Events at Cultural Connections

	New show for May and June 2018 - Dates and venues below THE DUMFRIESSHIRE MAN WHO BUILT BRITAIN Drama with Live Music From humble Eskdale stonemason to famous civil engineer, Thomas Telford designed and constructed the finest roads, bridges and canals since the Romans. Yet, he was a modest man who shunned the limelight. Telford never forgot his birthplace. “I ever recollect with pride my native parish of Westerkirk, where I was born on the banks of the Esk in the year 1757.” This fascinating story is told through drama and original music. Popular Dumfriesshire performer William Williamson plays Telford, with Dave Dewar as the interviewer and music by singer-songwriter Ian Walker and cellist Wendy Weatherby. Wed. 30 May Kilmarnock (Private Event) 7.30pm Thu. 31 May Buccleuch Centre, Langholm 7.30pm Tickets £10 01387-381196 info@buccleuchcentre.com Fri. 1 June The Ewart Library, Dumfries 7.30pm Tickets £10 Midsteeple 01387-253383 Date TBC Institution of Civil Engineers, London (Private Event) (Photo courtesy of the Institution of Civil Engineers)
	June 2017 - Dates and venues below DUMFRIESSHIRE'S AFRICAN EXPLORER Drama with Live Music The fascinating life story of explorer Joseph Thomson told through narration, drama and live music by Ian Walker (singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist), Wendy Weatherby (cello), Dave Dewar (narrator) and Dumfriesshire’s William Williamson, a direct descendant of Thomson, playing the explorer. Born in Penpont, later lived in Gatelawbridge, buried in Thornhill, Thomson discovered many previously uncharted parts of Africa. His successes were rewarded by many titles and awards including the prestigious Royal Geographical Society’s gold medal. Thomson successfully avoided confrontation and bloodshed in his dealings with hostile African tribes. This was encapsulated in his motto “He who goes gently goes safely, he who goes safely goes far”. All performances begin at 7.30pm Thu. 1 June Penpont Parish Church, Penpont, Dumfriesshire Fri. 2 June The Ewart Library, Dumfries Tickets £10 ● Midsteeple 01387-253383 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dgartsfestival/events
	May and June 2016 - Dates and venues below THE BANKER WHO CARED Drama with Live Music The fascinating story of the Reverend Henry Duncan of Ruthwell, by Dumfries. Duncan established the Ruthwell Savings Bank in 1810 for the poor who could not afford the £10 required by the established banks to open an account. At Ruthwell, only 6 pence would open up a 4% interest bearing account. Thus was born the worldwide savings bank movement. Duncan was also a social reformer, writer, publisher, newspaper owner, philanthropist, geologist and restorer of the famous Ruthwell Cross. Four actors / musicians play Duncan, his wife, the narrator and other parts, with accompanying live music. All performances begin at 7.30pm Thu. 26 May Ruthwell Parish Church, Ruthwell, near Dumfries Fri. 27 May The Catstrand, New Galloway, Dumfriesshire Thu. 2 June Innellan Village Hall, Innellan, near Dunoon Fri. 3 June Loudoun Hall, Ayr Tickets £10 ● Dave Dewar 077 655 73240 dave@cultural-connections.co.uk
	November 2015 - Dates and Venues below An Audience With MR and MRS ANDREW CARNEGIE Drama with Live Music How did a Scot become the richest man in the world and then give it all away? From humble beginnings in Dunfermline in 1835, Andrew Carnegie emigrated to America. By aged 35 he was a millionaire, and by 65 the richest man in the world. Carnegie was a man of contradictions. He advocated workers’ rights but outlawed trade unions. He campaigned for world peace, yet manufactured steel for naval vessels and armaments. However, he gave away his vast fortune for good causes, which included the creation of over 2,500 libraries. Actors play Andrew Carnegie, his wife Louise and the interviewer, revealing fascinating and often controversial aspects of their lives. All performances begin at 7.30pm, unless indicated otherwise Wed. 25 Dunoon Library Thur. 26 Oban Library (7pm) Fri. 27 Ewart Library, Dumfries Sat. 28 Carnegie Hall Annexe, Dunfermline Sun. 29 Loudoun Hall, Ayr (2.30pm) Tickets ● Dave Dewar 077 655 73240 (Photo courtesy of the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum)
	An Audience With PATRICK MILLER and Robert Burns Drama with Music Dalswinton House, Dalswinton, by Dumfries Sunday 18 May 2014 3pm Tickets £15, include access to the gardens and light refreshments. Advance bookings only. Two men from the Dumfriesshire area made their mark on Scottish History. One, Patrick Miller, developed a steamship, the other his tenant Robert Burns, composed beautiful poetry and songs. The two met regularly at Miller's beautiful home, Dalswinton House. For this afternoon, the two meet again and discuss their lives. Actors play Miller, Burns, and an interviewer, with music by harmony group The Sangsters. The drama will take place in the drawing room of Dalswinton House.