ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD: BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER 2003
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YOUNG ENTERPRISE: Some members of Garnock Young Enterprise Company were snapped last week when they displayed some of their excellent craft products.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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HAPPY TREAT: Some of the happy Beithites who enjoyed the special treat laid on by Lodge Beith St John’s last week.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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BURNS QUARTET: Harry Young, Iain Shaw, Donald L Reid and Norman M Henderson all Past Presidents of Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club recently spent a day in Mauchline and Tarbolton visiting sites with connections to Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns. The Jolly Beggars celebrate their Diamond Jubilee in 2004.
(Photo: time-lapse by 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. Patients are asked to submit repeat prescriptions by 12 noon on Tuesday, 30 December. It is stressed that only emergency prescriptions will be dispensed on 29 December. The Health Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and 2 January. Anyone requiring emergency treatment during the festive periods and when the surgery is closed should contact ADOC on 0845-7413003.
CAR BREAK IN
Police are appealing for witnesses following a break in to a parked car in Kings Road, Beith overnight on Sunday 14th December. A blue coloured Volvo had a rear window broken and the car was entered. The car's alarm was activated about 1am on Monday morning and police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact Constable MacColl at Kilbirnie Police Station Tel: 01505 04400
BREAK-INS
It’s that time of year again folks when houses are particularly vulnerable to those nefarious types who seem to thrive and survive on breaking into houses. During the festive season we are perhaps all a little guilty of being a little thoughtless and complacent because we are in are in our own homes. Unfortunately, there are always individuals who see that as another opportunity to commit crime by entering occupied houses, especially via unlocked back doors, and help themselves to your property when you are enjoying watching television. Last week break-ins were reported in Beech Avenue and Barrmill Road has been an area which has been repeatedly targeted during the latter part of 2003. So, whilst everyone should really enjoy the festive season, it is always wise to remember that locking all doors whilst you are at home is easy and sensible and will deter sneak-in thieves. The shocking incident in the town, reported on the front page of last week’s Herald, which occurred on the early evening of Monday December, 15 is a reminder of just how determined criminals can be. This was an incident where a well known local man was held prisoner in his own home in Glebe Road by two knife-wielding thugs and is a nightmarish example of what can happen when determined criminals are on the prowl. Not only was the man held captive for almost two hours in his own home, but his wife, a popular Beith woman, was assaulted in the driveway after parking and exiting her car. This sickening crime is another reminder that even in the confines of the home, safety is not guaranteed. Everyone should take common sense steps in addition to being a good neighbour, especially in relation to good lighting, alarms and locking doors to reduce the likelihood of becoming a crime victim. Have a really enjoyable and crime-free festive season folks.
FUNDS RAISED
Jim and Sadie Brown, well known Beith fund raisers, advise that their most recent raffle has raised £205 for the Beatson Oncology Unit. The following were the main prize winners. 3 litre bottle of Ballantines whisky was won by Pam, (Job Centre Plus), Port Glasgow and the ticket was sold by Gordon Murray of Beith. A bottle of whisky was won by Mark Jackson, c/o Masonic Arms, Beith and the ticket was sold by Anne Blair of Beith.
BIRTHDAY GIRL
One of Beith’s best known citizens, Mrs Nan McManus, celebrated her 93rd birthday on Monday. Nan is something of a legend at Beith Bowling Club, having won the club championship on more occasions than any other lady bowler – a record which still stands some fifteen years after she retired from her favourite game. Mind you, it has to be said that a couple of Beith’s finest lady bowlers are now within striking distance of matching that record. Nan is now rather frail and lives in Craiglands Nursing Home, Dalry, where she thoroughly enjoys chatting to many regular visitors. Her son is well known Dalry man, Jim McManus, a keen Burnsian who originally hailed from Beith. Everyone who knows Nan will join in wishing her many more happy birthdays.
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.
BURNS SUPPER
Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club are holding their diamond jubilee Burns Supper on Friday January 23 in Beith Masonic Hall at 7.00 pm prompt. This is the 60th annual celebration held by the club which was founded in the village of Barrmill in 1944. The principal speaker is Barrmillian, Alistair Anderson, the son of Edward Anderson who was the club’s founding secretary. The Toast to the Lassies will be proposed by Jim Thomson of Kilbirnie Rosebery Club. Tickets for this historic celebration cost £10 and are now available from secretary Donald Reid or President Norman Henderson or any committee member.
PLAYPARK GROUP
Beith 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? The Christmas raffle was drawn on December, 16 and raised £780. Thanks go to Asda, Irvine and Linwood; Co-op Beith and Dalry; Kwik Save, Irvine; Spar, Lochwinnoch and Tesco Extra, Irvine for donating groceries. The Playpark Action group are delighted to announce that the Music Department of Garnock Academy have offered to hold a concert to help with fundraising efforts. This will take the form of a cheese and wine evening to be held in Beith Community Centre on Wednesday January, 28 at 7.30 pm. Those taking part will include the Senior Band, Jazz Band and various choirs. This looks sure to be an enjoyable evening for adults and children. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 concession and can be obtained from any committee member of the Playpark Action Group.
SPEAKERS GROUP
Beith Speakers and Writers Group have been working hard over the last year compiling a photographic record of Beith of yesterday and today. Beginning on Tuesday January, 6 they will mount a display of some of the photographs in Beith Library. Space for the display is limited, but it is hoped that it can be updated each week. For example, they have a record of over 250 photographs of Beith Cross from the outset of the restoration work to its completion. Locals are encouraged to drop in to the library during normal opening hours to view the display.
ABUSE OF CHARITY
Concern has been expressed locally that members of local clergy and charity shop workers in Beith, Dalry and Kilbirnie have been targeted recently by two different young couples. It would appear that they have endeavoured to have the clergy and charity shop workers part with cash which is strictly against local codes of practice. The individuals seem to have visited all three valley towns. They have also made contact with clergy asking for monetary donations and have also been asking in charity shops for the home addresses of local clergy. Needless to say the charity shop workers have tried to be helpful and understanding and have provided the individuals with clothing and given advice regarding DSS and Social Work benefits which might be available. They have also been provided with other material benefits, but it seems that they were most keen to be given money. All three valley towns have excellent charity shops where goods are provided at very reasonable rates and indeed often provided free of charge in certain cases where there is an obvious need. The Herald has been asked to highlight this particular issue as clergy and charity shops elsewhere may also be targeted by individuals seeking money.
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
The only section of 1st Beith BBs to meet last week was the Junior
Section who had a games evening. All meetings will resume on Friday January, 9
at the usual times.
FELLOWSHIP
John McGibbon welcomed a good turn out of members to the final meeting of the
year of Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship. This took the form of a games night,
where the Alex Simpson Memorial Trophy was contested. After a number of closely
fought rounds the final was played between Robert Jamieson and Jim Pearson when
Robert went on to take the trophy. Darts winners were John Shields and George
Colligan. Members are reminded that the first meeting of the new year will be
on Monday January, 5 when the speaker will be Rev Fiona Ross
BEITH JUNIORS
Beith Juniors 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.
MASONIC CLUB
Beith Masonic Club has a full programme of social evenings to suit all tastes over the festive period. On Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24th) Remedy are back by popular demand with entertainment from 8.00 pm till late. On Hogmanay (Wednesday 31st) 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.
BARRMILL COMM ASS
Last week Barrmill Community Association held a very successful Christmas whist which was well supported. The organisers would like to thank all those who attended and who handed in raffle prizes. The event was supported from folk from places as far away as Dunure, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning, Dalry, as well as the valley towns and villages. Santa Claus also made a surprise appearance at the whist drive much to the delight of everyone. Last Sunday the annual children’s party was held in Barrmill Community Centre. This proved to be another great success and was well supported. Believe it or not Santa made yet another appearance in Barrmill and all the youngsters were delighted to receive a present. There were the usual party games and lots of food to please everyone. The Community Association pass on their thanks to the committee for all their hard work in organising this very successful event. They also pass on their thanks to all in the village and district who have supported them during the past year and wish them all a Merry Christmas and happy new year. The final event of the year was the church service held on Christmas Eve in the Community Centre. The first meeting of the Barrmill Community Association takes place in the Community Centre on Monday January 5 at 7.30 pm. A good attendance is requested. The first event of the year will be Senior Citizens Soup Lunch which takes place on Wednesday January, 14 at 2.00 pm. All welcome.
RANGERS CLUB
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club are running a bus to Dens Park on Sunday December, 28 for the game against Dundee. The bus leaves Kilbirnie at 9.45 am and Beith at 10.00 am. 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. The Xmas raffle will take place on return from the Dundee game. 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.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The final meeting of 2003 of the Beith Whist and Domino Club, fondly known simply as the Happy Chappers, took place last Tuesday and Thursday in Beith Community Centre. On Tuesday the dominoes was won by Mrs Marie Carey, with Mrs Ina McCauslane second and Mrs Margaret Gardiner third. On Thursday the chapping champ was Mrs Janette Welsh with Mrs E Robinson second and Mrs Anna Gibson third. On Tuesday the whist was won by Mr Evelyn McKchnie with Miss F McCradie second and Mrs J Reid third. On Thursday the whist was won by the in form Miss F McCreadie with Mrs E McKechnie second and Mrs B Smith third. On Thursday afternoon the Happy Chappers sat down to their festive dinner when a great afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The sound of chapping will not be heard again until they resume on Tuesday January, 6 at 1.30 pm. Anyone wishing to come along and join will be given a very warm welcome.
XMAS
The season of goodwill is once again upon us. Lights and decorations are now displayed 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. Four nominations have so far been received. A certificate and prize are on offer for the best three and these will be announced in the Beith notes next week.
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.
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.
CANCER SUPPORT
Bill Haining, organiser of the Beith branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group advises that the group were once again invited to organise the teas at the recent very successful concert held by the Cunnighame Choir in Beith Community Centre. This raised £103.30 for funds. He also acknowledges an anonymous donation of £20 handed in to Billy’s of Beith. Bill also wishes it to be known that Ayrshire Cancer Support Group have a high ratio of funds directed to patient care as against administration charges, unlike many other charities which have very high administration charges. For every pound donated to the Ayrshire Cancer Support Group 87p goes directly to patient care with only 13p being used for the administration and running costs of the Ayrshire group. This is because the group have such a hard working band of volunteers who take on many of the day to day tasks involved in running such a large organisation. In relation to the Beith branch it is stressed by Bill that all monies raised locally go directly to patient care with no charges made for the administration of the Beith group. The Beith branch is recognised as being consistently the top group in Ayrshire in terms of raising funds and this was recently highlighted by Mr John Beck, Chief Executive of the group, at one of the fund raising events in Beith. The Beith branch pass on their grateful thanks to the many groups, organisations and individuals in Beith and district who loyally support their efforts to raise funds to benefit local patients suffering from cancer. Unfortunately, the demand for their services has not diminished and indeed seems to be on the increase. Bill also sends his heartfelt thanks to the many volunteer workers who tirelessly give of their time and talents to help to raise funds at group events and especially to the drivers who take patients to hospitals in Glasgow and Ayrshire for treatment. Everyone in the town, including patients and their families, who know of the work of the Beith branch will also pass on their grateful thanks for the sterling voluntary work carried out by Bill and Moira Haining and their committee in terms of organising the group and leading the annual fund raising efforts.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE
Last week the business-minded senior pupils at Garnock Academy’s Young Enterprise Team invited the Beith correspondent to view the various craft items items they have created and have on sale as part of their bid for the Scottish Young Enterprise awards 2003/2004. The company name chosen by the ten young Garnockians was Clanjamfrey, an old Scots name for noisy gathering, which apparently reflects at least some of the earlier meetings of the company. The company has been operating since August 2003. They have made cosmetic packs, small woolen animals bearing the Garnock Academy logo and made candles and calendars and other craft items which are sold from £2.50 upwards. Already they have had great success selling items at school functions and their profit margin stands at over £100 from the sale of stock items. Indeed at a recent craft fayre in Glasgow’s Concert Hall they were given a special mention by the organisers for their excellent products, stand layout and quality of service. They are due to attend another craft fayre at SECC on February, 28 and are gearing up to put on an even more polished peformance. The company members, most of whom live in Beith, are Debbie Parker, Stephanie Morrison, Iain Irons, Lauren Roberson, Claire Maguire, Laura McCafferty, Amanda Gruimshaw, Lucy Turner and Alisdair Gilmour. The company will now go forward and compete against other school companies and the judging will take place at a venue, still to be confirmed in March/April 2003. The company send their thanks to the management and staff at Cross Pharmacy, Beith, for the donation of many cosmetic items. They are also very grateful to their business and IT advisor, Alasdair Gilmour. Anyone wishing to support Garnock Young Enterprise by purchasing some of their products should contact Garnock Academy Office. Good luck to all the entrepreneurial young folk of Garnock Academy Young Enterprise.
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.
ANOTHER BURST
The recent dramatic burst of water, highlighted in the Herald, on the pipeline leading from Camphill Reservoir to Paisley Dams at the Kerse, made a repeat playing last Saturday afternoon. There was again an awe-inspiring burst in the water pipeline at Kerse, near the previous burst, giving yet another amazing fountain of water spiraling 60 feet into the air. At the time of writing (Sunday afternoon) the fountain was still attracting much local interest.
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.
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.
RSPB LOCHWINNOCH
Television presenter and author, Vanessa Collingridge will be talking about her expedition to the Antarctic at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve on Wednesday January, 7 from 7 30 –9.00pm. The talk entitled 'Antarctic Exploration' will be full of stunning images of scenery and wildlife and we will hear about the work that was carried out to research climate change. It is in aid of the charity 'Hope for Children'. The cost is: £2 for adult RSPB members and 50p for Wildlife Explorer members/ £3 for adults and £1.50 for children non-members (everyone welcome!). Advance booking essential, please telephone (01505) 842663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk. This is the first of the monthly winter talks in 2003 at the reserve. If you wish to be kept up to date with the program of events at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature reserve via a monthly email then drop us an email to the above address. The new 'What's on 2003' leaflet, detailing the full program of events, will be available from the reserve in January.
THANKS
As this is the last edition of the Herald for 2003, your correspondent would take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone from a myriad of groups and organisations in Beith and district who have supplied regular reports over the past year. The column provides an open forum to highlight news and views about local events, happy and sad, and the contribution provided by secretaries of clubs and organisations is vitally important and greatly valued by your correspondent and readers. The essence of the column has been to accentuate the positive, so if you have a good news story to tell, let’s all hear about it. Success does indeed breed success. All you have to do is contact the correspondent and pass on details, which will then be included in the local notes and this will help to give a high profile to local groups. It is also important the folk do not simply assume that the correspondent will automatically know what is happening locally. He would rather be told about newsworthy incidents several times than not at all. Anyone looking back in years to come to find out more about what community life was like in Beith and district in 2003, will look at the Beith local notes as an important primary source of information, so make sure that your activities are included in the Herald’s Beith column. You can contact your correspondent on 01505-503801 or e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. Thanks again! Have a happy and safe festive season.
