B R I G H T E N U P S A N Q U H A R G RO U P ( BU S G ) P O R T F O L I O

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Caren Pearson
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Beautiful Scotland - Large Village Entrant B R I G H T E N U P S A N Q U H A R G RO U P ( BU S G ) 2 0 1 7 P O R T F O L I O I N T R O D U C T I O N T he Royal and Ancient Burgh of Sanquhar is

Though its Royal Charter was granted in 1598, Sanquhar s roots go back to the 8th century, when it was originally called Sean Caer, the Celtic for Old Fort or Old Castle.

1 Beautiful Scotland - Large Village Entrant B R I G H T E N U P S A N Q U H A R G RO U P ( BU S G ) P O R T F O L I O I N T R O D U C T I O N T he Royal and Ancient Burgh of Sanquhar is situated in Upper Nithsdale, Dumfries and Galloway, among the hills of the Southern Uplands. Though its Royal Charter was granted in 1598, Sanquhar s roots go back to the 8th century, when it was originally called Sean Caer, the Celtic for Old Fort or Old Castle. Famous for having the world s oldest working Post Office, and with its graceful Palladian facade Tollbooth designed by William Adam, Sanquhar has good transport connections with a busy railway running to Carlisle in the south and Glasgow in the north. The equally busy A76 passes through the Burgh and there are regular bus services north and south. Sanquhar is approximately half way along the Southern Upland Way and Cycle Way, which is an increasingly popular long distance walking/ cycling route across the whole of the south of Scotland. While the surrounding area hosts a prosperous farming industry, and modern Sanquhar High Street (A76) circa 1860 businesses now provide local employment, the industrial history of the area is related to coal mining. The last underground pit closed in 1980 but the resulting depopulation and lack of local facilities means that Upper Nithsdale is an area of high deprivation. About fifteen years ago some local residents decided to get together and try to improve the appearance of the Burgh for local residents and those who pass through. Brighten Up Sanquhar is the legacy of these initial efforts and since those early days we have grown in number, expanded the scope of our efforts but continued to enjoy the work and each others company. It is fair to say that we have been spurred on by the very positive reaction of all who have seen the results of our labour. Planted bank and one of the beds at the entrance to Sanquhar, north-bound. (April 2017) We have a programme for our year that begins during late Summer and includes maintenance of our flower beds and containers. We then move on to Autumn bulb planting and then Winter is time for planning and ordering next year s seeds and plugs. The Spring finds us busy potting up thousands of plugs in the polytunnels and growing them on for our annual plant sale. Immediately afterwards we have teams for planting out, clearing weeds and moving plant containers into position and so the cycle continues. We also have various special projects, details of which can be found within this portfolio. Page 1

H O R T I C U L T U R A L A C H I E V E M E N T W e try to provide colourful, eye catching planting schemes, which highlight Burgh features but are also low maintenance.

Summer 2016 Blooming Beautiful was the headline in the local newspaper describing how Sanquhar looked this Summer, and it was generally agreed by the Community and visitors that Sanquhar looked

2 H O R T I C U L T U R A L A C H I E V E M E N T W e try to provide colourful, eye catching planting schemes, which highlight Burgh features but are also low maintenance. Areas that may be drab, missed because of familiarity or by busy passers-by, are promoted to make an impression of the interest and care taken in the appearance of our Burgh. Summer 2016 Blooming Beautiful was the headline in the local newspaper describing how Sanquhar looked this Summer, and it was generally agreed by the Community and visitors that Sanquhar looked particularly outstanding this year. (See Appendix, page i, for Press article and photos) at the base of the Tollbooth. Examples of the thistle on the pump can be seen all over Sanquhar, and it has been adopted as our logo and embroidered on the shirts issued to members (see next page). The logo also appears at the foot of each page of this Portfolio. Autumn 2016 In September 2016 members of BUSG sorted and cleaned the Spring bulbs that had been lifted from containers and planters around the town and stored. Towards the end of summer, BUSG s Chairman, Iain Baker, repainted the historic pump Members of BUSG sorting and cleaning bulbs in one of the polytunnels. (Sept 2016) There were so many new healthy bulblets produced during the growing season that for the first time in the history of BUSG no additional bulbs needed purchasing for potting up for Spring The compost from the containers was recycled via BUSG members compost heaps and the Council Recycling Centre. Newly repainted historic Toolbooth pump. (Sept 2016) Removal, emptying and cleaning of hanging baskets, tubs and the last of the Summer flowers was also undertaken during Autumn, as well as general maintenance, clearing, and weeding. Page 2

Following on the success of the trial in Autumn 2015 when pots and planters were filled with Spring bulbs to be put out on the High Street and other public areas, the same was done this year, with

3 H O R T I C U L T U R A L A C H I E V E M E N T C O N T... One of the most important tasks in Autumn is the planting of Spring bulbs. We undertook a massed daffodil planting in Queensberry Square in 2013, and we have continued to build on this each year, including Autumn Following on the success of the trial in Autumn 2015 when pots and planters were filled with Spring bulbs to be put out on the High Street and other public areas, the same was done this year, with planting up taking place in October. The increased production of bulblets and subsequent decrease in purchase costs of new bulbs has resulted in this now being included as a permanent part of our annual programme. In October 2016 golf-type shirts in various colours were embroidered with the new thistle logo perennials and shrubs from our own gardens, ready for our annual plant sale in May Doing this means we save a lot of money by not having to buy so many plants for resale. BUSG had an extremely successful fundraising Burger stand at the Christmas Light Switch On event in November, despite such bitter cold that the gas to the BBQ kept freezing. Winter 2016 In January 2017 the refurbishment project of one of our polytunnels started the previous year was completed, with the rickety wire racks replaced with wooden staging. Not only is the new staging safer, it makes it easier for feeding and watering the plants and protecting by a local Sanquhar business and are worn with pride by our members, some of whom can be seen above. As in previous years, our ongoing good relationship with a commercial nursery in the Clyde Valley meant that by ordering plug plants in November 2016 for collection in Spring 2017, we again obtained a good discount. We find we have more control of the quality of the plants if we ourselves grow them on in our polytunnels. We sowed seeds for some bedding plants and vegetables as well as taking cuttings of them from the cold with fleece, as well as improving the air flow between levels. Page 3

garden of an elderly resident who was unable to do it himself.

Left: Huge pile of branches, neat Leylandii and semitrimmed holly bush. Left: Drive home carefully, dear!

Left: Plant Sale, May 2017 Spring 2017 The first day of March saw BUSG members putting out containers of flowering Spring bulbs around the

A few of our members went to the commercial Nursery to resolve a problem with the order placed in November, and unexpectedly ended up coming

4 H O R T I C U L T U R A L A C H I E V E M E N T C O N T... In late February some hardy members undertook the huge task of cutting back several very overgrown Leylandii and a holly bush in the garden of an elderly resident who was unable to do it himself. plants we produce annually are kept for the beds and containers in and around the Burgh and the other half for our annual plant sale in late May which is our main source of income. This year we have raised over 5,000, including funds from an extra plant sale held at the Sanquhar Primary School and sale of compost. Left: Huge pile of branches, neat Leylandii and semitrimmed holly bush. Left: Drive home carefully, dear! Right: Getting to grips with the holly bush. Right: Potting up plug plants, April 2017 Left: Ouch! The holly bush is winning at this point! Left: Plant Sale, May 2017 Spring 2017 The first day of March saw BUSG members putting out containers of flowering Spring bulbs around the Burgh. A few of our members went to the commercial Nursery to resolve a problem with the order placed in November, and unexpectedly ended up coming back with a car boot load of plants! Later in the month, the main order was collected and members spent a few days in the polytunnel potting up the plugs to grow on. About half of the Specific Achievements 2016/2017 Sanquhar Primary School asked us to help them with their new Wildlife Garden project. (See Community Engagement section for details.) Entering Keep Scotland Beautiful for the first time, we were delighted to win a Gold Medal in the Large Village category. We achieved 1st place for the 4th year running in the Nithsdale in Bloom competition, Large Village category. Page 4

E N V I R O N M E N T A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y A ll green waste from our activities throughout the year is taken to our local recycling centre or used by members in their own compost heaps.

. The Summer of 2016 saw us put out far more containers of Spring and Summer flowers along the High Street: a number of residents reported greater numbers and different species of bees visiting their

In May 2017 BUSG was asked by the Sanquhar Primary School to give advice and practical help with the creation of their Wildlife Garden Project. (See Community Engagement for further details).

A number of people are reporting seeing birds that they haven t had in their gardens before, or for a long time, including Winter visitors Mealy Redpolls which were still around at the end of May!

5 E N V I R O N M E N T A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y A ll green waste from our activities throughout the year is taken to our local recycling centre or used by members in their own compost heaps. We also try to use potting compost that minimises use of natural peat.. The Summer of 2016 saw us put out far more containers of Spring and Summer flowers along the High Street: a number of residents reported greater numbers and different species of bees visiting their gardens. In fact, one of our members regularly observed and followed bees from container to container, clearly following our Bee Highway. as we will not need to purchase as many for the next sale. In May 2017 BUSG was asked by the Sanquhar Primary School to give advice and practical help with the creation of their Wildlife Garden Project. (See Community Engagement for further details). Last Autumn and winter (2016) the community was encouraged by a BUSG member to put up feeders and nest boxes in an effort to increase the numbers of wild birds throughout the year. A number of people are reporting seeing birds that they haven t had in their gardens before, or for a long time, including Winter visitors Mealy Redpolls which were still around at the end of May! (See Appendix, page vi) This Spring the community was encouraged to return pots, trays and plant labels to us for re-using the following year. We have had a very positive response and will be encouraging this practice in the future. Not only does it reduce the amount of nonrecyclable plastic in landfill, and encourage the community to recycle, but it saves BUSG money As a part of that, we utilised old vehicle tyres donated by a local business, old potting soil and recycled wood for raised beds. Wildflower seeds have been scattered in a garden behind the High Street to produce a strip of Wild by Design, to encourage bees, bugs, birds and hedgehogs. A member of the community has also scattered wildflower seeds in an area of bare soil at the other end of the Burgh. Although there are a number of wild plants in both areas, it is not yet clear whether any of the seeds have germinated. The verges in outlying areas of Sanquhar are not being mowed (except where road safety is a concern) in an effort to encourage wild flora and fauna. Page 5

C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T T he our efforts to improve the appearance of our environment.

Summer 2016 Despite very wet and blustery conditions we took part in the annual Day of The Region again, handing out free bulbs and potting soil to the youngsters, together with instructions on how

(See Appendix, page ii, for Press article) Autunm and Winter 2016 By cutting back some extremely overgrown Leylandii and holly in the garden of an elderly resident who was unable to do it himself,

6 C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T T he our efforts to improve the appearance of our environment. Joining BUSG also provides an excellent way for previously isolated individuals to become socially integrated into our community. Summer 2016 Despite very wet and blustery conditions we took part in the annual Day of The Region again, handing out free bulbs and potting soil to the youngsters, together with instructions on how to plant and tend to them. (See Appendix, page ii, for Press article) Autunm and Winter 2016 By cutting back some extremely overgrown Leylandii and holly in the garden of an elderly resident who was unable to do it himself, BUSG members also benefitted, as the resident allows us to keep a polytunnel in his garden and the pruning improved the facilty, with more space and light. (Photos can be seen on page 4, Horticultural Achievements) A couple from Carronbridge, 10 miles from Sanquhar, approached us to ask advice on landscaping their garden. We were able to refer them to a self-employed landscape gardener from Sanquhar, thus providing a service to the couple, and work for the resident. Spring 2017 Sanquhar community is becoming more and more aware of the work Brighten Up Sanquhar is doing, and the fact that our membership has increased again this year, including a teenage lad, is testament to the fact that the locals.want to become involved in BUSG was approached by the Sanquahr Primary School for help and advice with their Wildlife Garden Project. Together with the School s pupils, their parents, grandparents, friends and other family members, we spent a day digging, laying weed cloth, making and filling raised beds with used compost from our own maintenance programme, placing and filling old tyres, and giving advice on how to continue with the Project. (See Appendix, page vii, for Press articles and more photos ) Multiple generations helping each other with the Wildlife Garden Project. (above and below) Page 6

C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T The end of Spring/beginning of Summer is when we have our annual plant sale, which is always very well supported by the

(see Appendix, page viii, for press article) Many people give us donations on the day as a Earlier in the year BUSG was approached by the Community Council and

to the Community Centre for sale to the public. token of appreciation for what we do, or tell us to keep the change, all of which adds to our funds.

(Above) Offloading materials for the erection of the War Memorial sited at the Waird. (Below) The plinth and slate surrounds partially completed.

It provides an ideal a n d m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d opportunity for the community to gather for a cuppa and a blether after they have bought their plants.

7 C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T The end of Spring/beginning of Summer is when we have our annual plant sale, which is always very well supported by the community. (see Appendix, page viii, for press article) Many people give us donations on the day as a Earlier in the year BUSG was approached by the Community Council and given a grant of 300 towards planting up and maintaining the surrounds of the new War Memorial which has Some of the plants ready for members to collect and take to the Community Centre for sale to the public. token of appreciation for what we do, or tell us to keep the change, all of which adds to our funds. A highlight of our Plant Sale is the magnificent spread put on by our members for a nominal charge. (Above) Offloading materials for the erection of the War Memorial sited at the Waird. (Below) The plinth and slate surrounds partially completed. been commissioned to replace the original one which was demolished decades previously. It provides an ideal a n d m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d opportunity for the community to gather for a cuppa and a blether after they have bought their plants. The base and plinth were erected at the beginning of May and the addition of a bronze Piper is expected to take place in time of the 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI. (See further details and photos on page 9, Plans for the Future, and full story in the Appendix, pages iii and iv) We regularly feature in our community newspaper. This is a means of encouraging participation and awareness of our efforts and how we spend the money raised in the community. (See Appendix for articles) Page 7

8 F I N A N C E O ur funds are raised in the community through our efforts. So far we have not needed to approach businesses or traders but if we are planning a major project we may apply for grants most likely for street furniture. We have a strong management committee and careful Treasurer who keeps a strict eye on all spending, making sure our reserves are in place for next year. Our Cash Account for the year is shown below. As our Year End is 31st August, the figures shown below are only to the time of writing (June 2017). It is not anticipated that there will be any major changes in either income or expenditure over the two months to During the year we were given some grants and donations as shown below. We will be applying for funding to assist with a major project which we had to put on hold from last year. our Year End. Page 8

While we continue with regular planting and placing of containers, each year we do look for new projects, always mindful of not taking on so much that our volunteers feel overwhelmed.

9 P L A N S F O R T H E F U T U R E T here are often suggestions from the community and our members as to what might be a good project for the future. We always look at the likely work load and sustainability of each, with its likely impact. While we continue with regular planting and placing of containers, each year we do look for new projects, always mindful of not taking on so much that our volunteers feel overwhelmed. For 2015/16, as our major project we had planned to refurbish a garden area first started by one of our founding members (after whom we call the area Wilma s Garden ) who, sadly, has passed away. However, this was put on hold as it was decided that providing disabled access would enable more of the community to spend some time in what we hope will be a peaceful spot to sit and relax. We cannot do this ourselves as they are bolted to the platform and require Network Rail to remove and replace them in accordance with their regulations. We have discussed this with Abelio and Network Rail, as well as contacting Beautiful Scotland to be included in their Charitable Day. We are still awaiting feedback from all parties, and will continue to push for this to happen, as the station is the gateway for the Southern Uplands. As mentioned on page 7, Community Engagement, the BUSG has been asked by the Community Council to plant up and maintain the surrounds of the new War Memorial. We have already planted bedding plants immediately around the Memorial, and will continue to add to the surrounding area as the year progresses. To that end, we are currently seeking Planning Permission (as the land in question is Councilowned and bounded by a through road), and funding so that we can commence with what will now be even more of a major project. Included in 2016 s Portfolio was the fact that our local railway station had rotting planters on the platforms. These have deteriorated further and need replacing urgently before they become a Health & Safety issue. Watering the newly planted beds, using one of our new water bowsers. (May 2017) Page 9

11 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S Editor s Comments: Nithsdale Times, 18th Aug Nithsdale Times, 18th Aug 2016 Page i

4. 3. Nithsdale Times, 15th Sept 2016 4.

12 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S Nithsdale Times, 15th Sept Editor s Comments: Day of the Region, Nithsdale Times, 15th Sept 2016 Page ii

A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S 5.

13 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S War Memorial: Nithsdale Times, 15th Sept 2016 Note: For background information only no mention of BUSG (see page 7, Community Engagement, and page 9, Plans for the Future for relevance.) Page iii

A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S 6.

14 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S War Memorial: Nithsdale Times, 15th Sept 2016 Note: For background information only no mention of BUSG (see page 7, Community Engagement, and page 9, Plans for the Future for relevance.) Page iv

15 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S Nithsdale Times, 29th Sept Nithsdale Times, 29th Sept Editor s Comments: Nithsdale Times, 29th Sept Page v

10. 9. Nithsdale Times, 8th Dec 2016 10.

16 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S Nithsdale Times, 8th Dec Editor s Comments: Nithsdale Times, 8th Dec 2016 (refer to page 5, Environmental Responsibility for article relevance) 11. Nithsdale Times, 2nd Feb Page vi

17 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S Nithsdale Times, 25th May Nithsdale Times, 25th May Page vii

18 A P P E N D I X N E W S P A P E R C U T T I N G S Nithsdale Times, 8th June Nithsdale Times, 8th June Page viii

Cupar in Bloom 2017 new pic

Cupar in Bloom 2017 new pic INTRODUCTION l The Royal Burgh of Cupar a market town dating back to the 14th century. l A thriving place a 7900 population is enthusiastic and very community spirited. l Cupar