Melissa introduced Mary Burney, fellow Stewartry Institute member and National President of the Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI). Mary gave members a very clear overview of the SWI. She talked about how it began in Canada in 1897.

Carsphairn Community Woodland are holding a Volunteer Open Day, bringing the community and volunteers together to carry out various woodland tasks, from sowing seed right through to tree planting.

Dorothy welcomed everyone to the first meeting after the summer break.

Carsphairn Community Council and Bairn Banter held an enjoyable community market in Lagwyne Hall on Saturday 16th September as part of Glens Food Month.

Saturday 16th September is a special day for anyone interested in the local heritage and history of Galloway, with five heritage offerings in the Ken/Dee valley coming together to celebrate a community-led approach to local history and records.

Muirdrochwood Woodland, near Carsphairn, has been a hive of activity since ownership passed to Carsphairn Community Woodland Ltd. The Directors are now looking to recruit the next Forestry Pre-Apprentice for a whole range of outdoor and practical tasks on site.

At the start of May the Board of the Scottish Land Commission came to Galloway to meet land use agencies and partners, and visit examples of innovative responses to land use pressures.

Local Glenkens children’s group Bairn Banter, along with Carsphairn Heritage Centre, organised an egg-cellent fun-filled weekend of free Easter-themed activities.

Quantans Hill Wind Farm developer announce their upcoming Open Day.

Carsphairn SWI met in Lagwyne Hall on 16th March. A healthy turnout of members was welcomed by Dorothy Faulds. Business was carried out which included invitations to join Clarebrand and Shawhead Institutes for their open nights.

Thinking back over our first operational year at the community woodland, it has certainly been action packed! A little over a year ago we commenced work, firstly felling the diseased larch and created a site for the yard and shed. Stone was then laid and the shed went up in March thanks to funding from South of Scotland Enterprise. We took on staff, Andy and Phoenix, who have proved to be a great asset, running the woodfuel enterprise, alongside the many tasks they undertake in the woodland.

Following the recent consultation for closure of Carsphairn Primary, Dumfries & Galloway Council's Learning and Education Directorate is recommending that the Education Committee vote on 28 March to continue the current mothballed status for up to two years.