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December 11.2025
3 Minutes Read

Kirkton Old Tyme Dance Group's Christmas Celebration: A Night of Joy and Community Spirit

Kirkton Old Tyme Dance Group members in Christmas celebration attire.

A Heartwarming Christmas Celebration at Kirkton Old Tyme Dance Group

On December 4th, the Kirkton Old Tyme Dance Group lit up the festive season with their much-anticipated Christmas party, a gathering that blended joy, tradition, and community spirit. Under the guidance of the charismatic John Caskie, dancers twirled gracefully to the magical tunes of Willy and Ian McRobert, perfectly accompanied by George Meikle. The evening was a joyous culmination of the year, showcasing dances such as The Jazz Twinkle, Dundee Reel, Mississippi Dip, and Southern Rose Waltz. Notably, the first prize dance, The Gay Gordons, added an exhilarating twist as participants darted to specific corners of the room when the music halted.

Celebrating Community and Connection

The Christmas party was not just about dancing; it served as a testament to the close-knit community of Kirkton. The playful game of pass the parcel, which had the audience in splits of laughter, and the rousing Hokey Cokey kept spirits high and everyone engaged. Sharing a meal together, even if it deviated from the planned mince pies and coffee, created an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that resonated throughout the evening. Many locally brought holiday dishes, underscoring the generosity and camaraderie within this cherished group.

Unexpected Joy with Santa's Arrival

As the night progressed, a delightful interruption occurred when Santa, portrayed by Wilson Stewart, made a surprise entrance, leading the crowd in a spirited rendition of Jingle Bells. Santa’s arrival was punctuated with smiles and laughter, as he distributed gifts not just to the participants but also to the talented musicians who provided the music that night. These small gestures of kindness served to reaffirm the nurturing spirit of the Kirkton community.

Touching Tributes and Fond Farewells

The night also featured heartfelt tributes, with Jackie Beattie reciting a beautiful poem dedicated to John Caskie, expressing gratitude for his unwavering leadership. In a special moment, flowers were presented to Nina Muirhead as a token of appreciation for her role as Group Cashier, alongside a gift for Isobell McQueen, a long-standing member of the group. These acknowledgments are a reminder that each member plays a pivotal role in fostering the vibrant atmosphere of the Kirkton Old Tyme Dance Group.

Looking Forward to a New Year of Dance

As the evening concluded, John Caskie announced excitement for the new year, encouraging everyone to return to the dance floor starting January 8, 2026, when the group will commence its 34th year. The evening finished with a resounding rendition of Auld Lang Syne and the lively energy of Jessie's Polka, marking a beautiful end to a wonderful Christmas celebration and a hopeful beginning to the upcoming year.

This festive gathering not only highlighted the joy of dancing but also the importance of togetherness during the holiday season. As the Kirkton Old Tyme Dance Group prepares to step into another year, the bonds forged over generations of dancing remain as vibrant as ever. For those interested in community events or seeking to join this spirited group next year, don't hesitate to join for an evening filled with laughter, music, and friendship, marking each step with joy.

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12.12.2025

Whitesands Flood Protection Project: A £68.6 Million Investment for Dumfries

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12.10.2025

Empowering Communities: Stranoch Wind Farm Offers £20,000 for Local Projects

Update Discovering Funding Opportunities at Stranoch Wind Farm Exciting news for community groups in Dumfries and Galloway: the Stranoch Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund is now open for applications, offering £20,000 for local initiatives. This funding is part of EDF Power Solutions UK's commitment to empower residents and enhance community welfare. With applications available from December 15, 2025, until January 19, 2026, there’s a wealth of opportunity waiting for organizations ready to make a difference. Why Community Funding Matters As local groups unite to combat pressing social issues such as isolation, mental health, and sustainability, funding initiatives like this can act as a financial lifeline. Over the past year, numerous projects benefited from similar grants. For instance, the Meet for a Heat initiative provided winter meals for seniors, and the A Listening Ear project worked tirelessly to reduce loneliness. These initiatives underscore the vital role community organizations play in fostering resilience and support for vulnerable groups. How To Apply Eligible community groups and initiatives are encouraged to apply for grants that can help enhance local facilities, promote environmental sustainability, and support educational programs. The application form, complete with detailed guidance, can be downloaded from the EDF website. Groups targeting these areas will find that submitting an application could pave the way for transformative changes in their communities. Long-Term Benefits and Future Opportunities Once the Stranoch Wind Farm becomes operational, an impressive annual Community Benefit Fund of over £510,000 will be available, ultimately exceeding £15.3 million throughout the project's lifespan. This commitment from EDF Power Solutions UK highlights an acknowledgment of the symbiotic relationship between community growth and sustainable energy projects. By fostering local initiatives today, they are not only countering immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. Prior Success Stories from the Fund With previous successes feeding into this new funding round, the impact of the Stranoch Wind Farm’s financial support is already evident. Projects like the eco-friendly community garden for Barrhill Primary School and technology refurbishing done by a Castle Douglas charity showcase innovation and creativity in utilizing funds effectively. These stories of local empowerment inspire new applicants to envision how similar initiatives can uplift their communities. Community Engagement and Support Community members and leaders, like Yusuf Patel, Chief Technical Officer at EDF, urge groups to apply. He emphasizes the importance of local organizations in enhancing service accessibility and creating opportunities. As resilience thrives through community initiatives, funding becomes a bridge between vision and reality, helping to bring projects to life that otherwise might not have reached fruition. In Conclusion: Your Voice Matters! As the application window opens for the Stranoch Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund, it stands as a unique opportunity for Dumfries and Galloway locals to propose ideas that resonate with their communities. Whether it’s enhancing wellness, promoting education, or improving facilities, your project could be the next success story! Ensure to check out the application form and submit your proposals promptly. Fund your vision today, and help shape a brighter tomorrow!

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