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.