Organisers of Dumfries’ annual Guid Nychburris Festival are planning for next year’s gathering after holding their AGM in the Municipal Chambers this week.
It will be held from June 15 to June 21.
They’ll be starting the fundraising with a Guid Nychburris ‘Festive Fizzy Fun’ on Saturday, November 23, with chairman John Caskie MBE stating that full ticket details, times and costs will be announced very soon.
He welcomed an attendance of 21 members, supporters, and friends to the meeting with reports received from office bearers and committee convenors, along with further reports from representatives of Dumfries Cornets Club, Queen of the South Association, and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
All commented on the “great success” the 2024 Guid Nychburris Festival was with “something for all ages”.
Cornet Ross Boyd, Cornet’s Lass Caitlin McKenzie and Queen of the South Lucy Galligan were all congratulated on the “excellent and proficient way they carried out their duties” and were wished continued success in the rest of their year in office.
Mr Caskie said: “It was noted that more than 230 horses had ridden the marches on Guid Nychburris morning, while a bumper entry of decorated floats, pipe, and brass bands, walking entries and commercial vehicles had participated in the evenings parade – even the weather didn’t put folk off.
“The Guid Nychburris committee hope to welcome many back for the 2025 festival.”
He also thanked all committee convenors and representatives for their hard work and dedication to the festival and the audited accounts were read and approved.
Jordan McLatchie informed the meeting he had stood down as chairman of Dumfries Cornets Club at their AGM recently and was thanked for his support to Guid Nychburris over the years.
Members agreed that the chairperson of DCC will be invited to become a representative on the GN committee – of which there will also be some changes for the year ahead, as treasurer Emma Little resigning her post and was thanked by the members for her hard work in the role over the years.
Another to resign – both as magazine co-convenor and committee member – was Brian McMeekan, who was also thanked for his service to Guid Nychburris over the years.
Brian’s fellow magazine co-convenors Katryna Morris and Amy Haining resigned from that brief but remain as committee members.
The election of office bearers took place at the AGM with Amanda Brown replacing Emma Little as treasurer. The magazine convenor position remains vacant.
Guid Nychburris office bearers, convenors and representatives for 2024/2025 are: president: Provost of Dumfries and Nithsdale, Councillor Maureen Johnstone; chairman John M Caskie MBE; vice chairman/ secretary, Susan Morrison; and treasurer, Amanda Brown.
The ceremonial convenor is Helen Scott, with Riley True and John Caskie as entertainment convenors; Susan Morrison and George Bell, parade convenors; and the director of riding is Ellen Bell.
Dumfries CC representative is TBC, while QoS Association representative is Jemma Weir and Chris Woodness has the role of Dumfries and Galloway Council liaison.
Committee members are: Malcolm Mills, Amy Kirkpatrick and Katryna Morris
There remain three vacancies on the GN executive committee. Anyone interested in joining is asked contact them through email at: [email protected].