairn Primary School 1911The following two photographs were sent to the History Society by Eileen Cook of Dumfries. Her grandfather was Thomas Johnston. He used to live in Auchencairn with his wife Kathleen and children Sarah, Robert (Eileen's father) and Winifred. The photograph of the brake is taken outside the then Commercial Hotel in Auchencairn. He kept his horses between the back of the Hotel and the Hass Burn. The building is now a private house but has...

1930's

Wed, 30 May 2007 19:34:32 +0100

Next 3 photo's - the vanished village of Abbey Burnfoot.The following images are of Chapelyard Smiddy taken up to and including the 1930's. They have been gifted in October 2007, to the History Society, by Fred Coleman who is the present occupier. ...

1940's

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:49:37 +0100

Auchencairn Primary School 1941...

1950's

Wed, 23 May 2007 19:44:58 +0100

Above shows Daltamie after renovation.Freda McCubbin & Bond Bug approx 1956....

1960's

Tue, 22 May 2007 19:29:42 +0100

1970 - 1996

Thu, 17 May 2007 12:47:47 +0100

Flooding 18 Octover 1987 - photo taken from The Rossan.The Fountain 1981 - renovated by Ray Innes and teamThe Fountain Lamp 1981 renovated by Ray Innes and teamThe Fountain Plaque 1981 after renovation by Ray Innes and team...

1997

Tue, 15 May 2007 11:02:27 +0100

...

1998

Mon, 07 May 2007 17:11:53 +0100

...

1999

Mon, 07 May 2007 16:47:21 +0100

...

2000

Mon, 07 May 2007 16:33:04 +0100

...

OVER ¬£1000 RAISED FOR SCOTTISH SPCA

Sun, 06 May 2007 17:40:33 +0100

A capacity audience helped the SUMMER VARIETY SHOW held at Orchardton Hall on 9th June to raise over £1000 for the benefit of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.John and Kathy Hutchinson entertain with a Scottish Medley...

CHURCH AWARDS TO ELDERS

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:09:08 +0100

Read on for full details.

McCLEARY Jimmy

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:30:20 +0100

Jimmy McCleary - Sixty Years in Auchencairn I came to Auchencairn in 1938 with my parents when I was twenty. Before that I had been living in Dundrennan and most of the work I did was in Dundrennan.I've worked at many farms including Higher Barend, Minton, and Castle Creavie. I started off as a ploughman and used to work with two Clydesdales for Mr Houston. Then I started work as a dairyman and was often responsible for 60 to 80 cows. I would start at about 5 a.m. and bring in the cows ...

SUTHERLAND Jean

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:27:42 +0100

Jean Sutherland - Jottings of the Early 1920's I was brought up in Auchencairn and went to the Junior School. We also all had to go to the Sunday School and on a Sunday we would go in the morning at 10.30 and come out at 11.30. Then we had half an hour break and I used to go to my Grannie's for a cup of milk. By 12 o'clock we had to be back in the Sunday School again and we would stay until 1.30. This was Auchencaim Parish Church, the Church of Scotland, but the hours were the sa...

STEWART Charlotte

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:24:57 +0100

Charlotte (Cha) Stewart (Nee Alexander) – Childhood memories.Having lived away from Auchencairn for almost forty six years I'm indulging in memories of my childhood there. I was born Charlotte Herries Alexander, daughter of John and Charlotte (Lottie) Alexander and sister of Eileen in January 1930, in Rathan in the village square. I believe the water was turned on that day and the doctor died the next day. I have happy memories of playing in various gardens, by the burn, on the shore, i...

SANKEY Helen

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:21:07 +0100

Helen Sankey – a personal view of Auchencairn in the 1920’sWhen I was little we all went to the same school and stayed there until we left at fourteen. There were three teachers, Mr. Morrison being the Headmaster who then lived in the School House next door. I started when I was almost five and was in Miss Mills' class until I was seven. She was a very kind and wonderful teacher. At seven, I went into Miss Ken's class who was the second cousin of Mr Ken of Fagra Mill in Dundre...

PARKER Netta

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:16:55 +0100

Netta Parker - The Lost Village of Abbey Burnfoot We lived in Burnfoot for over twenty years. I was born near Newton Stewart and my father was a blacksmith near there. He died when I was two and my mother, brother Jim, sister Eva and I moved into a house in Burnfoot. It was a lively village with about ten families living there. There was a Hall which was used for Sunday School, Carpet Bowling, and the Rural meetings. A Minister would come down from the Manse in Dundrennan every four weeks to take...

MITCHELL Ian

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:13:16 +0100

Ian Mitchell - Working In The Iron Foundry, Castle Douglas - A Look at 47 years service. (Sadly Ian died in 2007)I remember the date well, It was the 6th of March, 1936 that I first started work at J & R Wallace's Foundry in Cotton Street, Castle Douglas. There was no suitable public transport in those days to get one to work at 7.45 so the only way was to cycle. If the wind wasn't too fresh I could cycle the eight miles in under half an hour. Then home again at 5.30. As a...

MITCHELL Cynthia

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:10:04 +0100

Cynthia Mitchell - photo on 21st June 2007

MILLS Stanley

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:07:27 +0100

Stanley Mills (whose father was headmaster from 1889 – 1914) AUCHENCAIRN 1900 -1904Around 1900 - 1904 Auchencairn was and had to be self-contained. It had its own Bakery, Butchers, Coalman, Carrier, Library with reading room, Police Station, Shoemaker, Smithy, two Churches, School, two Public Houses, Bowling Green, Tennis Court and (on Mill Road) a Quoits Pitch. Benefits Lacking: There was no piped water to the houses and no gas or electricity supply. Water was available from wells, the Jub...

MAXWELL Jean

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:00:11 +0100

Jean Maxwell - Memories of the Past. I first moved permanently to Auchencairn about thirty years ago although I knew it well and the people living here long before that. My daughter lived in Bakery Street and I used to visit her.In those days there were quite a lot of shops in the village. Mrs McGarvie had the grocery shop in the square where Jane Smith used to have hers, and across the way where David Gordon now lives was Alexander's shoe repair shop. Then there was the bakery and Lee's ...

MAXWELL Cissie

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 17:55:42 +0100

Cissy Maxwell - (Janet Brodle) - Days Gone By I was born in 1916 and spent all my school-days at Auchencairn School. The first Headmaster was Mr. Monison followed by Mr Gellatly, and Miss Mills was in charge of the infants and Miss Ken (from Fagra) had the middle class. The headmaster took the senior class. Miss Hastings used to come in and take cookery with the girls and Miss Ken and Miss Mills taught sewing .. I was fifteen when I left, there was no upper school to move on to in those days, tho...

HUGHES Jess

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 17:46:06 +0100

Mrs. Jess Hughes must have some of the best memories of old Auchencairn. Born and brought up here she has a fair twinkle in her eye at the age of 89 when she looks back on her early years! "TImes might have been hard at times when we were wee, but, my, they were good," she says. There were 12 in the McWilliam family. Her early memories are of her Mum Anne, going out at 4.30 am to milk the cows at Bluehill and she went back at night for evening milking. Jess remembers, though, that her m...

GURNEY Jean

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:48:49 +0100

THE PATONS AT CHAPELCROFT Grace and Andrew Paton came to Chape1croft Farm from Ayrshire around 1916/17 with their two children, Andrew and Jessie(Janet). They had three more children, Jean, Bunty (Grace) and Hugh, after moving here. They later also took on the tenancy of Screel farm. They retired sometime during the war and moved to Balcary Cottages and later to Bunker Hill. Written by Jean Gurney (Paton). 5th Feb 2001 I was born at Chape1croft on 16th September 1917 and lived there until I marri...

ROSS Willie

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:45:12 +0100

Memories of Willie Ross as talking to Ann Sinclair & Nancy Aitken, March 2003Mr Ross’s first memories of Auchencairn were of his days as a Message Boy for McMeking. He used to come to Auchencairn by bicycle and take orders, which were delivered two days later. Whisky, he remembers, was delivered to the shop in barrels and had to have water added, using special measures made for the purpose.He also remembers that the best tomatoes grown in Auchencairn were produced by Cap...

RAE Janet

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:41:03 +0100

Memories of Mrs Janet Rae (Nee Brydson) Talking to Ann Sinclair & Nancy Aitken November 2003 (Mrs Rae was aged 102 at the time of this interview and has died in 2007)Mrs Rae: I remember the day I saw a bicycle – not everyone had a bike. There was a big stane (it’s not there now). I must have been quite young then and I was standing there when there was somebody come down and they’d no brakes and they came down the Back Road and rushed into everyone.&nb...

MARSHALL John

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:36:21 +0100

Memories and information: Auchencairn Through The Last CenturyBy John Marshall12th May 2005My family started at Stockmoss in the 1860’s; then my great grandfather went to Hole House as a tenant, cut the hedge down and then the view then didn’t suit the landlord so he had to look for somewhere else. He moved to Balmaclellan and then my grandfather got married and in 1898 they moved to Mine House. For two years he was a gamekeeper to Hazlefield estate. Then he go...

BOYES Jean

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:31:30 +0100

Memories of Jean Boyes (nee McQueen) - 2003 at age 94I was born at Nether Hazelfield in 1909 and my family moved to Mosside at the top of the Rascarrel road in 1913. In those days it was three attached cottages, each with two rooms, and we lived in the easterly one. Mr & Mrs McGaw lived in the westerly one and in the middle was Mr McGaw’s parents. The cottages had no toilets or running water. There was a well in the garden and we used the wood across the ro...

GORDON Davie

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:26:06 +0100

Davie Gordon 17th July 2007

FRASER May

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:00:09 +0100

Early Years On Heston by May Fraser Since it is fifty years ago since my folks and myself left Heston Island it seems very fitting that I should contribute an article to the Auchencairn News. My parents were Bob and Nancy McWilIiam and they took up residence on the island in June, 1929 It was pretty late at night when they crossed and my mother told me in later years that she wondered where on earth she was going to be spending her future years with my father. They were married on 28th June, 1929...

FORTUNE Susan

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:59:25 +0100

Susan Fortune on 15th March 2007

CORRIE Rita

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:58:24 +0100

Some Recollections of School Holidays Spent in Auchencairn by Rita Corrie Back in the days before World War 11 I spent many summer holidays at Mill House in Auchencairn with my grandparents. To get to Auchencairn I had to cycle approximately 15 miles from a farm near Corsock, or occasionally I got a lift with the butcher's van to Castle Douglas and then on by Davidson's bus to Auchencairn. I remember this 'sort, of landmark' on the way at a house called Chapelyard where there was ...

CANNON David

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:57:31 +0100

David Cannon 19th June 2007

CALDOW Robert

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:56:43 +0100

BRYSON Josie

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:55:25 +0100

Josie Bryson on 7th July 2007

BLACKWOOD Bunty

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:54:08 +0100

Written bv Buntv Blackwood (Paton). Feb 6th 2001 My earliest recollection at Chapelcroft was maybe, aged 4, sitting on the steps in summer waiting on Mum and Dad coming home from Castle-Douglas on Monday market day. They would be away about 3 hours. To me it seemed years. We would have a maid who helped in the house to look after us. We got sweeties once a week. In the 1930's lots of girls couldn't get jobs in the city so they came to the farms and helped in the house and milked, by hand,...

BATCHELOR Eva

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:53:07 +0100

BARROWMAN Jean

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:50:39 +0100

Memories of Jean BarrowmanIn August 1952 I was appointed to the post of Assistant Teacher in Auchencairn Primary School. I didn't know anything about the village having only visited it once. Those of you,like me,who grew up during the War, will remember that petrol was rationed, so there were no trips in the car to other towns.My first impressions however, were just as I remembered and I was very excited to think that I was going to live and work in such a beautiful place. I stayed at the Hot...

BARDSLEY Elizabeth

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:49:46 +0100

Elizabeth Barsdley on 9th August 2007.

BARBOUR Jessie

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:46:50 +0100

Written bv Jessie Barbour (Paton). 25th Feb 2001 What I remember of days long ago at Chapelcroft is limited. I do remember there was a very nice old Doctor in Auchencairn. His name was Dr Cromie - spelling I'm not sure about. Father would take us down to Doctor's house, either Duncraig or the one next door, down the Shore Road. Any colds or coughs we had or if Pa and Ma thought we needed a tonic, off we went to get a bottle from Dr Cromie. I was always fascinated watching him doing his ow...

AITKEN Nancy

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:39:51 +0100

Nancy Aitken - photo on 21st June 2007.

Hermitage Ensemble Concert

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:50:48 +0100

7.30pm on Tuesday 1st May heralds a concert by a Russian male choir, The Hermitage Ensemble of St Petersburg in Auchencairn Church. Follow link below for details.