Hi, this is Ken…
Recently, it was my birthday. I was 52, but in spite of that, it was one of the most delightful days I can remember!
My wife Isabel and I had set off to explore the nearby Machers of Galloway (we have recently moved to just north of Dumfries), heading first for Wigtown for lunch, then planning to go on across the peninsula to Luce Bay, on round the bay, and over to Stranraer by late afternoon.

But as we approached Newton Stewart, we decided to try to find our way to Machermore Castle, where I’d had several years’ holiday jobs as a teenager. (The roads layout had changed due to a by-pass road being built.) Since moving to Dumfries, we’d meant to get back in touch with Sander and June Oxenham, friends from many years back. Sander and June live in a lovely stone cottage in the grounds of the castle, on the banks of the river Cree.
Our intended “half-hour” visit turned into a memorable afternoon with Sander, and later June, as she returned from shopping…

We recalled many fond memories of the founder of Machermore Castle Christian Eventide Home, a large, generous gentleman, who always seemed to have an infectious broad smile, and was know affectionately to many as Willie Scott.
Then June mentioned she’d come across a long out of print booklet, written by Willie Scott, telling the fascinating story of exciting times in Leswalt during World War II. (Originally published by John Ritchie Ltd., of Kilmarnock.)

It’s a story of pancakes, prayers, preaching, and the power of Jesus Christ to change lives.

Willie was a Christian preacher, and had the privilege (and challenge) of preaching to 100,000 servicemen who passed through the Leswalt area preparing to face the horrors of various World War 2 battle fronts.

These were unique times – when servicemen could be found queuing to get a seat at a Gospel Service, an hour before it was due to start!
June wanted to re-publish the booklet, so that this precious piece of local history would not be lost, but again re-told to the glory of God, and the honour of His faithful servants.

So here it is. Click the links below to read each section:

Read, enjoy, and remember with grateful thanks.
Ken