Month: August 2023

Nithraid 2023

Cluaran Boat Session

The River Wanderer

The nights are drawing in!

We will gather again to launch the boat this Thursday (31st of August) at 18.00

We are starting early to make the best of the daylight. Please gather at the workshop as usual.

If you are early (from 16.30) you can help pick apples! (bring a bag to take them away)

Since Nithraid is the 2nd of September we will also work on costumes after rowing. We will need a shore crew as well as rowers, so even if you are not keen of getting on the water have a look at this form and think about how you can help people encounter the river Nith in a new way.

If you are curious, the featured video clip is from our contribution to the treaty of Perth celebrations.

Arts Installations Events

The Treaty of Perth

Here is a blast from the past!

This short video is made of photos from our display remembering the signing of “the treaty of Perth“

You can read a bit more about the day and the other organisations involved here.

The boat will be on the water in Dumfries on Thursday the 24th of August getting ready for Nithraid!

Events Nithraid 2023

Cluaran Boat Session

Launch!

Thank you to everyone who came along to get the boat on the water on the 13th of July. This goes for the shore crew as well as those who braved the watery depths… well shallows… of the Nith.

We were successful in launching and rowing the boat. The shore crew caught some of it on camera – and we even have a film of it made by David Slater (DRS Video Clips)

The next boat evening we have scheduled is for Thursday the 24th of August. 1900 to 2100 again, rendezvous at the Wordsmith Crafts Workshop (3 James Avenue, Dumfries).

If you want to think about the sorts of characters who might, could have or perhaps will inhabit the Nith, then have a go at filling in this form:

You can also become a member of Cluaran by signing up to the newsletter lists of your choice.

storytelling

Tales at the Tap

Thursday the 17th of August

Kate and Simon are back with some more music and stories this Thursday evening.

There are excellent ales on offer so you can sit back and enjoy.

The evening starts at 6pm when you can gather for a blether about tales and their telling. The first story will start at about 18.30.

This evening is free thanks to our hosts – The riverside tap – and performers from Wordsmith Crafts CIC (the Cluaran project).

storytelling

Tales at the Tap

Thursday the 17th of August

Turn up at 6 for some chat and we get going by 6.30.

You will be able to sit back in the comfy sofa and simply listen, or get involved in some chat about the tales.

Thanks to Kate we have music at the evening.

There are excellent ales from around the world on tap too.

The Stories we use are the ancient legends and myths that share names with hills and geography of the landscape we live in. Some of the stories are local, and some have travelled from the other side of the globe.

Do you have a favourite story? Get in touch.

(… and if you want to eat a wee snack you can bring it in. You can also enjoy a wide variety of alcohol free drinks that are available as well as beer)

Arts Installations Events Nithraid 2023

Boat Evening

Thursday the 24th of August

What would it have been like to be a Roman on the River Nith?

Meet at the Wordsmith Crafts Workshop by 7pm. If you want to go on the water you will need to become a member of “Cluaran” so that we can keep track of the paperwork.

If the tide is right we will be rowing, if there is no water then there are plenty of other tasks!

These include boat related crafts, maintenance – and character development for Nithraid on the 2nd of September.

For more Wordsmith Crafts events – check out the calendar page

Events Workshops

Cluaran Craft Club

Many years ago Wordsmithcrafts ran a “Medieval Craft Club”

Over time interest in it grew, and all sorts of plans were cooked up. Some of these plans involved actual cooking and time travelling feasting. We made lantern shields for parades, tried bowl turning, and blacksmithing. All the crafts had a heritage connection, but the aim is to not just make replicas but also to be inspired to create new things. There was a strong Viking theme which led to the setting up of Galloway Longfhada the local “Vikings” re-enactment group. Who knows what will happen this time round?

Enough history … the time has come to revisit the craft club idea, working towards Nithraid 2023

General craft club sessions are drop in events. All ages are welcome, but under 16’s will need to bring an adult with them. We will ask for a £5 contribution to cover workshop overheads. There are some free to use materials available which have been donated. Participants will be able to discuss and start “pay as you go” craft projects using Wordsmith Crafts tools and materials.

Participants are also invited to bring their own projects and use the time to “get around too it”, as well as share knowledge and skills.

If you are short of cash, but have time, we can work something out. If you’d like to become a Cluaran member and help this project develop – please let us know!

storytelling