DONALD L REID

(Tel. 01505-503801

e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)

SUNDAY 22 December 2002

 

JPEG PHOTOS (available on request) All copyright Donald ES Reid

Click to see Full size

 

Some of the information provided by Donald L Reid for this internet Beith News column may also be included in the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.

 

 

 

BEITH LOCAL NOTES

 

CRIME PREVENTION

As we leave the old year and start afresh in 2003 this is a time to extend to all readers your correspondent’s best wishes for a very happy and prosperous new year. We are living in very uncertain times and all the indications are that the likelihood of war with Iraq looms even closer. On the home front it’s also a good time for all of us to review our own personal security measures in a common sense and practical way to reduce the likelihood of becoming the victim of a crime. At this time of year we all buy presents for family and friends and the January sales have an attraction for all of us. Please remember that when you go shopping only take as much money as you require. Never overload yourself with presents or shopping as you may become a target for pickpocket or handbag dippers. Try and go with friends and be aware of your surroundings. Very busy and crowded markets and shopping malls make it easier for criminals to go about their business, so keep your handbag safe. If using the car remember, put everything in the boot out of sight of prying eyes. If you do have to use the cabin of the car, leave someone to watch it while you go for your shopping. If buying expensive or electrical items, have them security marked as soon as possible and your local police community safety officer will be happy to advise on this. Security marker pens are available from various outlets and cost a few pence. If over the festive period you have to leave the house for any length of period, please lock all windows and doors and always give your house a final check before heading off. Let a neighbour know you will be away and arrange for them to keep an eye on your home. If you are going out in the evening, leave lights on and consider leaving on a radio which creates the illusion of noise and people within the house. Good lighting at the front and back doors is also very helpful and helps to improve safety and security. Remember to check that all electrical appliances are safe and properly fused. Sad, to report but criminals are still targeting residents in Beith, so everyone should be on the alert. Older and more vulnerable residents have been the focus of attention by bogus workman have been operating in the town of late. Somerville Court was the most recent target for men pretending to be from the Water Board and conning their way into the houses of older residents. So, the message to young and older alike is clear. Do not let any workmen into your house without being absolutely sure that they are genuine. Simply keep them outside and phone for a friend or neighbour to call round and genuine workmen will be very happy with this arrangement. Most recently, housebreakings during the night when residents are asleep have recently been reported in Barrmill Road and Glebelands Way. This is indeed an opportune time for everyone to review their home and personal security, but in doing so it is also important to remember that statistically the chances of becoming a  crime victim are quite small, especially if you apply the common sense tips highlighted in this column.

 

BARRMILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Barrmill Community Association recently held their festive whist drive in Barrmill Community Centre. There was an excellent support for this event and everyone enjoyed a veritable feast for supper. At the end of the evening it was announced that Jean Gilbert, chairman of the association, was being officially presented with her ‘bus pass on reaching that special age and everyone joined in wishing her a very happy birthday. Jean responded as only she can and intimated that before she reached the age of 65 it was her intention to work extremely hard towards ensuring that Barrmill had a new modern community centre which it so richly deserved. The winners of the ladies section were 1ST Evelyn McKechan, 2ND B Wylie, 3rd Jessica Burns and Mrs J Wallace with Mrs A Jackson winning the booby prize. The gents section was won by the duo of Jean Burns and Jean Parker and in 3rd place Betty Torrance. The booby prize was won by J Paxton. 

 

BEITH ARTS

The last of Beith Arts Guild's concerts for 2002 will be held in the High Church Hall on Sunday 29th December at 2.30 pm. The concert is being given by the Salon Serenaders with Alison Barton, Mezzo Soprano, Ian MacGregor, Bass Baritone, Christine Nelson, Violin, Marie Holmes, Cello, and Robert Simans, Piano. Their Concert is entitled "Victorian Extravagana" a light hearted programme of Gilbert and Sullivan, Viennese Operetta and other favourites. Tickets £5, concessions £3 children/students £1 and can be purchased at the door. What a pleasant way to bring the year to an end.

 

DOMINOES & WHIST CLUB

The festive Beith chappers chatted, dined and then furiously chap, chap, chapped away for the last time in 2002. To begin with it was fun and lots of chatter as they enjoyed an excellent festive meal at Beith Community Centre last week. After the meal the spirit of Christmas was totally forgotten and it was down to the very serious business of who would run-out champion of the dominoes and whist in this thrilling end-of-year challenge. Needless to say it was a close-fought competition with a nail-biting finish. In the dominoes the winner was Mrs M Kennedy, with Mrs I McAusland second and Mrs M Gillies and Mrs A Gibson coming in third equal. The card sharp winner was Mrs A Smith followed by Mrs I Rea and Mrs May McLeish, the enthusiastic club organiser. The club resumes chapping on Tuesday, January 7 and Mrs McLeish is keen to encourage new members along to enjoy the fun and fellowship of the happy-chappers. For many years the club was nicely balanced with members from both sexes, but for the last year there have been no male chappies in the happy-chapping club, but they would be made most welcome by the ladies.  For more information about the club which meets each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in the community centre contact May on 01505-502731.

 

GATESIDE CROSSROADS
A copy of the proposed plans for the new roundabout at the Gateside crossroads are now available.  
A major water mains will have to be diverted and it is hoped that Scottish Water will do this in February/March 2003.  
Construction of the roundabout will hopefully commence in April with the work lasting around 10 weeks,
when there will be inevitable delays on Beith bypass.
 
CROSS PROJECT
Jean Highgate, secretary of Beith and District Community Council advises that she is attending a meeting on 14th January 
with North Ayrshire Council, St Vincent Crescent Preservation Trust and a representative from Hurst Landscape Architects.  
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss amendments to the plans for the landscaping at the Cross to ensure that 
where possible the comments made by the public are taken into account. 
The ongoing major renovation work at Beith Cross project is on schedule and should be completed by September 2003.

 

SPONSORS WANTED 
The Meningitis Research Foundation are looking for folk who may be thinking about adopting a new year resolution to 
lose a few pounds. They will be holding a SLIMATHON where “your loss is our gain,” as their poster so appropriately puts it. 
Meningitis is a disease which can strike at any time and affect anyone and after Christmas and New Year most folk are 
keen to lose those extra pounds. Why not consider helping the Meningitis Research Foundation in the process. 
For an information pack on how you can shed a pound or two and benefit this research foundation call 0870-3210204.
 
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Garnock Valley Community Transport Group (GVCTG) provide an invaluable service to the Garnock Valley community 
of a 17 seat mini-bus which can be hired by affiliated groups and organisations. A large number of groups now realise that 
this facility is both very convenient and cost-effective. Such has been the demand on the mini-bus that the Transport Group 
are currently awaiting a decision about their application to the National Lotteries Board to purchase a second community 
mini-bus for the Garnock Valley. The GVCTG are also keen to recruit more volunteer drivers as some organisations, 
particularly those providing services for older and disabled people, do not always have their own volunteer drivers and 
additional drivers who are able to occasionally give a few hours of their time would find this a valuable form of community 
service. Volunteer drivers will be put through a test and indeed can be given prior lessons to allow them to develop their 
driving skills in the mini-bus. Volunteers must be at least 25 years of age and have a clean driving licence. 
For further information about the GVCTG contact group chairman, Jimmy Muir or secretary, Moira on 01505-684544. 
A message can  be left on the answer-phone and all calls will be returned.
 
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
Beith Bowling Club are holding a dance in their club on Saturday, December 28 from 8.00 pm till late. 
There will be a cover charge of £2 and dancing is to popular group, Overdrive.
 
BARRMILL JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club will hold a committee meeting in the Eglinton Inn on Monday January 6, 2003 at 7.30 pm. 
A good attendance of cronies is requested. The meeting will be fairly short and is called to finalise arrangements for the annual 
Burns Supper which will be held in Beith Masonic Hall on Friday, January 24 at 7 pm for 7.30 pm.

55 Jolly Beggars

 
The principal speaker is famous football referee, Alan K Saunderson of Largs, who is well known in the Garnock Valley. 
 
FLU JABS
Beith Health Centre in Reform Street are keen to remind local patients that ‘flu jabs are available by making an appointment. 
Large numbers of Beith folk have already had the ‘flu jab and will benefit from this in the coming months. 
Groups of people who are particularly vulnerable to ’flu are the over 65s, those who suffer from asthma, diabetes or 
heart complaints and doctors are keen to ensure that those folk in these particular groups are quickly immunised against ‘flu. 
If you are unsure about whether you should be asking for a ‘flu jab please contact Beith Health Centre on 01505-502683 who 
will be happy to help.
 

YOUNG FARMERS

Beith and District Young Farmers’ Club are holding their 57th Annual Variety Concert in the Magnum Theatre, Irvine from Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th January 2002 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 from Gareth Scott, Meikle Ittington Farm Cottage, Ardrossan, KA22 7NX.  Tel: 01294 832249.  There will also be a dance to follow the Saturday night performance in the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock.  Everyone is welcome but the tickets are going fast already, so get your orders in soon!

 

Club members have been invited to “The Ayrshire Ball” on Saturday 22nd March 2003 at the Seamill Hydro, 6.30pm for 7pm.  Dress will be black tie and tickets will cost £25.00.  For more information contact Lewis.

 

The next club meeting will be held on Monday 13th January in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside at 7.30pm and will take the form of a whist night with the side competition being a poem about the Treasurer, Gareth Scott.

 

For information or transport to any of these events please contact any committee member, telephone Anne on 01294 832424, Lewis on 01294 832262 or email Gillian at: BeithYFC@hotmail.com


KIDS R US

Kids R Us is a mother and toddler group who meet on a Monday and Wednesday in Beith Community Centre from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm. The women and children enjoy singing activities, play and story time and generally have a very happy and rewarding time together. A few vacancies are available. Why not come along and try out this happy group. Contact Winnie on 01505-504941.

 

BEITH PRIMARY SCHOOL

All parents are reminded that Beith Primary School resumes on Monday, January 6 at 9.00 am. From that date all classes will lunch from 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm and school will close for all classes at 3.00 pm and all parents are asked to note these new timings. With a larger group of children all finishing school at the same time, parents as asked to be vigilant as there is likely to be additional traffic in the streets around the school.

 

TRINITY CHURCH TODDLER GROUP

Trinity Church Toddler Group meet in Trinity Church Hall each Thursday afternoon from 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm. This is a friendly group where you can meet other mums and enjoy seeing children develop through play. For further information contact Karen Campbell on 01505-506479 or Karen Millan on 01505-502283.

 

NOTH AYRSHIRE BAND

North Ayrshire Band under the baton of musical director, Hugh Brennan, had a busy end-of-year schedule taking part in several very successful concerts in the Garnock Valley where they performed an interesting range and variety of music. In the coming months the band will be busy rehearsing a challenging piece of music entitled, Northern Landscapes, by Scottish composer Peter Graham, which is the set test piece for the third section of the Scottish Amateur Band Association championships at Falkirk on Sunday, March 9. The band are keen to encourage former members to consider returning to play in the band as they have vacancies in most sections. There is a special need for double bass (tuba) players. There are several vacancies in the percussion section and all that is required is the ability to be fluent at reading music. The band meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm in the social area at Garnock Academy. All members are reminded that the band resumes after the festive holidays on Tuesday, January 7 at 7.30 pm. For further information about the band contact band chairman Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or secretary Stephen Brennan on 01505-683766

 

NEW FOOTBALL TEAM

Beith Colts are now forming a youth football team for young people aged 10 - 12 years for season 2003/2004. Training will commence in January 2003 and anyone wishing further information should contact 01505-506028 or 01505-506813 after 6.00 pm.

 

DICKSON COURT FESTIVE DINNER

Last week the residents of Dickson Court complex held their annual festive dinner which was attended by 35 residents and the invited guests were Rev Andrew Black and Mrs Isabel Black, Rev Fiona Ross and Mr & Mrs Donald Reid. Entertainment was provided by the ever-popular David Scott duo. The MC for the evening was Mrs Nessie Partridge and everyone enjoyed a hilarious evening of home-spun entertainment at it’s very best with at least one of the performers being over 90 years of age.

 

INTERNET COURSE

A ten week community based computer course aimed at developing the practical skills and knowledge required to access the internet will begin in January in the computer suite at 47a Main Street (above Riverhills). Anyone wishing to register or find out more about this particular course or the full range of future planned courses should contact Alan on 01505-594489

 

LIBRARY HOURS

Beith library have an interesting Christmas quiz which is sure to appeal to those who enjoy a mentally stimulating challenge. Quiz sheets, which are free, can be uplifted from the library and should be returned by 31 January 2003 when the prize winner will be announced. There was a good response from younger readers in the ‘name the snowman’ competition. The young readers were asked to think up a suitable name for the Beith library snowman and the winner was Samantha Denholm of Aitken Drive who came up with the name Jingle. The runners up were Nicole Jackson of Hawthorn Crescent whose imaginative name was Dudley the Snowman and Caitlyn Chalmers of Glenriddet Avenue, Kilbirnie who suggested the name Tinsel. The really good news is that all 28 children who entered will receive a Christmas prize from the thoughtful Beith librarians, so everyone is indeed a winner. Important information for bookworms! Beith library will reopen for business on Friday, January 3 at the usual time. The Beith Librarians wish all their customers the compliments of the season and they look forward to meeting them again in 2003.

 

RSPB

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) are looking for your help. They are organising the biggest garden bird watch in the world. They want you to help them to build up a picture of how well our common birds are doing and you never know what you might see? All they want you to do is to spend one hour during the weekend of 25-26 January 2003 (or for schools the week before or after this weekend) watching the birds in your garden, local park or school. The RSPB ask that you tell them the largest number of each species you see at any one time. The likely birds to be found in Beith gardens include House sparrow, Starling, Robin, Song thrush, Collared dove, Blue tit, Coal tit, Great tit, Blackbird and Chaffinch. There may be gardens which have a far wider range of visitors. You only need to record the birds actually in your garden, park or school grounds – not ones flying over. An information leaflet explaining what is required is available from Beith Library and from  the RSPB Centre, Lochwinnoch. You can find out more about it by logging on to the RSPB site at: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. You can also use this site to enter your results which will speed up the process. This looks like being a really enjoyable fun event for all the family which will encourage everyone to more aware of the range and variety of birds in our gardens and you will also be part of what could be the largest birdwatch event ever.

 

RADIO CITY

An innovative joint project is currently being developed between North Ayrshire Council Community Education, James Watt College and Radio City. Locals will be aware that the former cinema and bingo premises at Kilbirnie Cross is currently undergoing a major renovation which is great news for the entire Garnock Valley. The project aims to attract adults from 16 years upward who might be interested in radio media skills, broadcasting and programme production. This is a fascinating opportunity and it is likely that the course will be certificated. The initial meetings to further develop this course will begin in January and it is hoped that a local radio station will be in operation from the new Radio City by August 2003. Anyone interested in this exciting new project should contact Ian Young at Community Education on 01294-833173.

 

BEITH SARACEN RANGERS SUPPORTERS CLUB
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club Supporters are reminded that they are holding their annual Derek Knox 
Memorial games day on Saturday, 4 January 2003 at 1.00 pm in the Masonic Arms. 
This competition is restricted to club members only and the committee are hoping for a good turnout. Beith Saracen Rangers 
Supporters club and Garnock Valley Kilmarnock Supporters club are holding a quiz competition on Saturday, 
11 January 2003 at 1.00 pm in the Masonic Arms in Beith. Teams of four are required or individuals to come along and 
make up a team on the day. There will be prizes for the winning teams and a raffle. Everyone is welcome.
 
POLICE REPORT
Beith’s Community Constables Jim Dougall and Sandy Brown advise that there is a crime prevention display running in 
Beith library at present. There are leaflets available giving advice on a number of ways to prevent crime including house 
and car security. 
 
HIGH CHURCH CAROL SERVICE
The morning service at Beith High Church on Sunday, December 21 was organised and conducted by members of the 
Sunday School. All departments from infants to the Sunday Club took part and the Christmas message was delivered in 
an innovative way which included the traditional nativity play and some modern plays by the older children which proved 
to an interesting variation on the usual theme. The service was co-ordinated in its entirety by James Waite, leader of the 
Sunday Club and everyone connected with the Sunday School and all the children are to be congratulated for their 
contribution to this special service of worship.

94

LAUGH-A-MINUTE: Some of the happy primary 4 – 7 group at Beith High Church Sunday School pose for a photograph with teachers at their Christmas party which proved to be a great success.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

 
 
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
Beith Bowling Club are holding their annual Burns Supper in the club on Saturday, January 11 at 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm. 
A list for names of those attending is displayed on the notice board. The annual indoor game is being held at Ardrossan 
Indoor Bowling Club on Sunday, 9 February. A list for names for this game is displayed on the notice board. 
 
MASONIC CLUB
Regulars are reminded that at Beith Masonic Club on Hogmanay, the ever-popular and highly entertaining Ecky, 
will be seeing in the New Year and there will be a cover charge of £5. The profits from the raffle and admission will be 
donated to Billy Haining’s Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, Beith Branch. 
 
MASONIC LODGE
Lodge St. John’s Beith No 157 meet on Thursday, January 9 at 7.30 pm. The Lodge Office bearers will carry out a first 
degree and a good attendance is requested.
 
MATES
MATES is a pseudonym for motivating and training educational support. This is a project run by North 
Ayrshire Council Community Education Service, for young people aged 16-25 years in the Garnock Valley. 
The project aims to help participants compile CVs and covering letters, find the college place of their choice, how to 
perform well at an interview, search for jobs effectively and develop independent living skills. MATES is held in Walker 
Hall, Kilbirnie, Monday – Thursday from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm for 16 – 25 year old and from 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm 
for age 14+. MATES will also be providing a drop in service at Dalry Public Hall and Beith Community Centre every 
Friday between 12 noon and 3.00 pm. For further information about this innovative personal development course for 
young adults tel. 01505-683652.
 
BEITH BRANCH
The Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, are holding their annual whist drive in Beith Community Centre on 
Wednesday, January 8 at 7.30 pm. Names for tables to Margaret Fraser, Jean Gilbert and Chris Young or phone 
Bill or Moira on 01505-502671. For many years this popular annual whist drive was efficiently organised on behalf of the Beith branch by the late Jim Miller of Whitestanes, and his guiding hand will be sorely missed this year. A cheque for £25 was donated to the Beith branch in memory of a dear wife. In memory of Mr Michael Barry of Beith, £56.38 was donated to the Beith branch. Mr Haining is still on the look-out for at least one volunteer driver to assist with driving patients to hospitals in Ayrshire and Glasgow. The commitment can be tailored to suit the needs of the volunteer and anyone who might be interested can contact Billy Haining on 01505-502671. Billy also passes on his thanks to all the volunteers who help with the work of the Beith branch over the past year and to the many groups, organisations and individuals to faithfully support their important work with cancer patients.
 
 

 

95

RATATTACK: RATS (Residents Against Tip Site) held at fund-raising coffee morning in the Patrick Memorial Hall. Some of those who helped on the day gather for a photograph.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

 

 

 

 

077

 

BUDDING FOOTBALLERS: Beith Boys Town Under 9s gather for a photograph to show off their new strips. The strips were donated by Mrs Christine Carruthers of One to One Interiors of Largs and tracksuits were presented by Mr Kenny Black of KSB Fabrications, Paisley.

Pictured with the boys (back row l to r): Club coach David McIssac, Mrs Christine Carruthers and club coach Gordon Shannan.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

 

93

 

PARTY-TIME: A few members of the infant and primary 1 – 3 group at Beith High Church Sunday School join their teachers  for a photograph at the end of their fun-filled Christmas party when Santa made a surprise appearance.

(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

 

 

 

76 Pantomime Time

 

12  Beith under 8s

 

82 Stepanie Kelly Young Musician of the Year

 

 

 

409 Tom Hamilton

 

[ History ] [ Beith Introduction ] [ Links Page ] [ Life in Beith ] [ Beithites ]