The Buzz

On April 21, Hilda introduced and welcomed Kate Murdoch from Shambellie House, New Abbey. Kate spoke to us and showed slides about work in the mills and factories producing fashion clothing for women. There was clothing for all occasions: very plain dresses with aprons for people who worked in service, elegant dresses with bustle and beautiful wedding gowns.

For the women in service, wash days were very long and hard work, using wash boards and wringers and heavy irons for different types of clothing.

Finally, Kate asked Isobel Evans to be our model and dressed her in the various layers of clothing which women had to tolerate, but when dressed up Isobel was very elegant.

At our meeting on May 5, Liz welcomed Donald (in the absence of his father Tommy) and Shona Henderson from Dalbeattie Museum. They gave us a film show on the history of Dumfries. Until 1929 Dumfries and Maxwelltown were two different burghs. At one time the Devorgilla Bridge had nine arches, but now it has only six. When the weather was very cold and frosty the people of Dumfries could skate and curl on the River Nith.

In 1893, Buccleuch Street Bridge was widened to allow horses to cross over on to the Whitesands to go to the market. After the cholera epidemic piped water was introduced but the
Crichton Royal Hospital already had their own supply from the artesian well which was cleaner and healthier for people. We were also told about industry in and around Dumfries, such as Arrol Johnston car factory and saw the cargoes being transported along the Nith. At the end of the presentation we were shown a collection of old postcards - what an interesting hobby.

We had an enjoyable afternoon and for anyone who has not yet visited the museum in Dalbeattie, it is worth a look.

Forthcoming dates – on June 2 we go on our summer outing to the Cocoa Bean, Twynholm. The bus leaves the church hall at 1.30pm, returning 5pm. Our meeting on June 16 is Auld Dumfries with Ellen and on 30th it's members' day.

On Monday April 7, we welcomed Mrs Ella Pennington who gave us a very informative talk, entitled A Bag of Mixed Ingredients. After being a schoolteacher, she went on to train as a minister, was called upon to perform weddings at Gretna Green and learned a lot about its history as the place to where lots of young people ran over the border to be married over the anvil.

There were biker weddings, with couples married in all their biker gear; Americans wearing jeans; and one bride wearing a purple dress, with arrivals in transport from limousines, ponies and traps to motorbikes.

She closed by doing a monologue of a clootie dumpling, and with her sense of humour and wonderful Aberdonian accent it was a lovely afternoon, enjoyed by everyone, and followed by afternoon tea.

Saturday April 5 was our coffee morning and it was very busy. The committee would like to thank everyone who helped in any way and to everyone who came along and supported us to make it a success. The final sum raised was £583.70.

Our forthcoming meetings are: May 19 New Zealand, Fiji and Borneo with Margaret; June 2 our summer outing, still being arranged; June 16 Auld Dumfries with Ellen.

The Buzz met on February 25 when we heard some holiday experiences from Lorna White. She and her husband always dreamed of a cruise, but caring for ageing parents was more important.

When the time was right, however, they had a most enjoyable cruise to Egypt and Palestine, followed by a shorter one the following year.

After losing her husband, Lorna was not keen to holiday by herself, but soon realised that if she didn't make the effort she would just sit at home. A visit to Venice was another venture =
although having a trip on a gondola was disappointing. However, on a visit to a glass-blowing factory she befriended a very nice lady, and as time went on they met on various different cruises. Visiting Pompeii was very enjoyable, as she loved the ruins and museums. Unfortunately on a cruise to Ukraine she became ill, but the medical staff were excellent. Lorna finished with a song called Coming Home and we all had a lovely afternoon.

At our meeting on March 10, we welcomed Pam and Colin Mitchell, who gave us a talk and slides on a wonderful holiday they had in Peru in 2006. They flew out to Miami, moving to the islands. They went on again and showed us some lovely alpacca jumpers and hats.

Their trip took in the Balestas Islands with lovely pelicans and penguins. The waters looked breathtaking and came right up to the cliffs, with birds including turkey vultures flying high above. We saw the volcano El Misti, with lovely flowers and scenery. A dip in the hot springs looked very inviting and relaxing. We saw Colco Valley, Inca terraces and burial grounds and condors in the desert and Lake Titicaca also looked very beautiful.

Pam and Colin were on the floating Uros island on the lake, sailing on to Taquile island, then had to take some time to get acclimatised before going on their Inca trail. There were 28 porters for 14 travellers, and we saw the women doing the weaving and the men doing the knitting. It was a very interesting afternoon.

We had no meeting on Easter Monday. Our forthcoming meetings are:
Monday April 7: Ella Pennington - Clootie Dumpling
Monday April 21: Shambellie
Monday May 5: Tommy Henderson - A Blast from the Past

All are welcome.