Local History: Date for the Diary 27th NOVEMBER 2012

JAMES IV CELEBRATION PROJECT 2013 : INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

James IV, who died nearly five hundred years ago in 1513, came on pilgrimage to Whithorn each year of his reign; his Royal Arms grace the arch above The Pend. Under James's patronage, Whithorn's Prior reached the peak of his influence in Scotland and the town was at its most prosperous. The King came to St Ninian's shrine with a colourful retinue of musicians and performers, giving alms to the poor and administering justice.

Whithorn and District Business Association have joined together with a number of community groups, Whithorn School and the Douglas Ewart High School, to propose a community event recreating James's entry into Whithorn, to be acted out by young people and community performers, for a date in late May 2013. The group wishes to involve as many other community groups as possible, who may contribute to the many aspects which this performance involves : this includes acting, art-work, music, dance, costume, history, song and food. If funding bids are successful, specialist artists will work with schools and community groups to create a grand community performance at Whitsun next year.

We are inviting all groups who are interested in the project to send a representative to our Planning Day on Tuesday 27^th November 2012 to hear more and make suggestions as to what their group can offer and hear ways in which they can become involved. The session will be led by Martyn Robertson of Urbancroft, a company which specialises in event creation. If you would like to attend, please come to South Machars Community Centre at 2pm on 27^th November. The sessions will be informal and involve audience participation, so that as many community groups as possible can become involved and celebrate Whithorn's unique history.

For more information, please speak to Gill Bailey, Stuffit Upholstery, 01988 500038, or Donna Hoodless, 01988 500364 donna.hoodless@dumgal.gov.uk