WEEK ENDING: SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2004
NEEDLE FOUND
A number of outraged Beith mothers were up-in-arms when a hypodermic needle was
found lying in the street in the town’s Mains Avenue on Wednesday February 4,
putting their children in potential danger. This area is busy with children of
all ages who daily play football and other street games. Needless to say the
discarded needle brought great anger from parents, concerned for the welfare of
children. One woman, the mother of a young child now just beginning to have the
freedom to play in the street said: “A discarded needle being found in Mains
Avenue, which is always busy with children playing, is absolutely outrageous and
totally unacceptable. Can you imagine the possible consequences if some child
had been jagged. It simply doesn’t bear thinking about” She added: “That
someone, even on drugs, could be so irresponsible is really very worrying.
Everyone living in our area will now have to be very vigilant. It really is
terrifying that kids can’t play in the street without being in danger from
needles.” Another local woman, who also wished to remain anonymous commented:
“Word has it that a number of people with drug problems have been moved into
this part of the town allegedly from the Three Towns area. I’m not saying they
are responsible, but everyone must now be on their guard because the safety of
our children is vital.” She went on to say: “This incident is the talk of the
steamy in Beith and mothers with children are really up in arms that anyone
could be so totally irresponsible as to discard a needle in the street where our
kids play. We are not happy.” Commenting on the find of the needle Inspector
Kenny McLachlan of Kilbirnie Police said: “Any information regarding misuse of
drugs by either dealers or users will be treated in strict confidence and my
officers will continue to take positive action against those who involve
themselves in illegal activity." Anyone coming across needles is asked to
contact North Ayrshire Council Cleansing Department or the local police who will
make arrangements for safe uplift.
CROSS
This week one local complains bitterly about cars parking on the pavement in the
area of Beith Cross. Whilst he is delighted that the Cross area is now in
pristine condition, he was somewhat taken aback at the number of people who are
driving cars onto the pavement. He writes: “The other day when I was going to
the shops someone almost ran me down in a car when they were attempting to park
on the pavement adjacent to the post office. This happens all too often and I am
convinced some of the people would like the shop doors widened to allow vehicle
access. The only way I can see to stop this in its tracks is to extend the metal
barrier on each side of the road so the pavement and road would be totally
separated. I am sure I am not the only person to notice this problem. I hope a
resolution can be found before there is an accident.” The community officers
have been advised of this problem and they will monitor the situation. Drivers
are asked not to park on the pavements as it not only creates the potential for
injury to pedestrians, but also impedes people with disabilities in wheelchairs
and prams. Sounds like common sense, eh!
TREARNE
It is time, once again, to ask what is happening with Trearne Quarry. Is it
destined to become a natural habitat and potential recreational site fitting
comfortably with the rural environment or does its future lie in turning it into
Ayrshire’s largest landfill site with the consequent negative impact on the
local community? Residents Against Tip Site (RATS) advise that the crucial
planning application in respect of the proposal to create a landfill site at
Trearne Quarry, Gateside, will be held on Monday February, 23 at 2.00 pm in
North Ayrshire Council’s Cunninghame House HQ, Irvine. RATS have organised a
coach from Gateside Inn at 1pm and Beith Strand at 1.10 pm. Anyone wishing
transport can add their name to a list located at Beith Post Office, Cross
Pharmacy and the new Photo Shop (formerly Bliss). Anyone intending to attend
this important planning meeting and wishing to travel by coach is asked to
ensure that their name is added to the various lists by Friday February, 20, in
order that an appropriate sized coach or coaches can be organised.
Interestingly, the Trearne issue also made headlines last week with an article
in the London Times headed, "Scots villagers line up to stop rubbish tips at
fossil site." Among the quotes in the article was one from eminent geologist and
curator of the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow, John Faithfull who said: "It would be
a catastrophe if Trearne was reduced to a few isolated inspection pits as
planned. It does make you wonder what SSSI's stand for if you can fill them in
with rubbish.” Brian Wilson MP for Cunninghame North, recently met with the RATS
committee and visited the gigantic quarry at Trearne. Mr Wilson has offered full
support to the group in their quest to ensure that this site is preserved for
natural habitat and potential recreational purposes. RATS are keen to ensure
that as many locals as possible attend the planning meeting at Cunninghame House
scheduled for Monday February 23 at 2.00 pm. This, they feel, will ensure that
elected member are fully aware of the very genuine concerns of ordinary local
folk about plans to create a long-term landfill site at Trearne. For further
information contact any members of RATS committee.
INFORMATION DAY
The next Community Information Day to be held in North Ayrshire is going to be
in West Kilbride and Beith on the above Thursday February, 26. Staff from up to
20 different organisations hope to be in attendance. The day will start in the
Public Hall in West Kilbride from 10.30 to 12.30 then moves to the Community
Centre in Beith from 2.00 until 4.00. This is the seventh information day
organised by this focus group following successful days in Saltcoats, Largs,
Dalry, Kilbirnie, Irvine and Kilwinning. There will be a lot of free advice and
information available on the day from a wide range of organisations. There is an
opportunity to speak face to face with people who want to be there to help the
public. Bill Aitken from the Inland Revenue said, “There are lots of people in
North Ayrshire who are not aware of what tax credits or tax relief they are
entitled to and we want to put that right.” You can also get help from the
Pensions Service who will ensure that pensioners are getting the assistance they
require. Other organisations attending include North Ayrshire Council, who will
be able to help with council tax problems, housing, welfare and debt advice and
community education; the Local Health Care Co-operative will be there too. Joyce
McIntosh from North Ayrshire Council hopes that this information day will raise
the awareness of the community to housing and council tax benefits and Marella
O’Neill of the LHCC added, "It raises public awareness of particular health
issues and gives the people of North Ayrshire the opportunity to access health
information in an informal setting." There will be representatives from several
voluntary sector organisations including the Volunteer Centre, North Ayrshire
Carers Centre and Community Housing Advocacy Project. Susan Carson of CHAP said,
“Through the community information day, the Community Housing Advocacy Project
hopes to raise awareness of the services which the organisation provides as well
as providing support to local people on housing issues. If you are looking for
information on further education or training then you will want to speak to
Careers Scotland.
All this is to benefit the community and all advice and information is free. So
come along and tell your friends - in fact tell everyone!
ARTS
Beith Arts Guild's next concert is on Sunday February, 22 at 2.30 pm in the
Community Centre when Opera on a Shoestring make a welcome return visit. They
will be performing popular music from operas set in earlier times. Tickets are
£8, Conc. £5 children/students £1 and can be purchased at the door. For further
information contact M Turner on 01505 502663
TODDLERS
Gateside Baby and Toddler Group was recently established and they meet every
Thursday in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside. As part of their recent drive
to raise funds for the group, a very successful bag pack day in Beith Co-op
raised just under £300. The members of the committee, mothers and children send
their grateful thanks to the staff at Beith Co-op and to everyone who helped
achieve this wonderful sum of money. Any mothers who wishes to join the group is
reminded that they meet every Thursday in the Patrick Memorial Hall from 9.00 am
until 11.30 am and they take part in a variety of interesting and stimulating
activities. For further information about the group contact Jill Ritchie on
01505-50010 or May Wylie on 01505-503193
KERSE ROAD
Motorists in Beith have been complaining for months about the state of the final
half mile of the infamous Kerse Road. This minor road runs from Beith down past
the cemetery and along the southern end of Kilbirnie Loch to join the Kilbirnie
– Lochwinnoch Road (A760) at Kerse. This road is interesting in that the
boundary between North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire dissects the road and the
problematic last half mile, which lies within Renfrewshire, has been extensively
pot-holed for a very long period of time to the extent that it was extremely
dangerous. However, it has to emphasised that the North Ayrshire section of the
road was very well maintained. Indeed one local who supplied the correspondent
with photographs of the horrendous pot holes and rutting in the section of road
commented: “I am not joking when I say this. The only safe way to drive along
the Renfrewshire section of the Kerse road is in a Challenger Tank. If you try
it in a motor car you are liable to disappear into one of the all too many deep
holes.” Well, that really does speak volumes, eh! The good news is that after
several letters, including photographs being sent to the Director of Roads at
Renfrewshire Council, remedial action was finally taken and the road was
repaired over several days last week. So, everyone can now drive along the Kerse
Road without having to carefully manoeuvre around gigantean potholes. Well done
Renfrewshire Council! However, despite the repairs to the road surface it is
just as well to remember the old maxim: You are never more dangerous or in
danger, than when behind the wheel of a car! Happy and safe motoring, folks!
TORIES
Garnock Valley Branch of the Conservative and Unionist Association are holding a
whist drive on March, 4 at 7.30 pm in Beith Community Centre. All welcome.
Anyone wishng transport to this event contact 015050-502014 or 01294-822464.
GUIDES
The 2nd Beith Trinity Guides have been busy with a number of activities. The
first meeting was a pampering session, with nails, hair and skin getting the
full treatment. The nails were of every colour, and the hairstyles very
inventive. The next week the theme was "Life in 3010." The girls came up with
some very imaginative ideas. One group decided that we would be living in the
sea in domed cities, driving bubble ships, and would be wearing clothes from
shells and seaweed. The other group saw themselves living in space, eating
coloured cubes instead of fresh food, and being able to travel to the stars in
hover ships. The next night was Burns Night. The girls had Irn-Bru and
shortbread, and wrote and starred in their own production of "The Wee Hairy
Haggis." This proved to be hilarious, and we all ended up sore laughing. The
next night Sarah Cooper had organized "Ready Steady Cook." Each Patrol were
given ingredients and had to make up a course for a menu. The group ended up
with a meal of Cheese and Ham Savoury Pockets, Stuffed Pilau Peppers, and
Chocolate Banana Delight. The evening was a great success, and the girls asked
to do it again soon. They also worked towards their Party Planner Badge, making
invitations, writing letters, and making up games, and decorations for a
Valentine's Party for 2nd Beith Brownies.The next week was a special party.
There was lots of food. Lots of games, dancing and lots of the fun. Stacey
McWilliams, the Brown Owl presented the badges to the guides. The guides then
thanked the Brownies for coming. There is a Thinking Day Parade and Sandwich
Lunch on Sunday 22nd February in The High Church. The service starts at 10.30am
and afterwards there is the lunch in the Church Hall. If anyone would like to
come along and support The Scouts and Guiding Movements please come along.
POLICE
Police at Kilbirnie are investigating theft of metal gates which took place
between 29 and 30 January from Middleton House on the outskirts of Beith. The
gates were large and heavy and could only be moved by the use of cutting
equipment and a lorry or similar vehicle. They are of high value and anyone
with any information regarding the crime is asked to contact Constable Maccoll
at Kilbirnie Police office tel: 01505 404400
HISTORICAL
The next meeting of the Historical Society is on Thursday, February 26 at 8.00
pm in the lounge of the Eglinton Inn when the speaker is the Herald’s Beith
correspondent, Donald Reid who will give a talk entitled: Dr Henry Faulds –
Beith’s Pioneer of Fingerprints. Members and visitors will be made most welcome.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The ever-so-cheery happy chappers were in good form on Tuesday with Mrs D Welsh
winning the dominoes with MR E Carson second and a tie for third place between
Mrs M Carey and Mrs A Gibson. On Thursday Mrs Welsh made it two in a row with
Mrs M Kennedy second and Mrs A Smith third. On Tuesday the card sharp champ was
Miss F McCreadie with Mrs I Reid second and Mrs B Smith third. There was no
whist on Thursday.
BURNS SUPPER
Beith Bowling Club will hold their annual Burns Supper in their clubhouse on
Saturday February, 28. They have a first class group of speakers and
entertainers and tickets are available from the club or any committee member
priced at £8. This year’s indoor game will be held at Ardrossan on February, 22.
The price is £14 and names should be added to the list in the clubhouse or
advise Brian Monk as soon as possible.
RANGERS SUPPORTERS
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club hold their annual Sportsmans Dinner in
Beith Masonic Hall at 7.30 pm tonight (Friday). All attending are kindly asked
to be seated by 7.20 pm. The main speakers include renowned legal-eagle, Donald
Findlay QC and Rangers legendary player of the 1960s era, Wee Willie Henderson.
Tickets are sold out for this event. The club will be running a bus to Ibrox for
the game against Hibs tomorrow (Saturday). The bus leaves Dalry at 1.30 pm,
Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith Strand at 2.00 pm. Names to bus stewarts as soon
as possible.
LIBRARY
Babies, toddlers and young children enjoy hearing stories, songs and rhymes and
recent research shows that they benefit the child’s development. Beith and
district parents are cordially invited to come along to Rhyme Time at Beith
Library on Tuesday February, 24 from 10.30 am – 11.00 am. Spaces for this event
may be limited. For further information contact Carol or Loraine at North
Ayrshire Bookstart on 01294-472705 or drop in to Beith library.
BPAG
The choirs and band of Garnock Academy, Kilbirnie, recently held a concert in
Beith Community Centre to raise funds for Beith Playpark Action Group. The
audience enjoyed cheese and wine and tables sponsored by local organisations and
businesses. Despite the inclement weather there was a good turnout and £402 was
raised. Beith Playpark Action Group would like to record their thanks to the
Senior Band and their conductor, Glynn Bragg; the Senior Mixed Chor and the
Senior Girls Choir and their Director of Music, Mae Murray, and the accompanists
Jim Washington. The committee would also like to thank the sponsors of the chees
and wine tables, namely, Cross Pharmacy, Beith Post Office, Beith Christian
Action Group, Arabica Bistro, Blackwoods Butchers, Co-operative Funeralclare,
Elricks Emporium, Marbill Coaches, Smith Brother Builders, Woodside Hardware and
Beith Co-op. They also pass on their thanks to all who donated raffle prizes. As
part of their ongoing drive to raise funds the group are holding under 12 udscos
from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm in Beith Community Centre. Entry is £2 and there is a
tuck shop. Future disco dates for youngsters and parents to note are all on
Saturdays viz: March 6; April 3; May 8; June 12. The disco on February 7 was
enjoyed by 84 children and raised £149. The good news is that after three years
of planning, consulting and fund raising stage 1 of Beith Playpark Action
Group’s project to built a state-of-the-art play facility in Beith Public Park
is now going ahead. The resurfacing of two of the tennis courts in the public
park will be carried out by North Ayrshire Council’s Roads Department. North
Ayrshire Leisure Ltd is paying £5,000 towards the cost. The total cost of
resurfacing work will be £13,500. The lease agreement between NAC Legal
Department and BPAG is being finalised and will be signed in the next few weeks
for which the committee thanks Mr Patterson of Stewart and Osborne, Solicitors,
Eglinton Street, for his hard work and much needed advice. Once this is signed
NAC Landfill Tax Credit monies of £20,000 will be handed over to BPAG. This
money will be used to order the equipment for the new tennis court and a
ballcourt that will be installed on the resurfaced courts. Total costs for the
supply and installation of these items will be about £30,000. The funding for
this stage has been secured by a combination of successful grant applications,
local fund raising events and private donations from members of the public. BPAG
committee would like to thank all who who have supported this project and made
it possible. The committee of Beith Playpark Action Group (BPAG) are held on the
second Sunday of each month in at 7.00 pm in the Eglinton Inn. All are welcome
to these meetings.
MASONIC
There will be a first degree at Lodge Beith St John’s on Thursday February, 19
at 7.30 pm. All brethren are cordially invited to attend.
TRANSPORT GROUP
Garnock Valley Transport Group have been operating in the valley for around 4
years. They provide a mini-bus for use by community groups and organisations.
However, they are in urgent need of more volunteer drivers as many groups do not
have their own driver. Anyone, aged 25 years and over, who may be interested in
becoming a voluntary driver is asked to phone Moira on 01505-684544.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Yvonne Brierley, Litter and Recycling Officer, North Ayrshire Council, will be
in attendance at the meeting of Beith and District Community Council which will
be held in Beith Primary School on Thursday February, 26 at 7.15 pm. Members of
the public are encouraged to attend.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held their Burns Supper and Ceilidh on
Saturday January, 31 in Beith Community Centre. Mr I. MacLaren proposed the
toast to the Immortal Memory and Mr Hodgart recited Address to the Haggis and
Holy Willie’s Prayer. Ross Gilbert did a toast to The Lassies with Anne Reid
replying, and Jennifer Logan toasted The Laddies with David Young replying. Mr
Colin Walker and Mr Bradley Scott provided the music for the evening, which got
the night into full swing. There was an excellent turnout and everyone had a
very enjoyable evening. The Club also held a very successful Whist Drive on
Thursday February, 12 with as many as 30 tables of people, turning out for a
game of cards. The next Club event is the AGM on Monday February, 23 in the
Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside at 7.30pm. Also the Annual Dinner Dance is being
held in Dalry Inn, this year, on Friday February, 27. Tickets are priced at £15
and are available from any committee member, or by contacting Julie on 01294
832262. Everyone is welcome!
FELLOWSHIP
President John McGibbon opened the last meeting of Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship
with a reading, after welcoming a good turn out of members. The speakers for the
evening were the ever popular Fred Wood and Andy Simpson, both members of the
fellowship, who each gave an entertaining and educational slide show. Fred's
subject was a trip to Australia, taking in Sydney, Cairns and the Great Barrier
Reef. Slides included well known Sydney landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour
Bridge, built in the 1920's and providing work for many men during the
depression, and the Sydney Opera House, the cost of which escalated from an
initial 7 million dollars to a final figure of 107 million dollars. Sounds
familiar! The trip then moved to Cairns on the north east coast which has a more
traditional style of architecture, including a tropical jungle in the grounds of
the hotel. This was followed by some wonderful shots of tropical fish on the
reef and a record of a spectacular journey by train from Karamunda. Despite most
of the members feeling jet lagged, this was followed by something completely
different, but no less spectacular, a journey up the Mosel valley in the Black
Forest area of Germany, courtesy of Andy. The city of Koblenz has a magnificent
church, used by three different religions, each holding services at different
times. It seems that there may be a lesson to be learned. The journey proceeded
through the heavily wooded Black Forest to the city of Trier. This is the oldest
city in Germany and was founded by the Romans with extensive historical ruins,
and is characterised by the ornate designs of the slated roofs, and the numerous
fountains. This area is famous for wine growing, and most of the steep slopes of
the river valley are covered in vines. Following a question and answer session a
vote of thanks was proposed by Robert Jamieson and the meeting closed. Next
weeks meeting will be at 7.30pm, and will be a talk by Mr Neil McDonald.
BBs
All sections at 1st Beith BBs were back to normal this week. The Anchor Boys
were busy making Valentine cards, but some were a little reluctant to say who
they were destined for. Meanwhile the Junior Section and Company Section were
involved in a night of physical activities, ranging from hockey to trampoline.
All sections were visited by Mr Lawrence Napier, Battalion Secretary, as part of
the Battalion's interest of the companies within their area. All meetings next
week will be at the usual times.
ANGLING
Several members have taken advantage of the good weather this week to visit the
dams, and although there are no records of fish being caught it is encouraging
to see members out this early in the year. Members are reminded that permits for
the coming season will be on sale on 5th and 12th March in the Community Centre
lounge. Permits have not gone up since last year, and represent excellent value.
Adult membership this year is £40, with a joining fee of £20 for new members,
while the cost for Juniors is £15, with a joining fee of £5.
WRI
At the last meeting of Gateside WRI, President Catherine McCarter and her
committee enjoyed a night off from their official duties, when the members
organised a Scots night on their behalf. This was to thank Catherine for her
services to Gateside WRI over the past three years, and to the committee for
their support. A special members committee was formed for the evening, with the
members taking over the various office bearers posts. President, Rae Hutchinson,
Vice President Margaret Barrett, Secretary Margaret Wallace, Treasurer, Jean
Rae, Handiwives Secretary, Margaret Jardine and Press Secretary Ray Anderson.
Rae Hutchinson welcomed everyone and after three Scots grace were said, the
company enjoyed a supper of traditional Scots fare of Haggis, Neeps, and tatties,
Trifle, Tea and Shortbread.
Isabel Hopkirk compeered the evening’s entertainment with Scottish Songs from
the member’s choir and solos from Joyce Walker and Ray Anderson, accompanied at
the piano by Isobel Walker. Catherine Clements and Margaret Sharp performed a
tribute to Fran and Anna whilst Meg Smith and Rae Hutchinson gave humorous
readings.
President Catherine McCarter thanked the members for the lovely supper and
enjoyable entertainment. Margaret Barrett, then proposed a vote of thanks to the
many members who contributed to a very successful evening.
JUDO
M-A-S Judo Club meet in the old Harriers Hut, Beith, each Tuesday from 6.30 pm
until 9.00 pm. The club currently has just over 15 members and new participants
in the sport will be made welcome. Contact club coach Steven Smith on
07944-658023.
THANK YOU
Debbie would like to thank the Sexy Gods and Jim Stirrat for making the night on
28 November in memory of Meg Kane a great success. She would like to thank
everyone who helped and supported the event. She advises that £771 was donated
to Ayrshire Cancer Support Group.
SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Safety Forum meet regularly in Bridgend Community Centre,
Kilbirnie. The aim of the Forum is to tackle community safety issues covering a
wide spectrum including crime, fire safety and general safety issues which
effect communities. If you would like further information about the Forum or a
copy of their regular newsletters contact Brenda Allen on 01475-568650.
SCOUTS
Beith Scouts intimate that it has recently come to their attention that a few
Christmas cards, in the Scout delivery, were not delivered on time last year.
102nd Ayrshire Beith Scout Troop would like to apologise for this and will make
every effort to stop this from happening in their Christmas 2004 delivery.
FOUNDERS DAY
Members of Guides and Scouts are reminded that Thinking Day and Founders Day
will be remembered in a Church Service to be held in Beith High Church at the
10.30 am service on Sunday February 22. This will be followed by tea, coffee,
sandwiches and cakes in the Church Hall. Entry is by donation and the funds
raised will be divided between the Guides and Scouts.
DISABILITY
The next meeting of Garnock Valley Disability Forum will be held in Radio City
at 1.30 pm on Wednesday February, 25. Members are asked to note the change of
venue. Membership fees (£5) are now due and should be paid at this meeting.
Members are also asked to bring along items for the ahmper for the raffle draw
and any others prizes they would like to donate. Anyone requiring transport is
asked to contact Jean Gilbert on 01505-502521. The recent outing saw eleven
members and one carer enjoy an afternoon at the cinema in Linwood. Afterwards
the group returned to the Station Inn, Barrmill, whre they were made most
welcome and everybody thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Thanks must go to Billy and
Moira Clark for their hospitality and also for providing tea, coffee and
biscuits at the end of the meal free of charge.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Barrmill Community Association are holding a Scots Night in the village hall on
Saturday February, 21 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £5 and this includes a haggis
supper. Entertainment is by Mr Young’s band of Troon.
CHURCH SERVICE
The monthly church service will be held in Barrmill Community Centre on Sunday
February, 29 at 6.00 pm and will be conducted by Rev Fiona Ross.
ICE HOCKEY
Eleanor Maitland, 19, of Gateside has again been selected to play with the
Womens Great Britain ice hockey team in Vipiteno, Italy, in March this year.
Other countries taking part are Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Slovakia and
Australia. She currently plays with the Kilmarnock Storm mixed team and is the
only girl member of the team. This year five Scottish girls have gained places
in the twenty-two strong team. Alan, 17, her younger brother, has also been
selected to play with the Scotland U19s boys ice hockey team who have both home
and away games against Sweden and England. He has also been invited to a
week-long elite training camp in Sheffield this month. Congratulations to
Eleanor and Alan.
KARATE
Garnock Valley Karate Club meet every Monday in the Harriers Hall, Beith, from
7.00 pm until 9.00 pm. The club is the original Japanese Karate Association (JKA)
Shotokan Karate Club in the Garnock Valley. The club has been established in the
valley for well over 35 years. It has been run by a fourth Dan (JKA) instructor,
Sandy Kerr of Dalry, who has more than 25 years continuous training with the top
Japanese instructors. Sandy has had to keep up with many changes throughout this
time and his continuous dedication to the art of Shotokan makes him one of the
best instructors in the area. Sandy is ably assisted by his JKA fully qualified
team and the clubis fully insured throught the Scottish Karate Board of Control.
The local instructors are Sandy Kerr, 4th Dan; Steven Asbury, 1st Dan; Andrew
Everett 2nd Dan; Monty Sneddon, 1st Dan and David Shannon, 1st Dan. Any wishing
further information about the club can contact Sandy Kerr on 01294-832316 or
Steven Asbury on 01505-685299. All new members will be given a warm welcome.
JUMBLE
A Jumble Sale will be held in Our Lady’s Church Hall on Friday February 27 at
7.00 pm. Donations of jumble will be gratefully received.
QUIZ
Diary date for quizical individuals! Beith High Church Organisations Committee
are holding a ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ quiz evening in the High Kirk Hall
on Friday March, 12 at 7.30 pm. This follows a previous event which proved to be
highly entertaining. The cost is £3 and includes tea and biscuits.
KARATE
A new Shotokan Karate Club has recently opened in Radio City, Kilbirnie, on
Thursdays from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm in the games hall. The instructor is Graham
Guffie, who is a 3rd 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.
CANCER SUPPORT
Following the cremation service of well-known Barrmillian, William Madden,
£453.80 received in the retiring offering in his memory was donated to the Beith
branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group by the family. Willie was greatly indebted
to the Beith Group for support received during his illness
CAMERA CLUB
Beith Camera club was expertly entertained at the Community Centre on Thursday
evening by Tony Clarke of Greenock and his daughter Fiona. They are
both members of Diaporama, a photographic club that is devoted to the creation
of audio-visual shows that combine pictures, music and words to
tell stories. Using two slide projectors connected to a mass of sound equipment,
Tony and Fiona took the club on a wide-ranging journey from San
Francisco through New York, London and Spain to Thailand, taking in on the way
some of the more familiar delights of Glasgow, Greenock and Livingston.
Tony ended the evening with a poignant tribute to his father and his wartime
service as a gunner in the RAF. The show confirmed once again how effective
pictures can be in telling a story when they are supported by appropriate music.
The club meet each Thursday night in Beith Community Centre at 7.30 pm and new
members will be warmly welcomed.
BEITH TOWNHOUSE
The Steering Group looking a proposal to establish a museum/interpretation
centre in Beith Townhouse held their first meeting on February 15. There was a
full discussion on the leasing, funding and future use of the listed building.
The signs appear positive, so it was decided that a plan of action, status and
proposed constitution be prepared and submitted for public approval as soon as
practicable. Keep watching this space.
MASONIC
Tomorow (Saturday) popular local group, Vocoder, will be live on stage at Beith
Masonic Club from 8.00 pm until late. There will be the usual bingo and raffle.
RSPB
A couple of interesting events coming up at RSPB, Lochwinnoch which should be of
interest to locals. On Sunday February, 22 from 1.00 pm until 3.00 pm you can
enjoy “Aren’t Birds Brilliant!” View birds alongside RSPB staff looking at the
water birds at Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch. This is a joint event with Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park. This free event is particularly suitable for beginners
to birdwatching and binoculars and telescopes will be available. No need to
book. On Wednesday February, 26 from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm you can attend Talk-time:
Burns and Birds. The RSPBs Chris Rollie tells us about paddocks, timorous
beasties, larks and other beloved birds that our national bard, Robert Burns,
wrote so passionately about. Chris is a noted Burnsian as well as an expert
ornithologist, so this is one not to miss. Booking in advance is recommended for
this talk by Chris Rollie. Contact RSPB on 01505-842663 or by email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk
CHOIR
Diary date! Cunninghame Choir will hold their annual concert in St Margaret’s
Church, Dalry on May, 8 at 7.30 pm and will perform a specially commissioned
work by leading composer Robin Erskine and the German Requiem by Brahms.
SURGERIES
PC Jim Dougall and PC Sandy Briown will be holding police surgeries between 7.00
pm and 9.00 pm in Beith Police Office on Wednesday February, 25; Wednesday
March, 24; Wednesday April, 21 and Wednesday May, 19. The officers are keen that
local folk take this opportunity to come along and confidentially raise any
concerns they may have. To contact the local officers contact them via Kilbirnie
Police Office on 01505-404400.
If you have a local newsworthy item to share, you can contact your
correspondent on 01505-503801 or by e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. Items
should be in the hands of the correspondent by 10.00 pm each Sunday evening to
appear in the Herald the following week.
BOWLING
Beith Bowling Club held their AGM on Sunday the 7th February and the following
office bearers were elected. President: Brian Monk; VP: Murdo Brown; Immediate
Past President: Charlie Fairns; Secetary: Blair Michie; Treasurer: Brian
Gemmell;
Bar treasurer: Jim Wilson; Match Secretary: Brian Monk/ Duncan Meldrum and a
committee consisting of A.Calderwood, D.Meldrum, C.Thomson, J.McFadzean,
P.Shanaghey, A.Lumsden, D.Logue jnr, K.Bryson and S.Glen. Opening Day will be on
Saturday 17th April at 2.30 pm. Sunday February, 22 gives members the
opportunity to enjoy the Annual Indoor game at Ardrossan Indoor BC. The bus
leaves the clubhouse at 12.15 pm. Tickets are still available for this years
burns supper. Anyone interested please contact any committee member or official
