Homecoming Year celebrated by volunteers

May 22 2009 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday

A TEAM of volunteers is pulling together an exhibition to celebrate the Year of the Homecoming in Springfield and Gretna Green.

The Annandale villagers are hoping to collect as many old photographs, maps and memorabilia as possible for their The Way We Were exhibition which will be held in the Stormont Hall opposite The World Famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop Centre from September 11 to 13.

One of the organisers, Isabell Tranter, said: “We are sure it is going to be very popular. A few years ago when the hall was reopened after refurbishment we held an exhibition of photographs and it attracted 200 people during the two hours it was staged.

“So, this time we have decided to hold it over three days so that more people can come and have more time browsing all there will be to see.

“It is already attracting a lot of interest and we are keen to unearth some historical photographs of times gone by.”

The team is appealing for any memorabilia or pictures of the Gretna Green area and Springfield over the years to show any changes over time.

They have already been loaned an historical map from 1885 involving the Gretna estate, and an old photograph of the Headless Cross which they are trying to put a date to.

Anyone who can help should contact Isabell on 01461 337267 or Graham Thompson on 01461 337047.