Goldielea Resident Bill Wins Guid Nychburris cup

There was joy for Goldielea Resident Bill Purdie this July when he was handed a special cup for his efforts during the 2022 Guid Nychburris celebrations.

The town of Dumfries celebrates the centuries-old festival with a packed calendar of events every year.

During the festivities, the Queen of the South and Cornet, plus their attendants, go to all the nursing homes in the local area.

Goldielea Residents took part in a craft session to decorate their wheelchairs and walking frames ahead of the visit.

It was Bill’s effort that caught the eye of 2022’s Queen of the South, Kady Kirkpatrick, and she presented him with his cup.

Activities Co-ordinator Judy Champion said it was a wonderful occasion.

Judy said: “It’s so exciting to be part of this incredible community celebration.

“The Residents were very excited for the Guid Nychburris dignitaries to arrive in their amazing costumes.

“Bill was delighted to be presented with the cup and have a photo with our Queen of the South Kady and Cornet Ross Findlater.”

The visit was just one of the many events in July to celebrate Guid Nychburris.

The pageantry also involves crowning ceremonies, ride-outs, the cornet’s ball and lorry parades.

Many of the events include fundraising, and the Queen of the South and Cornet pick a local charity to receive the money.

Judy added: “We all love the fact Guid Nychburris is all about Dumfries and doing good in the community.

“The young people who are crowned get that honour because they’ve done charity work or volunteering, and it’s a great honour.

“It’s incredible to see Dumfries come alive during the festival and to celebrate so joyously.

“All of us at Goldielea feel very proud to be a part of it.”