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The Joseph Thomson Group |
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Please note the next meeting for the Joseph Thomson Group will be Tuesday 20th September 2011 at 7.30pm. in Gladstone Hall, Penpont. Everyone Welcome. THE PENPONT KEIR AND TYNRON HERITAGE GROUP (The Joseph Thomson Steering Group)
This report was included in the 2011 Gala Programme. The plans to provide a small repository/museum in which to safeguard the many items in our archives is at last a reality. Already much voluntary work has been undertaken as we have received no grants as yet towards the renovation works. The Duke of Buccleuch, whose house it is has offered it to us for at least the next 25 years at a nominal rent provided we install new windows and doors and prepare the interior for storage and display. This is well underway. We thank those who have helped so far with fundraising and those who have donated their skills or money to progress the project. The JT group operates under the auspices of Penpont CC who have been most supportive over the years. Recently Keir CC have promised financial assistance which is much appreciated. The roof has been re-slated by the Queensberry Estate their own expense, and we have funds enough for re-wiring and damp-proofing which must be done by Queensberry Firms. To enable us to complete the project we would much appreciate even small donations of time or money as we believe that in the future our museum will be a source of fascination and pleasure to this and future generations. Sophia Harkness, Chairperson
 
Just over a year after the ornamental brass lions were stolen from the base of Thornhill’s memorial to the African Explorer Joseph Thomson, a new set of lions are set to be put in place thanks to the imagination and determination of a small group of local people. As soon as the original lions were stolen the search went out for photographs showing the original lions. Sophia Harkness, Chair of Penpont’s Joseph Thomson Group came up with these. In stepped local artist Brian Lord to draw up full size drawings of the lions from which he fashioned replica lions in plasticine. Next to become involved was local engineering wizard Joe Maxwell who constructed a latex mould from Brian’s platicine replica. Using his mould Joe then formed the new lions of fibre glass impregnated with brass powder. Plans are now afoot for local stone mason David McMichael to prepare the damaged stone work so that the new lions can be finally put in place. Brian Lord said ‘I am delighted that we have managed to play our part in restoring the damage to this important local monument.’ Sophia Harkness of the Joseph Thomson Group said ‘I am very impressed with the replacement lions. Once they are finally in place, the community can once again be proud of the memorial to one of its most famous sons.’ Picture shows Brian Lord with his drawings, Joe Maxwell with his latex mould and two of the final replacement lions. Also in the picture are Sophia Harkness, Ena Dobie and Gladys Cuttle of the Joseph Thomson Group. Gordon Neilson Early July 2010 contact for details to: JOSEPH THOMSON GROUP, Sundial Cottage Marrburn Road Penpont Thornhill DG3 4BL We are badly in need of more committee members, helpers and funds. Please remember you can always visit our website at
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