It’s hard to believe it’s three months since our last newsletter issue, but as the photos below prove it’s not been a quiet three months. As we head for summer, the kirk opens its doors to visitors from far and wide—(as the

visitors’ book proves). We hope you can find time to pay a visit sometime over the coming months.

KIRKANDREWS KIRK—FRIENDS’ NEWS

No 7 - May 2017

Scottish Charity number SC 027744 Kirkandrews Kirk Trust

Find out more about us on the web: www.kirkandrews.org.uk or you can e-mail us at mail@kirkandrews.org.uk

Though we’re not formally part of Spring Fling, we take the opportunity, in partnership with Ms Linda Mallett, whose studio is adjacent to the kirk at Laundry Cottage, to encourage tourist visitors and locals alike to visit both her studio and ourselves at the kirk in order to enhance and promote both locations. Here in the kirk, we’re busy preparing a display for the weekend, the title of which is "Wedding Nostalgia" - which will consist of a small exhibition of wedding apparel, photos and other items pertaining to, and ranging from, Victorian times to present day. The kirk will be open over the course of the three days, 27-29 May inclusive, between 11.00am and 4.00pm each day. Refreshments will be available— and we hope you’ll be able to pop in at some point over the course of the weekend.

Candelabra update: You’ll recall we have mentioned previously that numerous components of the kirk pewter candelabra that have been long in need of repair are currently at the foundry of Messrs Archibald Young in Kirkintilloch, Glasgow for just such work. The latest news from the foundry is that completion is expected in July. Given that the candelabra castings are a break away from the traditional metals used at the foundry, and, we’re told, would imbalance production, we understand the need for patience with this project. We’re confident, however, that when the work is completed, the full candelabra set will contribute significantly to the overall ambience and appearance of the kirk.

Photo courtesy of John Shields

It was a full house for the recent stimulating and enjoyable talk by Dr David Steel on 16 March entitled : ‘Borgue in Scottish Art’ held in the kirk (left). There has been much positive feedback from this event, and we know many attendees had gained much from David’s presentation. Not only that, but £200 was raised for kirk funds on the evening! Very many thanks both to David and yourselves for making this such a worthwhile occasion.

Our Sunday afternoon open sessions have commenced. The kirk is open every Sunday, 2.00-4.00pm until the end of September. Please spread the word—and also that we always welcome help from any Friends with hosting the sessions!

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A reminder that we have prepared a couple of leaflets (left), available in the kirk (donation of £1 each, please, towards kirk funds) which provide detailed walks in the lovely surrounding area. Both walks are an enjoyable way of spending a leisurely morning or afternoon.

Dates for your diary: Our Summer Sunday kirk afternoon

openings are now under way: 2.00-4.00pm every Sunday.

Spring Fling weekend: 27-29 May. Kirk open for tea, coffee and cakes.

Summer Sunday July & August Services re-commence: Sunday 2 July at 7.00pm

Photo courtesy of John Shields

Dry, if not exactly sunny, weather enabled a good turnout for our recent beach walk on 7 April, hosted, once again by Jim (top left) and Pauline Logan. Weather permitting, these occasions always have a good support, given that Jim and Pauline are able to provide such authoritative and informative detail to the occasions. These events start at the kirk, and convenient beach access is kindly provided by John and Gabrielle Shields through their garden. On this occasion, local photographer Sam Kelly was present to record the occasion on video (he can be seen in the picture below left with his camera). You can view his vide o at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc3HS_Dz8Yo&index=2&list=UUNFxkHcTGhwDh2RO2cNRb8w . Our sincere thanks go to Jim and Pauline for their on-going contributions to the life of the kirk. £91 was raised for kirk funds.

These photos courtesy of John Shields

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Please also remember — if you know of anyone who would like to become a Friend — or are you, or do you know of, a Friend who would be interested in becoming a trustee? We’re always looking to expand the circle of interest and involvement of Friends in the day-to-day activities of the kirk, so if you know of someone, please pass the word around and let us know—or encourage ‘new faces’ to get in touch with us to let us know they’d like to receive information about our events and activities. As always, we can be contacted by email.

Please remember — that whenever you buy anything online - from your weekly shop to your annual holiday - you could be collecting free donations for Kirkandrews Kirk Trust? There are over 3,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and Sainsbury's – it doesn't cost you a penny extra! It's as easy as 1, 2, 3... 1. Head to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kirkandrewskirktrust/ and join for free. 2. Then, every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping. 3. After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause at no extra cost whatsoever! There are no catches or hidden charges and Kirkandrews Kirk Trust will be really grateful for your donations. Thank you for your support.

How could anyone resist these?! Very many thanks indeed to all Friends and supporters who generously baked and contributed in so many other ways to help make our Soup and Sweet (above and below) such a success in March. Many thanks indeed to you all for coming along and supporting this event. The kirk raised £204 on the morning!

All photos courtesy of John Shields

We’d like to take this opportunity to let you know we have arranged for local joiner, Andy Campbell of Kirkcudbright, to make repairs to the kirk lychgate. This has been looking a little worse for wear for some time now and we’re anxious to make it good before it deteriorates further. We hope this can be undertaken soon.

. . . . . and finally . . . . . good news . . . . . the portaloo is in place for the summer season! The key is available in the kirk.