Cluaran Heritage ProjectWe are mustering in the morning to get the boat ready to launch. We plan to pitch a pavilion on Millgreen and row round in circles. Maybe we will make a pirate raid on the island …
You can join in by creating a character for our fantasy crew
If you like this sort of thing, what do you think about building a boat?
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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).
More details will be posted closer to the time.
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 (or volunteering to help manage the project!).
The tides are reported to be favourable, and we have checked that the slipway near the white sands can be used. If you are interested in the Cluaran boat and would like the opportunity to row this is your opportunity!
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.
For more Wordsmith Crafts events – check out the calendar page
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.
Have a look behind the scenes here.
www.YouTube/TheFloatingMonastery
Invite your friends!
Cluaran will be taking part in Nithraid 2023. Rather than racing though, they will be rowing around the town and time.
How can you row around town?
Most people think about the river Nith as a scenic backdrop. For much of time however it has been used actively.
Dumfries is built round a river and beside a river crossing. The Burgh of Dumfries is blended with the Burgh of Maxwelltown now, but for centuries they shared the river crossing and boundary which brought merchants and pilgrims to both of them when they needed to cross the river.
The river has always been an asset and a challenge! Its location means that you can paddle on from your doorstep, but also that some houses are at risk from flooding. When there was a cattle market by the river that flooding would perhaps have been a welcome clean up.
Dock park is a harbour where trading ships used to dock. In a time before railways, water travel was a very attractive way to move goods around Scotland – and the rest of the world. Having a harbour in your town centre was definitely an advantage.
Time and technology changes though, some of it is very welcome. Plumbing and washing machines have changed the way the sands have been used for the better. We will therefore be rowing around the upper reaches of the Nith and interacting with the public, telling stories from the past, present, and future. Thinking about how we can relate to the river.
Planning starts this evening at 7ish in the Wordsmith Crafts Workshop