23 NOVEMBER 2003

ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD: BEITH LOCAL NOTES

DONALD L REID

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

SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2003

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PREMIER CITIZEN: Beith citizen of the year, Sandy Blackwood (left), receives his award from Robert Boyd of Beith Commuity Council last Friday evening in Beith Community Centre.

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ARE YOU BEING SERVED!: Members of Beith and District Young Farmers are eager and ready to share their wares at their coffee morning last Saturday in Beith Community Centre.

(photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

NEWS ITEMS

Everyone stand to attention and listen carefully. Head for the cupboard and dig out your festive decorations and enter into the spirit of fun and friendship for a really special family evening in Beith on Friday December, 5. This year’s Christmas Light and Laughter Parade will again be hosted by Beith Town Centre Initiative. The event takes place on Friday, December, 5 at 6.00 pm. The parade will muster in Eglinton Street just before 6.00 pm at the site of what was formerly Greers Garage and Santa, magicians and clowns will be on hand to entertain the revellers. Everone is very welcome to join in the parade, but it would be advisable for youngsters to be accompanied by adults. There will be police and marshals on hand to escort the parade along Eglinton Street to Main Street. Interestingly, the Auld Kirk will be floodlit for the occasion and this will make a special backdrop for the newly completed Cross area. The Christmas tree located on the piece of ground between B & A Travel and the Bellman’s will be lit as the parade arrives in Main Street. Most of the shops and businesses will be open until 9.00 pm and it is hoped that everyone will join in the festivities and do at least some of their Christmas shopping in the town. A variety of entertainment to suit all tastes will be on located in Main Street and Eglinton Street. All that is required to ensure success is for the weather to be kind. This, then, looks certain to be another great community event for Beith with a special highlight for many being the Auld Kirk lit up. Make sure you are there folks, for this special family event.

TOWN AWARD

Beith and District Community Council are delighted to announce that the town of Beith has reached the final eleven in Scotland in the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards. There were five sections which could be entered and Beith is in the final eleven in three of them – Community Life, Young People and Older People. At the time of writing the winners of the awards will be announced at an Awards Luncheon to be held on Tuesday 25 November in the Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh. The awards will be presented by the Minister for Communities, Margaret Curran MSP. Four members of Beith and District Community Council, Robert Boyd, Elizabeth Henderson, James Muir and Donald Reid travelled through for this event. Due to the time of the print run of the Herald it will be next week before the results of the Scottish finals can be publicized. Irrespective of the final outcome it is a great accolade for the town and the range and variety of community work and activities which takes place in Beith to have reached the last eleven in three specific categories when pitted against other towns in Scotland.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Last Friday evening there was a large gathering in Beith Community Centre to celebrate local butcher Sandy Blackwood receiving the Citizen of the Year Award. Sandy has been very active in coaching young people in swimming and spends a large amount of his leisure time in this sporting hobby. In addition, he is chair of Beith Town Centre Iniative which will hold its second late night shopping event on Friday, December 5. This event attracted large crowds of locals last year and it is hoped that the 2003 event will be event bigger, brighter and even better. The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually to an individual or group who have made a special contribution to the life of the town and district. The presentation was made on behalf of Beith and District Community Council by their chair, Robert Boyd. On receiving the accolade, Sandy Blackwood responded appropriately and acknowledged the great honour which had been bestowed upon him. Afterwards there was a first class social evening which was greatly enjoyed by everyone.

CAMERA CLUB

The Camera Club returned to the subject of digital photography at the Community Centre on Thursday evening. The club's own expert, Alastair Knox, gave another one of his demonstrations exploring the mysteries of this sometimes complex subject. This time Alastair looked at some of the ways of matching the photographic image seen on the computer screen to the image produced by the printer. If the screen image does not match the printed image, it is difficult to assess the appearance of the final image and the effect of any changes that may have to be made to it. Alastair showed how to overcome this by calibrating the monitor and setting the colours in the software programme. In the second part of the programme, the members selected colour-slides to enter in the club's forthcoming competition against Eastwood Camera Club. The club meet each Thursday evening in Beith Community Centre at 7.30 pm and new members will be made most welcome.

FAYRE

The Girls Brigade are hosting a craft fayre in St Margaret’s Church, Dalry on Saturday, 29 November from 9.30 am until 1.00 pm. Admission is free. There will be a wide range of stalls and there will be teas and coffees available. This is a good opportunity to pick up Christmas presents.

YOUNG FARMERS

Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club are holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 22^nd November in Beith Community Centre starting at 9am. There will be stalls too, so make sure to come along. Don’t forget the concert this year, it’s fast approaching so make sure you get your tickets in plenty of time. Beith YFC presents "School Daze in Vegas" in the Magnum Theatre, Irvine from Thursday 27^th to Saturday 29^th November 2003 at 7.30pm. Ticket prices are Thursday - £4 (concession £3), Friday - £4.50 and Saturday - £5. No unpaid tickets will be left at the door. Tickets are available by sending a S.A.E with correct remittance to David Young, Over Hessilhead Farm, Beith, Tel: 01505 502353

For further information or transport to any of the events please contact any committee member, phone Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email beithyfc@hotmail.com.

FAYRE

Gateside Yuletide 2003 is in the village hall on Sunday 7th December from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. On hand to entertain will be members of North Ayrshire Brass Band who will play for the carol singing. To bring a truly international flavour to the event, those attending can even enjoy German sausages and hot mulled French wine. There will also be a Craft Fayre with lots of ideas for presents and Santa will be switching on the lights on the tree!! Come along for an old fashioned fun family afternoon.

XMAS FAYRE

Beith High Church will held their annual Christmas Fayre in the Church Hall on Saturday, 6 December from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm. There will be a wide range of interesting items to choose from for Christmas presents. Between 12 noon and 1.30 pm visitors to the fayre can also enjoy a soup and roll lunch.

PLAYPARK GROUP

Beith Playpark Action Group are selling raffle tickets in Beith Co-op on Thursday, 28 November. 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, at the Co-op 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.

HISTORIC SOCIETY

The next meeting of the society to be held on Thursday 27 th November at 8.00 pm in the Eglinton Inn. The speaker Anne McCorquodale of Beith who takes as her subject, Doulton Figures. New members and visitors will be warmly welcomed.

BEITH BBs
There was a good turn out of Anchor Boys and Junior Section this week at 1^st Beith BBs, with the Juniors having 100% attendance. The Anchor Boys had a quiz night, which was very closely contested, followed by a session of drawing, with a Christmas theme. The Junior Section had a short drill session, followed by a football match then a session on the trampoline. All boys, parents and friends are reminded of the Christmas Fayre which will be held on Friday 28th November from 6.30 until 9.30pm. Anyone wishing to take a table at this event should ring Di on 502041 as soon as possible. The company are also holding a childrens disco, age 6 - 12, on Saturday 29th from 7 - 10pm. This will also be held in the BB hall, tickets will be priced at £1.50.

COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Councillor Jean Highgate advises that she had a meeting last week with Tom Orr, the Corporate Director (Property Services) of North Ayrshire Council to discuss the recent closure of the Beith Housing Office and issues arising from this decision. There had apparently been concern regarding the physical condition of these premises for a very long time and alternative suitable premises could not be found. For some reason, the Town House had been deemed unsuitable for this purpose. It is very unfortunate, but the Housing Office is now gone for good. However, one piece of good news though is that the Council plan to open multi-function contact offices within each community area in North Ayrshire to work in conjuction with the Telephone Contact Centre in Bridgegate, Irvine. Mr Orr indicated that Beith would be his preferred location for the office to serve the Garnock Valley area. Councillor Highgate indicates that she aims to do everything possible to ensure that it does eventually come to Beith.

COMMUITY COUNCIL

Beith and District Community Council meet in Beith Primary School at 7.15 pm on Thursday, 27 November. The meetings are open to members of the public and issues discussed are of a local nature.

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.

XMAS FAYRE

Beith United Reform Church are holding a fund raising festive lunch in the Church Hall on Friday 12 December from 11.30 am until 2.00 pm. As well as enjoying a light soup lunch there will also be an interesting variety of stalls to attract visitors including baking and lucky dip.

FUNERAL MOVE

The local firm of J & R Smith (Funeral Care) will shortly move from their premises in Main Street to the offices next door to Beith Post Office Sorting Office in Eglinton Street. Locals will be aware that these premises have been undergoing extensive modernisation and decoration over recent weeks. The telephone number will remain the same and is 01505-502106.

FLORAL ART

Kilbirnie Floral Art Club are holding their Christmas meeting will take the form of a dinner in the Dalry Inn on Thursday, December 4 and the demonstration will be by Marlyn Thomson from Cumnock and is entitled: With Christmas in Mind. For more information contact 01505-502967.

HAPPY CHAPPERS

Last Tuesday the sounds of chap, chap, chapping resounded from the main hall of Beith Community Centre. The happy chappers were back in action and the winner of the dominoes on Tuesday was Mrs J Welsh, second was Mrs M Gardiner and there was a tie for third place between Mrs A Smith and Mrs M Carey. On Thursday the chapping champ was Mrs E Carson with Mrs J Welsh as runner up with Mrs M Kennedy taking third place. On Tuesday the card sharp champ was Mrs B Smith with Mrs A Jackson second and Mrs S Brennan third. On Thursday the whist champion was once again Mrs B Smith with Mrs M Montgomery second and Mrs E McKechnie third.

NATIONAL WOMENS REGISTER

The Beith Branch of the National Womens Register are holding a special evening of entertainment with a distinctly Scottish theme. The date is Tuesday, December 2 in the Eglinton Inn. The organizers are hoping that local women will arrive from 7.15pm onwards to have a drink or two and socialize where they can learn more about the interesting range and variety of activities carried out by the Womens Register. The speaker for the evening is well known Scottish writer, historian and lecturer, David Ross, who will give a talk entitled, The St Andrew’s Experience, beginning at 8.00pm. David, who lives in East Kilbride, is particularly interested in Scottish heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. He has previously been a speaker at the annual St Andrew’s dinner held by Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club. He is a first class speaker and those attending will not be disappointed. It is anticipated that there will be guests attending from other branches of the National Womens Register, but the local organizer, Mrs Helen Blackburn, is very keen that local women have the opportunity to attend. For further information contact Helen on 01505-502271 or simply come along on the evening of the talk.

TRAVEL CENTRE

Strathclyde Passenger Transport’s Mobile Travel Centre is visiting Kilbirnie and will be based at Townhead Car Park today (Friday) from 10.00 am until 12.30 pm. Locals in the Garnock Valley are cordially invited to drop in where they can renew their travel passes and obtain information on local rail, bus, ferry and excursion services including reduced rate travel.

LADY BOWLERS

Last Friday in Beith Bowling club president Mrs Anne McCorquodale welcomed over eighty members and friends to the annual dinner and presentation of prizes held by the Ladies section. Prizes were presented to the following. Club champion, R Hay; President singles winner, R Hay; S Peat Memorial trophy, R Hay; S Peat Consolation trophy, L McDonald; Vice Presidents nominated pairs winners, R Hay (skip) and J Shagaghey; balloted pairs, A Wrighley (skip) and E King; Two bowl pairs, D A Taylor (skip) and E King; Club triples, P Longridge (skip), F Purves and A Thomson; White cup, R Wilson (skip), A Johnstone and F Purves. The president congratulated everyone for the very creditable performances shown during the season. The evenings entertainment was in the capable hands of comedian and singer, Des Barton, and this was greatly enjoyed by everyone. The next function to be held by the ladies section is the Christmas party scheduled for Friday 12 December in the club house.

GAELIC CLASSES

Classes in Gaelic have now resumed in the Public Hall, Dalry, each Tuesday evening with beginners classes from 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm and intermediate classes from 8.00 pm – 9.00 pm. For further details either simply attend on the evening or contact Annette Biggar on 01294-833173.

YOUTH GROUP

Last Sunday evening cooking for camp was the theme of the meeting of Beith Open Award Group. The young people experimented using trangens to cook a variety of interesting dishes. Members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group are advised that there is a forthcoming award presentation being organised by the North Ayrshire Award Association to be held on Friday, 20 February 2004 at Cunninghame House, Irvine. Anyone who has still to submit award record books must do so immediately if they wish to be involved in this presentation of awards.

GYMN

Recreational gymnastics are held at Ladeside Pavilion every Friday . Times 18 months – 3 years from 12.45 pm – 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm – 3.45 pm; 3 – 5 years from 1.30 pm – 2.15 pm, 2.15 pm to 3.00 pm and also 3.45 pm to 4.30 pm. Primary 1 – 3 the times are 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm and primary 4 – 7 from 5.30 pm until 6.30 pm. For further information simply drop in to Ladeside Pavilion during the above times on a Friday.

WANTED

Care Partners is a voluntary organisation which provides some time-out to children and adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. To become a Care Partner you don’t need experience or qualifications. Caring, understanding, patience and commitment are more important. Training and support will be provided to help develop your skills. An opportunity will be offered to achieve a nationally recognised certificate (SVQ) in Social Care. For more information contact Care Partners, Suite 3 The Windmill Centre, Hamilton Street, Saltcoats KA21 5DS Tel 01294-607111

BADMINTON

Beith Badminton Club has now resumed and is keen to attract new members. The club meets every Tuesday evening in Beith Community Centre from 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm. For further information turn up on the evening or contact Gail Spiers on 01505-685343.

HEART START

Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran are on the lookout for volunteers. Can you help? No previous training or experience is necessary as full training will be given. Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran will train you in all aspects of first aid, particularly in relation to how you would treat a patient who suffers a heart attack. Those who have the necessary ability could be trained as trainers of others and this is a special way of giving service to the local community. The programme has so far trained 21,000 people in Ayrshire and Arran. If you are interested and want to know more contact Mike Rennie, co-ordinator, Heart Start Room 624, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine KA12 8SS tel. 01294-323478.

PANTOMIME

Beith High Drama are holding their annual patomime in Beith High Church Hall at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 11 – Saturday 13^th December with curtain up at 7.30 pm and an additional mantinee performance on Saturday 13 December curtain up at 2.00 pm. This years pantomime is Cinderella and has a cast of around 30. Tickets are available from Chatterbox Café, Main Street or by contacting Willie Fletcher on 01505-502913 or any member of the cast.

MASONIC CLUB

Beith Masonic Social Club have organised a dance on Saturday 29^th November when the popular group Vocoder will be on stage. There will be a cover charge of £2 with the usual bingo and raffle.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A special memorial service is being held in Trinity Church on Wednesday 10 December at 7.00 pm. The service is specifically aimed at enabling local people who have lost loved ones over the years to come along to this service and spend time remembering at what is traditionally a family time of year. This service of remembrance was initiated by J & R Smith (Funeral Care) who identified that there was a special need for remembrance at Christmas. Everyone is invited to come along and it will be a joint service conducted by Rev Fiona Ross and Father John Kinsler. Representatives of J & R Smith (Funeral Care) will be on hand at this service of remembrance.

SHOW

The 58^th Annual Show held by Beith and District Young Farmers will take place at the Magnum Theatre, Irvine on Thursday 27 – Saturday 29^th November inclusive with the curtains up at 7.30 pm. This years show is entitled: School Daze in Vegas and is sure to be up to the usual high standard of previous years. The Young Farmers put in a tremendous amount of work into their annual shows and they really are superb entertainment. Beith and District Young Farmers Club was the first in Scotland to hold a Variety Show which took place on 6 November 1946. The show was a resounding success with an audience of 900. Since then the club have put on a show every year and have also went on to win many drama competitions. So, if you are free on 27, 28 or 29 November, get your ticket and head for the Magnum Theatre, Irvine, for a night to remember. Tickets are available from any member of the Young Farmers or by contacting David Young, Over Hessilhead Farm on 01505-502353

JOLLY BEGGARS

Members and friends of the Barrmill Jolly Beggars are reminded that tickets price £10 are now available for the annual St. Andrew’s Dinner which will be held tonight (Friday 28 November) in Beith Bowling Club. The principal speaker is Bill Hewitt of Greenock. If the event is anything like last year’s celebration it will indeed be a great night of entertainment.

JUDO

Member of Beith based M-A-S Judo Club took part in the Kyu Grade Championships last Sunday in Clydebank. Fraser Reid of Beith took second places in his grade. The club meets every Tuesday in the Old Harriers Hut from 6.00 pm until 9.00 pm and new members will be warmly welcomed.

1st BEITH BB
There was an excellent attendance this week again, with the Junior Section achieving 100% for the second week in a row. The Junior Section were continuing with their badge work, followed by a football competition. Boys are reminded that there will be no meetings next week due to the Christmas Fair being held in the hall at 6.30pm. All boys, parents and friends will be welcome. Please also remember the disco tomorrow (Saturday) evening form 7.00 pm until 10pm. Meetings of 1^st Beith BBs will be back to normal on Friday 5th December at the usual time.

ANGLING
The hardy anglers of the famous Beith St Inan’s Club are still fishing in hope, albeit the smart fish are still lying low and refusing to be caught. The equally hardy few on the committee are still working on Saturday afternoon, and are making a big difference to the fishability of the left hand side of the dam. If any member or friends of the club are keen to help, or just what a look at progress to date, why not come along some afternoon and see what is happening. You won’t necessarily be handed a paint brush, but it’s probably better to be prepared!

TRINITY FELLOWSHIP
President John McGibbon welcome a good turn out of members to a games night at Beith Trinity Church Mens Fellowship last Monday. As well as the normal balloted pairs competition, a start was made on the bowls singles trophy competition as well as the darts and snooker competitions. In the balloted pairs there were some keenly contested early
rounds, which saw Willie Lawson and Ian Buchanan meeting Ian Ross and David
McMillan in the final. Ian and David unfortunately showed a loss of form in the
final and were well beaten by Willie and Ian. The sharp-eyed Willie Lawson then made it a double by winning the darts competition. Next week sees a continuation of the
competitions in a games night.

RUSSIAN MUSIC

Last Sunday afternoon, VOKALENSEMBLE a Russian choir of ten members singing liturgical music and folk songs performed at Trinity Church to a large audience who were enthralled at the range and variety of music. Hugh Gibson, of Beith Arts Group, was delighted at the support given by locals and felt that this was one of the most memorable groups to visit Beith in recent years. The choir members were hosted by local families and they all seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the town.

BEITH HARRIERS
On Saturday 22nd November 2003 children representing Beith Primary School
and Garnock Academy took part in the North Ayrshire Schools Cross Country
Meeting (the third of four this season). P5 girls were represented by Catriona Stewart who ran an excellent race and finished second in her first cross country race, Fine performances also from Lucy Crook (6th) and Lynn Walker (9th). Unfortunately there were no P6 girl representatives - where are you all? P7 girls were represented by
Hannah Boyd who finished a very convincing first. P5 boys were represented by Craig Hodge, another first-timer, who won in superb style, Fraser Brown was 4th, missing out on the medals by the narrowest of margins and Calum Blackwood (who unfortunately, after a fine first performance at the last meeting, was unwell and couldn't finish. Better luck next time, Calum. P6 boys were represented by Alexander Duncanson (2nd - just
pipped at the post!); Frazer Keil (5th); Greig Irving (7th); Ross McIsaac
(9th); and also Mark Shannon; Jordan Pollock, Keir Blackwood and Craig
McDonald. This team did very well and very narrowly missed the team prize.
In the P7 boys race Graham Evans was first, Calum Hercus sixth, Alastair
Turner 7th and Lee Thomson 8th and this excellent performance earned them
the team prize. S1 boys were represented by Ian McNaughton who was third, S2 boys by Colin Evans in third place and likewise S3 boys by Scott Keil in third place. On Sunday 23rd November, Graham Evans and Hannah Boyd competed in the one of
the West District League runs at Coatbridge and finished 7th and 8th
respectively. On Saturday 29th November the Ayrshire Cross Country Championships take place at Ayr and we hope for a good turnout of Beith Harriers.

TRINITY GUILD

Beith Trinity Guild are holding a coffee morning in the Trinity Church Hall from 10.00 am until 12 noon tomorrow (Saturday 29 November). There will be the usual baking stall and no doubt other interesting goodies to interest those on the lookout for Chrismas gifts. On Tuesday, December 2 the guild meet in the church hall from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm when Mrs Wendy Smith will give a talk and demonstration entitled: Calico and Lace. Members and friends are asked to note the following diary dates for forthcoming events. On Tuesday 13 January 2004 the Guild will have a speaker from Asda whilst on Tuesday, 20 January 2004 Mrs Anne McCroquodale of Beith will speak on the Life and Times of Robert Burns. On Wednesday 28 January 2004 Rev Andrew Black will be the speaker and takes as his subject, the Work of a Prison Chaplain.

RANGERS CLUB

Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club intimate that the bus for the game against Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday, 30 November will leave Kilbirnie at 10.45 and Beith at 11.00 am. The bus for the CIS Cup tie against St Johnstone on Wednesday 3 December at Ibrox will leave Dalry at 6.15 pm, Kilbirnie at 6.30 pm and Beith at 6.45 pm. Names for both games to bus stewards as soon as possible. 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 dribblers in the game. The ticket price is £20 and includes a full dinner. Bookings are now being taken and tickets can be reserved by contacting David Raeside on 01505-504892 and Jim Reid on 01505-504548. A £5 deposit secures your ticket for this event.

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.

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.

BEITH TRINITY CHURCH PLAYGROUP

Beith Trinity Church Playgroup is now open and a warm welcome awaits new members.
The playgroup is staffed and managed by competent play leaders and works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council. We offer funded places for children from three to five years old. Places are also available for children from two and a half years old.
The group is open in Trinity Church Hall on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 9-15 and 11-45am. For more information why not drop in and have a chat with playleaders Lesley and Sharon or telephone 0787 012 5677.

BARRMILL COMM ASS

The next church service at Barrmill will be held in the Community Centre at 6.00 pm on Sunday, 30 November. Everyone is welcome and the service will be led by Rev Fiona Ross and there will be an informal communion. The next meeting of Barrmill Community Association will be held in the village hall on Thursday 27 November at 7.30 pm. Anyone with issues they wish to raise will be welcomed.

PLAYGROUP

Beith Community Centre playgroup provide excellent child care and education provision and they are currently taking registrations for the new session. The playgroup is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week from 9.30 am until 11.45 am. There is a full complement of trained staff including a fully qualified nursery nurse with 15 years experience and a capable nursery assistant with 5 years experience. Immediate funded places are available for children in North Ayrshire aged 3 years and limited places are available for children aged 2 ½ years. The emphasis of the playgroup is always on fun and enjoyment whilst learning in a happy and secure environment. Anyone interested in finding out more about the playgroup is invited to contact Helen on 506403.

FOOTBALL

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.

BEITH MASONIC CLUB

Tomorrow (Saturday 29^th November) popular group Vocoder are appearing on stage at Beith Masonic Club from 8.00 pm till late. There will be a cover charge of £2. The usual bingo, snowball and raffle will also attract interest. On Monday 8 December the annual dinner for older people will be held in the Masonic Hall. Following dinner the older folks will be entertained by the ever popular dance band, Ecky. It is also hoped to have other entertainers available on this special night.

FUND RAISER

Alan Irvine and a group of regulars at the Eglinton Inn, Beith, have organised their annual St AndrewsNight charity function for the 29th November with all proceeds going to Cash For Kids and Marie Curie. These nights have been a great success in the past and
most enjoyable. The evening planned consists of a quiz, raffle, supper with music to wind down to afterwards. Tickets are priced £5 and available from Colin and his good team at the Eglinton Inn.

QUIZ

Beith High Church have fund raising quiz sheets on sale and copies are available at Beith Library for £1.

YOUNG FARMERS

Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held a parent and child evening on Monday 10^th November. Each parent and child taking part were quizzed on each other just to see how well they knew one another. The winners for the evening were Mrs Logan and Claire Logan. The speech making and debates competition held on Monday 17^th November gave the following results: Speeches 3^rd Anne Reid, 2^nd Gareth Scott, 1^st Jennifer Logan. The Debating competition was one by the team consisting of Allison Reid, Anne Reid and Jean Wilson. The winner of the Alex Wilson Memorial Trophy for best speech for over 21’s was Gareth Scott. The Speech Making Trophy for best speech overall was awarded to Jennifer Logan and the winners of the Isobel Walker Debates Trophy was Allison Reid, Anne Reid and Jean Wilson. The results for the side competition, which was the most skips in 30 seconds, were 3^rd Julie Scott 2^nd Ann Wilson 1^st Gillian Reid.

Don’t forget the concert, its on this week from Thursday 27^th till Saturday 29^th November in the Magnum, Irvine starting at 7.30pm. There are still Thursday and Saturday night tickets available so if you don’t have tickets yet and would like some please contact David Young on 01505 502353 as soon as possible. The next club meeting is on Monday 8^th December, in the usual venue of the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside at 7.30pm. This will take the form of a Panel Night, which is sure to be an entertaining evening.

MASONS

There will be a regular meeting in Beith Masonic Hall of Lodge Beith St Johns No 157 on Thursday, December 4 beginning at 7.30 pm. This will take the form of a first degree and there will be two candidates. A good turnout of brethren is requested.

GOLF

Beith Golf Club held their 6^th winter league competition over the local course on 22 November in reasonably good weather conditions. The winner was Alistair Reid

gross 38 Hcap 7 Nett 31; 2nd Ronnie Gorman gross 39 Hcap 7 Nett 32; 3rd John Laird

gross 36 Hcap 4 Nett 32; 4th David Walker gross 40 Hcap 8 Nett 32. The scratch winner was John Laird.

CAMERA CLUB

The Camera Club held a practical night at the Community Centre last Thursday.The members devoted the evening to looking at ways of presenting photographs to enhance their appearance. Various methods of mounting prints were demonstrated, ranging from the simple mounting of a print on a card to the use of mount-cutters and several layers of board to create a highly professional appearance. The impact of different coloured mounting-boards was also examined and the uses of the various types of printing papers were discussed. Finally the masking of colour-slides was demonstrated to emphasise the importance of the key part of the image.

FOLK NIGHT

Beith & District Branch of the Scottish National Party are holding a St Andrews Folk Night on Saturday 29th November in Beith Community Centre from 8pm to midnight.
The Lanarkshire Folk Group, 'Cairdies Brig' with full supporting act will provide the entertainment. Tickets cost only £6 - which includes buffet, are available from John Johnstone Tel: 01505-502680.