ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID: (Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 1 February 2004
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FIREMAN JIM: Jim Cole takes his leave of colleagues at Beith Fire Station last week after completing 34 years exemplary service in the retained brigade. See Beith local notes.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Some of the committee from Residents Against Tip Site (RATS) meet with Brian Wilson MP in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside. See Beith local notes.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
NEWS ITEMS
RETIRING FIREMAN
It was the end of an era. Last Wednesday brought final closure on 34 years of dedicated service to the community of Beith with the retiral of Jim Cole (55) from Strathclydes Retained Unit at Beith. Jim joined the local fire service in 1970 and at that time Bert Donnelly was the officer in charge of the Beith station. A Beith man, Jim and was educated at Beith Academy. He began his working life as a wood machinist in Pollok’s cabinet works in the town and after it closed in 1973 he worked for just over a year at the West of Scotland Cabinet Works (Balfours) in the same capacity. He then took up a position with Strathclyde Regional Council Roads Department and still works there today, albeit he is now employed by North Ayrshire Council. He is well known in the town and can be regularly seen driving the large yellow gritting lorries during periods of frost and snow. Jim is married to Liz and has one grown-up daughter, Gillian. The family live in the town’s Lancaster Avenue. As you might expect, he is very sad at having to retire at the compulsory age of 55 and he would happily have carried on in his role as sub-divisional officer in charge at Beith, such is Jim’s love of the fire service. Over the years Jim has been at the scene of many fires both in the valley and indeed further afield. He was high in his praise of the great camaraderie which exists in the local fire brigade. He added: “It has been a great privilege to work for the brigade in Beith for 34 years. In fact I really don’t know what I will do on a Wednesday night when I would normally be at the station training. Time has flown in and I will miss all the folk I worked with.” The first fire he attended was a house fire in Beith. He remembers it well because a bed went on fire and the woman in the house jumped out of the window and broke her leg. Assistant Fire Master, Phil Robinson visited the Beith Station last Wednesday to say a fond farewell. Commenting on Jim’s remarkable service he said: “Jim Cole has been a stalwart member of the brigade here in Beith. He has given outstanding service. His great leadership skills saw him progress to become officer-in-charge at Beith. The tremendous service, often in the most difficult circumstances, he and other brigade members give to the community should never be underestimated. It is with regret that Jim has to leave on reaching age 55, but he goes with our best wishes and he can take great pride in the service he has given ranging over 34 years. I wish him a long and happy retirement and I pass on my kindest regards to his wife Liz and daughter Gillian.” Jim is the holder of the Fire Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Jim’s only interest outside the brigade, apart from family life, is supporting Beith Juniors. Everyone in the local community will join in thanking Jim for his sterling service and wish him every success in future.
HELP WANTED
The Duke of Edinburugh Award
50th anniversary is drawing near and the organisation is in the process of
writing a book to mark the occasion. We would love to hear from people who took
part the Award Programme and include their experiences in this book. If you did
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award during the 1960s, 70s and 80s - or know someone
who did - and would be interested in finding out more, please get in touch with
me. Laura Williams, Press Relations Officer, The Duke of Edinburgh's
Award,Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor SL4 1EU
Tel: 01753 727466
TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
The official opening ceremony of Beith Townscape Heritage Project was held last Friday morning at Beith Cross. A large number of invited guests from the project partners were greeted at the Cross by Frank Sweeney, Chief Executive of Cunninghame Housing Association, who were project managers. Among the guests were Brian Wilson MP; Allan Wilson MSP; Provost Drew Duncan; David Lambie, chair of Cunninghame Housing Association; Councillors Jean Highgate; Councillor Ian Richardson and Assistant Chief Executive Brian MacDonald, North Ayrshire Council. It was particularly pleasing to see Mrs Margaret Reilly present with her son, Stephen. Margaret, better known as Meg, was the wife of the late Robert Reilly, who was closely involved in the regeneration project when he was Councillor for Beith. Wee Bobby, as he was affectionately known, would have been delighted and very proud to have seen the Cross as it is today. Other special guests at the event were some of the House Captains at Beith Primary School, namely, Hannah Boyd, Claire Wagstaff, Ross Wilson, Pavan Sumra, Craig Hastler, Jordan Mitchell and Caroline Watson. They were accompanied by their head teacher, Mr Tom Mabon. It would also be remiss not to mention Tom Osborne of Beith who worked tirelessly on the project as on site Clerk of Works from its beginning until completion. At 12 noon the guests and officials then proceeded to Beith Community Centre where they were officially welcomed by Provost Drew Duncan, North Ayrshire Council. Thereafter keynote speeches about the project were made by Brian MacDonald, North Ayrshire Council; Caroline McIntyre, Hertage Lottery Fund; David Lambie, Cunninghame Housing Association and Brian Wilson, MP. The Official Opening was performed by Cecile Shea, Principal Officer, US Consulate General, Edinburgh. There is a special bond which marks the link between Beith and the USA through Rev John Witherspoon, minister of Beith 1745 – 1757 and the 20th signatory to the American Declaration of Independence. Witherspoon, well known for his participation in the American Revolution, served the American Congress on and off from 1776 to 1782 and was appointed to more than 100 committees, including the crucial committee on War and Foreign Affairs. In his speech Brian Wilson MP highlighted the fact that the project had taken about 8 years from the initial plans being drawn up until the opening ceremony. He felt that there was greater scope for all agencies to streamline procedures where a project has been given approval in order to ensure that a speedier end result can be achieved. He did highlight that the Beith project was one of the largest of its type in the UK and he hoped that it would give an impetus for further regeneration not only Beith, but also to other towns and villages in North Ayrshire. The partners involved were Cunninghame Housing Association, North Ayrshire Council, St Vincent Preservation Trust, Historic Scotland, Beith and District Community Council, Scottish Enterprise, Communities Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. Following a first class buffet some of the guests, including USA Consul, Cecile Shea, carried out a tour of the renovated buildings at the Cross. Thereafter Cecile Shea, accompanied by the Beith correspondent, visited Beith Primary School where she spoke to two classes and answered a number of questions from the children about her role in Consulate and also about the USA in general. She then arrived at Beith Primary Nursery where the children were involved in a Burns Supper and she was merrily entertained by them and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the pupils and teachers at Beith Primary School and Nursery. All in all a very special day in the annals of Beith which gives everyone great confidence for the future in a brighter and better Beith.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
The following members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity Church will receive Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a ceremony to be held at Cunninghame House, Irvine, on Friday February, 20. This is the first North Ayrshire Award ceremony since 2001, hence the larger than usual numbers receiving awards from the Beith Group. The following will receive awards at BRONZE level. Stephen Muir, Scott Travers, Scott Murdoch, Philip Wilkes, Miriam Wilson, Lynn Smith, Lynn Cockburn, Laura Gallocher, Laura Blackburn, Kirsty Wilson, Iain Irons, Graham McCarter, Gordon McKinnie, Fiona Sinclair, Carly Smith, Ewan Ross, Victoria Graham, Alastair Wylie, Stephen Fisher, James Craine, Erik Lowe, Christopher Holt, Laura Jane Bell, Rachel Carruth, Craig Wilson, Stuart Kennedy, Fiona Irwin, Laura Carruthers, Kenneth Blackburn, Allison Balmer, Sarah Millar, Jenni Denovan, Jennifer Harkins, Claire Isbister, Kirstin Frew, Suzanne Ross, Arlene Davies and Joanne Miller.
The following will receive awards at SILVER level. Stephen Muir, Scott Murdoch, Kirstin Wilkes, Iain Irons, Graham Allen, Gordon McKinnie, Fiona Sinclair, Dyanne Kelly, Carrie Forrest, Carly Smith, Alastair Murdoch, Alan Walker, Laura Jane Bell, Rachel Carruth, Craig Wilson, Stuart Kennedy, Fiona Irwin, Kenneth Blackburn, Allison Balmer, Jenni Denovan, Sarah Millar, Jennifer Harkins, Suzanne Ross, Joanne Miller, Nicola Smith, Eileen Cockburn and Gemma Fisher.
The following will receive awards at GOLD level. Scott Menzies, Jennifer Smith, Kirstin Wilkes, Heather Thompson, Elaine Reid, Alister Murdoch, Alan Walker, Fiona Irwin, Allison Balmer, Jenni Denovan, Jennifer Harkins, Suzanne Ross, Joanne Miller, Nicola Smith, Eileen Cockburn and Vicki Hood. All the above individuals should already have received a personal invitation to this award ceremony from North Ayrshire Council. Anyone who has not received an invitation is asked to contact award group leader, Donald Reid or Janet Osborne, in the first instance. Congratulations to all the above on achieving commendable personal success in the various challenges presented by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
JOLLY BEGGARS
The next meeting of Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club is on Monday February, 9 at 7.30 pm in the Eglinton Inn when Iain D Shaw and Donald L Reid will give their illustrated talk entitled: Robert Service – Poet of the People. Members and visitors will be made most welcome.
ASTRO TURF
Councillor Jean Highgate advises that she has received an update as regards the ongoing flooding problem at the Astroturf. Because of the recurring flooding, specialist investigations have been called for and this will mean that it will take longer than expected to have the problem resolved. Users of the facility are being advised by North Ayrshire Council of the situation. The flooding problem outside the Post Office was thought to have been resolved but over the weekend the pavement was ankle deep in water. Councillor Highgate intimates that she will ask for this matter to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
NURSERY
Beith Community Centre Nursery, Kings Road, recently enjoyed a session on football skills as part of the Mini-kickers programme provided by North Ayrshire Leisure staff. Nursery administrator, Helen Miller, advises that parents were encouraged to come and register their children for the August intake any Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday morning between 9.30 am and 10.30 am. Alternatively they can contact Helen on 01505-506403 for an application form.
TORIES
The next meeting of the Conservative and Unionist Part, Garnock Valley Branch will be in Beith Community Centre on Sunday February, 8 at 7.30 pm. New members welcome. Anyone requiring transport should telephone 01294-822464 or 01505-502014. The branch whist drive is on March, 4 in Beith Community Centre at 7.30 pm. All welcome. Anyone wishing to attend or requiring transport should contact the above telephone numbers.
SNP
Campbell Martin West of Scotland MSP
will be holding a local surgery in the
Cafeteria in the Beith Community Centre on Saturday 7th February from
11.00am 12.00 noon. Anyone who cannot attend the surgery can contact Campbell
Martin MSP at: The Scottish Parliament, West of Scotland Office, 14 William
Street, Paisley. PA1 2LZ. Tel. 0141 887 2412. e-mail
campbell.martin.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
CONCERTS
The Yorkhill Children's 'Magic Million Appeal' are working hard to provide a desperately needed new Intensive Care Unit to provide more space, more staff and hi-tech equipment to help save the lives of ill children. The Gleniffer Singers fund-raise each year for a Charity. This is done by performing a concert usually along with some other guests. This particular concert will be held in Paisley Abbey on Friday May, 21 beginning at 7.30 pm. Make a note in your diary now, folks! The other guest entertainers are the Greenock Silver Band. Several Beithites are members of the Gleniffer Singers and they are keen to obtain local sponsors to support this fund raising venture for Yorkhill. If you think you might be able to help contact the telephone number below. For further information contact 0150550-2968.
CAN YOU HELP
Thank you to the large number of folk who very kindly responded to the request in last weeks Herald for information about the whereabouts of David Paterson and family. They have been identified and the information passed on to the enquirer in St Catherines, Canada.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Bill Haining, Beith Branch of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group advises that last week he received a very generous donation of £500 via Mr Dougie Morrison from Lodge Beith St John’s No 157 Social Club. £30 was also donated to the group from Mr Crawford of Beith. Tom Johnstone of Ash Drive also donated £50 to the group. Tom is well known in Bieth and is a spiritualist and this money was expenses he received for traveling to meetings to give talks. Billy passes on his grateful thanks to all donors.
BOWLING CLUB
Beith Bowling Clubs Burns Supper this year will be held on the later date of Saturday 28th February 2004. A top class list of speakers have been engaged this year with names including Alan Saunderson, a well known after dinner speaker who this year is roposing the immortal memory, Ex Superintendent John Young, and principal teacher of English at Garnock Academy, John Hodgart, a renowned speaker on the bard. Tickets are priced at £8.00 the same as last year. Any one interested please give their name to Brian Monk or any committee member. This years Annual Indoor game is on Sunday February, 22 again at Ardrossan Indoor Bowling Club. A sheet is on the notice board for members to append their name. The price is £14.00 which includes 4 hours bowling, a lunch and dinner. Closing date for names is Sunday February, 15.This years AGM is on Sunday February, 8 starting at 1.30pm. A good response from members would be greatly appreciated by the committee.
POLICE CLUB
The MOD Police are holding a quiz in their social club on Wednesday February, 10 beginning at 8.00 pm. Everyone welcome. Funds raised from these quiz evenings help to defray costs for the annual childrens party organised for children at Beith Defence Munitions.
KARAOKE
Garnock United Boys Club are holding a fund raising Karaoke evening in Garnock Labour Club on Friday, February, 13 from 8.00 pm until 1.00 am with Jim Stirrat providing the music and entertainment. This event will be of special interest to those who are particularly good at rattling the tonsils! There is a £25 prize for the best singer on the evening. Jings, with the many great singers in the Garnock Valley, this event is bound to be a sell-out! Tickets are £3 from 682765 or simply turn up on the evening to support this local boys football club.
GATESIDE RURAL
The next meeting of Gateside Rural is on 5 February in the Patrick Memorial Hall and this will be a members night.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The world famous happy, snappy chappers were back in action last week in Beith Community Centre. On Tuesday the chapping champ was Mrs I McCauslan with Mrs M Gardiner second. On Thursday the domino champion was Mrs E Carson, with Mr E McKechnie second and Mr M Kennedy third. On Tuesday the card sharp champion was Miss F McCreadie with Mrs B Smith second and Mrs I Milne third. There was no domino competition on Thursday. This happy group meet each Tuesday and Thursday in Beith Community Centre from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm and new members will be warmly welcomed.
RATS
Last Friday morning Residents Against Tip Site (RATS) held a brief display in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside, relative to their proposals for turning Trearne Quarry into a multi-faceted recreational and environmental site. Brian Wilson MP, dropped in to see the display and thereafter Mr Wilson and members of the committee made a brief visit to Trearne Quarry. The date for the North Ayrshire Planning committee meeting which will deal with the application to create a landfill site at Trearne has still to be announced.
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 4th Dan JKA instructor Sandy Kerr 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 Shotokan karate in the area. Sandy is ably assisted by his JKA fully qualified team and the club is fully insured through the Scottish Karate Board of Control. The local instructors are: Sandy Kerr, 4th Dan; Steven Asbury, 1st Dan; Andrew Everet, 2nd Dan; Monty Sneddon, 1st Dan; and David Shannon, 1st Dan. Anyone wishing further information about the club can contact Sandy Kerr on 01294-832316 or Steven Asbury on 01505-685299. Beginners classes start in January and new members will be given a warm welcome.
FELLOWSHIP
For a variety of reason there were fewer members than normal present on Monday
evening at the regular meeting of Trinity Church Mens Fellowship. However, those
who were there travelled to West Kilbride as guests of St Andrews Mens
Fellowship. A very enjoyable evening was spent on bowls, dominos and a quiz.
Next week the speakers will be Andy Simpson and Fred Wood, both members of the
Mens Fellowship who will present a slide show. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.
New members and visitors will be made most welcome.
BBs
Due to unforseen circumstances there was no meeting of the 1st Beith
BBs Anchor Boys last Friday, although the Junior and Company sections met as
usual. The programme for the evening included a spell of drill, followed by
badge work and a very enthusiastic game of hockey. It is hoped that the Anchor
Boys will meet at the usual time next Friday, but parents are asked to note that
the Junior and Company sections will not meet on Friday, but will be going
bowling on Saturday afternoon. All boys who are going should meet at the BB hall
at 2.15pm. Cost per boy will be £5.70. The 1st Beith BB company is
holding a car boot sale on Sunday 22nd February. To book a table or for any
further information which may be required, please phone Di on 01505-502041.
RANGERS CLUB
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club are running a bus to Hampden Park for the semi-final of the CIS Cup game against Hibs on Thursday February 5 leaving Dalry at 6.00 pm, Kilbirnie at 6.15 pm and Beith at 6.30 pm. There will be a bus for the game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday February, 8 leaving Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith at 2.00 pm. Tickets for the Rangers Road show on Friday February, 20 have been sold out and a reserve list is now open. You can add your name to this list by contacting David Raeside on 01505-504892 and Jim Reid on 01505-504548.
GATESIDE RURAL
Greenhills Rural held their annual Scots Night on Wednesday January, 21 in Barrmill Community Centre. Mrs Sheila Craig presided and welcomed members and friends from neighbouring Rurals. After a short business meeting everyone sat down to a very enjoyable haggis supper. The haggis was piped in by Iain Mathieson and carried by Margaret Brown and addressed in superb fashion by Mrs Grace Gilbert. After the meal they ladies enjoyed some excellent entertainment provided by Mrs Janice Tahlor who sang and played guitar and this was followed by renowned flutist, Mr Willie Young of Kilwinning who was in brilliant form. Two lady visitors from Kilwinning judge the competitions for the evening. The Reid trophy for a favourite Christmas card, 1st Mrs E Henderson, 2nd Jeanette brown and 3rd Mrs S Miller. The Salver for three short bread fingers: 1st Miss Jean Gilbert, 2nd Margaret Brown and 3rd Mrs S Gardner. At the close of a very enjoyable evening the vote of thanks was given by Mrs N Brown and the meeting closed with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
CHOIR
The Cunninghame Choir is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. The choir was founded in 1928 to perform choral works with professional soloists and orchestra throughout North Ayrshire. Every five years they commission music by composers such as Philip Wilby, James McMillan and, this year, Robin Erskine. Robin was born in Glasgow in 1943. After school in Kilwinning and Dumfries, he won the Organ Scholarship of Glasgow University. Since studying in France he has accompanied Glasgow University Choral Society and conducted the BBC Albion Singers. As staff music tutor for Renfrewshire, he has written music for the Divisional Orchestra, Brass Band music and Choir pieces. He has also received numerous commissions and has regularly broadcast on Radio 3. He is currently still teaching and is organist in Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The twenty-fifth anniversary culminates with the performance of the commission by Robin Erskine and the German Requiem by Brahams in Saint Margaret’s Church, Dalry, on May 8. The choir would be thrilled to see as large an audience as possible at this special performance.
HAPPY SNAPPERS
Beith Camera Club enjoyed a lively night
out under the bright lights of Dreghorn last Wednesday evening. The occasion was
the annual encounter with Townend Camera Club when the two clubs meet for an
informal competition. This is a long-standing event which the clubs take turns
to host. The visit to Townend is always notable for the warmth of the welcome
and the excellent refreshments. For the competition each club put forward
ten prints and ten slides. They were expertly judged by Robert Spence. This year
Beith Camera Club had the honour of winning both sections of the competition.
Win or lose, the event is always enjoyable for the opportunity it provides to
renew old ties over tea and cakes and to draw inspiration from the work of other
photographers. The club continues to meet at the Community Centre on Thursday
evenings at 7.30 and new members are always welcome
BOWLING
Beith Bowling Club Members are advised that they can now pay their Annual Subscriptions by instalments on the last Friday in 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.
RSPB
There will be a wildlife art exhibition at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve running for a week, from Saturday 7-14 February. Do come along to this free event and see a variety of art work by local artists.
POLICE SURGERIES
PC Jim Dougall and PC Sandy Brown will be holding police
surgeries between
7pm-9pm on the following dates in Beith Police Office. Wednesday 25th February;
Wednesday 24th March; Wednesday 21st April; and Wednesday 19th May. The officers
are keen that local folk take this opportunity to come along and raise any
concerns they may have. Jim and Sandy can be contacted via Kilbirnie Police
Office on 01505 404400. Police in the Garnock Valley are requesting that
householders pay particular attention to home security following break-ins.
There seems to have been some confusion with the recent change of telephone
number at Kilbirnie Police Office. Inspector McLachlan asks that everyone takes
note of the new number which is 01505 404400. Write it down, folks. And finally,
as dear old Constable George Dixon, of happy memory, said in that old worldly
police series, Dixon of Dock Green: “Evening all. Take care out there!”
DISABILITY
The next meeting of Garnock Valley Disability Forum will be held in Radio City on Wednesday February 25 at 1.30 pm until 3.00 pm. This will enable disabled group members to view the extensive facilities on offer. The entire centre is wheel chair friendly. Membership fees are due to be paid at this meeting and they remain at £5.
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.
NURSERY
Beith Community Centre Nursery are now taking registration for next term. Parents can register ante-pre-school children between 9.30 am and 10.30 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Immediate places are available for children aged 3 years. The group within the centre has been running for more than 25 years. Throughout this time they have progressed and “moved with the times.” Indeed there will be many parents in Beith who themselves attended this nursery and in some cases their own children have gone through the same stimulating nursery programme. They are registered to provide nursery education as well as care for the children attending. The group works in partnership with the Care Commission and is inspected by HM Inspectors of Education.
BARRMILL
A ceildh is being held on Saturday February, 21 in the Barrmill community centre. Tickets are £5 and that includes a haggis supper. Music is provided by Willie Young of Troon. Tickets from Jean Gilbert on 502521 or any committee member. This Sunday (25th) is the monthly church service and this will be taken by Rev Fiona Ross and begins at 6.00 pm.
GARNOCK SHARKS
Garnock Sharks Swimming Club have now resumed activities at Garnock Pool and meet every Tuesday evening for training. New members will be warmly welcomed.
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.
BOWLING
Beith Bowling Clubs Burns Supper this year will be held on the later date of Saturday February, 28. A top class list of speakers has been compiled this year with names including Alan Saunderson, a well renowned after dinner speaker who this year is doing the toast to the Immortal Memory; Ex Superintendent John Young of Darvel, and ex-School Teacher John Hodgart, a well known Burnsian. Tickets are priced at £8.00 the same as last year. Any one interested please give their name to Brian Monk or any committee member.
MASONIC
Lodge Beith St John’s No 157 are holding their 40th annual Burns Celebration in the Masonic Hall on Friday February, 6 at 6.45 pm for 7.00 pm. Ticket are £7 and available from the bar at Beith Masonic Club.
MUSEUM
Beith Townhouse – has it a future? A well attended public meeting was held last Sunday afternoon in Beith Community Centre to discuss the possibility of forming a steering group with a remit to enable a properly constituted body to pursue the goal of establishing a museum/information centre in the Townhouse. A committee of seven has been formed and they will take the matter forward. Watch this space.
PRIZE BINGO
A prize bingo is being held in the Chapel Hall at 7.30 pm on Thursday (29th) with eyes down at 7.30 pm. Admission is 50p. All welcome.
HENRY FAULDS
Last week the Henry Faulds Society received a donation of $500 dollars from the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers towards the fund for the erection of a memorial in Beith to Dr Henry Faulds.
MASONIC
On Thursday February, 5 at 7.00 pm there will be a meeting of Lodge Beith St John’s in the Masonic Hall when there will be two candidates for the Mark degree. All brethren at invited to attend. On Tuesday February, 17 the lodge are holding a prize bingo night in the hall with eyes down at 7.30 pm. Admission is 50p which includes tea. All monies raised will be donated The Lodge Millennium Fund.
PLAYPARK GROUP
Beith Playpark Action Group intimated that the recent concert featuring Garnock Academy choir and bands was well attended and very much enjoyed by all. The raffle raised £96 and the income from ticket money has not yet been finalised. Pass on thanks to all who attended and supported the event. Special thanks to Miss May Murray for arranging for the choirs and bands of Garnock Academy and to all the young people for giving of their time and talents. A disc for under 12s will be held on Saturday February, 7 in Beith Community Centre from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Tickets at £2. The Playpark Action Group hope to hold a disco every month between now and the summer. Watch this column for further details.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ next club meeting is the Junior Members Night on Monday February, 9 in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside at 7.30pm. Also the Young Farmers’ Whist Drive is happening on Thursday February, 12 in Beith Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm. For further information about Club events please contact Julie or Gareth on 01294 832249.
ANGLING
Intimations of the date of the A.G.M. of Beith St Inan’s Angling Club have now
been sent out to members. The meeting will be held in Beith Community Centre on
Friday February, 6 at 7.30 pm. Anyone wishing further information contact club
president, Robert Jamieson.
CONTACT YOUR CORRESPONDENT
You can contact your correspondent on 01505-503801 or e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. If you know of a good news story, why not share it with everyone else? Items for inclusion each week should be in the hands of the correspondent by 10.00 pm each Sunday evening for inclusion in the next issue of the Herald.
