Future Publications [24.Nov.2009]          Our largest volume so far, William Todd’s History of Kirkmaiden Parish has started its journey to publication, and the first draft is now in print. William Todd was parish schoolmaster of  Kirkmaiden from 1798 until 1845, and at the age of 80 in 1853 he hand wrote this Statistical, Historical and Miscellaneous Memoranda of the Parish. The Trust has felt for a long time that this important picture of life in South West Scotland from years ago should be made available to our readership. Work is being carried out at present on maps and photographs – two of William Todd himself -  to enhance the volume.          The original hand written book was professionally photocopied. John and Sam McColm of Cairngarroch had the original book and their copies of it  beautifully leather bound. Katy Clachan, Todd’s great, great, great granddaughter owns the original volume and a few months ago John McColm greatly honoured the Trust by presenting  us with his copy. Very sadly, John died in September – before seeing the final publication of this important book in print. He was most enthusiastic to know of the Trust’s intention to publish and was helpful with background information over the past year. He was predeceased by his younger brother Sam.         Our grateful thanks go to Katy Clachan for lending us her hand written copy and providing information and photographs. The book will be launched before Easter of 2010.             Loss of the Princess Victoria [ 4.Sep.2008] The Loss of the Princess Victoria by Jack Hunter is now out of print. There are, however plans to publish a revised edition of this book at a later date.   Tonderghie Copper Mine at Whithorn [18.Dec.2007] The Trust has agreed to help to fund a project of the local Museums Service, The National Museums of Scotland and the Royal Commission to record and investigate the Tonderghie Copper Mine at Whithorn where antiquarian finds have produced ingots of Bronze Age and Iron Age dating.   Bursaries [18.Dec.2007] Each year the Trust gives consideration to granting bursaries to senior pupils of Stranraer Academy and the Douglas Ewart High School who are progressing to university to study history. At the 2009 Annual General Meeting which was held in May in Stranraer Library, a bursary of £500 was presented to Phoebe Warren, a pupil at Stranraer Academy. Neil Simpson who won our bursary in 2005 has now graduated with Honours from Edinburgh University. He wrote for university publications and was revues editor for the University History Journal. Neil is now continuing his studies at  Clare Hall, Cambridge University, studying for a M.Phil. in Historical Research, followed by a Ph.D. (November 2009)   Provost's Lamps [22.Jan.2007] Until the closure of Stranraer Old Parish Church in 2005 the former Provost's Lamps were situated at the door of the building in Church Street. A decision was made to relocate them to Stranraer Town Kirk which prior to the union with the Old Parish Church was known as St Andrew's Parish Church. One of our members, Archie Bell, has recently restored the lamps and the Trust has paid for the cost of the materials.    Historical Plaques in Stranraer [21.Jan.2007] As a result of the infinite knowledge of our chairman, Donnie Nelson, the Trust has become involved in creating a series of historical plaques which have been placed in apropriate sites in the town. The Trust agreed to assist with the funding of the plaques, contributing £900, with this sum being matched by Stranraer Common Good Fund. Illustrated Town Trail leaflets are available which give the locations of the plaques.

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