Some 60 members and friends of The Galloway Association of Glasgow met at the Creebridge House Hotel, Minnigaff, to celebrate the association’s 230th anniversary dinner.
Among those attending were the Lord Lieutenant of Wigtown, Mrs Aileen Brewis and her husband Chris, and guests from as far afield as Somerset and Inverness.
The dinner was once again chaired by Association president Angus Rex who welcomed everyone and invited Mrs Brewis to say a few words.
The Lord Lieutenant was very gracious in her remarks regarding the Association and also the financial support it gives to groups and individuals in the Galloway area.
She was most impressed with the longevity of the Association from its inception in 1791 and hoped it would continue its good work.
Following Mrs Brewis’ address the chairman introduced Bill Logan, a representative from the Portpatrick Community Development Trust, recipients of funding to enable them to purchase 44 brightly coloured deckchairs (sporting the association’s logo) for their project Rockin the Port.
Bill explained the deckchairs were used over a 12 week open air music programme and gave a short resume on the aims of this very successful project at the conclusion of which he expressed his grateful thanks to the association for their financial assistance.
Following the Grace, given by vice-president The Very Reverend Bill Hewitt, an excellent meal was served and enjoyed by all.
Principal toast of the evening was given by John Glover, former manager of Dumfries and Galloway Health Board, who entertained his audience with many hilarious stories of his time in Glasgow as a student at the University of Glasgow working as a porter in the Western Infirmary.
He also explained the similarities and connections between the folks of Glasgow and Dumfries and highlighted the great humour of the Glaswegians.
John admitted he felt the need to visit Glasgow on occasions to get his “Glasgow Fix”.
The second speaker of the evening was Mr Douglas McClure from Sandhead who toasted A’ th’ Wives an’ Weans frae th’ Brig En’ o’ Dumfries tae th’ Braes o’ Glenapp, recounting memories from his experiences dealing with the wives and weans whilst a teacher and head teacher in Wigtownshire.
Elaine Barton from Stranraer, in responding to Douglas’ toast, recalled her time as a district nurse/sister and her dealings with the wives and weans of Wigtownshire.
She highlighted a few hilarious superstitions of the fishermen from Stranraer.
It was not unusual to find up to 300 boats fishing in Lochryan at one time and because of the superstitions it was a wonder they were able to fish at all.
Elaine paid tribute to the wives and weans of this group and what they had to contend with.
The vote of thanks was given by former president Angus Mackinnon and the evening came to its close with a wonderful rendition of Bonnie Gallowa’ led by Douglas McClure.
