WEEK ENDING: SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2004
BURNS BAIRNS: The assembled winners of the annual Burns Verse Speaking competition at Gateside Primary School with their copies of Barrmill and Burns.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP
BADMINTON DUO: Two of Beith Primary Schools finest badminton players, Calum Hercus and Graham Evans are members of the Ayrshire Badminton Team and have been playing to a very high standard in recent times.
(SP)
COMPUTER HICCUP
Computers are wonderful when they are working. How often have you heard that phrase. Apologies are humbly offered to a number of individuals who submitted information which is not included in this week’s column. Your correspondents ageing computer, which has seen better days and had been limping along for some time, finally gave up the ghost last Friday morning. Annoyingly, most of the notes for this week’s column were on the computer at the time of its demise. A replacement computer was up and running in jig time, but the files from the old computer have still to be retrieved and transferred. Another wonderful phrase comes to mind: “Did ye no’ back up your files?” And the sad answer, as usual, was no, not all of them. Anyone who had information which should have appeared this week is asked to contact the Beith correspondent at the usual number. And remember folks, when working with a computer, it really does save a lot of grief if you regularly back up your files. If only!
BURNS COMPETITION
Last Friday the pupils of Gateside Primary took part in the annual Burns Verse Speaking competition. Every pupil in the school took part and the judge was the Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald Reid. Needless to say, Donald had an extremely difficult but very enjoyable task in deciding which pupils would go forward to represent the village school in the Garnock Valley competition. The winners of that competition then go forward to the Ayrshire finals. The standard was very high indeed, especially in primary 4 where all the children performed ‘A Dug a Dug’ with great aplomb. All the teaching staff have worked really well with the children and everyone seemed to relish taking part. The results were as follows: Primary 1, 1st Scott Gibson; 2nd Kirsty McKechan and 3rd John Lamont. Primary 2, 1st Hannah Main; 2nd Mark Taylor and 3rd Caitlan Johnstone. Primary 3, 1stDamon Allan; 2nd Aneesah Sheikh and 3rd Heather Gibson. Primary 4, 1st Hazel Munro; 2nd Nicola Watson and 3rd Rosie McKinnie. Primary 5, 1st Erin Shepherd; 2nd Megan Reid and 3rd Scott Gillan. Primary 6, 1st Margaret McConnell; 2nd Kirstin Dunn and 3rd Caroline Ferguson. Primary 7, 1st Gavin Reid; 2nd David Bryson and 3rd Rhona Miller. All the above children were presented with a copy of the diamond jubilee booklet of the Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club, Barrmill and Burns and all the children who took part were given a copy of Donald Reid’s most recent local pictorial history book, Beith Bygones. Congratulations once again to all the children and staff at Gateside Primary and best wishes for the Garnock Valley competition.
BADMINTON
Graham Evans and Calum Hercus, both primary 7 pupils at Beith Primary School have been making their mark in the world of badminton. The big hitting shuttlers of Beith recently represented Ayrshire at a two day Anglo-Scottish inter-district tournament held in Newcastle. The Ayrshire team finished fourth behind strong teams from Yorkshire, Lothian and Lanark. Calum and Graham represented the school and the county very well playing in singles, mixed doubles and level doubles as partners. Both thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, making new friends with boys they normally play against in local competitions and improved their skill level at the same time. Recently the two friends were against each other in the final of the North Ayrshire Primary Schools tournament, which Calum won after a hard fought and nervous battle. The Beith pair were hopeful of great success in the doubles at the recent Ayrshire Schools Championships, but a back injury sustained at football training unfortunately resulted in Calum having to withdraw. Graham reached the quarter final of the singles at this event. Graham and Calum pass on their appreciation of the continued enthusiasm shown by Mrs McLauchlan at Beith Primary School Badminton Club by introducing local children to the sport and supporting them in their endeavours. It is also pleasing to be able to report that Beith children continue to do well in the sport at secondary school. Anyone for badminton?
CAMERA CLUB
It was another busy week for the enthusiastic members of Beith Camera Club. For the second week running, the club enjoyed a night out away from home. A party of members travelled on Monday evening to the south side of Glasgow for a match against Penilee Camera Club. It was a competition organised by the Glasgow District
Photographic Union, an association of clubs in the Glasgow area. Beith Camera Club's President Alastair Knox is the Secretary of this distinguished organisation. For the competition each club submitted twenty colour slides which were judged by David Hutchison of Greenock. The journey proved to be well worth the effort because when the marks were added up the Beith club was the winner. Last Thursday evening the club held its regular meeting in the Community Centre. The subject was the annual three-print competition. The entrants submitted three prints on a related theme all mounted on a single board.
Three of the club's own members acted as the judges, Alastair Knox, Joan Wilson and David Kerr. After much careful scrutiny of the prints, the judges awarded first place to Andy Simpson, second to Alan Wilson and third to John Massey. Throughout the week the club had a selection of prints displayed in Princes Court in Glasgow as part of the prestigious annual exhibition organised by Glasgow District Photographic Union. This is a showcase for the best work of the camera clubs in the city and surrounding towns. Finally an item that was missed from last week's report. When the club met in the Community Centre on 29th January, Alastair Knox and Alan Wilson revealed some more of the amazing powers that digital imaging software has bestowed on photographers. With a few clicks of the mouse, Alan resolved a problem that has defied the ingenuity of civil engineers for centuries. To the amazement of all, he restored the famous leaning tower of Pisa to the vertical. Now, folks, is that not truly miraculous! It certainly has been a busy and rewarding time of late for the happy snappers at Beith Camera Club and everyone will join in wishing them continuing success.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Schools in Beith and Gateside close today (Friday) at the usual times and will be on holiday for pupils on Monday and Tuesday and reopen on Wednesday February, 18 at the usual times. Have a happy holiday kids!
ARTS
Beith Arts Guild's next concert is on Sunday February, 22 at 2.30 pm in the Community Centre when Opera on a Shoestring make a welcome return visit. They will be performing popular music from operas set in earlier times. Tickets are £8, Conc. £5 children/students £1 and can be purchased at the door. For further information contact M Turner on 01505 502663
TORIES
Garnock Valley Branch of the Conservative and Unionist Association are holding a whist drive on March, 4 at 7.30 pm in Beith Community Centre. All welcome. Anyone wishng transport to this event contact 015050-502014 or 01294-822464.
POLICE
Police at Kilbirnie are investigating theft of metal gates which took place
between 29 and 30 January from Middleton House on the outskirts of Beith. The
gates were large and heavy and could only be moved by the use of cutting
equipment and a lorry or similar vehicle. They are of high value and anyone
with any information regarding the crime is asked to contact Constable
Maccoll at Kilbirnie Police office tel: 01505 404400
HISTORICAL
Beith Historical Society recently held their annual Burns Supper in the Eglinton Inn when 28 members and guest enjoyed a Burns night. The food and service was of a very high standard. he speaker Frank McCarrey a member of the Largs Cronies Club, gave a talk entitled a Burns Hotchpot which was very well received. At the end of a very enjoyable evening a vote of thanks was proposed by president Allan RichardsonThe next meeting of the Historical Society is on Thursday, February 26 when the speaker is the Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald Reid who will give a talk entitled: Dr Henry Faulds – Beith’s Pioneer of Fingerprints.
BURNS SUPPER
Beith Bowling Club will hold their annual Burns Supper in their clubhouse on Saturday February, 28. They have a first class group of speakers and entertainers and tickets are available from the club or any committee member priced at £8. This year’s indoor game will be held at Ardrossan on February, 22. The price is £14 and names should be added to the list in the clubhouse or advise Brian Monk as soon as possible..
HAPPY CHAPPERS
Dominoes and whist, as well as some enjoyable chitchat, is the order of the day at the twice weekly meeting of Beith Happy Chappers. On Tuesday the chapping champ was Mrs M Gardiner with Mrs M Kennedy second and Mrs M Carey third. On Thursday Mrs E McKechan zoomed ahead to win with Mrs I Reid second and Mrs M Carey third for the second time in a week. On Tuesday the whist champ was won by Mrs S Shaw with Mrs M Milne second and Miss F McCreadie third. For reasons unknown, there was no whist on Thursday. New members will be made most welcome and the club meets each Tuesday and Thursday in Beith Community Centre at 1.30 pm.
DISCO
Garnock United Boys Club are holding a disco tonight (Friday) in the Garnock Labour Club, Kilbirnie from 8.00 pm until late. The well know disc jockey, Big Jim Stirrit, will be providing the music and entertainment. Tickets are £3 from 682765 or simply turn up on the evening to support this event which aims to raise funds for the club. A number of Beith young people play in this football team.
CANCER
Bill and Moira Haining of Beith Cancer Support Group would like to thank the following for all their help and hard work at the annual dance last Friday evening which was a great success and enjoyed by all. £1,101.17 was the figure raised and the highest yet over a period of 15 years. The sandwich makers, Boy Scout leaders for manning the bar; and those who donated prizes and monetary donations are all thanked for their kind assistance.
DEATH OF BARRMILLIAN
It is with regret that we announce the death of well known Barrmillian, William Madden. Willie, who was born and spent his life in Barrmill, had been ill for several months and died peacefully at home on Sunday February, 8 the day before his 67th birthday. For many years Willie was a farm labourer at Foreside Farm and then worked at South Barr Farm and at local quarries in the district. For many years he served on the committee of Beith Farmers Society and had a great interest in agricultural matters. He was a great worker for the village and was always cheery and had a kind word for everyone. He was a keen indoor bowler and much of his social life revolved around Barrmill Community Centre. Commenting on his passing, Jean Gilbert, Chair of the Barrmill Community Assocation said: “Willie was a great man for the village. He always had time to blether and could be relied on to do his bit for the community. Our thoughts are very much with Jessie and their two daughters, Jessie and Margaret and son William. Willie will be sadly missed.”
RURAL
The next meeting of Greenhills Rural is on Wednesday February, 18 will be held in Barrmill Community Centre at 7.30 pm. The meeting takes the form of a bulb show and participants are reminded that these should be delivered to the hall between 1.30 pm and 2.00 pm and thereafter judging will commence. The evening meeting will take the form of chair exercises under the guidance of Mrs Jean Gilbert of Dalry.
FELLOWSHIP
Lasr weeks games night at Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship saw the most closely
contested bowls matches for some time. Three teams qualified for the final:
Iain Buchanan and John Coffin, who were + 8 shots, John Smith and Hugh Gibson,
who were + 7 shots, and Iain Ross and Jim Pearson, who were + 6 shots. Under
the current ruling the two teams with the highest shot difference contested the
final, and at the end of the three ends the score was 2 all. John Smith and
Hugh Gibson were adjudged the winners, since they had won two ends to their
opponents one. John Shields won the darts, with President John McGibbon as
runner up. Next weeks meeting is a games night, and is the closing round for
all second round ties. The Men's Fellowship would like to thank all those who
contributed to the success of their recent concert. The sum of £250 was raised.
BBa
As intimated last week, there was no meeting of the Junior or Company sections
of 1st Beith BBs last Friday, instead there was a visit to the
Basebowl in Saltcoats for a ten pin bowling session. This was a great success,
and all of the boys are to be commended for their behaviour during the visit.
All meeting will be back to the normal time next week. The people of Beith are
reminded of the car boot sale to be held in the BB Hall on Sunday 22nd
February. For more information please see the posters displayed in local shops.
TRANSPORT GROUP
Garnock Valley Transport Group have been operating in the valley for around 4 years. They provide a mini-bus for use by community groups and organisations. However, they are in urgent need of more volunteer drivers as many groups do not have their own driver. Anyone, aged 25 years and over, who may be interested in becoming a voluntary driver is asked to phone Moira on 01505-684544.
ANGLING
Last Friday saw President Robert Jamieson presiding over a very poor turn out of
members at the AGM one of Beith’s oldest organisations – Beith St Inan’s Angling
Club. In his opening remarks he commented on the fact that the club is the
current Scottish Club Champions, for a record fourth time, and congratulations
were due to the team of Jim Andrew, Tom Brown and Robert Aitken. He also
commented on the death of Willie Gemmell during the past season, Willie having
joined the club in 1942 being the longest serving club member. During the
course of the meeting various pieces of business were dealt with, including the
appointment of Tom Magee as vice president, and Iain Buchanan to the committee.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of awards as follows: Knox Trophy,
Mark McNaughton; Morrison Cup, William Brown; Brodie Trophy and Jamieson
Trophy, Jeff Barrie; Coach House Trophy and West Trophy, Andy Cooper; Mitchell
Cup and Crawford Cup, Jim Black;
Thermal Transfer Cup, Stuart McNaughton; Capua Cup, Robert Aitken; Nelson Cup,
Robert Jamieson; the Club Championship was won by Jim Black. Members are
reminded that tickets for the new season will be available in the Community
Centre lounge on the first two Fridays in March, and the good news is that the
price has not been increased. Congratulations to all participants in the various
competitions and a special word of congratulations to those who lifted the
silverware.
JUDO
M-A-S Judo Club meet in the old Harriers Hut, Beith, each Tuesday from 6.30 pm until 9.00 pm. The club currently has just over 15 members and new participants in the sport will be made welcome. Contact club coach Steven Smith on 07944-658023.
SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Safety Forum meet in Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie on Thursday February, 12 at 7.30 pm. The aim of the Forum is to tackle community safety issues covering a wide spectrum including crime, fire safety and general safety issues which effect communities. If you would like further information about the Forum or a copy of their regular newsletters contact Brenda Allen on 01475-568650.
DISABILITY
The next meeting of Garnock Valley Disability Forum will be held in Radio City at 1.30 pm on Wednesday February, 25. Members are asked to note the change of venue. Membership fees (£5) are now due and should be paid at this meeting. Anyone requiring transport is asked to contact Jean Gilbert on 01505-502521.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Barrmill Community Association are holding a Scots Night in the village hall on Saturday February, 21 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £5 and this includes a haggis supper. Entertainment is by Mr Young’s band of Troon.
BURNS SUPPER
Last Friday evening Donald Reid and Anne McCorquodale of Beith were two of the principal speakers at St Winnoch Singers Burns Supper in Lochwinnoch. Donald proposed the toast to the Immortal Memory and Anne replied to the Toast to the Lasses. After the formal Burns Supper the guests, numbering 120, were entertained by the excellent choir who sang a varied range of Burns songs. All in all, a great evening much enjoyed by everyone.
CHURCH SERVICE
The monthly church service will be held in Barrmill Community Centre on Sunday February, 29 at 6.00 pm and will be conducted by Rev Fiona Ross.
KARATE
Garnock Valley Karate Club meet every Monday in the Harriers Hall, Beith, from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm. The club is the original Japanese Karate Association (JKA) Shotokan Karate Club in the Garnock Valley. The club has been established in the valley for well over 35 years. It has been run by a fourth Dan (JKA) instructor, Sandy Kerr of Dalry, who has more than 25 years continuous training with the top Japanese instructors. Sandy has had to keep up with many changes throughout this time and his continuous dedication to the art of Shotokan makes him one of the best instructors in the area. Sandy is ably assisted by his JKA fully qualified team and the clubis fully insured throught the Scottish Karate Board of Control. The local instructors are Sandy Kerr, 4th Dan; Steven Asbury, 1st Dan; Andrew Everett 2nd Dan; Monty Sneddon, 1st Dan and David Shannon, 1st Dan. Any wishing further information about the club can contact Sandy Kerr on 01294-832316 or Steven Asbury on 01505-685299. All new members will be given a warm welcome.
KARATE
A new Shotokan Karate Club has recently opened in Radio City, Kilbirnie, on Thursdays from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm in the games hall. The instructor is Graham Guffie, who is a 3rd 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.
CHOIR
Diary date! Cunninghame Choir will hold their annual concert in St Margaret’s Church, Dalry on May, 8 at 7.30 pm and will perform a specially commissioned work by leading composer Robin Erskine and the German Requiem by Brahms.
SURGERIES
PC Jim Dougall and PC Sandy Brown will be holding police surgeries between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm in Beith Police Office on Wednesday February, 25; Wednesday March, 24; Wednesday April, 21 and Wednesday May, 19. The officers are keen that local folk take this opportunity to come along and confidentially raise any concerns they may have. To contact the local officers contact them via Kilbirnie Police Office on 01505-404400.
If you have a local newsworthy item to share, you can contact your correspondent on 01505-503801 or by e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com.
