Middlebie Church
Middlebie Church is in a farming community still regulated by seasonal cycles. The members are a friendly bunch who support their church well. They are drawn from the immediate area and as far away as Gretna, Lockerbie, Annan and Langholm. The origins of the church go back into the mists of time with a reference by St Cuthbert in the 660s. There is a very active fund raising committee, a guild which meets monthly and although there is no Sunday School, our children attend the Cool Club and the local Brownie pack meets here. We have fortnightly services. Current roll is 100.
The Guild
We are an active, friendly group and were one of the first in the country to sigh up a man as a member! We meet monthly through the winter with a variety of speakers reflecting the Guild's topics and projects. The subjects of the speakers can be both serious and fun.
We enjoy the social side of things with a pre-Christmas lunch and a summer trip with members & friends, we enjoy the fellowship, and the minister is always very welcome!!
We ocassionally take part in Church services, more so during Guild Week in November, and in 2003 took the whole service to celebrate its 80th birthday. We have been linked with Kilbowie ST Andrews Guild in Clydebank for nearly 15 years. This link is very successful with many friendships between the two groups and also gives the opportunities to meet up on trips, a great excuse to head for Glasgow!
The Guild has also used the Church for a variety of fund-raising events, from organ recitals to concerts from various choirs to a concert from handbell ringers.
The Fundraising Committee
We have a dedicated team made up of elders and congregation members ably led by Peggy McKerrow who are responsible for all the fundraising for the Church.
For the green fingered among us, an annual plant sale is held in May bringing customers from far and wide. Every Sunday in August cream teas are held in the Village Hall, relying on the baking skills of the ladies of the Church. This has become one of the summer's social highlights for the surrounding areas. 2009 will see the 80th anniversary of the opening of the present building and a flower festival is being planned to celebrate this event.
1st Middlebie Brownies
The Brownies started in 1994, and meet in Middlebie Village Hall every Wednesday during term time. We welcome girls between 7 and 10 from the three local primary schools, Eaglesfield, Hoddom (Ecclefechan) and Hottsbridge (Waterbeck). We welcome members from the whole charge (as do the Cool Club and the choir).
We have the usual guiding activities including badge work, arts and crafts, walks and trips. As part of the Lockerbie District, we join them in Lockerbie for the Thinking Day Parade. We have taken part in Church services in the past, usually at Remembrance Services. Our last minister was a Guiding Ambassador for us and often came along and joined in the meetings.