Glencaple eatery offering special way to thank sc-one in a million key workers

Key workers who are proving to be sc-one in a million during the coronavirus pandemic are getting a Thursday treat.

Staff at The Boathouse in Glencaple are cooking up a storm in their kitchen to meet public demand for £5 “thank you” gift boxes.

The public are ringing in to nominate people to receive one of the special boxes which contain two freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam and two tea bags, delivered free.

Troqueer Primary teacher Louise Campbell asked Denys Boyle, general manager at The Boathouse, if she could come up with an affordable way people could thank all key workers in a way that was affordable.

Louise, who lives in Georgetown, said: “The NHS staff at the hospitals are doing a marvellous job and they get a lot of thank you’s and gifts. We wanted to give something to all the other key workers from postmen to the police, supermarket staff to bus drivers.

“The boxes are a really lovely treat and everyone who gives £5 is also helping a local businesses through the pandemic too.”

Denyse said: “Louise approached me as she thought people would like a channel to thank all the people still working to keep the others safe, warm, fed and healthy.

“We decided we would offer the opportunity for the public to buy a box for £5 to be delivered to surprise and delight the hard-working and dedicated key workers in the region.

“We are only doing this on Thursdays but already residents are getting in touch to nominate particular people or teams, or just paying £5 and asking us to give it to someone worthy.”

The Boathouse team has been reduced from 17 to five because of the Covid-19 restrictions and Denyse said their champion scone-maker is Amy Fazakerley who has been turning them out in their dozens.

Among recent recipients have been midwives and health visiting teams at The Willows Health Centre, Dumfries Fire Station, postmen, and a woman who has been sewing wash bags and offering a helpline for people who need to chat for mental health.

Denyse said: “They are all delighted to get their box and we are looking forward to delivering more Thursday boxes in coming weeks. And we are also happy to deliver a box to people’s loved ones in isolation of shielding, with a personal note so they can let them know you are thinking of them.”

The gift boxes can be ordered at https://theboathouseglencaple.com/gifted/