ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 17 AUGUST 2003
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ISLAND WALKERS
A group of walkers from Beith Trinity and High Church enjoyed a recent walk round the Island of Cumbrae in sunshine conditions. See Beith local notes
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HAPPY COUPLE
Jean and Tom Boyd recently celebrated 40 years marriage. During that period they have farmed at South Barr, Barrmill, but now live in the village. See Beith local notes.
(Photo: Donald L Reid SP)
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FLOWER POWER
Winners and guests gather outside Barrmill Community Centre as the last rays of the sun allow an outside photograph. See Beith Local notes.
Back row (l to r): William Kennedy, Jessie Madden, Councillor Ian Richardson, Joan Harper and John Larkin (Judge).
Front row: Maureen Wylie and Andy Lennie
(Photo: Donald L Reid SP)
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RECYCLING: Staff and volunteers at RSPB Centre, Lochwinnoch are keen ensure that all their activities are environmentally friendly. See Beith local notes.
(SP)
GRADUATE
Laura Anderson, 21, of Barrmill has just graduated BEd (Hons) in Music from Aberdeen University. Laura is the daughter of well known local thespians, Evelyn and Brian Anderson who have taken part in most of the successful pantomimes, plays and shows staged by High Drama. Indeed Laura has followed in the footsteps of her parents and trod the boards with distinction for some five years with Beith High Drama when she also took part in a number of memorable pantomimes and plays. Laura is keen on all types of music and singing and plays piano and saxaphone. She intends to teach music at secondary school level and is currently serving a probationary year at Battlefield High School, Dalkeith. Congratulations, Laura.
BARRMILL
Barrmill Community Association are holding a fund raising car boot sale in the village on Saturday, 6 September from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm. They are keen to attract as many car booters as possible. Each car or stall is asked to pay a donation fee of £5 and you can book your spot by contacting Jean on 01505-502521.
BRASS BAND
North Ayrshire Brass Band are back in action after the summer break. The band meet each Tuesday evening in the Social Wing at Garnock Academy from 7.30 pm till 9.30 pm. The band are always on the lookout for new players in all instrumental sections. This Saturday the band will be playing at Marymass, Irvine. The band are holding a celebration ceildh on Friday, 31 October in Beith Community Centre. This event will also formally mark the retiral from the band of Hugh Brennan who was the founder member and musical director for almost 30 years. However, the good news is that Hugh will remain with the band in a playing capacity. The ceildh will be a night of great enjoyment for everyone past and present connected with the band. It will also provide a suitable opportunity for the band to mark Hugh’s enormous contribution to brass banding. Tickets for this event can be reserved by contacting Donald L Reid on 01505-503801.
WRITERS WORKSHOP
Ardrossan based authors, John and Noreen Steele are to hold a workshop for writers who may be struggling to get their work into print. John and Noreen have penned several books about the stricken HMS Dasher aircraft carrier and about Horse Island. The workshop, based at Saltcoats Library and to be held from 2. – 4 pm on Tuesday, September 2, will offer guidance and tips on researching, writing and getting pieces published. John is vice president of Beith and District Writers Group and is very well known in the Garnock Valley where he has given several of his acclaimed talks on the HMS Dasher mystery. To book a place on the workshop call 01294-469546.
PRIZE GUYS
Beithites, Jack and Betty Elliott are well known in Ayrshire gardening circles. They have a special expertise when it comes to producing prize fuschias, of which they have a huge collection. At the recent Ayr Flowers Show they again featured in the prize list with two firsts, two seconds and three third prizes. Most folk would be delighted at this result, but Jack admitted that due to recent family illness, his fuschias were not up to his usual high standard as he was unable to dedicate his normal level of work to his hobby. Word has it that Jack and Betty will they will be taking part in the forthcoming Troon Show.
THANKS
The youth section of Garnock Rugby Club would like to thank the customers of Beith Co-op for their generosity when the lads were involved in a bag pack on 9th August. They are delighted to be able to report that they raised £588 which has been donated to the Co-op charity appeal for CHAS. Congratulations to all the young folk and club coaches at Garnock Rugby Club. The under 15 team returned from their tour of Denmark last week when they thoroughly enjoyed some competitive games against Danish sides.
THANKS
Mrs Janet Lamont of Borestone passes on her grateful thanks to all those who sent cards, flowers and visited during her recent stay at Crosshouse and Irvine Hospitals. Janet is very well known, especially in the rural community, and is a very enthusiastic member of Greenhills Rural.
ROYAL RETREAT
Last Sunday a contingent from the Garnock Valley Branch, Royal British Legion, took part in the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh in the presence of HRH the Duke and Duchess of Wessex. The group travelled through to Edinburgh in the Garnock Valley Transport Group mini-bus driven by Legion member Jimmy Muir, who incidentally is also chairman of the Transport Group. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed a right royal experience and were very proud to have taken part in this special event. Needless to say they were very tired by the time they returned to the Garnock Valley late on Sunday evening, but will long have happy memories of their royal day.
BARRMILL GARDENERS
Barrmillians can now put down their watering cans and spades and relax. The mounting tension was discernible as everyone plugged away to ensure that all gardens were spruced up for the judging of the best kept garden competition. To the relief of everyone the results were announced last week at a social evening in Barrmill Community Centre chaired by Jean Gilbert who made special mention of Councillor Ian Richardson who was in attendance. The Brown Trophy was won by Andy Lennie with William Kennedy and Jessie Madden highly commended. The Barrmill Association Salver was won by Maureen Wylie with Joan Harper and Tom Gilbert highly commended. The judge with the unenviable task was John Larkin of Dalry. He was fulsome in his praise of the highs standard of gardens in the village and rural areas of Barrmill. A comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Jean Gilbert and everyone enjoyed the usual first class hospitality of the Barrmillians.
SPONSORED WALK
Several members and friends of Trinity Church Beith recently completed a sponsored walk around Cumbrae. The weather was excellent and everyone enjoyed the fun and fellowship together as they merrily tramped around the route of coastal delight. On returning to Largs it was time for a compulsory high tea, before returning home with weary legs, some blistered feet and happy memories of a great day out. This was the second year that a group of friends from Trinity Church have completed this endeavour and it looks like it will become an annual event. The sum raised was £712 which will be used to buy some new chairs for the church. The merry walkers pass on their grateful thanks to all their kind sponsors.
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.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Tom and Jean Boyd are well known in the Garnock Valley and they recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a meal for family and friends in the Manor Farm Hotel. Tom and Jean met in the early 1960s when they were both members of their respective Young Farmers Clubs. Tom was on South Barr Farm, Barrmill whilst Jean lived at Betherickfield Farm, Bridge of Weir. They were married on 6 August 1963 at Houston and Killellan Church, Houston by the Rev George Mortimer. They moved to South Barr Farm and lived there until 1990 when they moved to a cottage in Barrmill Village only a short walk from South Barr. They have two sons, William who is a banker in Kilwinning and Robin who farms at South Barr. Tom still works on the farm with son Robin and he says he is at his happiest when he is out and about in the fields making sure the beasts are well. Tom is an active member of Beith Farmers Society. He is a keen gardener and in recent years really enjoys playing indoor bowls in the winter. Jean is a member of Greenhills WRI and for many years was a very keen curler with Burnhouse Ladies Curling Club. She also enjoys pottering in the garden. Everyone who knows this lovely couple will join in wishing them continuing happiness.
ALZHEIMER
Like cancer, there can be few folk whose lives haven’t been touched by a relative or friend who suffers from Alzheimers. Many people care on a day to day basis for someone with dementia and this can be a 24 hour, 7 day a week job. Alzheimer Scotland invite local people to organise a TEAriffic tea party to raise funds to ensure that research into dementia can continue apace. They are keen for as many people as possible to have people round for a tea party and invite donations from guests. Every £1 raised helps improve the quality of life for those facing this devastating illness. They suggest that in addition to the tea party, the event can be made more interesting by selling cakes, raffle tickets and quiz sheets and perhaps taking part in competitions. The focus of the event is World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, but locals can hold their tea party on any day! This seems like an interesting way to enjoy the company of friends and help raise funds for charity. Further information about this event is available from Alzheimers Scotland, Freepost EH2835, 22 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 7RN or email: diaing@alzscot.org or visit their web site at www.alzscot.org/fundraising/teaday.html
GARNOCK SHARKS
Garnock Sharks Swimming Club is based at Garnock Pool, Kilbirnie. There are on the lookout for young people who are keen on swimming. Enrolment for the new session will be on Tuesday, 19 August from 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm at Garnock Pool. The club nights resume for the new session on Tuesday 26 August at 6.00 pm when members old and new will be warmly welcomed.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Beith and District Community Council meet at 7.15 pm on Thursday 28 August in the staff room at Beith Primary School. Members of the public are cordially invited and encouraged to attend all meetings of the community council.
LADIES BOWLING
On 6th August The ladies wappenschaw was held and the winners were Ella Marr and Rose Rae (skip). The prizes were donated by Alena Thomson. The White Cup was played on 10 August and contested in sweltering conditions on the Beith green. The winning rink was Fay Purves (lead), Ann Johnston (second) and Rececca Wilson (skip). The runners up were Elaine Roddie (third), Liz McDonald (second) and Doris Ann Taylor (Skip). Last Wednesday the ladies wappenschaw was won by Margaret Irvine, Rose Rae and Elena Thomson (skip). On this occasion they played for club prizes.
CANADIAN VISITOR
Jane Szabo nee Unwin is currently on a visit to her relations and friends in Kilbirnie and Beith. Jane was born in Kilbirnie. Her mother is Jean Smith (72) who will be well known to older Beithites as she lived in Eglinton Street for many years and worked as a polisher in Balfours (West of Scotland Cabinet Works). Jane’s father was John Unwin of Dalry. The family emigrated to Canada in 1966 when Jane was just under two years old. Her brothers John and David also went to Canada and her youngest brother, Allan, was actually born there. The family settled in the town of Caledonia, Ontario. After leaving school Jane worked as a dental assistant. She is married and has a daugher, Bailey aged 6 years and a son Alex aged 16 months. During her visit to the Garnock Valley she is staying with well known Kilbirnian, Anna Martin, in Mossend Avenue, Kilbirnie. This is her fourth visit to the Garnock Valley. She spent an enjoyable day with well known Beithite, June Jamieson of the town’s Balfour Avenue, and was delighted at the changes which are happening in Beith. June had been a life long friend of Jean Smith. Jane returns to Canada at the end of the month, but is already planning future visits to the Garnock Valley.
HENRY FAULDS
This week the Dr Henry Faulds Society gratefully acknowledge a donation from Beith Historical Society. For further information about the Dr Henry Faulds Society contact the secretary, Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or email: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com
BOWLING
The coaching sessions for keen young Beith bowlers took place last Thursday afternoon, with a singles competition for a small trophy donated by President Charlie Fairns. After a hard fought game the eventual winner was Stewart Marshall who was as proud as punch at winning the trophy. Coach John Simpson thank all the youngsters for a very sporting game, and welcomed new comer Lisa McCall who is showing a lot of promise as an up and coming bowler. Seniors. The long awaited return game between Dalry and Beith took place on the Beith green last Friday with four rinks taking part in a very tight game. Although Beith won this game, albeit only by one shot, the Dalrites still retained the Charles Fairns Trophy having won the first game comfortable on their home ground. Hugh Barclay presented the sweep and the money to W McCall (winning rink) W. McCall, F Galloway, G. Dunlop F. Wilson (Dalry). This was a most enjoyable game played in excellent weather conditions. A comprehensive vote of thanks were extended to all concerned in arranging the games and particularly to Gill in the bar and Robert MacDougall for providing an excellent buffet and Shona for serving it up. All in all another great competition played in the spirit of friendship between the golden oldies of Beith and Dalry. Last Saturday, Beith President Charlie Fairns welcomed many good friends of Beith Bowling to the annual friendly game. It was a very close fought contest with Beith loosing by one shot. VP Brian Monk gave a vote of thanks to our cater Sandra & Avril Smith for a excellent meal and thanked all those concerned for making it such a successful days bowling. This Years President of the G.V.B.A, Rickie Bennett welcomed player and spectators to Kilbirnie BC for the Garnock Valley Bowling Association Finals day. The results are as follows: Singles sponsored by Tom (Pie) Irvine, winner Ian Galloway (Dalry BC) runner up Graham Borland (Dalry BC). Junior Singles sponsored by Mr R King & Mr P King, winner Peter O'Reilly (Dalry BC) runner up Jim Young (Kilbirnie BC). Pairs Sponsor Jim Mitchell, winners W Howarth and P Masine (Kilbirnie BC), runners up G Carruthers and R Bennett (Kilbirnie BC. Triples sponsored by Hugh Thomson, winner Vincent Allwind, J Robinson and K Sinclair (Dalry BC) runners up G Clark, Ian Stevenson and Bob McCulloch (Glengarnock BC). Fours sponsored by Mrs J Roddie & Mrs M Robertson winners, Jim McFadzean, Alex (Smiler) Wilson, Robert Clark and Charlie Thomson (Beith BC) runners up Derek Logue Jnr Derek Logue Snr Murdie Brown and Brian Monk.( Beith BC). Senior Fours sponsored by Mr D Finiestone, winners D Houston, W McCall, P O'Reilly and D Copper (Dalry BC), runners up R Burns, J Bryon, J Murphy and B McFadden (Dalry BC). The Umpire for the day was M O'Neill. G.V.B.A Vice President Brian Monk gave a warmly deserved vote of thanks to all the sponsors, players guests, the ladies for an excellent meal, the girls behind the bar, Ian Livingston for running the raffle which raised £150 and everyone else who made the day a great success.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
Registration is now open for Beith High linked with Trinity Church Senior Youth Group to undertake activities leading to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at bronze and silver level. The first meeting of the group will be held in the High Church Hall at 7.00 pm on Sunday, 28 September, but it is imperative that those wishing to take part are registered beforehand. The numbers participating at bronze level will be limited to 20 young people, and those who may wish to join are invited to contact Donald L Reid (503801) or Janet Osborne (503505) in the first instance from whom registration forms and a programme of activities for 2003/2004 can be obtained. There will be a registration fee of £25 which includes the appropriate award book and £1 is also payable at each meeting which are held in the High Church Hall on a Sunday evening. Beith Group are currently developing an award web site which can be visited on: http://awardgroup.beith.org where they can register and keep up to date with developments. If any young person has an interest in helping to maintain and update the web site, then this would be greatly appreciated and indeed could be used as part of the skill section of the award challenge. The Group are also keen to recruit volunteer helpers. Anyone whomight be interested in helping, albeit on an occasional basis, is asked to contact Donald Reid on 503801. The North Ayrshire Award Association are holding D of E in the Park at Eglinton Park, Kilwinning on 13 – 14 September. Various activities will take place over the two days including orienteering, team building, Heart Start, Incident Hike, mountain biking, inflatable activities including Sumo Wrestling, bouncy boxing, gladiator challenge and didi football. There will be a barbeque on the Saturday night and night activities. This event will provide the opportunity for different groups to get together and for the young people to have a fun weekend. The cost of the event is £5. Anyone interested in attending this event is asked to contact Donald Reid not later than 22 August. As many Beith Gold Award Holders are invited to volunteer to attend to supervise the younger members for this event to go ahead. So, if you have benefited from others during the award challenge you may wish to consider helping those currently progressing through the award. |
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club are holding their open clay pigeon shoot on Sunday 24th August at North Ayrshire Shooting Ground. Please note the start time is 10am. The following event is the beef and sheep stockjudging on Monday 8th September at Hauplands Farm, West Kilbride at 6.30pm by kind permission of Mr Wardrop. Everyone is welcome! The club are always keen to attract new members, so if you are aged between 14 and 26 why not come along and try out some of the activities that are arranged throughout the year. It’s a very worthwhile experience, and remember you don’t need any farming background to participate. For further information or transport to any of the events please call Julie on 01294 832262 or Gareth on 01294 832249.
RSPB
Staff and volunteers at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve have been thinking of their rubbish recently. A new shed has been built to accomodate all the items for recycling.
A local company called 'Greenlight' come every month and collect paper, cardboard, cans and plastic once the shed fills up. In addition, smaller boxes and newspapers are picked up and used by Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre. 'Although it is more important to minimise the total waste we produce, we are now able to recycle a wider variety of items now that we have the space to store them until they are collected' said Jen Walker, Visitor and Publicity Officer at the reserve. If you have some time to spare and feel that you can help Lochwinnoch Reserve become a 'greener' place, then contact Jen on 01505 842663. 'We continually strive to improve our environmental practices and would be grateful for some assistance in doing this' says Jen. The RSPB reserve is very close to Beith and anyone who was able to assist, even on an occasional basis, will be made most welcome.
1ST BEITH BROWNIES
1st Beith Brownies resume activities from 6.45 pm until 8.00 pm on Monday 1 September in Beith High Church hall. Unfortunately, there are no vacancies, but names can be added to the waiting list.
BEITH WEB SITES
There are currently several interesting and varied web sites highlighting all aspects of Beith of yesterday and today which those who surf the web will find very valuable. These can be found on www.beith.org and www.beith.org.uk. There are other interesting sites relating to Beith on www.arabicaonline.co.uk, at www.henryfaulds.com and monkton-farleigh@freeserve.co.uk. The Beith Open Award Group site is currently under development and can be found at: http://awardgroup.beith.org. There is no doubt that Beith is set to benefit from broadband after hitting its customer registration target for the high-speed internet service. BT Scotland engineers will shortly begin work to connect the Beith exchange to the broadband backbone network.
1st BEITH BBs
Old and new members are reminded that recruiting for the winter session for 1st
Beith BBs will take place in the BB HQ on the next two Friday evenings between 7
and 8 pm.
Members and prospective members, are asked to attend on either of the two
evenings, preferably with a parent as they need to complete an enrolment and
parental consent form which is essential to provide insurance cover for all
members while taking part in company meetings. Any boy wishing to enrol for the
Anchor Boys should be in Primary 2 or 3, for the Junior Section the age range is
Primary 4, 5 or 6, and for the Company Section the age range is Primary 7 and
above. A warm welcome will be extended to all.
ST. INAN’S ANGLING CLUB
The Beith St Inan’s Angling Club members recently contested the Thermal
Transfer Cup for senior members on a warm but overcast day. Seven members
fished the competition, and the results were as follows: Winner, with 4 fish
for 5lb14oz, was Stuart cNaughton, second, with 1 fish for 2lb9oz, was Jim
Black, while Robert Jamieson beat Andy Cooper into fourth place by 2oz. The
Knox Trophy for juniors was re-fished, but unfortunately there was again no
result. The points are now even closer in the club championship with only two
points separating Jim Black and Stuart McNaughton with two competitions still to
be fished. Members are reminded that the next competition, The Capuano Cup,
will be fished on Saturday 30th August, with a 5.30pm start, and please note
that this is a dry fly only competition. The Knox Trophy for junior members
will also be fished that evening.
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.
DISCO
Beith Boys Town under 14 team are holding a celebration disco in Beith Masonic Club on Saturday 30 August from 8.00 pm till late. The disco is a fund raiser for the club. The club are hoping to be able to take part in an international tournament scheduled for Blackpool during the Easter holidays and funds raised will help them achieve this objective. This is also a farewell party for Jackie and Neil McClune who are leaving for a new life in Australia on 7 September with their son Ross. Friends of the McClune family are cordially invited to attend this special farewell event. Tickets for the social evening are £3 and available from team manager, Hugh Murray on 01505-504889.
FLORA ART
Kilbirnie Floral Art Club resumed activities on Tuesday 2 September in the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie. The club has members from throughout the Garnock Valley. A full programme of speakers has been lined up and old and new members will be made most welcome. Details of meetings will be highlighted in the Beith column.
BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) are holding a fund raising auction tonight (Friday 22 August) in Beith Community Centre beginning at 6 pm. They are keen to receive donations of items which can be professionally and light-heartedly auctioned. Anyone wishing to help should contact Christine at Cross Pharmacy or Liz at B & A Travel, Main Street where items will be gratefully received. Interestingly, there will also be a kids auction at the start of the event at 6.00 pm and the range of variety of items on offer is sure to attract many charitable young folk. Doubtless the young citizens will bring along parents, with their dosh of course, to ensure that the canny kids can bid for some of the goodies on offer. An auction catalogue will shortly be available and will highlight the range and variety of items on auction. So, make sure you are there sharp at 6.00 pm on Friday, 22 August.
ROBERT SERVICE
Last week Iain Shaw and Donald L Reid, both members of Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club, gave a talk on the poet Robert W Service to around fifty members of Probus Club of Kilmarnock. In writing to thank them amongst the comments made by Probus secretary were the following: “The presentation on Robert Service, the People’s Poet was brilliant from beginning to end. Not only was it was fascinating, educational, entertaining, it was told with such enthusiasm that a bit of Robert Service rubbed off on all of us. Many of us will be searching out for a book of Service poems. I can assure you that your visit will long be remembered by all who were present.” Any group or organisating wishing to learn more about the poet of the ordinary man, Robert W Service can arrange a talk by contacting Iain Shaw on 01505-614506 or Donald L Reid on 01505-503801.
RANGERS SUPPORTERS
Rangers Saracen Supporters Club have organised a ‘bus for tomorrows game at Ibrox Park. The bus leaves Dalry at 1.30 pm, Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith at 2.00 pm. Anyone wishing to use this service should intimate same to John on 01505-500264, Andy on 01505-503928 or Jim Reid on 01505-504548. Bookings are also being taken for the game at Tannadice on Sunday 31 August and those intending to travel are asked to contact the bus conveners as shown above.
DANCE SCHOOL
The Hilda Cameron Dance School resumes activities in Gateside Hall on Wednesday 20 August when a full range of classes in all dance forms will be held.
FORTHCOMING BOOK
A new limited edition book entitled, Beith Bygones – A Pictorial Journey Down Memory Lane, by Donald L Reid arrived from the printer last Saturday and those who ordered the book have already had it delivered. The book is on sale priced at £5.99 at several outlets in Beith including Burns, Newsagent, Eglinton Street; Arabica Bistro, Main Street and Brighstparks at the Strand or direct from Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith, Tel 503801 or E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. Royalties arising from the sale of the book will benefit the Henry Faulds Society with a donation to Beith and Gateside Primary Schools.
ART
Calling all art lovers. Put down your crayons and paint brushes and head down the coast. There is a display of paintings by well known artist, Keith Salmon, on display in the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine until 27 August. Perchance Beithites will find this worthy of a jaunt down to Irvine.
MARATHON
Nikla Jacobson of Beith, a nursery mum, has offered to raise sponsorship via the Glasgow half marathon, fondly known as the Great Scottish Run, to be held on 7 September. Nikla is to be seen pounding the streets as she builds up her fitness and stamina for the big day. Anyone wishing to sponsor Nikla can do so by using sponsor sheets either in Cross Pharmacy or Arabica Café or by phone committee member Audrey on 506320, Joyce on 503459. All funds raised will be donated to Beith Playpark Action Group
SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Safety Forum have just published their summer newsletter. They are keen to recruit new members and the newsletter contains a list of future meeting dates. The first meeting is in Bridgend Community Centre on 11 September at 7.30 pm. If anyone is interested and needs help with transport, contact Brenda on 01475-568650.
BEITH TRINITY CHURCH PLAYGROUP
Beith Trinity Church Playgroup are now taking registrations now for session 2003-2004. The Playgroup is staffed and managed by qualified and highly experienced personnel and works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and offers funded places for 3 – 5 year olds. Places are also available for children from 2 years on a pay-as-you-go basis. Recent fund raising and lottery awards means that the group will benefit from over £3,000 worth of new equipment which will greatly enhance the presentation of learning experiences within the play setting. For more information why no drop into Trinity Church Hall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9.15 am and 12 noon and have a chat with play leaders Lesley, Sharon and Jane or call the chairperson, Lyn Brown on 01505-506135.
FLOWER FESTIVAL
Diary date! Kilbirnie Auld Kirk are holding a Festival of Flowers in the church from 11 – 13 September from 11.00 am until 8.00 pm. Donation programmes are £3. This event marks the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kirk.
BAT ATTACK
On Thursday, 28 August those of you who are not scared of the dark or of things which go bump in the night or creatures which fly in the dark, can go on a bat walk at Clyde Muirshiel Park. Using special bat detectors you will be able to see these generally elusive creatures in their natural habitat. Perchance you happen to see two men wearing cloaks and masks and driving a strange and very large vehicle, don’t worry too much. It’s probably only Batman and Robin arriving to take part in the ever-so-spooky bat walk. Booking is essential so all Beith bat lovers should reserve their place by phoning 01505-842663. And before you even ask, the answer is no, you don’t have to be batty to take part!
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
Popular group Incognito will be playing at Beith Bowling Club tomorrow (Saturday) from 8.00 pm till late. Patrons will also get the opportunity to win big money as Phil ‘Just call me Bruce ’ Shanaghey, comperes the hilarious Play your Cards Right interlude.
ABSEIL
Have you ever fancied leaping from a high roof? Well, now you have a chance to make your dream come true. A sponsored abseil will take place at Crosshouse Hospital on Sunday 14 September when the enterprising volunteer fund raisers will have the opportunity of abseiling 100 feet from the roof of the hospital. Entry fee is £10 and participants are expected to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. All funds raised will help to beat leukaemia and other similar related disorders. For further information and forms telephone 01294-601233.
