Carsphairn SWI Summer Outing

Thursday 25th June 2026 saw a group of women from Carsphairn SWI setting out on their Summer outing.

The day dawned warm and cloudless. By the time they gathered at the Mariner Hotel, Kippford for lunch, the heat was building. A tasty, leisurely meal in beautiful surroundings was enjoyed by everyone. After that, during a wee walk along the front at Kippford two sculpted dogs were spotted that nobody had noticed before. We look and don’t always see! Next after a run along the coast they arrived at New Abbey Church. Everyone was welcomed by Christine and Mary.

The main reason for visiting was to see the magnificent East Window, dedicated to Dr Stewart Wilson and his wife Jane Ewing Brown. The connection with Carsphairn is that Dr Wilson, a minister at New Abbey for 47 years lived at the Woodhead lead mines as a youngster when his father was manager of the mines. He attended the school there. Everyone enjoyed studying the window and hearing about the history. Some time was spent looking at the animals within. Christine and Mary provided very welcome refreshments which were enjoyed over conversation and catching up.

The final visit of the day took them to the Ewart Library in Dumfries, where they were met by Alison and Steph. This proved to be a voyage of discovery. They had a tour of the refurbished library which included details about the origins of the building and the people who were inspired to create it. It was a real eye opener, as so much valuable and amazing information is carefully stored behind the scenes.

Alison and Steph had prepared a wide range of archive material for everyone to peruse. This included minute books, photos, letters and publications relating to the early days of Carsphairn Rural as well as information about the wider community such as census information, property documents, criminal activities, valuations and newspapers and magazines to name a few. What a wealth of information! As the ladies studied various items they recognised many people and places and in some cases even themselves. Alison and Steph provided refreshments before everyone headed for home. While enjoying the cuppa, folk discussed how they would like to return in order to learn more from the vast range of material available.

On the journey home, everyone reflected on the day. It had been relaxing, sociable, informative and provided much food for thought. The theme for the day turned out to be ‘Connections, Past and Present’. Long may those connections hold firm.

Sincere and grateful thanks go to everyone who contributed to the day in any way and made it so memorable and successful.

Christine Whipp, Carsphairn SWI Secretary.