ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD: BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER 2003
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GATESIDE GOODIES: Lots of goodies were on offer at Gateside fayre last Sunday. One group of helpers are snapped at their bright stall.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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FAYRE LADIES: Some of the helpers at Beith High Church Christmas fayre last Saturday.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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PIEMAN: World Champion pie maker, Maurice Irvine, displays some of his world class Beith pies. See Beith local notes.
(Phto: Donald L Reid - S)
NEWS ITEMS
PARADE
Phew, did you make to the parade last Friday? Tiring, but brilliant, eh! For the second year running the weather was exceptionally kind courtesy of special arrangements made via Rev Fiona Ross, Father John Kinsler and Pastor Bill Shirlaw! Well, that’s there story anyway! Above all it was the folk, young and old, who turned out in large numbers for the torchlight parade from Eglinton Street to Main Street which made the event go with a swing. And wasn’t it great that the tree was left alone this year to be enjoyed by everyone. Thanks! The parade was marshalled by a variety of volunteers and co-ordinated by Beith Scouts under Jimmy Cummings and the local community police officers, Sandy Brown and Jim Dougall. A large number of folk including many of the uniformed organisations paraded along the route which was lined with locals keen to view the parade. At 6.30 pm prompt the parade set off led by the merry pipers of Linwood. As they walked past Beith Cross the Christmas tree was switched on and a little later the famous Auld Kirk, dating to 1593, was partially floodlit. On arrival in Main Street, the parade came to a halt and the Rev Fiona Ross welcomed everyone on behalf of the organisers, Beith Town Centre Initiative. The best dressed window competition, judged by proud Beithite Joyce A Walker dressed as only Joyce can in uniquely festive costume, were announced. The winner of the James T F Muir Salver was Deb ‘N’ Hair of Wilson Street with Ann’s Fruit and Veg and Beith Library, both of Main Street and Val’s Confections of Eglinton Street all receiving high commendations for their festive windows. However, it has to be emphasised that every shop was a winner in that their efforts to make Beith a happier and brighter place was much appreciated by locals. The shops and businesses in the town, without exception, did a roaring trade and even Dougie Bates, the best known barber in Beith, had additional staff clip, clip, clipping away at a hectic pace as long-haired locals queued to help Dougie achieve in maginificent style his business and advertising motto - leave your hair on Dougie’s flare! Next door to Beith’s barber, Ann McGonigle also had extra staff in place as her fruit sold like veritable hot cakes! Locals were queuing out into Main Street to see Santa and his merry helpers in Woodside, Ironmonger, who also had additional staff on hand to deal with the demand for a variety of Christmas goodies. Blackwood the Butcher was selling mince and steaks hand over fist with a long line of patient customers stretching into the crowded Main Street. Meanwhile, the Christian Action Group Thrift Shop was offering customers old and new, shortbread and vintage ginger wine, the old style which burns the back of the throat but leaves a most wonderful taste. Do you remember it? Pop in if you want the secret recipe! Beith Thrift Shop must surely rank as one of the best shops of its type anywhere in the whole world, eh folks! And of course, the committee and lady volunteers had this confirmed when they recently came second in the Community Business of the Year in the Scottish Calor Gas Awards. Well done folks! Further along Main Street B & A Travel was a popular resort for many holiday-bound Beithites, although on the evening it was probably the offer of a range of enticing foods and wines which saw Beith’s favourite holiday booking cente packed to the guddles all night. Eglinton Street was also extremely busy. This year Irvine, bakers stayed open and did a roaring trade in pies, bridies and cakes to suit all tastes. The hungry Beithites were in fish supper mode and from 6.30 pm until almost 9.00 pm Friar Tuck’s was selling fish and chips and the supervisors cry was ‘fry, fry, fry, fish chips and pie.’ The same story was told at the other eating-houses in the town with the Main Street cafes and Arabica bistro packed to capacity as locals enjoyed a relaxing coffee or snack prior to continuing their festive frolics on this special evening of shopping. Main Street saw professional clowns on hand to entertain the youngsters and of course Kilbirnie Salvation Army Band were again on hand to remind everyone of the spirit of Christmas as they played all the popular carols. The Scouts were also busy feeding the masses with their large tented area on the grassed area of Main Street overlooking the Cross doing a constant trade with mouth-watering burgers which were disappearing at an alarming rate. Santa’s grotto was situated under canvas in Mitchell Street and the line-up of visitors kept Santa and his helper, the inimitable bearded Bill Neill, busy for over two hours. A number of groups were also raising funds during the evening. Beith Junior committee and supporters had a spot slap bang in the centre of Main Street and only a few managed to pass without parting with at least a quid for their annual raffle. Beith Playpark Action Group also had a stall to sell tickets for their annual draw and the crowds queuing outside Woodside’s gave the playparkers a steady group of revelers happy to part with the bawbees to help achieve a first class playpark in Beith. Every shop had it’s story to tell and the atmosphere this year was simply magic. The shoppers were delighted at the reception they received in every shop and business. The late night shopping event saw folk meeting each other for the first time since the magical weekend of Beith Fair. It was that type of friendly, welcoming atmosphere which brings the best out in everyone. The committee of Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) must take great credit for organising this event which now looks likely to be a fixture on the festive calendar of Beith. They pass on their thanks to Santa, Rev Fiona Ross, Joyce A Walker, Robert Boyd, Donald Reid, John Smith, John Burns, Danny Gilbert, Councillor Jean Highgate, Fiona Highgate, Norman and Rose Brown (Tenamast), Bobby Kirk of North Ayrshire Council, The 102nd Beith Scout Group, Linwood Pipe Band, Linda Brown, Yas and staff of Cross Pharmacy, Local Police Officers, especially Sandy Brown and Jim Dougall. Whilst many folk are inevitably involved in organizing such events and apologies for anyone who has not been specifically mentioned, it would be remiss not to make special mention of Christine Burns of Cross Pharmacy, whose organisational work in the build up to the event was certainly above and beyond the call of duty. Modest as ever, Christine was simply delighted that everyone had a great night and towards the end of a long and exciting evening she was already putting in place plans for the 2004 event which she hopes will be even brighter and better with the weather once again guaranteed to be kind. Well done everyone who was involved in any way in making this yet another success for Beith. Another great night in a great little town.
TOWN AWARD
Following the success of Beith in the recent Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards it was agreed by Beith and District Community Council that the £250 prize be donated to Beith Playpark Action Group to help in their endeavours towards achieving a state-of-the-art play facility for children and young people at Beith Public Park.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
Chap, chap, chapping could be heard at Beith Strand last week. Locals suspected that the sound was coming from the ongoing works at the Cross. However, we are able to exclusively reveal that the the chapping was coming from Beith Community Centre where the happy chappers are increasing in numbers following the regular coverage in the Herald. The good news is that the happy chappers are attracting several new members, hence the increased chapping levels heard about Beith every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Last week the happy chappers went on their annual outing to see the lights in Glasgow and afterward enjoyed a first class tea at Harry Ramdsden. Last Tuesday the chapping champ was the in form Ina McCauslane with M Kennedy second and Margaret Gardiner third. On Thursday Ina McCauslane again left M Kennedy and A Gibson trailing. On Tuesday the whist champion was Miss F McCreadie with F Reid second and M Wilson and S Shaw joint third. Miss F McCreadie was again the champion on Thursday with Margaret Montgomery second and S Shaw third. Great to see the happy chappers are flourishing.
GET WELL
One of Beith and districts best known characters, James T F Muir of Barrmill, has been ill of recent times. Jimmy is one of those tireless and unsung workers for a number of organsations including the Community Council, Garnock Valley Safety Forum, the Crime Prevention Panel, Garnock Valley Transport Group and the Royal British Legion. The good news is that Jimmy is now on the mend. It was also good to see the Beith Guide Commissioner, Ellen Hart out and about at the High Kirk fayre last Saturday. Ellen is another great community worker and she was laid low for several weeks, but is now beginning to make a good recovery. Everyone will join in wishing Jimmy and Ellen a speedy return to full health.
BEITH HEALTH
Dr Peggie and partners at Beith Health Centre, Reform Street, intimate some changes of availability and routine over the festive period. On Tuesday, 23 December the surgery will be closed from 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm. Patients are asked to submit repeat prescriptions by 12 noon on Tuesday, 23 December and again by 12 noon on Tuesday, 30 December. It is stressed that only emergency prescriptions will be dispensed on 24 and 29 December. The Health Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 2 January. Anyone requiring emergency treatment during the festive periods and when the surgery is closed should contact ADOC on 0845-7413003.
PIE EYED
Last Tuesday Beith’s world champion baker, Maurice Irvine, travelled to the fair city of Perth with his father and mentor, Tom ‘Pie’ Irvine, where they attended the fifth Anual
World Pie Championship luncheon at the Huntingtower Hotel. Maurice Irvine has award winning bakers shops in Beith, Kilbirnie and Dalry. He was duly presented with three awards in the speciality section, (250 entries) which were bronze award for gammon and pineapple pie, silver for seafood and potato crow and for the second successive year Maurice returned to Beith with a gold award for his world famous cow pie, complete with horns. To say that Maurice and Tom were delighted at this accolade was an understatement, especially as Irvine’s of Beith were one of only two Ayrshire companies to win anything. Maurce received an added surprise when he was given special recognition by being made an honorary member of the Scotch Pie Club for his support of the club and success over the past five years when Irvine’s of Beith have lifted a total of 4 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze awards. This is a great accolade for Beith’s Master Baker and indeed a great honour for the town. Commenting on this most recent success Maurice said: “This is a fantastic honour for me, my family, and our company which has 45 very skilled and enthusiastic staff and lots of very loyal and supportive customers. To win any award is always fantastic but our customers will always be our best judges." There is no truth in the rumour circulating locally that when Maurce and Tom arrived back in the Beith they were well and truly ‘pie eyed.’ Mind you, if they were who could have blamed them! Everyone in the Garnock Valley will join if offering warm congratulations to Maurice Irvine and all his staff on another great success.
FAYRE
Gateside Yuletide 2003 was held last Sunday in the Patrick Memorial hall from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. There was a good turnout of locals to support the event. The North Ayrshire Band were on hand to play for the carol singing bringing a reminder of the real theme of Christmas. The Craft Fayre was very successful and visitors bought many presents. Needless to say, Santa was popular with the youngsters as he visited to switch on the lights as well as staying to meeting the young folk. All monies raised from this event will be donated to Ayrshire Hospice.
XMAS FAYRE
Beith High Church held their annual Christmas Fayre in the Church Hall on last Saturday morning with many of the visitors staying on to sample the delicious soup and sandwich lunch. There sas a wide range of interesting items to choose from for Christmas presents and many of the stalls were quickly sold out. The fayre raised £1,725 with some money still to come in. The organisations committee pass on their grateful thanks to everyone who supported the event.
PLAYPARK GROUP
Beith Playpark Action Group are still working hard 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. Last Saturday they held a disco in Beith Community Centre and this was well supporter by youngsters who enjoyed dance the night away to help raise funds for a new playpark in Beith.
SPIERS HOME
Spiers Nursing Home held a Christmas Fayre on Thursday December 4, which raised the sum of £400 for the Nursing Home Comfort Fund. The fayre was well supported by family and friends of the residents. The organizing staff pass on their grateful thanks to everyone who helped make the event such a success.
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.
VISITOR TO BEITH
About fifty years ago, Rev Glen Bowie was a student training for the ministry at Beith High with Beith’s longest serving minister, the late Rev John Murray Woodburn. Rev Bowie visited Beith and attended morning worship at High Church last Sunday morning when the service was led by Rev Fiona Ross. After completing his training for ministry he became a chaplain in the RAF for the whole of his ministerial career. His now lives in retirement with his wife in Cambridgeshire, but has fond memories of his time training in Beith with Rev John Murray Woodburn. He was delighted to renew acquaintance with several members of the congregation of fifty years ago.
XMAS FAYRE
Christmas diary date! 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.
WRI
Greenhills Rural held their December meeting in Barrmill Community Centre when president Mrs Barbara Raeside presided. After dealing with business matters, Mrs Raeside introduced Mr Bruce Brown who gave an excellent talk on wine making. Needless to say this was no sober and sombre evening and the tasting session was greatly enjoyed by all the ladies. Mr Brown explained how he collects wild flowers and berries and makes them into delicious wine and he again allowed the ladies to sample a range of his home produced wines. The Reid trophy for a Christmas parcel for an Erskine Home patient: 1st Mrs Jeanette Brown, 2nd Mrs Nancy Brown and 3rd Mrs Sadie Brown. The Salver for an individual sweet: 1st Mrs Nancy Brown, 2nd Mrs Jeanette Brown and 3rd Miss Margaret Brown. This was indeed a successful night for Clan Brown. At the close of the meeting vice president Mrs Sheila Craig was just sober enough to give a comprehensive vote of thanks and the ever-so-merry ladies were soon homeword bound having thoroughly enjoyed a memorable evening.
ANGLING
Members of Beith St Inan’s Angling Club are reminded that the club AGM will
not be held tonight (Friday, 12th December). The fact that the AGM has been
postponed was intimated in the Herald’s Beith News some weeks ago, but
apparently not all members are aware of the change. All members will be send a
letter with advance warning of the date of the AGM, which is now likely to be
held in January.
1st BEITH BB
Meetings of all sections of 1st Beith BBs will be back to normal this
tonight (Friday), with all sections meeting in the BB hall at the usual time.
Thanks to those who supported the Company's efforts last Friday evening when the
lads enjoyed taking part in the town’s Lights and Laughter parade.
FELLOWSHIP
Last Monday saw a good turn out of members at Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship for
a games night. After a word of welcome from president John McGibbon a keenly
contested night of bowls got underway. So keen was the bowls that there were
three teams eligible for the final, and after an extra end of bowls John
McGibbon and Gearge Colligan were eliminated, leaving Jim Paton and Robert
Jamieson to contest the final against Harry Shields and Ian Buchanan. Based on
shots won, Jim and Robert were underdogs, but had obviously saved their best
bowls for the final, winning by the narrowest of margins. Jim Paton then
completed a double by winning the darts. Next week sees the final meeting
before Christmas, and takes the form of a games night at which the Simpson
Memorial Trophy will be contested. As this is a knockout competition members
are asked to turn up in good time to enable the draw to be made early.
NEW BOOK
The Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid’s most recent book, Doon Valley Bygones, published by Beith Writers and Speakers Group, has been an outstanding success. This book, illustrated with over 150 photos of people, places and events of yesterday and today in Dalmellington, Dunaskin, Patna, Dalrymple and the no longer extant ‘Hill villages of the Doon Valley. The book has proved to be very popular indeed with over 900 copies of the 1,000 print run sold in the amazingly short pereiod of just three weeks. Donald is currently working full tilt researching his latest book project, The Lost Villages of the Doon Valley, which covers Lethanhill, Burnfoothill, Benwhat, Corbie Craigs, Tongue Row, Kerse, Craigmark and Beoch, often referred to as North Beoch. None of these forming ironstone and coal mining villages exist today, but a dwindling number of former resides, all now in the Autumn of their lives, will remember these villages with great affection. He is keen to interview folk who lived or worked or have special memories of these villages. Former villagers will be scattered throughout Ayrshire and indeed further afield. Anyone who wishes to assist in this book project can contact Donald on 01505-503801 or e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com.
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.
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.
NATIONAL WOMENS REGISTER
The Beith Branch of the National Womens Register are on the lookout for new members. The group meets regularly and has many interesting speakers. The local organizer, Mrs Helen Blackburn, is very keen that local women have the opportunity to experience the fun and friendship of this organisation for women. For further information contact Helen on 01505-502271.
SPEED CAMERA
Last week Beith’s first ever speed camera was installed on Dalry Road just south of Balfour Avenue. The siting of the camera directly in the middle of the pavement has attracted more than a few negative comments from pedestrians. It does seem somewhat ludicrous that the camera pole has been located exactly in the centre of the pavement. Readers will be aware that over recent years all lamp standards have been moved to the sides of pavements to ensure that pedestrians, especially those with disabilities, can have safe passage on the pavement. So, the positioning on the pavement of this camera is not really the cleverest piece of road engineering. That apart, it is good news that traffic will hopefully now drive within the recognised speed limits. If there is even one less injury on the accident blackspot of Dalry Road near to Morrishill Estate then the camera will have contributed to overall road safety. So, it’s only three out of ten for the positioning of the camera pole, but ten out of ten for delivering an effective system of reducing speed on Dalry Road which contributes towards preventing death and injury of our roads. Locals will also be aware that a new system of traffic monitoring has been installed at Highfield on the A737 road. There is a ‘slow down’ sign which confronts motorists on both approaches to Highfield and also an occasional flashing light which many motorists wrongly assume to be a speed camera. Again, the message to motorists is clear. Drive within the speed limits. A similar system is also being introduced again on the A737 at Barkip. Happy and safe motoring, folks.
CONCERT
Last week the North Ayrshire Brass Band were guests of Kilbirnie Salvation Army Band at a joint concert in Kilbirnie Salvation Army Hall. A large audience enjoyed an evening of music dedicated entirely to remembering Eric Ball, a Salvationist, who was one of the greatest ever composers of brass band music. 2003 marked the centenary of Ball’s birth and this special year was being marked by brass bands all over the world. This was the Garnock Valley’s tribute to Eric Ball, a giant of brass band composition, conducting and adjudicating. Both bands were in fine form and each selected their own programme of Eric Ball music. The finale saw the joint bands playing one of the all-time great marches, Star Lake. The North Ayrshire Band was conducted by George Darroch and Hugh Brennan whilst Jim McIvor conducted the Salvation Army Band. All in all a great evening of entertainment which could be repeated in future.
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.
GUIDES
3rd Beith Guides took part in the Beith’s lights and laughter parade last Friday and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the parade and late night shopping. Tonight (Friday) the Guides meet at 6.00 pm at the High Church Hall when they will travel to the Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock, where they will enjoy the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.
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
Yes folks, it’s the season when you hear those famous phrases shouted by excited youngsters: Behind you! Behind you! Oh no it’s not, oh yes it is. Can only be panto time, eh! The famous thespians of Beith High Drama are holding their annual scintillating 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 matinee performance on Saturday 13 December curtain up at 2.00 pm. This years pantomime is Cinderella and has a cast of around 30 in what is bound to be another side-splitting success for the Beith thespians. Tickets are available from Chatterbox Café, Main Street or by contacting Willie Fletcher on 01505-502913 or any member of the cast or you can simply turn up at any performance in the hope that there are still a few seats available. But remember there is just the possibility that the box office staff may know more about the ticket situation and when a ticket request is made, they may well repeat that famous pantomime phrase: Oh no there’s not!
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.
RANGERS CLUB
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club intimate that the bus for the game against Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday, 14 December will leave Kilbirnie at 10.45 am and Beith at 11.00 am. All traveling must contact John on 500264 or Andy on 503928 before Thursday, 11 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 wingers in the game. The ticket price is £20 and includes a full dinner. Word has it that tickets have been selling very well indeed with only a few now left. 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, so if you want to attend you should apply now to avoid disappointment.
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.
XMAS
The season of goodwill is once again upon us. Lights and decorations are now appearing all over Beith. Each year there seems to be bigger, better and brighter displays. For example, Mrs Anderson in Mains Road is well known for her fascinating Christmas lights and the warm welcome she gives to local youngsters who flock to see her Christmas scenes. Perhaps we can have a competition for the best Beith house and garden display this year. If you want to nominate anyone for the best domestic Christmas light display, contact the Beith correspondent with details of the house nominated. A certificate and prize are on offer for the best three. Those nominated to the Beith correspondent will be judged before Christmas. The judge has still to be selected to view those nominated. So, if you know of a special display in any home in Beith and district, make sure you nominate them and they may win a prize for making Beith a brighter place during the Christmas festivities. On your marks, get set, and go for the decorations, folks.
BOWLING
Beith Bowling Club Members are advised that they can now pay their Annual Subscriptions by instalments on the last Friday in January, February and March, 2004 at the Club, when the Treasurer Brian Gemmell will be in attendance for this purpose. The balance of subscriptions have to be paid on or before opening day. For further information members can contact the treasurer on 01505-502803.
JUDO
M-A-S Judo Club meet in the old Harriers Hut, Gateside Crossroads, Beith, each Tuesday from 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm. The premises have recently been fully refurbished and brought up to a good standard. The club currently has fifteen members and new members will be made very welcome. Simply attend at the club or contact the club coach, Steven Smith on 07944-658023 for further information.
GATESIDE RURAL
Gateside WRI held their most recent meeting on Thursday December, 4 when there was a very good attendance of members and visitors from surrounding rurals. After business, president Catherine McCarter introduced the guests who were taking part in the panel night. The panel guests were Mrs Shanks, Rev David Harbison, Miss Jean Gilbert and the Herald’s Beith correspondent, Doanld Reid. The questions and answers were very interesting and at times highly amusing and gave everyone a good laugh. Two Dalry ladies judged the competitions and the results are as follows. The Rosebowl for an advent calendar: 1st Mabel Campebll, 2nd Isobel Monahan and 3rd Helen Craig. The Garven trophy for three rum truffles: 1st Isobel Monahan, 2nd Janet Edmunds. A lovely tea was provided by the committee which was great enjoyed by everyone. Ann Dickson gave a comprehensive vote of thanks and the evenings events closed with the singing of the national anthem.
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.
EARL HAIG
The people of Beith and district have once again shown tremendous support for the Earl Haig Fund Poppy Appeal, increasing the amount collected by over £100 on last year’s total. The magnificent sum of £2,823 was donated this year. Mrs Isobel Monahan, organiser of Beith appeal, would like to thank all those who contributed, the ever willing band of collectors and the Bank of Scotland staff for their help. The generosity of those who contributed is very much appreciated.
HAPPY SNAPPERS
Beith Camera Club was taken on a tour of Northern Italy
on last Thursday evening
by Alastair Knox, the club's President. Alastair put on an audio-visual show
using two projectors to present a fine collection of colour-slides with a
recorded commentary and a musical soundtrack. The tour began in the
Dolomites and travelled by way of Lake Garda, Venice and Florence to Rome
and Pisa before returning north again to Verona. The journey in the warmth
of the Italian sunshine was a welcome escape from the chill of a winter
evening in Ayrshire. Alastair had previously shown an earlier version of
this show, but the club was privileged to see an improved and extended
version on Thursday. It demonstrated what can be achieved using the
audio-visual techniques and provided the members with an excellent example. The
Camera Club meets each Thursday evening in the community centre and new members
and occasional guest will be warmly welcomed.
SNP
Beith and District Branch of the Scottish National Party
will hold the December meeting of their 'Sunday Speakers Club' in the Beith
Community Centre on Sunday 14th at 2pm.
This months guest speakers are Douglas Henderson, SNP Prospective European
Candidate and Councillor Derek MacKay SNP Deputy Group Leader on Renfrewshire
Council. Branch members are reminded that tickets for the meeting on the 18th of
January, when the Guest speaker will be John Swinney, MSP National Convener of
the SNP, can be collected at the meeting this Sunday. For further information
contact Beith SNP Convener John Johnstone Tel: 01505 502680
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.
SHOTAKAN
A new Shotaken Karate club will be opening up at the exciting new venture at Radio City, Kilbirnie on Thursday, 15 January 2004. The classes will run every Thursday from 7.00 – 900 pm in the games hall. The instructor is Graham Guffie who is a third Dan with over 15 years experience. Adults and children over 7 years at all levels will be made most welcome. For further details contact 01505-684181.
RSPB
Tomorrow (Saturday 13 December) those heading down
Lochwinnoch to the RSPB centre can enjoy an
Introduction to birdwatching
session from 12 noon until 2.00pm.
This takes the form of guided walk around the reserve, with guidance for
beginners to birdwatching. The cost for NON-RSPB/WILDLIFE
EXPLORERS MEMBERS: Adults £3.00/Children (under 16) £1.50.
RSPB/WILDLIFE EXPLORERS MEMBERS:
Adults £2.00/Children 50p.
Please book in advance by
telephoning 01505 842663 or email
lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.
On Sunday 14 December:
Aren’t Birds
Brilliant! Is the theme from 1.00 pm –3.00pm at Castle Semple Loch.
Why not come along and enjoy viewing the extensive range and variety of water
birds of Castle Semple Loch alongside RSPB staff. This is a jint event with
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Binoculars and telescopes will be available free
of charge. No need to book, just turn up! Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve's
Events program for 2004 (Jan-Dec) will be available at the end of December.
Please call in to the reserve to get your copy, or if you wish to receive
monthly e-mails with details of events, email
lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk
FOOTBALL
Beith’s budding footballers are advised that North Ayrshire Leisure are holding a football training sessions at Meadowside every Friday evening from 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm. This is aimed at youngsters aged 12 – 15 years (secondary 1 – 3 pupils). Admission to the scheme is free and anyone wishing to improve their footballing skills will find this course very beneficial. For further information simply attend at Meadowside Pavilion at the times shown or contact Craig Hamilton, North Ayrshire Leisure on 01294-317456 for further information.
WHIST
Beith Community Association Christmas whist will be held in the village hall on Wednesday December 17 at 7.30 pm. All welcome. Anyone wishing to take a table should contact Jean on 01505-502521.
XMAS PART
Barrmill Community Association are holding a chidrens Christmas party in the village hall on Sunday December 21 from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Children 14 years and under are very welcome. However, it is stressed that children under 5 years must be accompanied throughout by an adult. The cost is £1.50 and Santa is almost certain to make an appearance with presents for those attending.
