14 DECEMBER 2003

ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD: BEITH LOCAL NOTES

DONALD L REID

(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)

SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER 2003

HI SANTA: The happy Braefoot Nursery children visited Santa in Woodside’s Grotto last week.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

YOHOHO FOLKS: Santa is happy to greet the children from Beith Primary School Nursery last week in Woodside’s Grotto.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

HAPPY TRIO: Three of Beith Primary’s evacuees, Graeme Cook, Andrew Brown and Ewan Dagen are dressed as pupils of 1940s war period as they begin a day acting as war time evacuees.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

CLASS ACT: Primary 6/7 are snapped before heading off as war time evacuees to visit museums in Glasgow to learn more about the effects of war on ordinary folk. Class teacher, Mrs Agnes Kennedy (right) and depute head teacher Mrs Hilda Biagi (right) also wore period dress.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY: Beith librarian Jean Kennedy (centre) celebrates reaching that special age when life really begins. She was snapped last week with fellow Beith bookworms, Maureen Dale (left) and Ishbel Hood (right).

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

NEWS ITEMS

BEITH HEALTH

Dr Peggie and partners at Beith Health Centre, Reform Street, intimate some changes of availability and routine over the festive period. On Tuesday, 23 December the surgery will be closed from 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm. Patients are asked to submit repeat prescriptions by 12 noon on Tuesday, 23 December and again by 12 noon on Tuesday, 30 December. It is stressed that only emergency prescriptions will be dispensed on 24 and 29 December. The Health Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 2 January. Anyone requiring emergency treatment during the festive periods and when the surgery is closed should contact ADOC on 0845-7413003.

CANCER SUPPORT

The Beith Branch of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group are holding a whist evening in Beith Community Centre on Wednesday January, 7 beginning at 7.00 pm. All welcome. Bill Haining, local organiser, advises that the group received last week received £100 from an anonymous donor. He also acknowledges a donation of £10 from Beith Trinity Thursday afternoon Playgroup. The Ayrshire Cancer Support Group calendars have now all sold out at Billy’s of Beith with £66 raised all of which goes directly to helping cancer patients.

BEITHARTS

The last of Beith Arts Guild's programmes for 2003 will be held on Sunday 28th December at 2.30pm in the High Church Hall and will be a programme of convivial music for this time of year given by "Viva Voce". Tickets are £8, concessions £5, children/students £1 and can be purchased at the door. Contact Margaret.Turner on 01505 502663.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

Jean Kennedy, Senior Librarian at Beith Library, received a pleasant surprise last Friday. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by her fellow librarians to mark her 40^th birthday. Happy birthday Jean. Bet Jean was glad it wasn’t a book, eh!

NWR

The Eglinton Inn was full of the spirit of St Andrew last week when Scottish author and historian, David R Ross of East Kilbride, entertained in his own inimitable way taking as his theme the heroes of Scotland, Bruce and Wallace. National Womens Register (NWR) members from Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Houston joined ladies from other organisations in the town and Beith NWR to provide a large audience for the 'larger than life' Writer, Historian and entertainer. Anyone interested in reading about David's latest plans should visit the Wallace web site or www.walkwithwallace.com. Believe it or not David intends to walk from Scotland to London during the summer to highlight the cause of William Wallace. NWR is very much a network of friendly groups throughout the UK and ideal for people moving to new areas or finding themselves new to the Garnock Valley. Only five members are required to start a new group. Information can be found on www.nwr.org. For further information contact Helen on 01505-502271.

SCHOOL

Last week class 6/7 at Beith Primary School took part in a trip as part of an interesting project which involved them in an interactive learning experience about how families and children in particular were affected by the Second World War. Following lessons about the impact of war on family life, the members of class 6/7 all dressed up as young people of circa 1940. This role playing exercise involved the whole class in being evacuated from their homes to go and live elsewhere to avoid the dangers of bombing raids. All the youngsters were dressed appropriately including having a tin cup and a name card round their necks. The boys had short trousers and long socks with some wearing Wellington boots, whilst the girls had dresses, coats and hats reflecting that era. The class teacher, Mrs Agnes Kennedy and Depute Head Teacher, Mrs Hilda Biagi, also entered into the spirit of the learning experience and they, too, dressed in period costume. Not to be outdone, Mr Mabon, head teacher, was dressed in his gown and addressed the youngsters before dismissing them in the drill hall. They were then bussed to Glasgow as parents waved a fond farewell, hankies in hand. The Beith refugees visited the People’s Palace where they experienced what it was like inside an Anderson Air Raid Shelter. During the day they had various themed talks and learned more about the effects of war on ordinary people. Then it was on to Scotland Street museum before returning to Beith after a memorable day out.

PLAYPARK GROUP

Beith Playpark Action Group are still working hard selling raffle tickets as part of their fund raising drive. Among the great prizes on offer are a Christmas hamper, a family hamper, a drinks hamper and a sweets hamper, especially for the children. Tickets are £1 each and can be purchased from any committee member, or from Arabica Bistro, Main Street. Anyone who might be able to assist the Playpark Action Group by taking books of raffle tickets to sell should contact Audrey on 01505-506320 or Winnie on 01505-504941. The Playpark Action Group have a display in Beith Library which gives an idea of the types of equipment which will eventually be installed in the public park. The board also shows the costs of various pieces of equipment and the group are keen to find groups, organisations and individuals who might consider sponsoring a piece of equipment. This group have worked extremely hard and any assistance which locals can give to enable them to complete the entire project as quickly as possible would be appreciated. Why not pop into the library and see if you can help them make progress?

BEST DRESSED WINDOW

Oops! A bit of a bloomer. In the prize list for the Beith best dressed window competition, the name of B & A Travel was omitted from the highly commended category in last week’s Herald. As this oversight might just result in your correspondent being erroneously booked for a happy holiday week in Bathgate instead of Benidorm, it was considered prudent to encourage everyone to drop by and see the highly commended festive window at B & A travel in Main Street. Well done, folks!

KARATE

Garnock Valley Karate Club meets in the old Harriers Hut each Monday and Wednesday from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. The club has qualified instructors and takes karate students from aged 6 years upwards and they are given instruction and progress through the various karate gradings. For further information contact Sandy on 07952517056 or call in during the above times to the Harriers Hut.

BBs

There was a good turn out of boys for meetings of Beith BBs this week, with a wide range of activities taking place. All first year Junior Section boys have now
completed their White Badge work, and were presented with their badges last Friday
evening. Second and Third year boys are also carrying on with badge work.
Parents are asked to note that there will be no further meetings of the Anchor Boys
until after the New Year, but Junior Section and Company Section will meet
tonight (Friday) as usual. All meetings will then resume on Friday 9th January at the
usual times.

FELLOWSHIP
President John McGibbon welcomed a good turn out of members to the most recent meeting of Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship. After a reading by John Darroch, the president introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr Murray Wilson from Kilmarnock, who had made a return visit to speak to the members on "A Walk In The Park." This proved to be a fascinating account of the events of the battle of Gettysburg, which took place over three days in October 1863. Mr Wilson then outlined the events leading up to the battle, which was the southern states last chance to win a major battle. Forced north by the lack of food and shelter in Virginia the two armies met, largely unplanned, to the south of the town of Gettysburg, where the battle began. The Union Army, well equipped with artillery, occupied the higher ground, and caused enormous injuries firing grape shot and canister shot on the attacking confederate troops. After a three day battle in which there were 50,000 casualties, Lee finally admitted defeat and retreated south, effectively ending the war. On a historical note, the last body recovered from the battlefield was that of a Confederate soldier in 1996, and due to some detective work by local historians, it was possible to identify him. The next meeting of the Fellowship will be on Monday 5th January 2004, when the speaker will be Rev Fiona Ross.

SERVICE

Last week a special service of remembrance was held in Beith Trinity Church and jointly conducted by Rev Fiona Ross and Father John Kinsler. The aim of the service was to allow folk to come together at this special family time to remember loved ones. The congregation numbered about 100. From all reports the service was greatly appreciated by everyone who attended and very sensitively conducted. Several attendees contacted the correspondent to say how much they appreciated this special period being set aside to remember loved ones during this festive period. It is likely that a similar service will be arranged next year.

XMAS FAYRE

Beith United Reform Church held a fund raising festive lunch in the Church Hall last Friday and it was well supported. As well as enjoying a light soup lunch everyone took a great interest in the various Christmas items on the stalls which were selling like hot cakes.

BEITH CROSS

Just about everyone in the town has been commenting very favourably about the excellent work, now almost completed, at Beith Cross. The siting of the Christmas tree in the centre of the paved Cross, the first class period lighting in the area and the floodlighting of the Auld Kirk, all come together to create a wonderful warm atmosphere. The Cross buildings have been very sensitively restored and are a great credit to the team of skilled workers who have laboured on this site for the past 15 months. The first occupants have now taken up residence at the Cross and that is really good news. The hope is that everyone will take a special pride in the town centre and ensure that it remains a great place for folk to live and businesses to locate. Meanwhile, across in Kilbirnie, Radio City has also made a tremendous difference at Kilbirnie Cross. Have you seen it yet? This state-of-the-art healthy living and fitness centre will open its doors to the public early in January, with the actual opening date still to be officially announced. The interior of Radio City is first class with many of the original fittings restored to former glory to ensure that the classical look is indeed vintage Radio City. Do you remember watching films at the old Radio City and being over-awed at the magnificent surroundings? This beautifully restored building will now offer excellent facilities which everyone in the Garnock Valley and indeed further afield can use and be proud of. It is hoped that there will be open days prior to the formal opening of Radio City so that the public can see the wonderfully restored interior and learn more about the range and variety of facilities which will be on offer to the public. There is no doubt that 2004 will be a memorable year for the Garnock Valley with the formal opening of Beith Cross and Radio City. Even the doubters can only look in awe at Beith and Kilbirnie town centres now and acknowledge that both are examples of restoration projects which must surely rank amongst the finest in the UK. There is no doubt that the late Bobby Reilly, closely involved in the regeneration project during his period as Beith Councillor, would have been extremely proud to see Beith Cross looking so magnificent today. Everyone involved in ensuring that Beith Cross and Radio City were saved from demolition and returned to their former glory are to be heartily congratulated because there can be no doubt that both were huge projects which took a tremendous amount of co-ordinated work by a variety of partners. That they came so successfully to fruition is something rather special. Of that there can be no doubt.

HARRIERS

Last Sunday the budding young athletes of Beith Harriers took part in the Scottish
Athletics Indoor League at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. In the U/11 boys section
were represented by Ross McIsaac and Martin McLean who both competed well,
especially since it was Martin's first time running at the Kelvin Hall. It
can be a daunting experience at first competition in this international arena.
Both gained valuable points. Hannah Boyd was again our only girl competitor and did well in the 800m, 60m and long jump, having just moved up into the U/13 age group. The U/13 boys were represented by Graham Evans, Sam Harkness and Lee Thomson. Graham and Sam have also just moved up an age group and put in good performances, while Lee ran 800m and gained 9 points for the Club with a creditable first time
performance in the shot putt competition. Colin Evans took part in the U/15 boys shot putt and the high jump in which he took third place while Cameron Clark ran well in 200m and 60m and jumped a personal best in the long jump to take 2nd place. The next league meeting is on 4th January when Beith Harriers hope to have some more
club members available to compete. The Beith Harriers annual new year races takes place on 2nd January at Ladeside Pavilion, Kilbirnie with races for all age groups from U/11 to
adult.

FUNERAL MOVE

The local firm of J & R Smith (Funeral Care) moved last week from their premises in Main Street to their new offices next door to Beith Post Office Sorting Office in Eglinton Street. The telephone number will remain the same and is 01505-502106.

DINNER

Last Monday Beith Masons laid on a dinner for older folk in the town. Over 100 folk sat down to a first class three course meal provided by Sandra’s Catering of Beith. After the meal and excellent hospitality provided by the club and Lodge Beith St John’s, everyone danced the night away to popular band Ecky. A first class night greatly enjoyed by everyone and a special word of thanks to Beith Masonic Club and Lodge Beith St John’s for making it all happen.

BEITH JUNIORS

Beith Junior have some nice Christmas gifts on sale for supporters and friends of the club. They have good quality fleeces and a black shower proof jacket for sale both sporting the club badge. These items are on display in Brightsparks together with hats and other merchandice. The club committee feel that the more supporters wearing the club colours helps to promote the club and give it a high profile in the community and within Junior football. The Beith Juniors under 9 team, managed by the energetic George Ferguson, are having Christmas party in Beith Community Centre on Saturday 13 December at 12 noon. Santa will be making a surprise appearance, but please don’t let the kids know! This is the first season for the under 9 team and they have increased membership from 12 to around 25. They hope to field two teams in the second half of the season which commences at the end of January. Could be that the Beith juniors of tomorrow will be made up entirely of local players. Now, wouldn’t that be something really special, folks.

BEITH TREAT

Beith Old People’s Welfare Committee recently held their annual dinner for older people in the town and district. There was a full house at the function and everyone enjoyed a first class meal as well as receiving some lovely gifts of flowers and wine. Professional entertainers made sure that after the meal everyone had a really great night to remember. Buses were laid on courtesy of local firm, Marbill Coaches, to take the old folk home so bringing to an end a very special evening. Several old folk contacted the Beith correspondent to say how much they had enjoyed the event and praising the organisers, Beith Old People’s Welfare Committee.

CHARITY

Lorraine Jackson and Alyson Miller would like to thank their families and many friends for making their 'Ladies Only' Cheezy Disco such a success. Thanks also to the generous donars of raffle prizes and to the staff of the Anderson Hotel, Beith. The sum of £560 was raised for McFarlane Homes for Adults with Learning Disabilities.

THANKS

Marylin Pollok of Gateside, a regular organiser of events to raise funds for Ayrshire Hospiice, passes on her sincere thanks to everyone who bought a Music Quiz in aid of the Ayrshire Hospice. There were six correct replies and the winner was drawn from a hat. Congratulations to the winner, Sandra Terry from Lochwinnoch! So far over £900 has been raised. Another very successful Yuletide was held last Sunday in Gateside. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported it. Special thanks to the North Ayrshire Brass Band and to Santa for switching on the tree lights!

SANTA

Yohoho folks! Santa was in town last week. Over several days his red suit and distinctive white beard were seen about town as he managed to avoid festive duties elsewhere in the world and spent three mornings in his grotto in Woodside’s, Ironmonger, Main Street. The reindeer were put out to rest and feed in a nearby field and Santa was soon busy receiving youngsters from several nurseries and playgroups in the town. Needless to say, the youngsters were delighted to meet Santa who received a long list of wishes for Christmas day. After an exhausting time seeing the kids, Santa would no doubt have scouted about the town to ensure that all the Beith chimneys were in good order, because it wouldn’t do for Santa to be delayed too long in Beith on a very busy Christmas day. We are delighted to pass on the thanks of all the Beith children to Santa.

MASONIC CLUB

Beith Masonic Club has a full programme of social evenings to suit all tastes over the festive period. Tomorrow (Saturday 20^th) Remedy is on stage from 8 pm till late with a cover charge of £2 payable at the door. On Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24^th) Remedy are back by popular demand with entertainment from 8.00 pm till late. On Hogmanay (Wednesday 31^st) the entertainment will be provided by the ever-popular Ecky from 8 pm and seeing in the bells. Tickets for this special evening are £5 payable at the door. All social evening will included the usual bingo and raffle and everyone will be warmly welcomed.

YOUNG FARMERS

Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held their Panel Night on Monday 8^th December, which consisted of Mrs Lorna Reid, Mrs Lesley Chalmers, Mr Jimmie Shanks and Mr Robert Wilson. The panel were asked all sorts of questions ranging from Christmas to paradise and made for a very entertaining evening. The side competition was the Best Cover Design for the Winter Syllabus 2004-2005 and the results were as follows 3^rd Jennifer Wilson 2^nd Gareth Scott 1^st Jennifer Logan. The club is having a Christmas Party on Monday 29^th December in the MOD Police Club, Beith. The next club meeting is on Monday 12^th January and is an open meeting for parents, NFU, Discussion Society and Rurals. Group A have to meet at Agricar, Dundonald at 7.30pm for a talk and Group B have to meet at the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside at 7.30pm for a cookery demonstration. For further information or transport to events please contact your nearest committee member, phone Julie on 01294 832262 or Gareth on 01294 832249.

PANTOMIME

Lights, camera, action! Last week the pantomime Cinderella attracted large audiences over three days when the dedicated Beith cast put in four first class performances on stage at High Church Hall. The standard of acting was well up to that of recent years with the audience in kinks for most of the performance. High Drama have built up a reputation for putting on excellent plays, shows and pantomimes. All performances were very well attended and the matinee last Saturday had the usual audience of young folk who fully engaged with the cast in an exciting atmosphere where audience and cast interaction was central to a successful show. Congratulations to all the Beith thespians on another memorable pantomime.

MASONS

On Thursday, December 18^th there will be a second degree at Lodge Beith St Johns No 157 in the Masons Hall, Beith, when there will be two candidates. All members and visiting brethren are cordially invited to attend and the meeting commences at 7.30 pm.

RANGERS CLUB

Beith Saracent Rangers Supporters Club are running a bus to Ibrox tomorrow (Saturday) for the game against Hearts. The bus leaves Dalry at 1.30 pm, Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith at 2.00 pm. Names to bus stewards by 9.00 pm on Thursday, 18 December. The Christmas draw tickets are now on sale from any committee member of Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club. They are delighted to announce that they are hosting a Rangers Road Show on Friday, 20 February 2004. Speakers include Donald Findlay QC and Rangers legend, Wee Willie Henderson, one of the all-time great wingers in the game. The ticket price is £20 and includes a full dinner. Tickets are now sold out and a waiting list has now been started. You can add your name to this list by contacting David Raeside on 01505-504892 and Jim Reid on 01505-504548. Those who have booked tickets are reminded that the £5 deposit must be paid by the end of December or the tickets will be re-allocated. A committee meeting will be held after the Hearts game. This will take place in the Masonic Arms. The annual games day will take place on Sunday Januaray, 4 and for further details contact David Raeside or Jim Reid.

JANEFIELD CLUB

Janefield MAP club meet in Beith Community Centre from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm each Thursday. The club aims to attract people who have mental and physical disabilities who are on the lookout for something interesting and positive to do in an environment which is supportive and welcoming. For further information about the club contact Karen Provan on 01505-503314 or Anna Gibson on 01505-503685 or drop in on a Thursday evening.

XMAS

The season of goodwill is once again upon us. Lights and decorations are now appearing all over Beith. Each year there seems to be bigger, better and brighter displays. This year there will be a competition for the best Beith house and garden Christmas display this year. If you want to nominate anyone for the best domestic Christmas light display, contact the Beith correspondent with details of the house nominated. A certificate and prize are on offer for the best three. Those nominated to the Beith correspondent will be judged before Christmas. The judge has still to be selected to view those nominated. So, if you know of a special display in any home in Beith and district, make sure you nominate them and they may win a prize for making Beith a brighter place during the Christmas festivities. On your marks, get set, and go for the decorations, folks.

BOWLING

Beith Bowling Club Members are advised that they can now pay their Annual Subscriptions by instalments on the last Friday in January, February and March, 2004 at the Club, when the Treasurer Brian Gemmell will be in attendance for this purpose. The balance of subscriptions have to be paid on or before opening day. For further information members can contact the treasurer on 01505-502803.

PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP

Beith Playpark Action Group are delighted to report that the recent childrens disco raised £136.16. They pass on their thanks to all the young folk who enjoyed rocking the night away and to the parents and helpers who assisted on the night. On the night lucky prizes were won by Lisa Muirhead, Connor Cummings, Kyle Cameron and Dylan Clark. A great night was enjoyed by everyone and is another step towards raising sufficient funds to ensure that Beith will eventually have a first class play facility for children and young people.

HAPPY CHAPPERS

The sound of chap, chap, chapping could be heard at Beith Strand last week. Locals suspected that the noise was coming from the ongoing works at the Cross. However, we are able to exclusively reveal that the chapping was actually coming from Beith Community Centre where the happy chappers have seen a steady rise in members following regular coverage of their weekly activities in the Herald. Hence we were quickly able to unearth the answer to the sound of chapping at the Cross. It was, of course, all down to the additional members enthusiastically and merrily chap, chap, chapping away in the town’s community centre. Last week the happy chappers went on their annual outing to enjoy the festive lights in Glasgow and afterward dropped in to savour a first class tea at the Harry Ramdsden restaurant. Last Tuesday the chapping champ was the in form Ina McCauslane with M Kennedy second and Margaret Gardiner third. On Thursday Ina McCauslane again left M Kennedy and A Gibson trailing. On Tuesday the whist champion was Miss F McCreadie with F Reid second and M Wilson and S Shaw joint third. Miss F McCreadie was again the champion on Thursday with Margaret Montgomery second and S Shaw third. Great to see the happy chappers are once again flourishing.

JUDO

M-A-S Judo Club meet in the old Harriers Hut, Gateside Crossroads, Beith, each Tuesday from 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm. The premises have recently been fully refurbished and brought up to a good standard. The club currently has fifteen members and new members will be made very welcome. Simply attend at the club or contact the club coach, Steven Smith on 07944-658023 for further information.

COURSES

North Ayrshire Council Educational Services are holding a variety of interesting courses in all three Valley towns beginning early in January. The courses include computing, information technology, word processing, cooking, confidence building, personal development, first aid, community health issues and food hygiene. The venues for these courses are St Bridget’s Primary School, Kilbirnie; Longbar Community Centre; Dalry Community Centre and Beith Community Centre. The courses begin on the week commencing 12 January 2004. There are two courses being held in Beith Commuity Centre. The first is Community Health Issues which commences on Tuesday 13 January from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pmm and Food Hygiene which begins on Thursday, 15 January from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm. All classes are free of charge and crèche childcare facilities will be provided. Details of all classes being held in the Garnock Valley are available on flyers obtainable in the local libraries or for fuller details please contact Agnes Reid, Community Learning and Development Office, 19 Brahead, Dalry Tel: 01294-833173 or visit the North Ayrshire web site at: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

LIBRARY

Calling all bookworms! Time is running out to organise your festive reading. Beith Library will close on Tuesday, 23 December at 5.30 pm and re-opens on Monday, 5 January 2004 at 1.00 pm. Our local librarians advise that regular bookworms can arrange to borrow additional books to enable them to read, read, read over the festive period when the TV may get more than a little wearing. So, it’s time to think about which books to book for festive fun!

CHRISTIAN ACTION SHOP

This week Beith Christian Action Shop have a window display featuring the certificates won by the town in the recent Scottish Calor Gas Community of the Year awards. Please take time to have a look at these awards.

MAGAZINE

The Kilbirnie Youth Project is open to all young people from age 12 – 25 years living in the Garnock Valley. The group is actively seeking young people from Beith and district to make greater use of this facility. The youth project is situated in the basement of the Walker Hall, Main Street, Kilbirnie. Facilities include a café/bar with healthy foods and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a pool table, air hockey and a variety of activities for young people. The facility is staffed by North Ayrshire Council youth workers who will welcome all comers, especially new members. The project is open five days per week, except Friday and Saturday, during school term time and offers a number of services from advice and activities to providing a place to meet and chat with friends. The Garnock Valley Youth Forum are looking for young people aged 12 – 18 years to take part in the new Youth Voice Magazine. Anyone who wants to get involved in producing this magazine for young folk by young folk is asked to drop into Youthzone which is held in the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie on Monday nights from 7.00 – 9.00 pm. For further information about the range and variety of facilities available to young people in the Garnock Valley based at the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie contact Educational Services on 01294 833759 or better still why not drop in and speak to the youth workers and meet some of those who currently use and enjoy the facilities on offer.

SHOTAKAN

A new Shotaken Karate club will be opening up at the exciting new venture at Radio City, Kilbirnie on Thursday, 15 January 2004. The classes will run every Thursday from 7.00 – 900 pm in the games hall. The instructor is Graham Guffie who is a third Dan with over 15 years experience. Adults and children over 7 years at all levels will be made most welcome. For further details contact 01505-684181.

POST OFFICE

Last Monday Beith Post Office moved from its temporary location in the Townshouse to its new location at Beith Cross immediately across the road from Cross Pharmacy. Cross Pharmacy will, in due course, move to the same premises at the post office.

PANTOMIME

Last Friday evening 32 guides and four leaders from 3^rd Beith Guides travelled to Kilmarnock Palace Theatre where they enjoyed the pantomime Sleeping Beauty. After the performance the guides enjoyed festive burgers before returning to Beith. The guides will have a busy time over the festive period. They will be collecting all day on Christmas Eve in Beith Co-op for Leukemia Research. On Hogmany they will be back at Beith Co-op again collecting for Leukemia Research. 3^rd Beith Guides resume activities in Beith High Church Hall on Friday January 9 at 7.30 pm.

YOUTH GROUP

Beith High linked with Trinity Youth Group spent their final night of the 2003 session last Sunday evening at Saltcoats where they enjoyed at night of indoor bowling. The bowling champ was Alastair Murdoch who must have been putting in some secret practice as he was miles ahead of everyone else.

BEITH PRIMARY

Heather Robb, class 1/1 at Beith Primary had the distinction of winning a competition in the Evening Times to provide all the children in her class with a sample of free sweets from Swizzel Matlow. Well done, Heather.

FOOTBALL

Beith’s budding footballers are advised that North Ayrshire Leisure are holding a football training sessions at Meadowside every Friday evening from 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm. This is aimed at youngsters aged 12 – 15 years (secondary 1 – 3 pupils). Admission to the scheme is free and anyone wishing to improve their footballing skills will find this course very beneficial. For further information simply attend at Meadowside Pavilion at the times shown or contact Craig Hamilton, North Ayrshire Leisure on 01294-317456 for further information.

XMAS PARTY

Barrmill Community Association are holding a childrens Christmas party in the village hall on Sunday December 21 from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Children 14 years and under are very welcome. However, it is stressed that children under 5 years must be accompanied throughout by an adult. The cost is £1.50 and Santa is almost certain to make an appearance with presents for those attending.

WHIST DRIVE

Last Monday Barrmill Community Association held a whist drive which was well supported by locals and visitors. The ladies section results were as follows: Evelyn McKechan 179, Isa Wilson 174, Audrey Reid 172 and A Howatson 171. The booby prize was won by Margaret Barrett with 133. The gents section results were as follows: Anna Ferguson 172, Jean Currie 172, John Campbell 172 and Bridge of Weir 169. The Booby prize was shared by Jim Scott and Pat Longridge both on 135. Everyone enjoyed an great evening and a sumptuous tea.

SNP

Douglas Henderson prospective SNP European Candidate and Councillor Derek MacKay SNP Deputy Group Leader on Renfrewshire Council were the guest speakers at the Beith Branch SNP 'Sunday Speakers Club" last Sunday which was held in Beith Community Centre. The speakers' themes for the meeting were. Scotland in Europe and the SNP Campaign for the European Elections in 2004 and the role played by SNP Councillors in Local Authority and promoting Scottish Independence. After the meeting the guests and members enjoyed a buffet and refreshments provided by the local branch. Miss Ishbel Henderson was asked to draw the winning ticket for the Beith SNP Christmas Hamper Competition. The winning entry was Mr. Alexander Younger of Greenbank Road, Irvine who correctly answered that the Patron Saint of Scotland is of course St. Andrew. Mr. Younger has received his winning hamper. John Johnstone, Convener of Beith SNP would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Hamper Draw Competition which once again helped raise substantial funds towards the campaign for Scottish ndependence. The next meeting of the SNP "Sunday Speakers Club" will be held on Sunday 18th January in Beith Community Centre when the guest speakers will be Mr. John Swinney MSP, National Convener of the Scottish National Party and Mr. Campbell Martin MSP West of Scotland Region. Further details are available from John Johnstone Tel. No. 01505 502680.