The following information was recorded in the town’s newspaper of 24 June 1916.

The Old Deer Inn, Reform Street, Beith announced that it was selling a new light ale every day between 10.00 am and 9.00 pm at 3d per pint; 2d a schooner and 1 ½ per glass. (Jings, this will definitely have today’s imbibers green with envy).

A memorial notice advised that Corporal McLaren J Mitchell, son of 1/4^th Royal Scots Fusaliers, son of Mr and Mrs Peter Mitchell, 56 Eglinton Street, Beith, died on board HMS Simols on 22 June, 1915 from wounds received at the Dardanelles. He was 21 years of age and buried at sea.

Our townsman, Mr John R Balfour, of the West of Scotland Cabinet Works, of the Royal Scots Fusaliers, has been promoted from the rank of temporaryh Lieutenant Colonel to that of permanent Lieutenant Colonel. This honour is highly complimentary to him and a distinction to the town of Beith.

The new Military Service Act comes into force today, and all men of military age unless those exempted, will be deemed to be soldiers and liable to be called upon at any moment. Beith is pretty well denuded of eligible men, and, like other towns, now presents a singularly silent appearance.

Mrs Chalmers, Bunswynd, Beith, has reeived intimation from the War Office that her husband, Private James Chalmers, Royal Scots Fusaliers, previously reported missing, was killed in action on 12 July 1915. Mrs Chalmers is left with a family of six children. Private Chalmers was at one time one of the compositors in the Supplement Office.

Janet N Miller and George Findlay, were capped (MA) on Monday. Margaret S Shedden was awarded the Ramsay Gold Medal in the Latin Honours Class. All were former pupils of Spier’s School.

The first consignment of this year’s Ayrshire potatoes reached Beith last Friday.  They are selling at 2 ½ d per pound and are of good quality.

Mr Barr of Nettlehirst on Thursay paid a visit to Beith Bowling Club where he engaged Mr Archibald Bell in a rink game. The honours were with the latter by a few shots.

The Parish Church Sabbath School left this morning (Friday) for Stevenston by way of Brackenhills Station, a new route which afforded the children a change of scenery. Unfortunately, the morning was wet.

The EU Congregational Sabbath Scholars intended picnic at Bigholm last Saturday was vetoed by the heavy rain, and in order not to disappoint the assembled children, the church hall was utilised. There refreshments were provided in plenty and a programme of music was carried through and enjoyed very much. The original proceedings were proceeded with at Bigholm on Tuesday night, Mr Robertson having kindly granted the use of a field.