ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID: (Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 18 JANUARY 2004
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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS: Looking back to the early 1950s with Archie McCulloch (1901 – 1982) and his Beith Co-op Bakers van taken in Reform Street. Perhaps someone can identify the other man in this photo.
(Donald L Reid collection)
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TOP CLASS KIDS: Some of the children and staff at Braefoot Nursery celebrate a first class report from HMI. See Beith local notes.
(Photo: Donald L Reid)
NEWS ITEMS
RSPB
On Sunday 11th Jan, RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve played host to the unmistakable and elegant form of a kingfisher. The bird was visible from the comfort of the Visitor Centre for several hours as it hunted successfully in the shallows of a pond adjacent to the centre. The bird would then fly up to perch on nearby fence posts and wires to eat its catch. There have been frequent sightings in the area in the past few weeks, with birds observed near the centre, from the hides and along the Dubbs Water trail. Kingfishers are very distinctive birds, with cobalt-blue upper parts contrasting strongly with bright orange under parts and vivid red legs. They tend to frequent slow moving or still water with an abundance of small fish and aquatic insects and will colonise and breed in these areas if a suitable bank for the excavation of nest holes can be found. During winter, birds will haunt rivers and lakes and, particularly in periods of harsh weather, some will move to coastal regions and estuarine areas. The species is commonplace during the winter at the reserve, being recorded in 19 years out of the past 20. Unfortunately, in past times, due to its vibrant plumage, the species was much sought after in the millinery trade to decorate ladies’ hats and was a prized specimen for the taxidermy profession. With a maximum of 5,500 breeding pairs in the UK, the presence of this individual, coupled with the recent increase in sightings, is quickly making the nature reserve one of the best places to see the species in the area. For further information please contact Jen Walker on 07713766596 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk
GATESIDE SCHOOL
Registration for Gateside Primary School Nursery will take place on Monday and Tuesday, January 26 & 27 in the school from 9.15 am – 10.30 am each day for pre-school and ante-pre-school children.
THANKS
Alan and Clare Henry, both well known Beithites, pass on their grateful thanks to the many folk in the town and district who wrote letters, sent flowers, cards and fruit and telephoned following the recent serious incident with two knife-wielding thugs at their home. The thoughtfulness of everyone was greatly appreciated by Clare and Alan
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 proposing 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.
CAMERA CLUB
Beith Camera Club held its Annual General Meeting at the Community Centre on Thursday evening last. Alastair Knox was re-elected as the President, Alma McLuskie as the Secretary and Alan Wilson is in charge of the bawbees. It was not possible to complete all the business during the meeting and it was agreed to continue the following week. Keen on photography or a novice. We will warmly welcome new members.
BURNS SUPPER
The annual haggis-hunting season is now in full swing in the Garnock Valley. Here in Beith a very special celebration is being held by the famous wee happy club to mark 60 years of fun and friendship. Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club’s diamond jubilee Burns Supper will take place tonight (Friday) in Beith Masonic Hall at 6.45 pm prompt. This is the 60th annual celebration held by the club, founded in the village of Barrmill in 1944 as part of the village welcome home to men returning from the war. The principal speaker is Barrmillian, Allister Anderson, the son of Edward Anderson who was the club’s founding secretary. Allister is a past president of Greenock Burns Club and a former secretary of the Burns Federation. The Toast to Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club will be proposed by well known Ayrshire Burnsian, Jim Thompson of the world famous Kilbirnie Rosebery Club. The Toast to the Lassies will be proposed by another past president of Greenock Burns Club, David Fulton, who lives in Rashfield, by Dunoon. David is a well known speaker in Renfrewshire and Argyllshire. Henderson (502419) or any committee member. A special commemorative booklet to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, entitled Burns and Barrmill, has been compiled by past president and secretary, Donald L Reid, as it due to arrive from the printer today (Friday). The booklet looks back in time to the Jolly Beggars of yesterday and contains photographs and information about people, places and events in the history of the club. Everyone attending the annual celebration will receive a complimentary copy as a present from the club. There are additional copies of the booklet, which contains many photographs, available for £5.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Bill Haining advises that the group are holding a dance in Beith Community Centre on Friday February, 6 at 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. Tickets £7 from Billy’s of Beith or telephone 502671. A special mention is made of Beith Christian Action Group (Thrift Shop) who have donated £1,000 to the Beith Branch for providing services to patients in the Garnock Valley area. This donation is very much appreciated by the group.
GATESIDE RURAL
Gateside Rural held its first meeting of the New Year on 8 January in Patrick Memorial Hall. In spite of the inclement weather there was an excellent turnout of members. After dealing with WRI business matters, president Catherine McCarter announced that unfortunately the speaker for the evening, Margaret Arthur of Hearing Dogs for Deaf, was unable to attend. Instead the members took part in a quiz which was both enjoyable and taxing. The Marion Fulton Quaich for a flower pot plant: 1st Jean McIntyre; 2nd Agnes Smith and 3rd Effie Graham. The Rosebowl for a slice of cherry cakes was won by Agnes Smith. The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem. The next meeting is on 5 February and this will be a members night.
ARTS GUILD
This Sunday (January, 25) at 2.30 pm in the Community Centre, Beith Arts Guild start 2004 with a concert given by Anne Lorne Gillies, Rhona Mackay (Clarsach) and Eddie Maguire (Flute) in which Anne tells the story of lady Caroline Nairne and sings songs written by her as well as other Scottish Music. Tickets £8, concessions £5, schoolchildren/students £1 and tickets can be purchased at the door.
AWARD GROUP
Last Sunday evening there were nine girls in attendance at Beith Open Award Group held in the High Church Hall. Richard Nimmo put the girls through their paces with an evening of football aerobics which was great enjoyed by everyone. There is no meeting of the group this Sunday evening.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The happing-chappers were again in good form last week with Mrs M Kennedy winning the dominoes on Tuesday with Mrs A Gibson second and Mr E Carson third. On Thursday Mrs E Jamieson took the honours with Mrs M Kennedy second and Mrs M Gardiner third. On Tuesday the card sharp champion was Mrs B Smith with Mrs E McKechan second and Mrs S Shaw third. On Thursday the whist champion was Miss F McCreadie with Mrs E McKechan second. 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.
PLAYPARK GROUP
Beith Playpark Action group are delighted to announce that the Music Department of Garnock Academy have offered to hold a concert to help with fundraising efforts. This will take the form of a cheese and wine evening to be held in Beith Community Centre on Wednesday January, 28 at 7.30 pm. Those taking part will include the Senior Band, Jazz Band and various choirs. This looks sure to be an enjoyable evening for adults and children. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 concession and can be obtained from any committee member of the Playpark Action Group or from Cross Pharmacy.
BRAEFOOT NURSERY
Braefoot Nursery were recently visited by HM Inspector of Education and the Care Commission as part of their annual inspection. A comprehensive report on the operation of the Nursery was produced which was very positive indeed and reflects well on the facilities and services provided to pre-school children and also to those attending the after-school facilities who are generally from age 5 – 12 years. The key strengths of the nursery commented on included the very effective levels of interaction between staff and children; the very good levels of support for children in their learning; the consistently high quality of children’s experiences in all curricular programmes and the very good leadership of the manager of the nursery. There was one identified area for improvement and this related to procedures for risk assessment for outdoor play. The overall report was highly complimentary and reflects well on the staff and management of Braefoot Nursery. Braefoot Nursery has been running for 10 years and offers a quality service. Commenting of the report Helen Waldron, director, said: “We are delighted at this positive report. A huge thank you goes to all the dedicated staff who have worked so hard and remained dedicated over the years. The nursery is now taking registrations for August 2004. Anyone wishing to obtain further information can visit the nursery during their opening hours of 7.30 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Friday or telephone 01505-502005.
SPEAKERS GROUP
Beith Speakers and Writers Group have been working hard over the last year compiling a photographic record of Beith of yesterday and today. They have an exhibition of photographs on display in Beith Library. Many of the photographs have appeared over the last two years in the Beith column of the Herald and feature people, places and events in the life of the town and district. The photographs have created much local interest with many folk visiting the library to see them. The second batch of photographs are now on display and these, too, have resulted in great local interest. Why no pop in to Beith Library and, who knows, you may even see yourself!
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The next meeting of Beith and District Community Council will be held in Beith Primary school at 7.15 pm on Thursday 29 January. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
KARATE
Garnock Valley Karate Club resumed on Monday January, 12 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.
ROBERT SERVICE
Last Friday was the 130th anniversary of the birth of world-renowned poet, Robert W Service, whose early formative years were spent in Kilwinning. The poetry of Service has always attracted a large following of ordinary folk from all over the world, taken by his brilliant ability paint the most vivid word pictures. Last week Donald L Reid and Iain Shaw gave their popular presentation: Robert Service – Poet of the People, at Saltcoats Discussion Group in the Argyll Centre. Again, it was clear that many folk were already enthusiasts of the poet and the illustrated talk was greatly appreciated by everyone.
RANGERS CLUB
Tickets for the Rangers Road show Friday, 20 February 2004 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. Those who have booked tickets are reminded that tickets must be paid in full by the end of January, or they will be re-allocated to those on the waiting list. The Christmas raffle was drawn last week and the star prize was won by Michael Packman. Second prize went to Alan Ferguson and third to David Raeside. Other prize winners will receive their prizes in due course. The club would like to thank all those who sold and purchased tickets.
CHOIR
The Cunninghame Choir is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. The choir was founded in 1928 to peform 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.
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.
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.
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 28th January;
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!”
BURNS SUPPER
The Gateside Hall Committee are holding a Burns Supper/Ceilidh in the Gateside Hall tomorrow (Saturday January, 24) at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. A supper of haggis, neeps and tatties will be served. No bar provided, bring your own bottle. Tickets £8 per person, contact Jane Marshall on 504556.
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.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A Public Meeting is to be held in the coffee lounge of the Beith Community Centre on Sunday 1st February 2004 to ascertain the support for a proposal to establish a museum in the former Townshouse. Doors will open at 2 pm and the meeting will commence at 2.15 p.m. Anyone interested in the social and industrial heritage of the town is urged to attend this important meeting. The speaker for the Historical Society Burns Night meeting is not as per the syllabus.Drew Cochrane is unable to come, so now the speaker will be Frank McCarrey of the Largs Cronies Burns Club. The meal will start at 7.30 p.m. prompt. Tickets are £8.00, payable on the night.
COURSES
North Ayrshire Council Educational Services are holding a variety of interesting courses in all three Valley towns beginning early in January. Details of all classes are available on flyers obtainable in the local libraries or for fuller details please contact Agnes Reid, Community Learning and Development Office, 19 Brahead, Dalry Tel: 01294-833173 or visit the North Ayrshire web site at: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
MENS FELLOWSHIP
There was a good turn out at Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship last week for the
games night. After two rounds of the balloted pairs bowls competition there
were three teams who had won two games. I Ross and H McMaster were +3 shots, M
Rattray and J Coffin were +10 shots and H Shields and W Lawson were +8 shots.
The final was contested between the two teams with the highest shot difference,
and H Shields and W Lawson ran out winners by 8 Shots to 3. The darts winner was
I Ross. Members are reminded that next weeks meeting is a visit to West
Kilbride St Andrews Mens Fellowship, and all members are asked to meet at the
hall at 6.30 pm. On Sunday 1st February the Men's Fellowship are holding a fund
raising concert in the Church Hall at 7.30pm. Entertainment will be provided by
the Gleniffer Singers. Anyone wishing tickets for this event can get them from
any member or simply turn up on the evening.
BBs
There was 100% attendance at both the Junior and Company sections of 1st
Beith BBs last Friday,. The Anchor Boys also had an excellent turn out and
welcomed two new members. All sections are continuing with a variety of
activities such as badge work, physical activities and craftwork. All meetings
tonight (Friday) will be at the usual times.
BARRMILL
Last Wednesday 28 senior citizens enjoyed a soup lunch and entertainment at Barrrmill Community Centre. Everyone had an excellent time with entertainment by John Larkin and friend from Dalry. Jean Gilbert passes on her thanks to the Association committee for their support. A ceildh is being held on Saturday February, 21 in the village community centre. Tickets are £5 and that includes a haggis supper and 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.
DISABILITY FORUM
Garnock Valley Disability Forum meet on Wednesday February, 28. This is their outing to the cinema and it leaves Dalry at 11.45 am; Kilbirnie at High Street at 12 noon and Beith Community Centre at 12.30 pm. On return from the cinema at Linwood the group will enjoy a meal at the Station Inn, Barrmill. Raffle tickets are on sale and these are available from any committee member. Anyone wishing to help sell tickets is asked to contact Jean Gilbert on 502521.
MAGAZINE
The Kilbirnie Youth Project is open to all young people from age 12 – 25 years living in the Garnock Valley. The group is actively seeking young people from Beith and district to make greater use of this facility. The youth project is situated in the basement of the Walker Hall, Main Street, Kilbirnie. Facilities include a café/bar with healthy foods and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a pool table, air hockey and a variety of activities for young people. The facility is staffed by North Ayrshire Council youth workers who will welcome all comers, especially new members. The project is open five days per week, except Friday and Saturday, during school term time and offers a number of services from advice and activities to providing a place to meet and chat with friends. The Garnock Valley Youth Forum are looking for young people aged 12 – 18 years to take part in the new Youth Voice Magazine. Anyone who wants to get involved in producing this magazine for young folk by young folk is asked to drop into Youthzone which is held in the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie on Monday nights from 7.00 – 9.00 pm. For further information about the range and variety of facilities available to young people in the Garnock Valley based at the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie contact Educational Services on 01294 833759 or better still why not drop in and speak to the youth workers and meet some of those who currently use and enjoy the facilities on offer.
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. This Saturday, popular local group, Dukebox, will entertain at Beith Masonic Club from 8.00 pm till late. There will be the usual bingo and raffle.
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.
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, 17th 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.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club are holding a Burns Supper and Ceilidh in Beith Community Centre on Saturday January, 31 at 7.00 pm. Tickets are priced £5 and are available by contacting Julie on 01294 832262. Everyone is welcome! The 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.
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. Obituary tributes can also be arranged, but as this is a sensitive issues, families are asked to make contact the correspondent direct in the first instance.
