ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2003
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DOWN MEMORY LANE: Beith Primary 7 Class of 1975 gather in Beith Community Centre with three teachers to reminisce.
(SP)
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REMEMBER 1975: The members of Beith Primary 7 class in 1975 many of whom met last week on a journey down memory lane. (SP)
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FOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN: The dramtic picture was taken over half mile from the scene of this burst mains pipe at Maich Water near to Kilbirnie Loch. See Beith local notes.
(Photos of burst: Donald L Reid – SP)
NEWS ITEMS
TOWN AWARD
Beith and District Community Council are delighted to announce that the town of Beith not only reached the final eighteen communities in Scotland in the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards, but was successful in gaining four awards. Beith reached the finals in three categories – Community Life, Young People and Older People. They received a high commendation certificate and plaque in the Community Life section of the awards and a commendation for work carried out in the town and district in respect of young people and older people. In addition, they received a special high commendation for Beith Christian Action Group Thrift shop, which was runner up in the Commuity Business of the Year 2003. Robert Boyd, Elizabeth Henderson and the Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald Reid, travelled to the Awards Luncheon held on Tuesday 25 November in the Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh. The reception they received was excellent and the setting for the award presentations together with a first class meal, made the day very special. It was also great to meet so many people from various rural, island and town communities in Scotland. The awards were presented by the Minister for Communities in the Scottish Parliament, Margaret Curran MSP. Local MSP for Cunnighame North, Allan Wilson, was on hand to support the Community Councillors from Arran and Beith and he was naturally absolutely delighted at the success of the two North Ayrshire communities. Arran had the honour of winning the Commuity of the Year Award. This was the very first occasion that Beith had entered this competition and it was a great exercise in benchmarking what happens in Beith against other communities in Scotland. Community Council chair, Robert Boyd said: “This is a great accolade for everyone in Beith. Each group and organisation can be very proud because the voluntary work which they have put in has been responsible for our community doing so well. The community in Beith can take pride that we were so highly placed in Scotland for the work which goes on in our locality with young people, older people, community life in general and of course to the wonderful volunteers at Beith Christian Action Group Thrift Shop who contribute some £30,000 to our community from selling a variety of donated items to local folk. I would like to thank every group and organisation who turned out at very short notice to meet the judging panel a few weeks ago. There is no doubt that they were impressed when they saw the community efforts currently ongoing to make Beith a better place for everyone.” The Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald Reid, who prepared the submissions for the Scottish Calor Gas Awards on behalf of the Community Council said: “Achieving these awards demonstrate that we have a really vibrant community in Beith and district. More folk will want to come and live in this area because they will be more aware of the range and variety of community facilities which are on offer in a community which is very supportive. The huge range of groups, all supported by volunteers, is quite staggering and shows that volunteering has been the key to much of the success in the town and will be just as crucial in the years ahead. More importantly, receiving this special recognition may have other spin-offs in terms of companies seeing the Beith area and the wider Garnock Valley as a good place in which to locate and invest.” The certificates and the Commuity Life plaque will shortly be on display in the window of Beith Christian Action Thrift Shop and the Community Council are currently looking at options regarding where they can be displayed long-term. Congratulations to everyone for their volunteering work in the community, which was central to Beith and district receiving such special recognition.
PARADE
It’s an early Merry Christmas yohoho, folks! Tonight’s the big night. Be there or be square! Make sure that you are wearing your festive costumes and enter into the spirit of fun and friendship for a really special family evening in Beith tonight (Friday December, 5). This year’s Christmas Light and Laughter Parade will again be hosted and organised by Beith Town Centre Initiative. The event takes place tonight (Friiday) at 6.00 pm when the parade will muster in Eglinton Street at the site of what was formerly Greers Garage. Santa, magicians and clowns will be on hand to entertain the revellers. The parade will move off at 6.30 pm. Everyone is very welcome to join in the parade, but it would be advisable for youngsters to be accompanied by adults and it would be helpful if paraders also had a torch with them to make the march as spectacular and bright as possible. 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 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 special backdrop to the event of Auld Kirk lit up. Make sure you are there folks, for this special family event. The judging of the best dressed window competition has been ongoing during the past week. The judge is popular Beithite, Joyce A Walker, who for many years has contributed to a variety of groups and organisations in the town as well as being a regular voluntary performer at many Old Folks Treats. Rev Fiona Ross will be on hand when the parade reaches Main Street to say a few words of welcome and to announce the winner of the Best Dressed Window competition. See you all at the parade and don’t be late!
DRAMATIC BURST
There was a quite dramatic burst of water occurred on the pipeline which takes water from Camphill Reservoir on the Kilbirnie – Largs Road (A760) to Barcraig Reservoir, known locally as the Paisley Dams, located to the east of Howwood. This pipeline was laid down in 1903 and clearly there will be ongoing weaknesses developing in the pipework. The burst of water occurred at the point where the pipeline crosses the Maich Water about 100 metres north of Kilbirnie Loch. The burst created a quite spectacular fountain reaching over 80 feet in the air and with a width of some 30 feet. Indeed such was the dimensions of the unexpected fountain that it could be seen from some locations in Beith and created great interest for motorists and walkers on the Kilbirnie to Lochwinnoch (A760) and Kerse Roads which passed very close to the burst. The ferocity of the water was such that two trees which were close by lost many branches. The water authorities were made aware and were on site and no doubt were somewhat at a loss to know just how to tackle this dramatic burst of water. Kilbirnie loch is interesting because at its northern end the Maich Water enters the loch from the Kilbirnie Hills whilst some 500 meters away still on the northern flank of the Loch the Dubbs Lane exits the loch and travels northwards into Barr Loch on the south side of Lochwinnoch.
TOWN CENTRE
Work continues on landscaping Beith Cross with some great results. The area in front of the Cross is absolutely excellent and attracting very positive comments from locals. Already the contractors have put in place a variety of shrubs and bushes with a few small grasses areas. Hopefully when the Cross area is open to the public it will help in the process of revitalizing Beith and giving folk an added pride in this great little town.
HARRIERS
The happy harriers of Beith were on duty at the Ayrshire Harriers Cross Country Championships at Irvine last Saturday. Despite horrendous weather conditions, the Beith youngsters put in admirable performance.U11 boys - 2nd Graham Evans; 3rd Sam Harkness; 11th Frazer Keil. We do not have official notification yet, but the U11 boys may have won one of the team prizes. U11 girls - 1st Hannah Boyd. U13 boys - 5th Ian McNaughton and Lee Thomson ran a good race. U15 boys - 1st Stephen McGoldrick; 3rd Scott Keil. All in all another great performance by Beith’s fastest kids. Well done everyone.
RSPB
Come along to RSPB Centre at Lochwinnoch tomorrow (Saturday) and you can visit Santa anytime between 12 noon and 4pm. The yohoho man will be found in his new grotto and visitors can meet him and get into the festive spirit. A donation of £2 is all that is required to meet Santa, watch our magic show, take part in some crafty activities and receive your present too. However there is free entry to the reserve all day!
'It's a day for all the family- a perfect opportunity for some christmas shopping or birdwatching while I'm meeting all the children who come along to see me. I can't wait!' said Santa.
FAYRE
Gateside Yuletide 2003 is in the Patrick Memorial 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, hot mulled French wine and perhaps even the odd Danish pastry! 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 family afternoon of fun.
XMAS FAYRE
Beith High Church will hold 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. Come along and enjoy Christmas shopping and support this fund raising event.
CLASS REUNION
Elaine Boyle nee Gibson and Christine Burns nee Gilbert of Beith organised a reunion for former pupils of Beith Primary 7 class of 1975. This event was held in Beith Community Centre last Saturay evening and there were 18 former pupils and four teachers in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a buffet meal and spent the evening reminiscing as they journeyed down memory lane talking about shared memories of the past as well as catching up on how everyone life had treated the former class mates.. Fiona Boyd travelled from Wales for the event whilst others travelled from Liverpool, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Stirling, Falkirk and the Garnock Valley area. One former teacher, Audrey Schatz of Seattle, USA, sent greetings by email. Locals will recall that she had been an exchange teacher in Beith for several years, but later returned to the USA where she lives today. All the all the event was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed meeting their friends of yesteryear.
PLAYPARK GROUP
Beith Playpark Action Group are selling raffle tickets as part of their fund raising drive. 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, 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. The Playpark Action Group are holding a disco tomorrow (Saturday 6 December) between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm in Beith Community Centre. Tickets are £2 and available by phoning the numbers shown above or simply come along on the evening. A tuck shop is also available and this event. Funds raised will go towards the groups aim of establishing a state of the art playground in Beith’s public park. Seems like a great cause to dance the night away for, eh kids!
HISTORIC SOCIETY
On Thursday 27th November the speaker at Beith Historical Society was well known Beithite, Anne McCorquodale, who took as her subject Doulton Figures. Anne gave an authoritative talk on this subject and illustrated her talk with many examples from her own extensive collection. After responding to a number of questions, she was given a vote of thanks for her excellent lecture which was greatly enjoyed by everyone. The next meeting will be a Burns night on 29th January, when after a meal, the speaker will be Drew Cochrane (editor of the Largs & Millport News). This will be at the earlier time of 7.30 p.m. Names should be given to the secretary Sue Williams for catering purposes.
COMMUITY COUNCIL
Beith and District Community Council meet in Beith Primary School last Thursday. Needless to say there was great pride and satisfaction that the submission by the Community Council to the judging panel at Scottish Calor Gas, had resulted in the town and district receiving four certificates and one large plaque to mark the work carried out locally in terms of Community Life, Older People, Young People. There was also a special award to Beith Christian Action Group in the category, Community Business, in which they were runners-up in Scotland – a great tribute to the management committee and ladies who so faithfully man the shop in Main Street. Our neighbours across the water, Arran, had been very successful indeed were given the accolade of Scottish Commuity of the Year. Everyone in Beith will join in sending congratulations to the folk of Arran for this great achievement. Beith folk can take pride in their achievements, showing as it does the level and extent of great work carried out by so many willing volunteers in a myriad of groups and organisations throughout the community.
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.
CANCER SUPPORT
Billy Haining of the Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group gratefully acknowledges receipt of £285 in memory of the late Alex Reid of Blackthorn Avenue. This money was donated by family, friends and neighbours in lieue of flowers.
BEITH JUNIORS
Beith Junior 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.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The ever so happy dominoe and card sharps players at Beith’s happy chapping club are on the lookout for new members. The club meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 1.30 pm in Beith Community Centre where they enjoy whist and dominoes as well as enjoying the company of each other. Why not drop in for a cuppa and a blether. You don’t even need to knock to identify where they are because you will hear the sound of chap, chap, chapping from outside the hall. Mind you, you may even become hooked and become one of Beith’s whist and dominoe champs of the future. Last Tuesday the happy chappers were furiously chapping and the winner of the dominoes was Mrs M Kennedy, second was Mrs I Welsh and in third place was Mrs I McCauslane. On Thursday Mrs M Kennedy was again the chapping champ with Mrs M Carey second and Mrs E Jamieson third. On Tuesday the card sharp champ was Mrs M Montgomery with Mrs T Milne second and Mrs S Brennan third. On Thursday the in form Mrs M Montgomery again left the others trailing in her slip stream as she held all the aces with Mrs B Smith second and Mrs S Shaw 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.
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.
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
Behind you! Behind you! Beith High Drama are holding their annual patomime in Beith High Church Hall at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 11 – Saturday 13th 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 29th 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.
JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars held their 59th annual St. Andrew’s Dinner last Friday evening in Beith Bowling Club when 57 members and visitors enjoyed a first class meal provided by Sandra’s Catering Service of Beith. In earlier years in the club this event was known as the Tattie and Herrin’ Supper, but always celebrated St. Andrew and Scotland. This being the beginning of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the club which was formed in Barrmill in 1944, a number of letters of greeting were read from kindred clubs including Jim Robertson, President of the World Burns Federation; the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs; Prestwick Burns Club; Greenock Burns Club; Erskine Trusty Fieres Burns Club; Renfrewshire Association of Burns Club and Dumfries Burns Howff Burns Club. Congratulatory letters on the diamond jubilee of the club were also received from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Prime Minister Tony Blair MP; Brian Wilson MP; Alastair Darling MP and North Ayrshire Council. The cronies received a warm welcome from President Norman M Henderson and past president Donald Reid said a traditional grace before the meal. The principal speaker for the evening was Rev Bill Hewitt of Greenock, a past president of the Mother Club. In a first class toast, Bill revealed some of the classic traits which have been responsible for Scotsmen making their special mark on the world. His light hearted toast was very entertaining and greatly enjoyed by everyone. The singers were club stalwarts, the inimitable Harry Young supported by Bob McBride with Willie McDougall on piano. Junior Vice President, Ian D Shaw, gave a short rendering of various poems which also highlight what was so important about the make up of the Scots. The vote of thanks to the orator was given by vice president Tom Osborne and the nights proceedings were chaired by club president, Norman M Henderson, who was in his element. He made special mention of visiting cronies from the Kilbirnie Rosebery Club, George Dickie and Bill Smith, who both contributed to the entertainment during the course of the evening. A comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Jim Walker. A special word of thanks is due to cronies Charlie Fairns, Tom Irvine, Harry Young, Hugh Wilson and Donald Reid for their work in decorating the Bowling Club for the event. After the closure of formal proceedings with the singing of Auld Lang Syne, the chairman opened an informal hour of self entertainment which proved to be hilarious with many members of the audience entertaining the company as only they could. This event augers well for the 60th annual celebration of the Jolly Beggars to be held in Beith Masonic Hall on Friday, 23 January.
RANGERS CLUB
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club intimate that the bus for the game against Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday, 6 December will leave Dalry at 1.30 pm, Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith at 2.00 pm. All traveling must contact John on 500264 or Andy on 503928 before Thursday, 4 December at 9.00 pm. 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.
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
On Monday 8 December the annual dinner for older people will be held in the Masonic Hall. Following the 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.
QUIZ
Beith High Church have fund raising quiz sheets on sale and copies are available at Beith Library for £1.
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.
MSP SURGERY
Campbell Martin West of Scotland SNP list MSP will be
holding a local surgery in Beith Community Centre on Saturday 6th December from
11.00am -12 noon. Anyone unable to attend the surgery can contact Campbell
Martin MSP at the West of Scotland Scottish Parliament Regional Office in
Paisley on 0141 887 2412.
ST ANDREW’S NIGHT
Beith & District Branch of the Scottish National Party would like to thank
everyone who attended their St Andrews Folk Night in the Community Centre last
Friday. The event was a great success with entertainment provided by the Folk
Group 'Cairdies Brig' and solo folk singer David Gibb. The event raised over
£300 for SNP funds and the campaign for Scottish Independence.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ club has just finished their Annual Variety Concert for another year. Thanks must go to all the people that helped put the show on, including sponsors and the brilliant audiences each night. Many congratulations to all cast, crew and producers for a fantastic show! The next club event is the Panel Night on Monday 8th December with the side competition being the best design for the winter syllabus 2004/2005. For further information or transport to events please contact your nearest committee member, phone Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email beithyfc@hotmail.com.
HAPPY SNAPPERS
The members of Beith Camera Club took to the watery
depths on Thursday
evening in the expert company of Jack Morrison. A keen diver with over forty
years of experience, Jack entertained the club with some excellent colour
slides. He devoted the first half of his show to pictures he had taken in
the warm waters of the Red Sea off the Egyptian coast. In the second half of
his show, Jack returned to home waters with pictures taken at several
locations, including St. Abbs Head, Eyemouth, Loch Fyne and the Garvelloch
Isles in the Firth of Lorne near Easdale. Jack's superb pictures revealed an
amazing world of exotic and highly colourful marine life that is known only
to the skilled diver. The club members felt privileged to be able to enjoy a
visit to this secret world. Anyone wishing to improve their photographic skills
or simply enjoy the many speakers at the club are cordially invited to drop in
to the club night each Thursday evening at 7.30 pm in Beith Community Centre.
1st BEITH BB
The Company would like to thank all those who attended their Christmas Fair last
Friday evening. The total raised has yet to be finalised, but will be reported
in the Herald’s Beith column in due course. Last week it was intimated that
meetings would be back to normal tonight (Friday 5th December). However, due to
the town centre celebrations taking place tonight (Friday) there will in fact be
no meetings until Friday 12th December. Apologies for any inconvenience this may
cause.
ANGLING
Unless members of the Beith St Inan’s Angling Club have been fishing and not
signing in it appears that the President, Robert Jamieson, was the only member
to fish last week. He did, however, leave the fish stocks as he found them, a
not unusual occurrence! Due to the weather there was no work carried out last
week around the loch or on the club hut, but it is hoped to continue during the
winter months where possible.
MENS FELLOWSHIP
Due to the fact that the speaker last week was indisposed there was an
impromptu meeting of Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship. President John McGibbon
entertained the members with some reminiscences of holidays spent in Ireland and
Switzerland, which gave Fred Wood and Andy Simpson time to organise a slide show
on two very varied subjects, a trip to Canada, and Glasgow architecture. Thanks
to all three for filling in at very short notice. The speaker next week will be
Mr Murray Wilson, who will return to speak on A Walk In The Park, a further look
at the American Civil
War. Mr Wilson was very well received the last time he visited, and a good turn
out of members would be appreciated.
