The Green Handbook

FREE 

The 

Green Handbook 

Connecting Dumfries & Galloway 

WINTER 2019 

Issue 98 

in this issue 

MEDITATION 

ROCK ART 

INCREDIBLE EDIBLE DUMFRIES 

MANAGING PERSISTENT PAIN 

MOOL - STRENGTHENING OUR REGION 

BREASTFEEDING 

greenhandbook.co.uk 

Tw:@green_handbook 

FB:@GreenHandbook

THE GREEN HANDBOOK 

WHERE TO FIND THE GREEN HANDBOOK 

You will find the Green Handbook at libraries throughout the region and at these locations: 

Annan: Citizens Advice Bureau, Perfect Retreat, Town Hall 

Auldgirth: Allanton World Peace Sanctuary 

Balmaclellan: Balmaclellan Shop 

Beeswing: Loch Arthur Creamery 

Carlisle: Atlas Works, Nelson Street 

Carsphairn: Carrick’s of Carsphairn 

Castle Douglas: King Street at: Sunrise Wholefoods 49, In-house Chocolates 128, Artists & Makers/Heart Songs 141, 

Blackburn’s Hair & Beauty Salon 142, Small Print 215, McGill Duncan Gallery 231; Cotton Street Community Centre 

Colvend: Londis Colvend Stores, Barnbarroch Pottery 

Creetown: Barholm Arts and Crafts, Gem Rock Museum (summer) 

Dalbeattie: Bridge Wellness Centre, Carsons Butcher, Dalbeattie Books, Decaf Café, Jamiesons Sandwich Bar, The Nail 

Factory, Post Office 

Dalton: Village Hall 

Dumfries: Alternative Centre, Basement 20, Boots, Business Gateway, Cloud 9 Gallery, D&G Mental Health Association, 

Deli 56, The Dumfries Larder, Gracefield Arts Centre, The Hub, Lochside Childrens Services, Lochthorn Medical Centre, 

Lover’s Lane Dance & Fitness Studios, Midsteeple Box Office, Mrs Green’s Tea Room, North West Resource Centre, Nana 

Lou’s Café (The Old School), Parry Farm Produce, Pumpernickel, Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, St John’s Church, The 

Stove, The Usual Place, VisitScotland iCentre, Your Sweet Home Café 

Eskdalemuir: Community Hub 

Gatehouse of Fleet: Galloway Lodge 

Gretna: VisitScotland iCentre 

Isle of Whithorn: St. Ninian’s 

Kirkcudbright: All Natural Me, Brambles Delicatessen, Corner Gallery, High Street Gallery, Kirkcudbright Galleries, 

Master Piece, Pure Beauty, Stewartry Museum, VisitScotland iCentre 

Langholm: Chloe at La Belle, The Paper Shop, Pelosi’s Corner Café, Truly Scrumptious, Welcome to Langholm 

Laurieston: The Gallery at Laurieston 

Lochmaben: Graham’s Bakery café, Pink Flamingo Vintage Tea Room 

Lockerbie: Annandale Herald Newsagent, Cafe 91, Flower Pot Gift Shop, Just Be Bistro, Kings Arms 

Moffat: Beauty Matters, Benmar Services, Brodie’s, Buccleuch Arms, Harvest-Time, Moffat Books, The Rumblin Tum 

Moniaive: Craigdarroch Arms, Glen Whisk café, Watsons’ Grocers 

New Abbey: Abbey Cottage Tearoom, New Abbey Stores 

New Galloway: Catstrand, Community Shop, Post Office 

Newton Stewart: Aroma Italian Bistro, Belted Galloway Visitor Centre, Brew Ha Ha, Lushlagenlook, Scent of Galloway 

Palnackie: Village Shop 

Ringford: Old Schoolhouse café 

Sanquhar: A’ the Airts 

Stranraer: Good Life Foods, Jan de Vries shop, VisitScotland iCentre 

St John’s Town of Dalry: Post Office 

Thornhill: Down to Earth, Moniaive Chocolatier, Spar shop, Drumlanrig Café 

Wanlockhead: Wanlockhead Inn 

Whithorn: Whithorn House Tea Room 

Wigtown: Book Shop, Cobwebs, Hippiedippies, Readinglasses, Shoots & Leaves Café, W&B Community Initiative, 

Wigtown Medical Practice 

2 

If you have a public place where you’d like to have copies of the 

Green Handbook for people to read and take away, please get in touch 

Front Cover image: © JCC Creative


WELCOME 

A Guid New Year to you! Thanks to our 

diligent contributors we have a packed 

issue to kick off 2019. Fascinating and 

thoughtful subjects like the benefits of 

breastfeeding and the fine prehistoric 

rock art of the Stewartry. 

At times like this, it is more important 

than ever that communities, with all 

their differences, stick together in a 

spirit of co-operation. We welcome 

some new stockists and advertisers 

and are pleased to share the positive 

efforts of people in D&G, encouraging 

you to consider using the services of 

Green Handbook advertisers. 

Tim & Ruth, Moniaive 

IN THIS ISSUE 

Rock Art 4 

MOOL Strengthening Our Region 6 

Feeding Baby 8 

Incredible Edible Dumfries 12 

Managing Persistent Pain 14 

Meditation 16 

Listings 18 

Bahá’í Community 22 

Diary Dates 23 

Editor: Tim Jones 

The Green Handbook is published by 

JCC Creative, Ainsworth Cottage, 

Ayr Street, Moniaive, DG3 4HP 

Tel. 01848 200622 

Email: editor@greenhandbook.co.uk 

Web: greenhandbook.co.uk 

Facebook: @GreenHandbook 

Twitter: @green_handbook 

LOCH ARTHUR 

BEESWING DUMFRIES DG2 8JQ 

CREAMERY, FARM SHOP & CAFE 

The home of fine local & organic products 

Dumfries and Galloway’s finest selection of 

Organic produce. 

Award winning Cheeses, Fresh Breads, 

Cakes, Biscuits, Pies, Organic Meat, Fruit, 

Vegetables and Eggs. 

Spend time in our beautiful Cafe with our 

simple menu of drinks, cakes and light meals. 

No fast food here, just real food prepared 

and served with the utmost care and attention. 

MON - FRI: Shop: 9.00 - 5.30 

Café: 9.30 - 5.00 

SATURDAY: Shop: 9.00 - 5.00 

Café: 9.30 - 4.30 

SUNDAYS: Closed 

Telephone: 01387 259669 

www.locharthur.org.uk 

If you would like to write for the 

Green Handbook, please get in 

touch or send something in. 

The Green Handbook and JCC Creative assume no liability 

or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete 

information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. 

The information contained about each individual, event or 

organization has been provided by such individual, event 

organizers or organization without verification by us. 

Opinions expressed in articles are the opinions of its author 

and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Green 

Handbook and JCC Creative. Therefore, The Green Handbook 

carries no responsibility for those expressed opinions. 

Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication 

without the written permission of the publisher is strictly 

prohibited. ©2019 The Green Handbook. All rights reserved. 

3


Rock Art 

by Lisa Allen 

Kirkcudbright has been 

especially known for its 

artistic residents from the 19th 

century onwards, but really it goes 

back much earlier than that, in fact, to 

prehistory. 

Well before paper existed, people 

had been making their mark on rock 

and there is much evidence of this in 

Dumfries & Galloway. Consider the 

8th century Anglo Saxon carvings 

of the Ruthwell Cross or the Pictish 

carvings of the 6th century A.D. at 

Trusty’s Hill above Gatehouse of Fleet. 

However, there are many considerably 

older and simpler carvings in existence 

– in the form of cup and ring marked 

rocks – throughout our region and 

there is a dense concentration around 

Kirkcudbright, some of which are 

classed as Scheduled Monuments. 

Cup and ring marked rocks are 

found in other parts of the UK and 

the Atlantic fringe of Europe. Their 

precise date is unknown, but they 

are thought to have been created 

mainly in the Neolithic period around 

6000-4000 years ago. 

The study of this type of rock art began 

in the 19th century, where the focus 

was on the meaning of the carvings. 

This led to a multitude of theories 

about the reasons for their existence, 

ranging from the sacred or practical 

to messages from outer space, but we 

are no closer to knowing exactly why 

people created them. 

Rock art is still being studied today, 

ScRap - Scotland’s Rock Art Project 

is a 5 year project headed by Dr 

Tertia Barnett and funded by the Arts 

and Humanities Research Council 

partnering Historic Environment 

Scotland, Glasgow School of Art and 

Edinburgh University amongst others. 

The aim is to improve knowledge and 

understanding, also to standardise 

the data using a consistent recording 

methodology. Recording more 

‘parameters’ or fields of data, offers 

more potential for research. For 

example, research now focuses more 

around the carved rocks and their 

4


relationship to the landscape they 

are in than on the direct meaning 

of the carvings. As well as looking 

at their past use, it also explores 

possible future use, looking at our 

relationship with them now, asking 

how can we value and use this rock art 

today? Therefore, this project is also 

concerned with raising awareness 

and protection of them. Completed 

data, including photography and 3D 

imaging, will be publicly accessible via 

the projects website. 

Kirkcudbright has a small, friendly 

team who regularly go out and survey 

cup and ring marked rocks in the local 

area. There are a great many to cover 

in the 5 years of this project, which 

aims to visit and record consistently 

as many of these carved rocks as 

possible. 

We may never know the true reason 

or meaning of these carvings, but 

more knowledge will give us a better 

understanding of their significance to 

people in the past, and it is not hard 

to admire the skill and creativity of 

these artists who will remain forever 

anonymous. 

If you like the outdoors, working 

in a small team, art, history or 

photography, and have a little spare 

time, why not consider joining us. 

To find out more about the project and 

what is involved, visit the ScRAP website: 

www.rockart.scot 

You can also contact the local 

co-ordinator Lisa Allen if you are 

interested in getting involved: 

lisa.allen1269@gmail.com 

Health Play Movement for 

pre-school and early years 

Creative Movement & Dance for Primary age 

Modern Dance Technique 

Creative Dance & Improvisation 

for Teens/Young People 

Health, Well-being Dance 

& Creative Movement for Adults 

Classes in 

Dalbeattie, Dumfries, Moniaive, 

New Galloway, Rhonehouse & Tynron 

Galloway 

Violin Studio 

Specializing in Suzuki 

& Classical violin study 

for people of all ages 

Cate Howard, director 

chowardsasc@gmail.com 

01644 470127 catehoward.com 

5


MOOL - ‘Strengthening Our Region’ 

A 

symposium was held by 

Massive Outpouring of Love 

(MOOL) in Dumfries near 

the end of last year with the theme: 

“Strengthening Our Region”. Up 

for discussion were the results of a 

new local survey looking at attitudes 

towards immigrants and their impact 

on the community. 

MOOL is supporting several refugee 

families from around the world who 

have settled in the region. As the day 

went on, it became apparent that 

there were many different views 

on this subject from locals, British 

incomers, and from immigrants 

themselves. Some newcomers found 

the area to be very welcoming but 

others felt differently – that some 

parts were insular and communities 

difficult to engage with. Some locals 

reported a desire to welcome and 

integrate newcomers but admitted to 

a hesitancy, often for fear of causing 

offence by saying the wrong thing. 

MOOL are working on strengthening 

this already culturally diverse region 

by helping members of different 

communities, wherever they originate 

from, to break down barriers and find 

common ground. 

Some ongoing MOOL projects: 

Providing befrienders to work locally 

with the Vulnerable Person Resettlement 

Scheme. 

Moving Stories – interviews with 

newcomers to the region. 

Drop Your Pants – dropboxes collecting 

new underwear for distribution. 

SNUG Packs – distributed to refugee 

and migrant camps across Europe. 

The Depot – sorting donations for 

distribution. 

At the symposium, I found myself 

sitting next to a social care worker, a 

French speaker from Paris, who was 

part way through a work placement 

in Annan. When asked what brought 

us and other people from England 

to move to Dumfries & Galloway, 

I replied without thinking, that we 

had been looking for a better life, 

and I gave her a copy of the Green 

Handbook. 

Later, I reflected on how this magazine 

had helped introduce Ruth and I 

to Dumfries & Galloway when we 

first moved here in 1999. With our 

local knowledge at virtually zero, the 

Green Handbook was a pointer that 

helped us to connect with services 

and like-minded people (thanks Su). 

So we hope that we also contribute, 

in a small way, to “Strengthening Our 

Region”. Let us know what you think. 

As for the ‘better life’, despite the 

challenges of moving to a new area, 

new people, new culture, I think we 

got one. In the current climate, let’s 

hope that others can get one too. 

MOOL needs help: lobbyists, funds, 

befrienders, depot workers and more. 

Massive Outpouring of Love 

www.mool.scot e:hello@mool.scot 

07497 080 557 f:@DGRefugeeAction 

6


www.mool.scot 

e:hello@mool.scot 

f:@DGRefugeeAction 

07497 080 557 

Mharia Rawlins 

Anam cara 

(soul friend) 

Counsellor & 

Psychotherapist 

MBACP 

Person-centred approach 

Mind, body, emotions and spirit 

Face to face or by phone 

10 years as a Holistic Therapist 

Help with 

Depression, life changes, trauma 

bereavement, abuse, self-harm 

addiction, suicidal thoughts, sexuality, 

spirituality related issues & more... 

mhariacounselling@outlook.com 

07490 256213 

Upper Nithsdale but can travel if necessary 

counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/mharia-rawlins 

Wide range of stoves 

Fireplaces and hearths 

Logs and kindling 

enquire@nithsdalestoves.co.uk 

www.nithsdalestoves.co.uk 

t: 01848 332200 m: 07949 211528 

HETAS approved full installation service 

132 Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway DG3 5LP 

7


Feeding Baby 

by Jill Asher 

Suppose a new ‘miracle food’ was 

developed for babies, providing 

all their nutritional needs as 

well as protection against infections 

and disease. Would parents go for it? 

This miracle food is, of course, 

already freely available. Breastmilk 

provides everything that babies need 

to grow and develop. In a myriad of 

different ways, it also protects the 

immune system, nurtures a healthy 

gut and provides the optimal start for 

a healthy life. 

Local statistics are sobering. Nearly 

40% of babies born in Dumfries 

and Galloway in the past 12 months 

had no breastmilk at all. Of the 60% 

of new mothers who started out 

breastfeeding, about half had stopped 

completely within 6-8 weeks. With 

75% of babies receiving all or some 

of their milk as formula by the time 

they are only two months old, bottle 

feeding has effectively become the 

norm. A far cry from The World Health 

Organisation (who) recommendation 

of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding, 

then continued alongside food for at 

least 2 years. 

This is complex and emotionally 

tricky territory. I know that many who 

read this will not have had a happy 

experience or will know someone 

for whom breastfeeding did not go 

well. This is no judgement on them – 

breastfeeding support has been very 

limited over the past 60 years and we 

are still catching up with that. 

My aim is for more of us, not just 

new mothers, to gain confidence in 

breastfeeding. We can all potentially 

be vital members of the support 

team. New parents benefit from 

realistic expectations and adequate 

preparation – learning about baby 

instincts and about how breastmilk is 

made for example. Patience, practice 

and determination have enabled 

many mothers to get through the first 

whirlwind weeks. Having a supportive 

team around them and knowing 

where to get help at any stage can also 

make a big difference. 

When we know better, we can do 

better…. Let’s enable more local 

babies to benefit from the wonder 

food that is breastmilk, and more 

mothers to enjoy this most natural 

human activity. 

Connecting families 

across Dumfries & Galloway 

On Facebook @BumpBabyandBeyondDumfriesandGalloway 

Jill Asher is an IBCLC Lactation Consultant 

Based in Dumfries, she welcomes all 

queries around breastfeeding issues 

jillasher.co.uk 

facebook: Jill Asher Breastfeeding 

8


Confident Breastfeeding 

FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY 

Graphic Design 

Print & web 

Apple Mac 

Is breastfeeding 

getting on your tits? 

A little expert help can make a huge difference 

Pre-natal preparation 

Individuals and groups 

Information on breastfeeding 

t: 07552 312543 

www.jillasher.co.uk 

Security / Antivirus 

Backup 

01848 200622 

jcccreative.co.uk 

Dumfries Traditional Acupuncture 

Lochthorn Medical Centre, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, DG1 1TR 

Kirsty Hodgson Bsc (hons) MBAcC 

07728688003 

Catriona Jennings Bsc (hons) MBAcC 

07980873623 www.dumfriesacupuncture.co.uk 

9


New 

Crystal 

Shop 

in 

Castle 

Douglas 

A 

new crystal shop is due to 

open on Castle Douglas High 

Street this February. It will be 

situated at the rear of the Artists & 

Makers shop next to the Heart Songs 

therapy room. 

Elizabeth Drake from Heart Songs 

will be taking over what used to be 

an art gallery space and redesigning 

the interior to display and sell a 

substantial array of crystals. She also 

plans to stock other spiritual items, 

such as Himalayan salt lamps, oracle 

cards and incense. There will be art 

for sale on the walls which will, she 

says, remain in keeping with the new 

shop layout. 

Elizabeth treats people using a 

combination of energy, sound, colour, 

crystals, hypnosis, meditation and 

her own Arco Iris Healing, designed to 

bring the body and energy back into 

balance. 

Contact Elizabeth Drake at Heart Songs 

Tel. 07816 236659 

Facebook: @distantheart 

Heart Songs 

Therapies 

& Crystal Shop 

To bring your life and body 

back into balance 

Tel: 07816 236659 

FB: @distantheart 

Email: heartsongshealing@gmail.com 

141 King Street, Castle Douglas 

Elaine Murdoch 

Animal Communication 

& Healing 

REIKI & SEICHEM 

PRACTITIONER 

I use Reiki to help all kinds of animals 

with physical, emotional & behavioural 

problems, speeding up recovery from 

injury or illness. I communicate with 

animals, helping you to understand their 

behaviour & how they feel about you & their 

environment. Also photo & phone readings. 

www.animal-communication-healing-by-elainemurdoch.co.uk 

T: 07764 349 486 E: elainemurdoch@hotmail.co.uk 

facebook.com/Elaines.Ihm.Ach 

10


DALBEATTIE BOOKS 

“A little bit different” 

Books 

(New, remainder, used) 

Maps 

Greetings cards 

Selected craft materials 

Competitive prices 

Closed Wednesdays & Sundays 

65 High Street, Dalbeattie, DG5 4HA 

dalbeattiebooks@gmail.com 

01556 610228 

Julian Leask BOst 

Rosie Gibbs BOst MSc (Paed Ost) 

Josh Long BOst 

Registered Osteopaths 

First consultation & treatment, 1 hour 

Follow up treatments 30 minutes 

Lochvale House 

(formerly Georgetown Community Centre) 

Georgetown Road, Dumfries, DG1 4DF 

01387 270 750 

www.dumfries-osteopathic-clinic.co.uk 

David Lamb 

Architectural Plans 

Extensions 

Alterations 

Conversions 

PLANNING & BUILDING WARRANTS 

25 Years in Architecture 

01387 880728 / 07501 038938 

e: dlamb586@btinternet.com 

Noi is a fully-qualified traditional 

Thai Massage practitioner with 

over 10 years experience 

Gift vouchers available online 

www.thaimassageroom.com 

01556 611 623 07799 664993 

Millisle, Dalbeattie, DG5 4AX 

Green Weddings 

TRADITIONAL 

HANDFASTING 

CEREMONY 

Jump the Broom 

from the 

Sacred Circle of Light 

For more details tel. 07514 557480 

11


Incredible Edible Dumfries 

Planting a blueberry bush at Dumfries Museum 

If you have noticed broccoli 

growing in an unlikely town 

centre spot – herbs outside 

the Robert Burns Film Theatre, or 

blackcurrants and strawberries at 

Dumfries Railway Station – you have 

probably been looking at an Incredible 

Edible plot. More surprisingly, it’s ok 

to help yourself and certainly ok to do 

a little helpful weeding as you pass by! 

Back in 2008, Incredible Edible was 

conceived as a small, local community 

project by a small group of women 

in the Yorkshire market town of 

Todmorden. As it turned out, their 

aims resonated with others up and 

down the UK and further afield. 

The original Incredible Edible was 

prompted by a growing interest in food 

provenance, a hope to upskill people 

to grow their own food, and a desire to 

make a small local contribution to the 

global issues of climate change. 

Their philosophy was spread by a 

slot on Radio 4’s Food Programme 

and was heard by Jill and Rosie, the 2 

founders of Incredible Edible Dumfries. 

They held their first public meeting in 

November 2012 and started working 

on a couple of small plots early the 

following year – they had snow on 

their first gardening day, but that 

did not deter the first hardy bunch of 

helpers. They have gradually created 

Incredible Edible plots in numerous 

locations around the town centre. 

The scheme has grown and has now 

become a true community effort. 

Their efforts have been met with 

encouragement and enthusiasm 

from individuals, Council staff, local 

businesses, faith organisations, 

schools and community groups. 

Their broad aims are: 

• To encourage and share the joy of 

eating food you have grown yourself. 

Globe artichokes by the Nith 

12


An “Incredible Edible’ plot at Dumfries Museum 

• To bring life to small ‘unloved’ 

corners of the town 

• To get people thinking about how 

food gets to their plate and the many 

issues around growing food 

• To encourage sustainable living 

• To help grow the community 

Early next year they will be promoting 

the Dumfries Tattie Challenge – see 

their website for more information. 

The people at Incredible Edible are not 

gardening experts, and they work 

by trial and error. They welcome 

anyone who is interested to learn or 

has enthusiasm to share knowledge. 

If you prefer to contribute from the 

warmth of indoors… then they have 

plenty of ideas for helping out ‘behind 

the scenes’. 

For those who live beyond Dumfries 

town, this is a concept which rolls 

out very readily to other communities 

– large and small – whether town, 

village, street or individual. From last 

year, there is also an Incredible Edible 

group in Stranraer. 

Jill Asher from the Dumfries group 

says, “We are always happy to share 

our own experiences and would 

encourage anyone to get in touch 

for an informal chat and more 

information.” 

Web: 

Incredibleedibledumfries.wordpress.com 

Facebook: Incredible Edible Dumfries 

Email: 

dumfriescanbeincredible@hotmail.co.uk 

13


Managing 

Persistent Pain 

by Alyson Tyler 

People suffering from persistent 

or long-term (chronic) pain 

can feel stressed, desperate and 

depressed. But what if our traditional 

understanding of pain is part of the 

problem? 

The traditional approach to pain 

looks for a specific source and tries 

to fix that one thing. But over the last 

40 years it has become increasingly 

accepted that persistent pain (without 

obvious damage), could be the result 

of the brain’s interpretation of signals 

combined with life experiences 

(including stress). 

Referred to as a bio-psycho-social 

model, pain is seen as an output of, 

rather than an input to, the brain. We 

do not have specific pain receptors, 

rather we have sensory receptors: 

thermoreceptors (temperature), 

chemoreceptors (chemicals), mechanoreceptors 

(pressure, stretch) and 

also nociceptors (perceived danger or 

damage). 

You pull your hand away from the fire 

because the thermoreceptors detect 

heat and the nociceptor nerves detect 

danger or the threat of danger. They 

send messages to the brain, which 

interprets them and makes a decision 

e.g. to send motor signals to move the 

hand. 

Pain indicates that your brain has 

assessed the situation and considers 

that the body is in danger and that you 

should take action; it is your body’s 

protective response mechanism. 

This system works particularly well 

for acute incidents – a stubbed toe, 

touching a hot pan etc. However, 

at times, the brain may set the pain 

alarm off when nothing has gone 

wrong, or the alarm may fail to go off 

when it should. The alarm can also 

become too sensitive and go off at the 

merest hint of danger. 

Worry and stress can also affect 

levels of pain, particularly as the 

stress response of ‘fight, flight or 

freeze’ increases inflammation and 

sensitivity. There is also research 

which suggests that people who 

have experienced adverse childhood 

experiences tend to show more 

chronic pain conditions. Our beliefs, 

expectations, fears, anxieties, 

experiences, and social and cultural 

14


factors all affect how the danger 

(nociception) is assessed by the brain. 

So what can you do if you suffer from 

chronic pain? Relaxing as much as 

possible and trying to manage stress 

helps the body to think that it’s not in 

danger. Massage, yoga, tai chi, deep 

breathing, walking etc. can also help 

calm the nervous system down. 

This is a very brief overview of a 

complicated topic. A longer article is 

available on Alyson’s blog with links for 

further information: 

tinyurl.com/alysonpain 

Understanding Persistent Pain booklet: 

knowpain.co.uk/wp-content/ 

uploads/2014/05/ 

TazzyPersistentPainBooklet.pdf 

Five minute YouTube video: 

youtube.com/watch?v=C_3phB93rvI 

Yoga and Qigong 

Classes in Dumfries 

and Lockerbie 

Susan Neal 

Ocean of Calm Energy Arts 

susanneal@mac.com 

07739904328 

f: @OceanofCalmEnergyArts 

oceanofcalm.wordpress.com 

Teacher, 

Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs 

www.yogaforbacks.co.uk 

Relaxing massage with Alyson 

(Dumfries) 

Contact me for more information: 

Facebook: AlysonYoga 

alysonyoga.wordpress.com 

alysonyoga@greenisp.co.uk 

0757 9966151 

TRADITIONAL 

ACUPUNCTURE 

Safe, relaxing & effective 

Suitable for all ages. 

Practitioner with 

18 years experience. 

Specialist in Japanese Toyohari 

Acupuncture & Moxa 

Jenny Craig LicAc, MBAcC 

26 South Main St, Wigtown 

DG8 9EH 

The Orchid Room, 

34a Charlotte Street, Stranraer 

tel: 01671 404845 

jenny@galloway-acupuncture.co.uk 

www.galloway-acupuncture.co.uk 

15


Meditation: 

We All Want to be Happy 

by Kelsang Drolma 

We all want to be happy. In 

fact, we want to be happy 

all the time. Unfortunately, 

although we have this deep basic 

wish, very few people understand the 

real cause of happiness. 

We usually believe that external 

conditions such as food, friends, cars, 

money, phones are the real cause of 

happiness, and we devote nearly all 

our time and energy to acquiring 

them. Superficially, it seems that 

these things can make us happy, 

but if we look more deeply we will 

see that they also bring us a lot of 

suffering and problems. 

In recent years, our knowledge of 

modern technology has increased 

considerably, but there has not been 

a corresponding increase in human 

happiness. There are no fewer 

problems. It might be said that there 

are now more problems and great 

dangers than ever before. This shows 

that the real source of happiness and 

the solution to our problems do not lie 

in external conditions. 

Happiness and suffering are just 

states of mind and their causes cannot 

be found outside the mind. So what 

is the real cause of happiness? Inner 

peace or mental peace is the source of 

happiness. 

Most of us pay very 

little attention 

to our mind. 

We pay far more 

attention to 

our external 

conditions and 

to our physical 

body. Imagine 

what it would be 

like if we gave our 

mind as much 

attention. 

Our minds 

are generally 

very busy 

and we have many distractions. For 

most of us we have very little control 

of our mind. In fact, we are under 

the control of our mind. Our mind 

gets angry, stressed worried and we 

follow it. Because we do not pay much 

attention to our mind we allow stress 

and negativity to remain in our mind. 

Many of these problems can start to 

fall away when we meditate. 

Meditation enables us, over time, to 

develop and maintain a peaceful mind 

all the time. 

16


Get the ‘wow factor’ in your life 

Learn 

TAI CHI 

For further information 

or to reserve your place 

please contact 

Angela: 07808503091 

e: creatinginnerrainbows@hotmail.co.uk 

www.taichiscotland.org 

Meditation is a way of calming and 

training our mind to be happy. It is 

something everyone can learn. If our 

mind is peaceful we will be free from 

worries and mental discomfort, and 

so we will experience true happiness. 

But if our mind is not peaceful, we 

will find it very difficult to be happy, 

even if we are living in the very best 

conditions. 

For example, when we go out to 

a restaurant with our friend as a 

special treat, we may be really looking 

forward to it. But we get upset because 

our friend says something we do not 

like, the food is not good, or we get a 

phone call that something is wrong. 

Immediately we become upset, 

maybe angry, and we cannot enjoy the 

evening. We have many examples like 

this in our lives. 

Meditation enables us to develop 

and maintain a peaceful mind all the 

time. If our mind is peaceful all the 

time we will be happy all the time. The 

best way to understand the benefits 

of meditation is to experience it for 

ourselves. 

Jin Shin Jyutsu 

Liberate your natural energy flows with this 

gentle Japanese healing touch therapy. 

Sessions help us to cope with stress, 

tension, life challenges, aches and pains. 

Restore & Maintain your 

inner balance, harmony and peace 

Marion Gardner, Wellbeing Practitioner 

Dalbeattie & Dumfries Practice 

01556 620388 / 0783 7726933 

www.OpenIntoLife.com 

(also Homeopathy, EFT & Journey Therapy) 

It’s not necessary to meditate for a 

long time each day to experience the 

benefits of meditation. Just 5, 10 or 

15 minutes of meditation is enough 

to calm our mind, improve mental 

clarity, reduce feelings of stress and 

tension, and give a better perspective 

on life. 

By meditating daily over a period 

of time, our relationships start to 

improve, we develop a balanced and 

happy mind all of the time, and uproot 

the negative minds that are the cause 

of problems. 

UMA offer lunchtime classes in Wigtown 

and Kirkcudbright, and evening classes 

in Castle Douglas and Dumfries. 

They also offer monthly half day courses 

in the Dumfries & Galloway area on 

a Saturday morning. Everyone is very 

welcome. No experience is needed. 

Website: 

www.uma.org.uk 

Facebook: 

Meditation in Dumfries & Galloway 

17


LISTINGS 

Architect 

David Lamb Plans: extensions, alterations, 

conversions Planning & Building warrants 

25 Years in Architecture 

Tel. 01387 880728 / 07501 038938 

e: dlamb586@btinternet.com 

Arts 

Barholm Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts co-operative. 

St John St, Creetown. 

f: @BarholmArtsAndCrafts 

Tel. 01671 820671 

CAMPLE LINE Contemporary Art & Film 

info@campleline.org.uk 

nr Thornhill 

Tel. 01848 331 000 

Gallery at Laurieston Winter Show 2018 

Nov to January. Contact Phil: 

01644 450235 

f: /galleryatlaurieston 

The Nail Factory Gallery exhibitions, 

workshops & pop up shop in Dalbeattie. 

01556 611686 

e: info@nailfactory.org.uk 

Acupuncture 

Catriona Jennings, BSc(hons) MBAcC 

Traditional Acupuncture. 07980873623 

acupuncturecjennings.co.uk & Facebook 

acupuncture.c.jennings@gmail.com 

Lochthorn Medical Centre, Dumfries 

Jenny Craig LicAc, MBAcC Specialist in 

Japanese Toyohari Acupuncture & Moxa 

Wigtown 01671 404845 

jenny@galloway-acupuncture.co.uk 

galloway-acupuncture.co.uk 

Kirsty Hodgson, BSc(hons) MBAcC 

Traditional Acupuncture. 07728688003 

dumfriesacupuncture.co.uk 

Lochthorn Medical Centre, Dumfries 

Lynda Sharp 

Dip Ac. Dip CHM. MRCHM 

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine 

01387 720400 / 07753571212 

contact@wellnessdumfries.org 

Books 

Dalbeattie Books 

Books, maps, greetings cards, 

craft materials. 

Tel. 01556 610228 

dalbeattiebooks@gmail.com 

Builders 

Steve Phelps General building, roofing & 

maintenance work. Whiteside Cottage, 

Dunscore, Dumfries DG2 0UU. 

01387 820347, 07768743988 

e: stevephelps07@aol.com 

Philip Watson Carpentry, general 

maintenance. No job too small 

Local reliable friendly service 

Dalbeattie. Tel. 07922 066 326 

www.philipwatson-carpentry.co.uk 

Centres & Retreats 

Asheiri Spiritual Guest Centre Creetown 

Meditation, retreats. Visitors welcome. 

Contact: Sarah Summerson 

01671 820848 

sarah@asheiri.one www.asheiri.one 

Allanton World Peace Sanctuary 

Auldgirth, Dumfries 

Tel. 01387 740642 

allanton@worldpeace-uk.org 

Bahá’í Community 

Circles of Study, Sacred Space gatherings, 

Youth Empowerment groups. Contact: 

Dumfries – Venus Carew 07796893500 

(Peacemaker Club for Children) 

Cairn Valley – Dicky Fusco 07873101766 

dickyfusco@gmail.com 

18


Ceremonies 

Green Weddings Traditional Handfasting 

Ceremony. Jump the Broom from the 

Sacred Circle of Light. Tel. 07514 557480 

johnfergie2011@gmail.com 

Chiropodist/Podiatrist 

Andrew J McDonald 

BSc Pod MChS HCPC 07542 200771 

e: ajmcdonald.chiropody@outlook.com 

f: /ajmcdonald.chiropody 

ajmcdonaldchiropod.wixsite.com/website 

Clothing 

The Nail Factory Pop Up Shop 

Bringing together a superb selections of 

Tweeds for men and women. Open by 

appointment only. 01556 611686 

e: info@nailfactory.org.uk 

Dance 

Sara Lockwood Margaret Morris 

Movement, choreography, 

dance classes. Tel 01387 820472 

sara.lockwood@sky.com 

Drama 

Creative Youth Drama Group 

After-school weekly sessions. Aged 7-12 

GM Institute, Moniaive 

Jessica Fusco-Naish: 07709633663 

jess.fusco.naish@hotmail.co.uk 

Design 

JCC Creative 

Graphic Design. Websites. Apple Mac. 

Training. Tel. 01848 200622 

tim@jonescc.com jcccreative.co.uk 

Facebook Communities 

@dgartsfest D&G Arts Festival 

@DGSCHT Dumfries and Galloway 

Small Communities Housing Trust 

@DGWGO Dumfries and Galloway! 

Whats Going on? 

big top tent hire 

weddings functions 

festivals parties 

children’s events 

info@littlebigtops.net 

01848 200334 

@BahaiCommunityOfDumfries- 

AndGalloway 

@BumpBabyandBeyondDumfriesandGalloway 

@DumfriesNappyLibrary 

@GallowayNational Park 

@GreenHandbook 

Healing 

Debra Hall Fully qualified 

and insured Reiki master/teacher. 

25 years experience. 

For treatments, courses and refresher days 

debra.ha@hotmail.co.uk 

Tel: 01644430013 or 07793 371276 

Elizabeth Drake 

Heart Songs. Crystal shop & therapies 

Tel. 07816 236659 

Facebook: @distantheart 

heartsongshealing@gmail.com 

141 King Street, Castle Douglas 

Elaine Murdoch 

Animal healing. Reiki & Seikem 

Tel. 07764 349 486 

w: animal-communication-healingby-elainemurdoch.co.uk 

e: elainemurdoch@hotmail.co.uk 

19


Heating 

Nithsdale Stove Centre Thornhill 

01848 332200 nithsdalestoves.co.uk 

enquiries@nithsdalestoves.co.uk 

Help & Activism 

38degrees.org.uk UK petitions 

avaaz.org International petitions 

Euromyths blogs.ec.europa.eu/ECintheUK/ 

euromyths-a-z-index/ 

Massive Outpouring of Love (MOOL) 

www.mool.scot e:hello@mool.scot 

07497 080557 f:@DGRefugeeAction 

Jin Shin Jyutsu 

Marion Gardner Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) 

Relax,revitalize, ease aches & pains, 

balance emotions Tel. 01556 620388 

www.OpenIntoLife.com 

Languages 

Mandarin Corner 汉语小屋 

Moniaive. For beginners aged 10-17 

Chinese language and culture. Informal 

Contact Jess: 07709633663 

jess.fusco.naish@hotmail.co.uk 

Spanish Lessons 

Lucas Gonzales 07960 144 953 

lucas.gonzalez.sc@gmail.com 

Marquee Hire 

Little Big Tops Big top tent hire for 

weddings, festivals, functions, parties 

info@littlebigtops.net Tel. 01848 200334 

Massage 

Anna Keith NIM 

Relaxing deep tissue massage helps prevent 

& relieve pain & stress. In quiet setting nr 

Auldgirth. Some evening appts. possible 

DG2 OSA. Tel: 01387 740230 

Noi McIntyre Thai massage. MGPBMT 

Mill Isle, Craignair Street, Dalbeattie 

DG5 4AX. Tel. 01556 611623 

mobile 07799 664993 

Meditation 

Meditation class & half day courses in 

Castle Douglas, Dumfries, KIrkcudbright, 

Wigtown, and Stranraer. 

For more info contact uma.org.uk 

FB: Meditation in Dumfries & Galloway 

Music 

Flute Lessons Thornhill 

Richard Dobson, experienced player 

and teacher. Beginners to advanced. 

Starter flutes available for sale or hire. 

Tel. 01848 392021 

Guitar Lessons 

Lucas Gonzales 

07960 144 953 

lucas.gonzalez.sc@gmail.com 

Galloway Violin Studio 

Suzuki & Classical violin study 

for people of all ages. 

Cate Howard 01644 470 127 

or chowardsasc@gmail.com 

Natural Products 

All Natural Me 

The beauty boutique, 

8 Castle St, Kirkcudbright. 

Organic beauty brands: Dr Hauschka, 

Weleda, Lavera, Pravera, A Vogel etc. 

01775 42810 or allnaturalme.co.uk 

Osteopathy 

Julian Leask B Ost, Rosie Gibbs B Ost, 

Josh Long B Ost Registered Osteopaths 

Lochvale House, Georgetown Road, 

Dumfries, DG1 4DF. Tel. 01387 270 750 

www.dumfries-osteopathic-clinic.co.uk 

Psychotherapy & Counselling 

Mharia Rawlins MBACP 

Counsellor & Psychotherapist 

Upper Nithsdale 

Person-centred,mind, body, emotions, spirit 

mhariacounselling@outlook.com 

07490 256213 

20


Philip Watson 

Joiner 

General Maintenance 

Doors, Floors 

Kitchen Worktops, Bathrooms 

No Job Too Small 

Dalbeattie 07922 066 326 

philipwatson-carpentry.co.uk 

Local Reliable Friendly Service 

Steve Phelps 

Building, Roofing 

& General Maintenance 

work undertaken 

tel. 01387 820347 

mob 07768 743988 

stevephelps07@aol.com 

Whiteside Cottage, Dunscore, 

Dumfries DG2 0UU 

Life Development Coaching 

www.gillstanyard.life 

To book a session call or text 

Gill - 07464 433054 

‘With support, anything feels possible...’ 

Person-centred therapy 

for individuals & couples, clinical 

supervision, training & consultancy. 

MBACP accredited counsellor. 

Contact Clair Higgon 

mob. 07749 824420 

Sarah Broun Counselling 

Emotional release, relaxation, 

meditation, guided visualisation 

01387 880 720 07969 269 983 

sarahlbroun@gmail.com 

thebarnretreats.com 

Reflexology 

Anna Keith IIR in quiet setting nr 

Auldgirth to assist self-healing, 

balancing and stress relief. 

Some evening appts. possible. 

DG2 OSA. Tel: 01387 740230 

Tai Chi 

Wendletrap Tai Chi Call Angela 

07808 503091 taichiscotland.org 

creatinginnerrainbows@hotmail.co.uk 

Whole Foods 

Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Café 

Award-winning organic food. 

Camphill, Beeswing, DG2 8JQ 

Mon-Fri 9-5.30, Sat 9-5 

Tel. 01387 259669 

Sunrise Wholefoods 

49 King Street, Castle Douglas. 

Tel. 01556 504 455 

f: @SunriseCD 

Yoga 

Alyson Tyler Dumfries yoga classes list: 

alysonyoga.wordpress.com/other-classes/ 

For yoga and massage appointments 

FB: @AlysonYoga T: 0757 9966151 

E: alysonyoga@greenisp.co.uk 

W: alysonyoga.wordpress.com 

Susan Neal Yoga & Qigong 

Classes in Dumfries & Lockerbie 

07739904328, susanneal@mac.com 

oceanofcalm.wordpress.com 

yogaforbacks.co.uk 

Carol Godridge 

Satyananda Yoga classes 

Tel. 01848 200681 

yoga@cgodridge.plus.com 

carolgodridgesatyanandayoga.com 

21


The Bahá’í Community 

of South West Scotland 

by Dicky & Jessica Fusco 

“The well-being of mankind, its peace 

and security, are unattainable unless and 

until its unity is firmly established” 

Bahá’u’lláh 

In a world beset with calamities 

and trials, confusion and 

injustice, ordinary people are 

longing for peace, stability, equity 

and progress. Bahá’í’s and their 

friends around the world and across 

this region, of all backgrounds and 

beliefs are striving to develop a culture 

which promotes a way of thinking, 

studying, and acting, in which all 

consider themselves as treading a 

common path of service—supporting 

one another and advancing together 

to make unity a reality in our midst. 

Bahá’í’s see the young as the most 

precious treasure a community can 

possess. In them are the promise 

and guarantee of the future. Yet, in 

order for this promise to be realised, 

children need to receive spiritual 

nourishment. In a world where the joy 

and innocence of childhood can be so 

easily overwhelmed by the aggressive 

pursuit of materialistic ends, the 

moral and spiritual education of 

children assumes vital importance. 

The Bahá’í belief in the inherent 

nobility of each human being is 

intimately connected with the 

conviction that education, both 

material and spiritual, has the power 

to manifest the potential nobility 

within each person and, most 

importantly, benefit society. 

“Regard man as a mine rich in gems 

of inestimable value. Education can, 

alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and 

enable mankind to benefit there from.” 

Bahá’u’lláh 

People of all backgrounds, beliefs and 

worldviews are welcome to collaborate 

and learn together about unity building at 

the grassroots. bahai.org bahai.co.uk 

“All must become united and coordinated in service to the world of humanity” 

Bahá’í Writings 

The Bahá’í Community of South 

West Scotland warmly welcomes 

friends of all backgrounds, beliefs 

and world views to collaborate 

with us in establishing classes 

that nurture the tender hearts 

and minds of children, groups 

for youth empowerment, circles 

of study and service for adults 

and Sacred Spaces for uplifting 

spiritual reflection. If you are 

interested please be in touch. 

Dumfries – Venus Carew 07796893500 (Peace Maker Club for Children) 

Cairn Valley – Dicky Fusco 07873101766 dickyfusco@gmail.com 

22


DIARY DATES 

11th Jan, 8th Feb & 15th March - Storytelling in the Yurt, 10-11am. WWT Caerlaverock 

19th January - D+G Eco Warriors. Powfoot beach clean. 10:30am - 2:30pm 

24th January - 4th February - Big Burns Supper Festival. Whitesands, Dumfries 

Jan - March - Tweeds for men and women. Pop-up shop. The Nail Factory, Dalbeattie 

11th February - RSGS Travellers Club. In the Footsteps of Shackleton. Crichton Campus 

18 - 22nd February - WWT Scottish Puddle Jumping Championships. Caerlaverock 

ADVERTISE WITH US 

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