The first sign of Spring at Sweetheart Abbey

Last week I spotted what must be the first signs of Spring: a people carrier full of visitors getting out of their vehicle at Sweetheart Abbey! 

I was driving to Dumfries on a glorious, clear, crisp Spring day and has chosen to take the coast road (the A710), which is my favourite route as the scenery is stunning, when I spotted them as I turned the bend next to the Abbey Tea Room in New Abbey.

How did I know they were visitors? Well the walking gear, cameras and binoculars were a hint, but the reason they caught my eye was that, even whilst getting out of their vehicle, they were already staring with wonder and awe at the towering red sandstone walls of the Abbey. 

View of Sweetheart Abbey from the carpark next to the tearoom

Their total focus was the amazing and evocative building in front of them, everything else was being done on auto setting. It reminded me of my first sight of this amazing place, not without a whiff of nostalgia I have to add, and reminded me that it is easy to take these spectacular places for granted and to forget that unique feeling you get when seeing something truly amazing for the first time. I have to admit I felt envious of them experiencing the Abbey, for probably, the first time.

And Sweetheart Abbey really is amazing as it is a place of personal devotion and a monument to the love of one person for another. 


In 1268, Lord John Balliol, husband of Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway, died. His grieving widow had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket which she carried with her constantly.

Lady Dervorgilla undertook many charitable acts in his memory but the most significant must be founding of the Cistercian abbey of Dulce Cor (Latin for ‘Sweet Heart’) in 1273. When Lady Dervorgilla died in 1289, she was laid to rest in front of the abbey church’s high altar, with her husband’s heart to her bosom.

View of Sweetheart Abbey from a distance

Sweetheart Abbey’s conception as a shrine to human and divine love is a deeply appealing concept as is its attractive, rural village setting. The imposing ruin nestles between the grey bulk of Criffel to the West and the shimmering waters of the Solway Firth to the South, whilst its dark red sandstone walls contrast with the lush grass of the pastureland at their feet.

For more information on Sweetheart Abbey follow these links:
Historic Scotland - access information and prices

History and background

As Spring is definitely here it's a good time to be thinking of getting out and about with the walking boots on so the next post is a great walk for orientating yourself along the Colvend Coast, great views and yes, a bit of a climb, but well worth it!

TODAY Tim Kliphuis Trio: High energy at Colvend Village Hall

Those of you who think that Kippford and Rockcliffe are sleepy sea-side villages, think again! It's all happening here on the Colvend Coast.

The exciting and accomplished Tim Kliphuis Trio, which includes our own local boy,  Kippford-bred, Roy Percy, is opening this year’s Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival  with two very different concerts. The first at the Theatre Royal, Friday 25^th May, and then at Colvend Village Hall, Sat 26^th May, both 7.30pm.  

Tim Kliphuis: fighting off hoards of adoring fans?

Tim's improvised sound is totally new, yet steeped in tradition and their eclectic style breathes new life into existing musical styles. The band's high-energy brand of Classical, Gypsy Jazz, Celtic and World music and appeals to young and old alike. 

Classically trained, and widely regarded as the inheritor of the Stephane Grappelli crown, Kliphuis first made his name playing with the fiery European gypsy guitarists but soon developed a crossover style taking him to classical, jazz and folk venues across the world. 

On Friday night at the Theatre Royal, with his Trio  providing the driving rhythms of  Thirties Swing on double bass, and with James Birkitt – one of the UK’s top jazz guitarists - they will perform a tribute to Stephane Grapelli’s style . On Saturday, at our local hall in Colvend, with premiere Scots guitarist, Nigel Clark, expect Vivaldi, Grappelli, Ellington, Grieg and the Chieftains!

The Trio have played to packed & hugely appreciative audiences in Kippford, Kirkcudbright & Gatehouse in recent years so it's an event not to be missed! 

Ticket Booking Hotline Now Open: +44 (0)1387 253383 


Or book tickets online here: Tickets for Tim Kliphuis Trio - Colvend Village Hall 25th May

For more information on the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival click here 

Corsets, cakes & kaleidoscope colours... the evocative prints of Horrockses at Shambellie House

We are incredibly lucky to have the Shambellie National Museum of Costume on our doorstep. Although we live in a wonderful rural location I am always amazed by the diversity of historic, cultural and artistic events on offer and Shambellie never fails to deliver. 

I love an afternoon there spent either in the house or the atmospheric grounds and have visited many times. You are always assured a warm welcome by the attentive helpful team there. The house and grounds alone are well worth a visit with rhodedendrons and a variety of trees and shrubs  

Shambellie House and grounds - from the driveway

This particular trip was prompted by their current exhibition 'Off the Peg: Fashion form the 40s and 50s'  focusing on the fashion label Horrockses.

Horrockses Fashions was known for their off-the-peg labels of the 1940s and 1950s. They gained a reputation for practicality and glamour combined with easy-care fabrics. I loved the bold prints and crisp cottons with founcy skirts the exhibition made me think of summer. Horrockses maintained an air of exclusivity producing about a 1000 of each style, using good quality fabrics, mostly cotton, custom-designed patterns, and great styling.

There is an extensive range of  Horrockses designs on display

 

The exhibition is very evocative: pass me my gloves, headscarf and Audrey Hepburn sunglasses! It features an extensive range of  Horrockses designs on display: the rooms were a veritable kaleidoscope of colour, a visual feast for fashionistas, designers or artists and beautifully lit. Not simply an excuse for fond nostalgia, the exhibition captivates even the youngsters among us: the myriad of styles, colours and patterns fascinated a 10 year old in our party who was wide-eyed to learn that 'Grannie' wore these frocks as a girl. (No, not us.... Grannie!)

Shambellie House form the West including the fabulous wicker sculpture

We had a great day out including lunch in the charming painted wood panelled Tea Room. Homemade soup, cakes and a proper coffee were our choice, they were very tasty and the prices were very reasonable. The museum has a permanent exhibition of Victorian and 20th Century fashion, there is even an opportunity to play at dressing up. We had a laugh trying on the corsets, I managed to reduce my waistline by 1", a major feat, but I nearly passed out in the process. Should not of had that extra slice of cake in the cafe!

Whirling Dervish living sculpture by Trevor Leat - in the grounds of Shambellie House 

The exhibition and Museum is open  1 April - 31 October 2012
Cost: Free with price of admission
Shambellie House New Abbey, Dumfries DG2 8HQ Tel: 0300 123 6789

http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/museum_of_costume.aspx

New events page... Spring Fling inspired!

This week I have added a new page to the blog. The link to it appears in the line of text/links above Ed Inglehart's stunning landscape shot of Kippford and Rockcliffe - above. (Thanks' Ed for making that shot Creative Commons, it's a gorgeous photo)


It is a summary of the the exciting festivals and events held across D&G throughout the year and shows just what a diverse and fascinating region this is. Before putting it together I didn't realise just how many events and festivals there were. All added incentives (if any were needed) to visit the area. 


I just love the idea that these events and festivals add to the mix so that everyone in a family or group will have something that suits them on their visit to D&G as, after all, it's unusual for a whole group to have all the same interests. You may get an avid birder on holiday with a book worm or an active young family who want to cycle and canoe with a foodie Mum or a Dad interested in the Arts. These specialist events mean that everyone will be happy. I will update it as new ones come to my attention so keep checking back.


I was prompted to add the new events page by all the excitement being generated locally by this years Spring Fling. For those who are not familiar with it the Spring Fling is an Open Studio event across the region held annually in June. (For more info go to the D&G Events page or visit: http://www.spring-fling.co.uk/. It always creates a buzz but this year is the 10th Anniversary and promises to be even more exciting.
Spring Fling encourages everyone to get behind the scenes of the studios of some incredibly talented artists and makers in the region and even, in some cases, try your hand at new skills. The idea is you pick up a map and hop from studio to studio at your own pace. There is some superb work on sale from a wide range of artists and makers from painting, wicker structures, ceramics, hats and jewelry to photography, glass, gilding, sculpture and mosaics to name but a few (but no pressure to buy) and usually some tasty refreshments. It's a great way to spend a day.... or two.

Painting by Val Macadam: www.valmacart.com

During last year's Spring Fling I visited two of my particular favorites Ailsa Black (Example of Ailsa's work and short bio) and Val Macadam (Examples of Val's work and short bio) who live just along the coast from Rockcliffe and Kippford and really capture the spirit of the area in their colourful, quirky and original work. We were made very welcome and had a chance to chat with the artists, view their works and (in Val's case) see where she worked. Val's humorous take on the famous Galloway Beltie is illustrated above and includes an example of a local Galloway cottage. She has lovely views from her studio window, no wonder she is so inspired by the region.


Ailsa was working on a new piece at Kirkbean Village Hall, you can see the touching finished work below. It was so interesting to see how she developed the painting and the media she used. I also got to chat with her 'model'. A special thanks go to the volunteers who served a selection of delicious homemade cakes.


I fell in love with a painting called 'Follow my Master' and bought a print as a gift for a friend. It reminds me of the spit at Mersehead with the shorebirds at the high water roost. Ailsa is so talented! I am looking forward to discovering some new talent this year... have an explore and find your own favorites this June.

Painting by Ailsa Black: www.ailsablack.com