Autumn in Biggar
I would like to thank everyone who has sent me good wishes and wished Jack, my westie and meeter and greeter, all the best after his operation. Poor Jack suffered a complete rupture of his cruciate ligament in his left leg and underwent TPLO in August. Happily he is making a good recovery and I am hoping he will be signed off at St Monans next month. He is such a lucky chap having wellwishers from all over the world. Thank you, folks.
The autumn season has kicked off with the Biggar Little Festival and the programme runs from the 14-29 October and is getting larger and more interesting with every passing year. If you are in Biggar this month perhaps you will stay a little longer and enjoy aspects of the Festival. Remember Biggar Little Festival is an annual event so you can pop it into your diary for next year, too.
Biggar Little Cinema starts its autumn progamme on Sunday and Monday, 30th and 31st October, showing "True Grit" at the Corn Exchange. Price is £6 for non-members.
Biggar Music Club is now running its 51st season of first class concerts performed by highly acclaimed professional musicians. Post Little Festival, there are concerts on Friday, 18th November, Wednesday, 7th December, Wdnesday, 18th January, Wednesday 15th February and Friday, 2nd March. All are at the Municipal Hall and start at 8 pm. More information can be found at www.biggarmusic.org.uk
Congratulations to Biggar Museum Trust for raising the phenomenal sum of over £400,000 towards a new Museum in the High Street. Watch this space as the hard work continues.
Cuil Darach is fully booked over the New Year period, but there are still places available at Christmas time. Please get in touch if you need accommodation.
May In Biggar
The spring flowers have been wonderful but are now fading and we look forward to all the flowering shrubs and summer plants. At Cuil Darach, we have had a wonderful April, with warm, sunny weather and the usual high number of returning guests. It looks as if May is going to be another good month and the diary is filling up fast.
Many new challenges are ahead of us in Biggar, but the main item for this month is the challenge of raising £380,000 for Biggar Museum Trust by the end of July. The Trust owns the six museums in Biggar, unique in Scotland, by the fact that they are privately owned and run by volunteers. Now there is the opportunity of buying the former Stephen's of Biggar Garage in the High Street and bringing all museums together in the one venue in the town centre. On the first of May the "Appeal Thermometer" was set up in the forecourt of Stephen's Garage so that everyone will get an up-to-date picture of how the Appeal is progressing.
To help to promote the Appeal 4 talks will be given by Brian Lambie, who has been the driving force behind the Museums for the last forty years:
1 Thursday, 26th May at 7.30 pm at the Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange - the history of one of Biggar's best known landmarks.
2 Thursday, 16th June, same time, same venue
The Big Hoose - Impact of Victorian feudal system on country life
3 Thursday, 7th July same time, same place, (The Lambie Players)
Mary Cameron - Victim of Circumstance or champion of the poor?
4 Thursday, 28th July, same time, same place
Wheels of Empire - From backyard Industry to global commercial enterprise
Tickets are £6 per evening o r £20 for all four talks, available from Biggar Newsagents and Atkinson Pryce Bookshop. Profits to go to Biggar Museum Trust and The Albion Foundation.
If you would like more information about A New Home for Biggar Museums? Stephen's Garage Appeal, contact 01899221050.
The next production by the Biggar Theatre Workshop, Sweeney Todd, is to be held on 11,12,13,14th May at 7.30 in the Corn Exchange
I look forward to greeting many new friends during the summer months as well as renewing aquaintance with previous guests.
Welcome to the 2011 season
Cuil Darach is now taking bookings for the new season and I look forward to meeting new guests and welcoming returners. I have just returned from another Antipodean Adventure and the house has been newly decorated - so down to business!
The season begins with the Vintage Car Rally over the weekend of the 8th-10th April and the Dog Agility Show is at the Farmer's Field for the last weekend in April.
Biggar is not only noted for its out-of-doors rallies, but its fine Arts Scene.
Last week the newly renovated Corn Exchange was the setting for the play, directed by the famous American producer, B J McComis, The Miracle Worker, the inspirational story of Helen Keller, the blind, deaf mute who overcame all her disabilities with the aid of her brilliant teacher. Congratualtions to the cast for their wonderful performances, which met with standing ovations at the end of the performances.
I will keep you updated on the diverse activities that will be held in Biggar during the season.