Penpont and the  Joseph Thomson Project

Penpont is a small but thriving village in the beautiful area of mid-Nithsdale in Dumfries and Galloway, in South West Scotland. Unusually for a place of its size, it still has its church and primary school, a post office and a general store, a pub and a tea room, a service garage, a bus service and an active Community Council. 

It also has a rich and generally well-recorded history, which includes its main claim to fame as the birthplace of the remarkable African explorer, Joseph Thomson. 

THE PENPONT VILLAGE HISTORY PROJECT 

At a public meeting it was decided to make the house where Joseph Thomson was born a centre for village history and to build on the fund of photographs, films and records already available to the public and compile a Penpont village archive, easily accessible to all. The extraordinary life and achievements of Joseph Thomson could also be commemorated.

The house, which had become vacant on thedeath of its tenant of 60 years, Mrs Carson, survives much as it did in Thomson's day and includes the armoury of the Penpont village militia at the turn of the century.

(Insert in Penpont Gala Programme 2011. Piece prepared by Group Chairprerson)

THE PENPONT KEIR AND TYNRON HERITAGE GROUP

(The Joseph Thomson Steering Group)

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, so far, have received no grants towards the renovation works.

The main roof and annex have been re-slated by the Queensberry Estate and 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 under way.

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.

We have funds enough for rewiring and damp-proofing which must b done by Queensberry Firms.

To enable us to complete the project, however, we would much appreciate even small donations of time or money as we believe that in the future our museum will be a mine of information. and our extensive collection of photos and film will give great pleasure to young and old .

Sophia Harkness

Chairperson