In “one size fits all” high viz. jackets and with protective ear plugs a group of members visited the BSW Timber sawmill near Dalbeattie where they were able to follow the progress of logs through the mill. The spruce and larch logs come from the Galloway and Argyll forests with some 100 Lorries delivering to the mill each day.
The mill, which currently runs for 22 hours a day, produces timber for the construction industry, for fencing and for other uses such as pallets. By- products such as sawdust is sold for animal bedding, cuttings for chipboard manufacture and bark for horticulture.
The group were able to follow the logs from when they arrive until the stage of final product. The logs are first sorted by size then scanned by laser to work out the optimum amount of usable timber. The logs are spun round into position then sawn, planed and graded as they speed along the production line. At the end the cut timber is visually inspected before being dried in one of the massive kilns which are heated by biomass boilers using by-product from the mill. If the timber is for external use it is also chemically treated.
This was a first visit for some and repeat for others but will hopefully encourage further visits at different times of the year.
On Wednesday 6th July, a coachload of Stewartry U3A members paid a visit to Dumfries House near New Cumnock in Ayrshire.
Those of our party who braved the drizzle for a walk to the arboretum and new walled garden were rewarded with a stunning display of flowers, terraces, vegetables, greenhouses, planters and arches. Amazingly, this 5-acre walled garden, one of the biggest in Scotland, has been rebuilt from a derelict dumping site in just 2 years. As elsewhere, the quality of the materials and the workmanship on display couldn’t fail to impress.
Gardening Group 1’s latest visit was to a garden at Kilnpotlees on a hill above Kettleholm near Lockerbie.
The group was then treated to some amazing tray bakes!
Members of History 1, with a member of History 2, visited the Hadrians Cavalry Exhibition at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle on 25th May, on a beautiful day of brilliant sunshine.
It tells the story of the cavalry troops stationed along the wall for almost 300 years, their training, daily life, rituals and religion. Among the exquisite original artefacts are helmets, masks and splendid equipment worn by the horses.
At Castle Kennedy we first had a quick cup of coffee followed by a talk by the gardener who told us of the history of the gardens and the many special rhododendrons. We then walked our different ways round the extensive grounds admiring the lovely spring colours.
It was then on to an excellent lunch at Glenwhan and a tour of the garden led by Tessa Knott, the owner, who developed the garden over the past 35 years. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the plants, shrubs and trees made it an especially interesting visit.
What followed was an opportunity to sample 5 wines from the Mediterranean island of Sicily, combined with a very pleasant mix of food and conversation.
In April eight members of History 2 enjoyed a morning walk around Gatehouse of Fleet with local historian David Steel.
The town was doubtless a very different place 200 years ago, but it is hard to imagine it lived up to its nickname of the Glasgow of the South!