Launch of Maiden Voyage Pop-Up Shop in Dundee's Wellgate Shopping Centre

Click on image to enlarge

Earlier today, I attended the official opening of the 'Maiden Voyage' pop-up shop in Dundee's Wellgate Shopping Centre. The opening ceremony, the cutting of the ribbon, was performed by my colleague, Baillie Helen Wright.

This is a new shop with a difference, as the shop design, marketing, buying and the staffing of the shop is all undertaken by students studying the NQ Advanced Enterprise in Business course at Dundee and Angus College. This impressive and innovative project provides front line and backroom experience in the retail sector thereby combining classroom based theory in the College with practice experience in the shop. 

The shop is modeled on a cruise ship in the 1950's. This has influenced the attractive retro shop fittings and the choice of fashion clothing and accessories on sale. Catch the shop while you can; it is open for the next six weeks running up to Christmas.

This is a fine example of a 'pop-up' shop very capably taking over some vacant retail space in the city centre. I hope the positive example of Maiden Voyage encourages other budding entrepreneurs to set up shop and try their hands at retailing their goods and services in Dundee.

Ecumenical Service Celebrates the Life of Broughty Ferry on the Centenary of Its Incorporation into Dundee

On Sunday evening, at the New Kirk in Queen Street, a large congregation came to mark the centenary of Broughty Ferry being incorporated into Dundee. The theme of the service was celebrating the life of Broughty Ferry as a strong community; emphasising that it has neither lost it's distinct identity nor has its voice been extinguished.

The service was led by Rev Helen Bridger (St Mary's Episcopal Church) and Rev Catherine Collins (Broughty Ferry New Kirk).

During the service certificates were awarded to eight young poets from Broughty Ferry schools who had submitted entries to the Poetry Competition. Over one hundred children sent in entries on the theme of what they liked about their community. The winners, six of whom are pictured above, read out their entries to an appreciate audience. Interestingly, the beach, the Castle and ice cream from Visocchi's featured prominently in the poems. 

Young people also read the old and new testament readings and two pupils from Grove Academy performed a duet for piano and cello. 

Local historian Chris Davey also delivered a fascinating short reflection on Broughty Ferry, a Strong Community.

The singing was led by a combined churches choir who also sang the Introit and choral Blessing.

After the service, refreshments were taken in the Church Hall and the Lord Provost cut the commemorative cake.

This ecumenical service was organised by Clergy from Broughty Ferry Churches together with support from our Communities Officer, Carole Jenkins.

Friends of Broughty Ferry Library Open Evening 7pm Monday 4 November 2013

Friends of Broughty Ferry Library are running an Open Evening in the Library at 7pm on Monday 4 November 2013.

The evening will start with the presentation of prizes to the children who submitted winning entries in the Friends' Logo competition.  The judges had a very difficult task, but the Friends of Broughty Ferry Library do now have their new Logo, which will be revealed on Monday night.  It and the entries of the other winners and those whose work was Highly Commended will be on display - some splendid art work and wonderful creativity.

The evening will continue with a talk on local history by Charlie Webster, so if you would like to learn more about where you stay, come along and hear about the development of Broughty Ferry and its environs.

There will also be a chance to meet the members of the Friends' Committee, to look at the artist's impressions for the proposed Library extension and an 'Ideas Board' to let the Committee know what residents would like the Friends' Group to be doing in the year to come.  They would really appreciate your thoughts:

• ideas for fundraising;
• activities and
• whether you might like to join the Friends' Committee.

Everybody welcome, entry free, refreshments available

Broughty Ferry Community Library

Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2HN

Phone:  01382 436919

Email: broughty.library@dundeecity.gov.uk

Website: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/communities/

Grove Academy Team Raise £330 for Kenyan School Project Through Dundee Cyclathon 2013

On Wednesday evening, the Grove Academy Cyclathon team had their fundraising efforts recognised at the Civic Reception in the City Council's Chambers in Dundee.

Grove's young team rode the miles, roads and pathways of the Dundee Green Circular on Sunday 15 September 2013. 

Battling against the wind and rain they completed the ride and raised over three hundred pounds for their good cause, a project connected with Grove Academy's exchange partner school in Kenya. 

Grove's team are waiting to hear whether they won the best fundraisers in the schools' category. They are apparently up against teams from Menzieshill High School and The High School of Dundee. Go Grove!

Special thanks go to Claverhouse Rotary Club for once again organizing a successful event which enabled so many adults and young people to raise thousands of pounds for the Rotary nominated charity, 'Cash for Kids' and the participants' chosen good causes. 

Broughty Ferry Churches Centenary Trail - This Weekend 2-3 November 2013

As part of the series of community events to mark the centenary of Broughty Ferry becoming part of Dundee, Broughty Ferry Churches have organised a number of events this week called the The Broughty Ferry Centenary Church Trail. 

These are the activities for this weekend - Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November 2013.

Saturday 2 November
St Stephen and West (Church of Scotland)
96 Dundee Road, DD5 1DW
10.00 - 4.00: Church open to visitors with displays including stained glass windows, overseas Meru project in Kenya and its links with Broughty Ferry community groups, our recent journey to linkage with St Mary’s Parish Church, Dundee. Refreshments available.

Saturday 2 November
St Luke’s and Queen Street (Church of Scotland)
5 West Queen Street, DD5 1AU
10.00 - 12.00: Church open for visitors. Display of youth handwork on the theme ‘Our Church’. Organ music and refreshments.

Saturday 2 November
Barnhill St Margaret’s Church (Church of Scotland)
10, Invermark Terrace DD5 2QU
10.00 - 4.00: Church open to visitors
10.00-12.00: Guild coffee morning, to which all are welcome. Displays of work locally with schools, Starter Packs, Dundee Foodbank and overseas with Mary’s Meals and orphanage and feeding programme in the Phillippines.

Saturday 2 November
St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church
Queen Street, DD5 1AJ
10.30-4.00: church open to visitors, displaying the work of Mothers’ Union (only branch in the diocese of Brechin)
St Mary’s Home and Overseas Support Project and Balgillo Nursery. 11.00: Demonstration of ‘Sing and Sign’ communication technique with small babies. 2.30-3.00: Talk by Mr Chris Davey, historian, former lecturer Dundee
University, co author of ‘The Memory of Broughty Ferry’ written to mark the incorporation of Broughty Ferry into Dundee.
3.00-3.30: Organ recital by Mr Gordon Foster, organist from the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

Sunday 3 November
Broughty Ferry New Kirk (Church of Scotland)
370 Queen Street, DD5 2HQ
Ecumenical Service with joint churches’ choir and pupils from Grove Academy, followed by refreshments. Displays of work locally and overseas including 65th and 81st Dundee Guides and 44th Dundee company of the Boys Brigade, Broughty Ferry’s only BB company.
Winner of the School Poetry Competition will be announced and entries will also be on display.

Dundee Christmas Light Night Friday Evening 15 November 2013

Welcome to Dundee's biggest street party. Christmas Light Night celebrates the start of the city's Christmas festivities and sees the whole of the city centre transformed into a moveable feast, with choirs, music, dance, theatre and art.

The excitement begins with the torchlight procession and this year the lanterns, themed ‘Wings and Things' will mingle. The procession comes from The McManus: Dundee's Museum and Art Gallery then winds it way down Commercial Street, into the High Street then into City Square where the Christmas lights will be switched on.

Stroll around for a couple of hours to see performances drawn from the talent of some of Dundee's community organisations and school groups as they come together to entertain you during the evening.  Amongst the many highlights of this year is the return of One Big Ceilidh in City Square where you are encouraged to join in the dances, The Dundee Nativity which will be performed outside the Steeple Church and the firework finale. 

A first for this year is an ice rink and vintage carousel outside Overgate Shopping Centre and The Christmas Bus. The bus will have presenters from Wave 102 on board to help the event reach out and spread Christmas cheer when it visits the communities of Lochee, Ardler, Douglas and Broughty Ferry.

Why not do a bit of Christmas shopping in the Wellgate Centre and Overgate as well as some of the independent shops, which will be open late especially for this evening?

Get a bite at some of the eateries or visit some of the cultural attractions.

Read or download the programme

Free Beachie Heritage Walk in Broughty Ferry starting from St James Church Friday 1 November 2013

As part of the series of community events to mark the centenary of Broughty Ferry becoming part of Dundee, Broughty Ferry Churches have organised a number of events this week called the The Broughty Ferry Centenary Church Trail. 

On Friday 1 November 2013 (tomorrow) there will be a free Beachie Heritage Walk conducted by, knowledgeable local resident and former Councillor, Charlie Webster.

2.00-2.45: Beachie Heritage Walk starting from St James Church, followed by refreshments. Free but booking required. Any donations to RNLI. Broughty Ferry St James (Church of Scotland)
5 Fort St, DD5 2AD

To book or for information please contact Charlie Webster
Telephone 079414 85502 Email charliewebster16c@gmail.com

Link to full programme of the complete programme of events in The Broughty Ferry Centenary Church Trail

Unfortunately Douglas Terrace DD5 is NOT About to be Resurfaced

Earlier this month I was delighted to announce that Douglas Terrace in Broughty Ferry was about to be resurfaced starting on Monday 21 October 2013. 

I had previously drawn attention to the Roads Maintenance Partnership about potholes in this street and the pavements.

When I noticed that no work had started over the last week, I contacted the Transportation Department to inquire about the reasons for the delay. Unfortunately I was informed that the original notice about the temporary closure of the road while the road works were going on had been wrongly sent to Ferry Councillors. I for my part must put my hand up and say I should have read all of the details in an attachment that would have alerted me to the fact that The Douglas Terrace to be resurfaced was in DD3 and not DD5.

Bearing in mind the condition of this stretch of the road along the beachfront, I have written to ask for a date when our Douglas Terrace in Broughty Ferry will be resurfaced.

Open this Afternoon from 1pm - Our Lady of Good Counsel Church as Part of Broughty Ferry Centenary Church Trail

Tuesday 29 October
Our Lady of Good Counsel
Roman Catholic Church

Westfield Road, Broughty Ferry DD5 1ED

Programme for afternoon

1.00-3.00: Guided tour, refreshments and music

1.15-2.15: Welcome by Fr McCarthy and guided talk on key features: the tabernacle, altar of reservation, centenary wall hanging and stained glass windows

2.15-3.00: Light refreshments, organ music and bells


Link to full programme of the complete programme of events in The Broughty Ferry Centenary Church Trail

Temporary Closure of Long Lane West of Gray Street Beginning on Thursday 31 October for 5 Working Days

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)

The Dundee City Council as Traffic Authority being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of SSE cabling works being carried out hereby prohibit the driving of any vehicle in Long Lane (from its junction with Gray Street to approx. 30metres west), Broughty Ferry, Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Thursday 31 October 2013 for 5 working days.

The one-way order relating to this section of Long Lane will be revoked for the duration of these works.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained. Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Union Street/King Street.

For further information contact (01382) 433168.

Mike P Galloway, Director of City Development, Dundee City Council

Dundee Free Fireworks Displays 5 November 2013

Dundee's free firework displays will take place as usual on Tuesday 5 November 2013 in Lochee Park and Baxter Park.

The programme for both venues is as follows:

6pm - Radio Tay roadshow
6.15pm - Lighting of the bonfire
7pm  - Firework display begins
7.25pm - Finish

In the interests of safety please DO NOT bring Fireworks, Sparklers or Chinese Lanterns to the Displays.

No Parking in both parks. Free admission.

Volunteer with Brae Riding for Disabled Awarded Sunday Mail Community Champion 2013

Harry helping to muck out at the stables

Congratulations to ninety one year old Harry Nunn who last night was awarded Sunday Mail Community Champion 2013 at an awards ceremony in Glasgow. 

Harry, Scotland’s oldest volunteer, spends three days a weeks helping children and adults with learning difficulties at The Brae Riding for the Disabled in The Ferry.

Harry was voted for by thousands of customers of Lidl and of course supporters from Brae.

Harry is a wonderful demonstration that it's never too late to volunteer.

The Brae Riding for the Disabled
1 Linlathen Grove
Dundee DD5 3GL

Telephone: 01382 776880

Dundee Partnership Conference on Drugs and Alcohol - Supporting Recovery

This morning I attended the 'Dundee Partnership Conference on Drugs and Alcohol' which was held in the Central Baptist Church in Ward Road in Dundee.

Also present from The Ferry were representatives from Forthill and North Barnhill Tenants' groups as well as our Communities Officer, Carole Jenkins.

One of the themes of the morning was how routes to recovery could be improved and the role of families and communities might play in supporting that process.

This was a most worthwhile opportunity to listen to community members from across the city exchange their experiences of neighbourhoods dealing with lives blighted by the negative effects of drug and alcohol addictions. The feedback received will be used to help inform the revision to the strategy and plans of the Drugs and Alcohol Partnership in the city.

Broughty Ferry Centenary Church Trail and Ecumenical Service

Click on image to enlarge

Tuesday 29 October
Our Lady of Good Counsel (Roman Catholic) 
Westfield Road, DD5 1ED
1.00-3.00: Guided tour, refreshments and music.
1.15-2.15: Welcome by Fr McCarthy and guided talk on key features: the tabernacle, altar of reservation, centenary wall hanging and stained glass windows.
2.15-3.00: Light refreshments, organ music and bells.

Friday 1 November
Broughty Ferry St James (Church of Scotland)
5 Fort St, DD5 2AD
2.00-2.45: Beachie Heritage Walk starting from St James Church, followed by refreshments. Free but booking required. Any donations to RNLI. To book or for information please contact Charlie Webster Telephone 079414 85502 Email charliewebster16c@gmail.com

Saturday 2 November
St Stephen and West (Church of Scotland)
96 Dundee Road, DD5 1DW
10.00 - 4.00: Church open to visitors with displays including stained glass windows, overseas Meru project in Kenya and its links with Broughty Ferry community groups, our recent journey to linkage with St Mary’s Parish Church, Dundee. Refreshments available.

Saturday 2 November
St Luke’s and Queen Street (Church of Scotland)
5 West Queen Street, DD5 1AU
10.00 - 12.00: Church open for visitors. Display of youth handwork on the theme ‘Our Church’. Organ music and refreshments.

Saturday 2 November
Barnhill St Margaret’s Church (Church of Scotland)
10, Invermark Terrace DD5 2QU
10.00 - 4.00: Church open to visitors
10.00-12.00: Guild coffee morning, to which all are welcome. Displays of work locally with schools, Starter Packs, Dundee Foodbank and overseas with Mary’s Meals and orphanage and feeding programme in the Phillippines.

Saturday 2 November
St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church
Queen Street, DD5 1AJ
10.30-4.00: church open to visitors, displaying the work of Mothers’ Union (only branch in the diocese of Brechin)
St Mary’s Home and Overseas Support Project and Balgillo Nursery. 11.00: Demonstration of ‘Sing and Sign’ communication technique with small babies. 2.30-3.00: Talk by Mr Chris Davey, historian, former lecturer Dundee
University, co author of ‘The Memory of Broughty Ferry’ written to mark the incorporation of Broughty Ferry into Dundee.
3.00-3.30: Organ recital by Mr Gordon Foster, organist from the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

Sunday 3 November
Broughty Ferry New Kirk (Church of Scotland)
370 Queen Street, DD5 2HQ
Ecumenical Service with joint churches’ choir and pupils from Grove Academy, followed by refreshments. Displays of work locally and overseas including 65th and 81st Dundee Guides and 44th Dundee company of the Boys Brigade, Broughty Ferry’s only BB company.
Winner of the School Poetry Competition will be announced and entries will also be on display.

Planning Application for Glass Pavilion Flats Refused

Click on image to enlarge

At the Development Management Committee last night, the committee considered a number of Planning Applications. 

Amongst these was an application for planning permission and listed building consent for the Glass Pavilion on The Esplanade. 

Consent was sought "for works to substantially extend the single storey Glass Pavilion Restaurant by constructing two storeys of residential accommodation above, to the rear and partly to the sides of the existing extended Listed Building."

Following objections from the Community Council and residents, the Committee refused the planning application. 

I hope this decision to refuse permission for this development means that we can continue to enjoy using and admiring the existing elegant and iconic Glass Pavilion building on The Esplanade.