ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD

BEITH LOCAL NOTES

DONALD L REID

(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)

BEITH LOCAL NOTES

MODERATOR VISITS GEILSLAND

Last Friday morning the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – Right Rev Finlay A Macdonald and Mrs Macdonald together with the clerk to the local presbytery, Rev and Mrs Broster of Kilbirnie St. Columbas, visited Geilsland School, Beith. They took part in a short but very interesting service in the Millport Chapel which involved many of the boys and teachers playing musical instruments. The Moderator spoke about some of his recent visits abroad including meeting some of the services personnel who would now be involved in the conflict in Iraq. Thereafter the Moderator and his party made a tour of the school where they spoke to many of the boys and staff members. He received a presentation on behalf of everyone at the school from the headmaster, Mr Ranold Mair. Rev Macdonald seems to have thoroughly enjoyed his visitation to the Presbytery of Ardrossan and has now only a short time in office before his Moderatorial year finishes with the meeting of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland beginning on 19 May.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Right Rev Finlay A Macdonald, presents a plaque to Ranold Mair, headmaster of the school, marking his visit to the school on 28 March.

FUND RAISING KIDS

Jennifer Marshall, Maggie Wilson, Niamh McElhill and Ruth Morgan all pupils of Gateside Primary School, sold baking and crafts in Gateside to raise money for Red Nose Comic Relief Day.  They would like to thank everyone who bought items from them and gave them donations to enable them to raise the fabulous sum of  £75 towards this cause. Well done, kids! Not to be outdone, the staff of Beith Co-op managed to raise an impressive £360 for Comic Relief. Well done too, folks.

GAMES EVENING

Beith Bowling Club are holding their annual games evening in the club house tonight (Friday) beginning at 8.00 pm when the contestants will take part in dominoes, pool and darts. A good turnout of members is requested. The tournament is sponsored by Robert Alexander of Borestone MOT Station, Dalry.

BEITH GUIDES

The next meeting of the senior section of Beith Guides will take place on Monday 7 April at 7.30 pm at the home of the District Commissioner where they will take part in a fun evening with an Easter theme. The  Beith District Guide Association meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8 April at 7.30 pm in Trinity Church Session House.

Dr HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY

The Dr Henry Faulds Society was established in Beith on 24 November 2002 with a membership from a wide spectrum of local groups and organisations. The aim of the society is to establish a lasting memorial to Beith’s pioneer of fingerprints. Henry Faulds (1843 – 1930) was born and brought up at 39 New Street and served as a medical missionary in India and Japan. Whilst in Japan he was invited to become the physician to the Imperial Household, but declined so that he could pursue his work with the poor of the country. His role as a significant pioneer of the forensic application of fingerprints stemming from his work in Japan, has only belatedly been fully recognised, albeit there is already a significant memorial to him in Tsukiji, Tokyo which was erected in 1961.

The Beith society have now established an official web site: www.henryfaulds.org hosted for the group courtesy of the American based International Association for Identification and very kindly sponsored by their magazine editor, Alan McRoberts, who resides in California. With the internet the world is indeed shrinking! Here in Beith, Alan Watson, who runs the local computer training centre at Arabica in Main Street, has also allowed the group space on his web pages and extensive information about the Dr Henry Faulds Society can be found at: www.DrHenryFaulds.Arabicagroup.com.  Still more information about Dr Faulds can be found on the Beith site courtesy of Iain Shirlaw and this can be accessed on www.beith.org which also contains extensive information on Beith.

This week the society received two cheques for $50 from the USA. The first was from Tracy Saur, a Latent Print Examiner in Rockford, Michigan, USA. She writes: “I am so pleased that the society has been formed and such a dedicated group is striving to get a little recognition for one (Dr Henry Faulds) so deserving. I hope that your mission is successful and soon that I will be seeing, either in person or at the very least in photograph, this wonderful memorial to Henry Faulds.” The second letter was received from William L Wolz, Latent Print Examiner, Grand Rapids Police Department, USA who writes: “It is with pleasure that I offer this donation to your organisation which is dedicated to exploiting the truth concerning the true father of fingerprint science, Dr Henry Faulds. I wish you success in all your enterprise and would always consider it an honour to be called upon for any assistance that I may provide. The very nature of this business precludes that integrity and truth are present in its practitioners. It is obvious that Dr Faulds, a man from your town of Beith, was a sterling example of these traits, coupled with his Christian faith and with his erudite persona. It is unfortunate that the praise he so richly deserved never came to fruition during his lifetime.”  Locally, this week the society received its largest donation yet from a well known Beith lady and very generous senior citizen of the town who has a deep interest in its social history. She sent a cheque for £200 together with a lovely letter of support, but wishes to remain anonymous. The society committee pass on their grateful thanks to the lady concerned for this outstanding level of support.

 A bank account for the Dr Henry Faulds Society has been opened at the Lloyds TSB, Eglinton Street, Beith. The account number is: 00512747, sort code 30-25-88 and donations can be make direct to this account or cheques payable to Dr Henry Faulds Society forwarded to: Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith KA15 1BJ. Individuals, groups and organisations making a donation to this memorial appeal will have their personal details included in a booklet which will be published to coincide with the inauguration of the memorial and they will be inextricably linked to righting a wrong which has blighted the world of fingerprints for far too long.

The interest and support for this memorial has been gratifying, not only locally but from firth of Scotland and the help received in terms of publishing articles, providing a web site and web pages for the society and making donations has been very uplifting and greatly appreciated by the committee. Forms for making donations are available in Beith library. Anyone making direct payments to the bank should also forward their details to Donald L Reid so their details can be included in the book. The opportunity for putting Beith on the international trail for tourists from America and Japan in particular is enormous if we can rise to the challenge to market Beith and its connections with Dr Henry Faulds and Rev John Witherspoon.

BEITH AMATEURS SPORTSMANS DINNER

Beith Amateurs are holding their 25th anniversary celebrations this year. They are keen to contact players of yesteryear who have been involved with the club which is still going strong today. The main part of the centenary will be a fund raising Sportsman’s Dinner which is being held in Beith Community Centre on Saturday 7 June and they are hoping that former players will wish to support this special event and meet up with friends of yesteryear. Tickets are £20 and there will be a star-studded line up of speakers to entertain. Anyone wishing further information about this event should contact Boyd Jamieson on 01505-503935 or Steven Anderson on 01505-502850.

HOCKEY INTERNATIONAL

Eleanor Maitland (18) of Gateside has been playing competitive ice hockey for the last 5 years. A former pupil of Beith Primary and Garnock Academy, Eleanor works as a shop assistant in Glasgow. An enthusiastic ice hockey player since she was 13, she developed her skills and abilities playing at the Galleon Centre, Kilmarnock and began playing with the Kilmarnock Storm Team where she quickly became one of their key players. The culmination of her hard work was rewarded when Eleanor was selected to train with the UK ladies hockey team in the early part of 2002. However, the highlight of all her efforts was realised when she was recently selected to be part of the UK National Ice Hockey Squad who flew to Lecco, Italy, last Saturday to take part in a series of games against Italy, Turkey and Slovakia. During this tour she will play her debut game for the UK ladies team which is a great personal honour of Eleanor and in addition, a great honour which she brings to North Ayrshire and the Garnock Valley in particular. Eleanor is scheduled to return to London with her team mates this Monday after completing a punishing schedule of five competitive games.

COOL DUDES: Eleanor Maitland and a colleague have a break from playing ice hockey just prior to jetting off with the UK team for an international tournament in Italy.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Garnock Valley Branch of the Royal British Legion who their regular meeting on Monday 7 April at 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm in the Masonic Arms, Dalry. A good turnout of members is requested.

BEITH TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE

Beith Townscape Heritage Project at Beith Cross is really beginning to show signs of major progress with locals being delighted at the way the roof is quickly being put in place giving a totally different panorama  as you look along Eglinton Street from the elevated Folly view. Another sign of progress is that GSPC, agents for Cunninghame Housing Association, have prepared schedules for both the flats and commercial properties and the selling prices seem to be very reasonable compared to Glasgow prices for similar properties. Time is simply flying in and by the end of October the first families and businesses will take up occupation. Meanwhile, across in Kilbirnie the Radio City Project is also making good progress too. It is also on schedule to have at least part of the premises up and running towards the end of August. This is a very exciting healthy living project which aims to provide a series of exciting and innovative facilities for the people of the Garnock Valley including fitness suites, café, internet facilities, local radio station, advice centre, educational facilities, managed workspace, meeting rooms, crèche and other community facilities. This complex will become a key economic generator in the Garnock Valley and one that deserves the wholehearted support of everyone. All in all good times lie ahead in the Valley of Garnock.

BEITH ARTS

Beith Arts Guild's held a concert last Sunday in the Community Centre and featured "The Demon Barbers" playing a selection of music from the 20's to the 90's. Their repertoire was not entirely barber shop music as they also entertained with a variety of humorous original songs along with their own special arrangements of pop classics from 30's to the present day. Indeed after hearing them it is true to say that their act is in some ways very special as it contains musical material which no other group in the world has been able to imitate. A first class concert was enjoyed by everyone.

BEITH YOUNG FARMERS

Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held their confined clay pigeon shoot on Sunday 30th March. The results were as follows: Junior Boys 2nd Alex Wilson 1st Scott Wilson Junior Girls 2nd equal Julie Scott and Rachel Wilson 1st Claire Logan. Senior Girls 1st Anne Reid Senior Boys 3rd Robbie Nisbet 2nd Bradley Scott 1st Gareth Scott. The winner of the whiskey trap was Gareth Scott.

Congratulations must go to Julie Scott for being placed first at the Ayrshire Rally Queen Competition on Saturday 29th March. Well done, Julie.

The club will be participating in the West Area Talent Spot Competition in the Clyde Auditorium on Saturday 5th April. Good luck to everyone taking part!

If you are aged between 14-26 you are more than welcome to go along to their events and see if you would enjoy being part of the Young Farmers. It’s NOT all about farms and tractors! Please remember you do not have to be a farmer or live in the country to join. A lot of the members are from the town as well as the country so why not go along and give it a go? Above all they do have a fabulous social life. For more information or transport to any of the events please do not hesitate to contact Julie on 01294 832262 or Gareth on 01294 832249.

RATS

RATS are hosting a Comedy Evening in the Beith Community Centre on Friday 9th May. They have lined up three top artists, Alfie Joey, Ray Means and Miles Jupp, stars of TV and radio. Tickets are £12.00 and includes a buffet supper. There will be a bar and all proceeds will go to RATS fighting campaign to prevent a landfill site being established at Trearne Quarry, Gateside. Tickets are on sale from Liz at B & A Travel, Beith or from David Elstone on 07976 388294.

MUSICAL EVENING

Beith High Church Organisations Committee are hosting a musical evening tonight (Friday) at 7.30 pm in the High Church Hall. The musical very popular group Chi Canta will be performing songs from the shows, traditional songs and Scottish songs. Tickets are £4 and £3 concession and this includes a mouth-watering cream tea. Anyone who does not have a ticket can simply attend on the evening as tickets are available at the door.

GARNOCK VALLEY EX PRESIDENTS BOWLING

The Garnock Valley Ex Presidents Bowling Association held their AGM at Ardrossan Bowling Stadium on Sunday 23 March. The following members were elected to hold office for the coming year. President, Jack Russell of Beith; Vice President Hugh O’Neill, Glengarnock; Immediate Past President, Ian Mcaffery of Dalry; Secretary/Treasurer, Hugh Barclay of Beith; Auditor, Eric Monk of Beith. Two members of each of the Garnock Valley clubs were appointed for form a general committee. After the AGM the members enjoyed a pleasant afternoon’s bowling followed by an excellent meal in the restaurant. The prize winners were J Murphy, A Hobbs and M McKeeman. The members would take this opportunity to thank Ardrossan Indoor Bowling for the use of their stadium and facilities.

BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE

Beith Town Centre Initiative are holding a prize bingo evening in the Strand Lounge of the Anderson Hotel on Thursday 14 April with eyes down at 8.00 pm. There will be raffles, lucky ticket draw along with prizes for the bingo. Tickets will be £1.50 and will be available from the Drinks Cellar, B & A Travel and Elricks Emporium. A good turnout would be appreciated and all funds go towards helping with the Christmas late night shopping event in the town which was so successful in 2002. We also hear that the Town Centre Initiative are planning to involved local shops and businesses in an Easter Bonnet Display over Easter weekend. This column will keep you advised of arrangements in due course. For further information about any events being organised by the Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) please contact their secretary, Sandra Brown at Brightsparks or telephone 01505-503625.

BARRMILL JOLLY BEGGARS

Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns AGM has been rescheduled to Monday 28 April in the Eglinton Inn at 7.30 pm for a regular meeting followed at 8.00 pm by the AGM. Apologies to cronies for this change of date. Photographs and memorablia of yesteryear are still being sought to help celebrate the club’s Diamond Jubilee and items can he uplifted by contacting Hon President Norman Henderson on 01505-502419, secretary Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or treasurer Harry Young on 01505-504655. The club are very grateful for items already received and work continues on the 1947 photographs which were taken when a reporter and photographer from the American Life Magazine visited Barrmill to view the Tattie & Herrin’ Supper which is so well documented in the batch of photographs currently being scanned and upgraded. It is hoped that later in the year these photographs can be displayed in Beith Library.

LOCAL PLAN COMMENTS

Comment has been made locally about the North Ayrshire local plan in relation to Beith. Locals, Tom Hart and John Shields, have made comment about their concerns about areas they feel have been inadequately dealt with in the plan. For example they are concerned about parking problems and traffic volumes and speeds which have been an increasing issue in Beith Town Centre. Whilst these are primarily issues for the local transport strategy and police enforcement, they feel that they should be mentioned with specific reference to remedial action which might help including traffic calming and improved provision for parking which are important for encouraging urban regeneration and attracting residents to the town. Moreover, they suggest that traffic restrictions of 20 mph should be imposed on Kings Road and Beith Cross which, inevitably, would be difficult if not impossible to enforce and thus of little practical use. Whilst existing problems require attention they are also concerned about the addition of 150 houses in the ‘four fields’ site between Kings Road and Blackthorn Avenue which would intensify the current problems being experienced on Kings Road. The also feel that the local plan should be include specific references to improve parking to coincide with the cemetery extension. They suggest that additional parking could be provided in the gap site opposite the gates of the cemetery. In respect of several of the current brownfield sites in Beith, they suggest that the plan should include a specific commitment to regeneration within the next 5 years. The justification for additional housing spaces from 75 to 150 in the finalised local plan is unclear. Messrs Hart and Shields are of the view that no more than 75 houses will be required in Beith in the period up to 2008 and that these can be accommodated in the former Beithcraft factory site which is already zoned for housing and not subject to the Scottish Water constraints applying to most of Beith and the use of gap sites for sensitive building with priority being given to development on such sites in the first instance. These are, in summary, some of the suggestions which Messrs Hart and Shields will be making to North Ayrshire Council in respect of the finalised local plan.

DANCE SCHOOL

Hilda Cameron of Cameron Dance School announces that members of her dance school led by Anne Hume recently held a disco which resulted in £300 being raised and following futher donations from parents and friends running a café during the pupils dance exams held in the Apex Centre, Paisley, the raised a further £200. The total of £500 was split between McMillan Cancer Fund and the Cardonald Cat and Dog Home. All local pupils, who meet for lessons in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside, and who sat exams received pass results and were commended or highly commended. Congratulations to all of the local dance students.

BEITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Beith Historical Society met last Thursday evening in the Eglinton Inn. President Allan Richardson welcomed a very full turnout of members and guests. After dealing with matters of business he then introduced the speaker for the evening who was Robert McKenzie of Cumbernauld. Robert spoke with great feeling about his experiences of being brought up in Germany of a Jewish father and just before the onset of the 2nd World War, he was one of several thousand mainly Jewish children who were transported from Germany to the United Kingdom to ensure their safety. He explained his personal experiences of having been involved in what became known as Kindertransport, which means child transport. His talk was illustrated with video footage and spelled out the realities for many children who had to move home overnight without any explanation of what the future held. This was a lecture which touched the heart. Mr McKenzie recently delivered the same lecture to Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club where it was similarly greatly appreciated. A fulsome vote of thanks was extended to the speaker. The next meeting of Beith and District Historical Society is scheduled for Thursday, 24 April. The speaker is Mr Ian Quinn who will talk about Clyde Steamers and this will be followed by the AGM. Members are asked to note that the annual outing of the historical society is to Dunaskin Heritage Centre near Dalmellington on Saturday 31 May. Those intending to make this trip are asked to give their names to secretary, Sue Williams on 01505-503381 as soon a possible.

BLOOD THIRSTY

The blood transfusion service recently called at Beith Community Centre when, by all reports, they did a roaring trade with the place queued out by local folk keen to give a pinta. As recent appeals have made clear there is an even greater demand for blood and the people of Beith and district have always been great supports of the Blood Tranfusion Service. Anyone who missed giving blood at Beith are reminded that there is a centre in Glasgow where blood can be given Monday – Friday and all you need do is contact the Blood Transfusion Service on freephone number 0845-9090999. At this time of conflict with Iraq there can hardly be a more important time to give blood and help to save the lives of other folk.

CALLING ALL WRITERS

Calling all writers! Howwood Parish Church, PO Box 19556, Johnstone are on the lookout for poems, short stories and other inspirational pieces of writing. They will publish a book entitled, Peace for the World, which will contain some of the pieces submitted. Short poems should be no longer than 35 lines and other pieces should not exceed 350 words. Further details of this can be found in Beith library. Get writing, folks!

GREENHOUSE GARDENER WANTED

Calling all green hous gardeners out there! Stand by your begonias and listen carefully so see if you can help. Geilsland School have a large greenhouse which for many years produced a large variety of vegetables, plants and flowers which helped provide some additional funds for the school. The school are keen to continue producing quality items from the greenhouse, but they no longer have staff with the appropriate skills to make the best use of the facilities. At the recent meeting of the school’s consultative committee it was suggest that perhaps local volunteers could be recruited who might be able to assist the school with making best use of the greenhouse. Any individual or group of keen gardeners who feel they might be able to help the school can contact the headmaster, Ranald Mair on 01505-504044 or simply drop in at the school for a chat. 

IN THE SWIM

Can your children swim? If not why don’t you enrol them for swimming lesson at Garnock Pool. It’s never too early to learn! Classes are available for parent and baby, ducklings (aged 3 years) and juveniles. It’s never to late to learn either so Garnock Pool also has classes for adults. For further information contact Susan, Angie or Norma on 01505-683304.

BEITH CAMERA CLUB

Beith Camera Club held its final meeting of the 2002/2003 season at the Community Centre last Thursday evening. The occasion was devoted to the

presentation of prizes  to the winners of the various competitions that were held during the season. At the end of each season the points gained by the

entrants in each competition are aggregated to determine the top photographers in the two main categories, prints and colour slides. The

winner of the print section was Ian Smith; second was Alastair Knox and third was Hugh Waterston. The winner of the colour slide section was Fred

Wood; John Massey was second and Lesley Mercer was third. Fred Wood also won the trophy for the 'three-prints competition'. The year saw a very welcome increase in the number of entrants in the print competitions. This reflects the relative ease with which prints can now be made at home using digital equipment without the need to rely on commercial processors. It is hoped that this increase will be maintained in the new season which will begin in September. The date of the first meeting will be announced later and hopefully the Beith happy snappers will have a busy summer taking some fabulous award winning photographs.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Beith Cancer Support Group are holding their annual coffee morning in Beith Community Centre on Saturday 5 April from 10.00 am –12 noon. There will be the usual stalls including the ever-popular home baking. Tickets are 80p and available from all committee members or simply drop in for a coffee and chat on the day. Contributions of baking and items for other stalls can be handed in to the Community Centre on the morning of the event and will be gratefully received. All the proceeds go towards helping transport local cancer patients to and from hospitals in Glasgow and Ayrshire. For further information or offers of help, please contact local organiser, Billy Haining on 01505-502671 or call in at Billy’s of Beith.

BROADBAND

There is a continuing interest among computer users in Beith to have broadband which allows access to the world-wide web at very fast speeds. A number of individuals are really keen to get the system introduced locally. Anyone who might be interested in having broadband can register their interest with British Telecom on their web site at BT.com. There would appear to be around 150 individuals in Beith and district who have already registered and once that number reaches around 250 BT may be encouraged to offer the service in Beith. So, all you have to do is register without committing yourself to taking the service.

KARAOKE

Garnock Valley Early Learning Centre are holding a fund raising Karaoke night in Garnock Labour Club from 8 till late on Friday 11 April. Tickets cost £3 and includes a light supper. For tickets contact the GV Early Learning Centre on 01505-681322.

Beith St Inans Angling Club

Now that the fishing season has started there is a lot of work to be carried

out around the Threepwood dams by the members of Beith St. Inan’s Angling Club to make the fishing easier for the members.  A start has been made this week disposing of the bracken cut down last year, and a great deal has been achieved in a very short time-scale due to the enthusiasm of the members.  It is felt that it would be a good idea to have e regular night for a work party now that the clocks have changed, and committee members, and any other club member will be most welcome for an hour on Wednesday evenings.  No special skills are required, as the work includes cutting down brambles, clearing old bracken, lifting stones from the grass to make strimming easier, and painting the hut, inside and out. And everyone has, for years and years, been led to believe that all that  fishermen did was boast about the size of their catches. Sounds like hard work, eh!

1st Beith BB

Things are on the up and up at 1st Beith BBs. For the fourth week in a row there has been a full attendance at the Anchor Boys meeting, who were engaged this week in making Mothers Day cards.  There was a very good attendance at the Junior Section, who after a session of drill and badge work had a session of games. All new was not good as there was a poor attendance at the Company Section, where the boys were involved in badge work, followed by badminton. All sections meet tonight (Friday) at the usual times in the BB Hall. Any adult who might be interested in finding out about leadership opportunities in the 1st Beith BB can call in at the hall and speak to any leader.

Trinity Church Mens Fellowship

There was an excellent turn out of members to hear the final speaker of the session.  After a very appropriate reading by John Darroch, the vice president

John McGibbon introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr Fiona McEwan.  Fiona gave an illustrated lecture on "A Wilderness Safari In Namibia"  Fiona has made to trips to Namibia, and as a professional biologist with an interest in natural history and photography, found the country fascinating.  Namibia is the newest independant country in Africa, with a surface area four times the size of Britain and a population of 1.5 million.  There is a wide variety of wild life, from the seals and flamingos of the Skeleton coast, to the lions rhinoceros, elephants and various deer of the interior.  A large part of the interior is desert, with the largest sand dunes in the world, over 300 metres high, dried up river beds and scrub.  There is a very low annual rainfall, and some years none at all, and the country contains some unique plants which survive these desert conditions.  At the conclusion of the slide show there was a question and answer session, after which John McGibbon gave a vote of thanks and thereafter everyone enthusiastically took part in the finals of all competitions.The trophy winners were as Follows: Ken Bryson Trophy (Bowls, singles) Winner:  George Colligan, runner up; winner of the Hugh Hayes Trophy, Allan Richardson; J W Gibson Trophy, (Bowls, pairs)  Winners:  Iain Ross and John Coffin, runners up, Allan Richardson and Neil McPhee; Simpson Memorial Trophy Bowls, (singles)  Winner:  John Darroch, runner up Hugh Brown. W S Millar Trophy (Darts)  Winner:  Robert Jamieson, runner up   Iain Ross; H & J Trophy (Snooker)  Winner:  John Smith, runner up, Jim Pearson. Details of the club AGM will be reported next week.

BEITH OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE

Calling all Beith and District Senior Citizens! Beith Old People’s Welfare Committee are hosting a Cabaret and Supper Evening just for you. The ‘Time of Your Life Millenium Show’ will take place in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 25 April from 6.30 pm till 10.00 pm. This should has already proved to be an outstanding evening of very lively entertainment when shown elsewhere in the UK. Buses to and from the Community Centre will leave from the usual pick-up points. Tickets are priced £1 and will be on sale at Beith Community Centre on the following dates and times. Tuesday, 8th April from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm and Thursday, 10 April from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. No tickets will be sold after 10th April, so it is important that if you intend going to this concert that you arrange for tickets during the above periods. Sorry all you young folks, this event is for Beith and District Senior Citizens only.

PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP

Beith Playpark Action group are holding a spring raffle soon. The major three prizes have been donated by Marbill Coaches (1st and 2nd prizes) and Bright Sparks (3rd prize) and other prizes to date have been donated by Tulloch Transport, B & A Travel and Robert Danks School of Motoring. This will be drawn on Friday 30 May and tickets are available from any committee member or phone Winnie on 01505-504941 if you can perhaps help to sell tickets on behalf of the hardworking group who aim to establish a state-of-the-art play facility for children and young people in Beith Public Park.

MARIE CURIE

Ian Hardie, a Beith lad now of Kilbirnie, regularly organises dances to benefit Marie Curie Cancer Care. Ian is now in possession of a Rangers FC nine-in-a-row football of vintage season 1996/97 signed by the famous Rangers team of that time. Ian is keen to received bids for this ball and he can be contacted by phone on 01505-683174 after 6.00 pm. The winner of the auction for this ball will be announced at his next Marie Curie Fund Raising Dance which will be held in Kilbirnie Labour Club on Friday, 30 May.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The most recent meeting of Beith Community Council was held in Beith Primary School on 27 February, Mr Edward Christie, vice chair, presiding. Chairman, Robert Boyd, who had been ill for several months was welcomed back to his first meeting for some time, but decided to take a back seat for the time being. The following is a brief synopsis of the matters discussed at the meeting. Mr Ashwood and Mr and Mrs Mackie, who had a special interest in the building at 6 Wilson Street, were in attendance and following a brief review of the history of the building, the Council agreed to write to North Ayrshire Council advising that they were keen that this building is not demolished and asking the intention of North Ayrshire Council regarding the future of the building.

A letter was received from Mr Allan Wilson, MSP, regarding Scottish Water and Beith sewerage and the letter pointed out that he was seeking further information from Scottish Water about their capital spending programme and current constraints in relation to development in Beith. The Council were advised that both bids submitted in a partnership approach with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group, Barrmill Community Association and Garnock Valley Disibility Group had been successful. The Community Safety Magazine for Beith and District was well under way and Donald Reid was thanked for his work on both successful bids.

It was reported that a public meeting was to be held as part of the appeal process regarding the original application for landfill and land improvement at Townend of Shutterflat.

The Council were advised that North Ayrshire Council Cleansing Department were responsible for cleaning the roads between Barrmill and Burnhouse, but only within the limits of the village and where kerbs were in evidence. It was further reported that the blocked gully opposite Giffen Mill had been cleared and drainage now appears to be working properly. It was noted that a grit bin had now been located near to Barrmill Village Hall.

In respect of the application for a landfill site at Trearne, the members were advised of a copy of a letter sent from SEPA to Mr Brian Wilson, MP. In the opinion of SEPA the application for landfill development at Trearne had not justified best methodology for site selection or demonstrated a need for further landfill site.

It was reported that Robertson’s Memorials (Aberdeen) had submitted an estimate for the relocation and reassembling of the memorial fountain in the Strand to Beith Cross at a cost of £7,425 plus VAT. It was agreed that secretary, Jean Highgate investigate possible sources of funding to achieve this.

The future of the Townhouse was discussed as the Post Office will relocate at Beith Cross sometime after October. After some discussion about possible uses for the building it was agreed that the public should be consulted via the Herald and local notices about their support for creating a local museum in this building. Anyone with views on this issue are asked to contact community council secretary, Jean Highgate or any community council member or write their views on this issue in a book provided for the purpose in Beith Library. It was also agreed to send a letter to North Ayrshire Council on this matter.

Constable Sandy Brown advised the members that crime in Beith had shown a positive downward trend. House breakings had fallen from 82 – 70 and vehicle crime had fallen from 103 to 53. There had also been a marginal fall in serious violent crime from 7 to 6. Incidents involving the carrying offensive weapons had increased, but this was largely due to pro-active policing and increased levels of searching. During February there had been incidents of tyres being slashed and the public were asked to be mindful to check their tyres during routine vehicle examinations. Constables Brown advised that he and his colleague Constable Jim Dougall had began surgeries where the public could visit them to discuss any concerns.

The Community Council agreed to send a letter of congratulations to local butcher, Sandy Blackwood, who in his role as a swimming coach gained an award from the Amateur Swimming Association of Scottish Youth Coach of the Year, bringing honour to himself and the town.