ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER 2003
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ASPIRES TO CLIMB: Alastair Borthwick (1913 – 2003) taken in the West Highlands circa 1935, spent the Autumn of his life in Beith. See Beith local notes.
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HARVEST SERVICE: Children at Gateside Primary celebrated Harvest thanksgiving last week in a service led by Rev Fiona Ross with presentations by headteacher Mrs McGuigan.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS: The second front row shows the five judges from the Scottish Calor Gas Awards Panel 2003 together local Beith volunteers who put on an exhibition to illustrate the work carried out by young people, older people and community
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
NEWS ITEMS
ALASTAIR BORTHWICK – OBITUARY (PHOTO)
A fascinating character who lived largely unnoticed in Beith for the last 5 years, died on 25 September in Spiers nursing home. Alastair Borthwick was born in 1913 in Rutherglen and brought up in the Ayrshire seaside town of Troon before moving to Glasgow in his teens. Leaving Glasgow High School aged 16, he became a ‘telephone boy’ with the Glasgow Evening Herald, taking down copy from roving correspondents. Borthwick soon moved on to a busier role with the Glasgow Weekly Herald; a publication that employed just five staff to fill 28 pages. He was promoted to writer and editor of the Women’s Page, Children’s Page, Film Reviews, Readers’ Letters, as well as crossword compiler and regular contributor to the front page. The paper also ran an “Open Air Page”, and it was as a result of this that Borthwick discovered the city’s burgeoning outdoor recreation scene – and subsequently developed a love of rock climbing. “I became an addict,” he remembered. “Most of my experiences ended up in the paper and I later used most of this material to write Always A Little Further, a book which was published in 1939 and which vividly captured the beginning of the “grass-roots” movement into the Scottish hills by the working-class and unemployed of Glasgow and Clydebank. The 1930s will be remembered by older folk as a time of mass unemployment, but it was also a time of great opportunity for those interested in the outdoors. The Scottish Youth Hostel Association set up a network of hostels offering basic accommodation, providing opportunities for adventure for the ordinary folk of the cities and towns. Cycling and walking were in the their heyday. Dossing in caves and “howffs” was common place and informal climbing clubs such as the legendary “Creagh Dhu”, led to opportunities for climbing which hitherto would not have been possible. Other great mountain men of the period such as W H Murray, J H B Bell and the much-loved Tom Weir recorded the activities of the mountaineering elite and in those early days concentrated on climbing itself, whereas Borthwick chronicled the personalities among the new breed of climbers who had their roots firmly in the working class. His classic book, Always A Little Further, portrayed a period of major social change, but Borthwick’s entertainingly humorous style and his love of his fellow man shone through like a striking beacon of light. Descriptions of encounters with tinkers, tramps and hawkers, naïve beginner’s escapades on the bens and crags of Skye and Argyll and hilarious hitch-hiking accounts, made it an interesting and compelling read. He was to go on to became a well known broadcaster and this began with a 15 minute radio talk on the subject of his great passion, climbing. This showed an innate talent for broadcasting. He was modest about his ability to sound friendly and relaxed in an era characterized by starchy formality. His first broadcast was in 1934 and his last in 1995. During the Second World War he was an intelligence officer assigned to the 5th Seaforth Highlanders and he was to see more action than most. Beginning in 1942 at the Battle of El Alamein, Borthwick and his fellow Seaforths would eventually travel 3,000 miles across North Africa and Europe. Following the defeat of Rommel, they took part in the conquest of Sicily, helped invade Italy, moved on to the invasion of Normandy and then secured the canal zone in Holland before culminating in a series of vicious battles on German soil following the crossing of the Rhine. He would go on to write the war history of the battalion entitled, Sas Peur (1946; taking its title from the Seaforths’ motto and subtitled “The History of the 5th (Caithness and Sutherland Battalion, the Seaforth Highlanders, 1942-1945”). Following demobilization Borthwick decided on a total change of direction. With his wife Anne (died 2003), he left Glasgow for the Isle of Jura in 1945. There he enjoyed combining writing and broadcasting with running a smallholding and began a TV series called, Scottish Survey, which examined the country’s assets and liabilities following the war. “I always believed that the ideal life was to write 1,000 words in the morning and catch a salmon in the afternoon,” he said smiling with content. The Borthwicks stayed in Jura for seven happy years before moving to Islay. He later returned to the mainland when he was co-opted to organise a “Festival of Heavy Engineering” as part of the 1951 Festival of Britain celebrations. He was appointed OBE in 1951. The Borthwicks lived for the last 30 years in Ayrshire, finally settling on a hill farm near the village of Barr, before living the last five years in a nursing home here in Beith. Asked how he thought he might be remembered, Borthwick modestly said he considered himself as a journeyman writers, “fit to turn out a decent job on most subjects as required.” He will be remembered as a great outdoors man, a lover of nature, soldier and a writer and broadcaster of note. He was a great character in Spiers Nursing Home and greatly loved by staff and fellow residents. A talented and fascinating man who spent the Autumn of his life in Beith will be remembered by many who read and re-read his classic book, Always a little further. Alastair Borthwick was laid to rest at a well attended service of remembrance at Woodside Crematorium. Robert Burns’ epitaph would have summed him up perfectly: “Here lies wha weel, Had won thy praise.”
FINAL OF AWARDS (PHOTO)
Beith and District Community Council are delighted to announce that Beith has reached the last eleven in the Scottish Calor Gas Community of the Year Awards for 2003 in three of the five categories entered, namely, older people, young people and community life. There was an initial entry of over 200 Scottish Communities which was then reduced to sixty and then to a final eleven of which Beith is one. The winning communities will be announced at a lunch to be hosted in Edinburgh towards the end of November. Last Monday a panel of five judges visited the town where they were welcomed to the High Church Hall to the strains of the pipes and met by Community Council Chairman, Robert Boyd, Councillor Jean Highgate and Tom Hart, session clerk of Beith High Church. A 15 minute illustrated presentation covering all aspects of the three award categories was given by community council member, Donald L Reid who researched and prepared the bid several months ago. The judges spent over one hour viewing a variety of interesting presentations and displays put on at extremely short notice by a number of groups and organisations including Beith Playpark Action Group, Beith Branch of National Womens Register, Beith Arts, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group at Beith High and Trinity Churches, Beith Christian Action Group (Thrift Shop), Dr Henry Faulds Society, Garnock Valley Disability Forum, Beith Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, Beith Scouts, Beith Camera Club, Beith Walkers Group, Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club, Greenhills WRI, Barrmill Community Association, Garnock Valley Transport Group, Garnock Valley British Legion, M-A-S Judo Club, Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum, Kids R Us and Braefoot Nurseries. The children of Braefoot Nursery were also on hand to welcome the judging panel and entertained them with a song. The groups concerned were only given two and in some cases one days notice of the visit and it was a tremendous feat that such a first class display was put on and reflects well on the enthusiasm, commitment and organisational skills of everyone concerned. Thank you! The community council pass on their grateful thanks to everyone who played a part in making the judging panel so welcome to our town including our local piper, Harry Ellis, who at extremely short notice volunteered to welcome the judges as they arrived piping them into the hall and all those who put in such hard work highlighting aspects of the three award categories of older people, young people and community life. There is no doubt that the Beith and district community have already achieved commendable success in reaching the finals from over 240 entries in three different categories. Really well done everyone!
GATESIDE (Photo)
Last Thursday Gateside Primary School held their Harvest Thanksgiving Service in the school which was led by Rev Fiona Ross. The children sang several hymns and three pupils read from the bible. There was a large number of parents present and everyone was delighted at the first class efforts of the children which received due praise from head teacher Mrs McGuigan. In addition, Mrs McGuigan made presentations to a number of pupils who had won award
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club are holding a dairy cattle dressing on Sunday 26th October at Stoopshill Farm, Dalry, by kind permission of the Kirkpatrick family, starting at 12 midday. Please let the secretary know if you would like to participate to ensure there will be enough cattle for everyone taking part. All members are welcome to come along and have a go! The next club meeting will be held on Monday 27th October in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside, at 7.30pm and will take the form of a split meeting. Group A is being treated to a Virgin Vie evening and group B will be having a games night. For more details contact Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email beithyfc@hotmail.com.
HURRICANE DIARY
Beithite, Tommy McAdam, a great fan of
Beith Juniors and host of their brand new web site, has been working in Bermuda
for just over one year. During September he kept a brief diary of living through
a major hurricane. No doubt this will be of interest to many Beithites and
perhaps help us to appreciate the benefits of our own weather system.
Day 1 - Tuesday - we start hearing reports that Hurricane Fabien has changed
route and will pass us near by. Hurricane? I don't think they mentioned that in
the job interview ! The thought of a hurricane back home was reserved for the
movies, not for a Beith boy.
Day 2 - Wednesday - News tells us that it is going to be a direct hit and to
start getting prepared. The shops start running out of hurricane survival
supplies - batteries,portable gas stoves,candles,matches,dry food and water. No
electricity in Bermuda means no running water ! I guess we won't be buying any
frozen food this week, the last one to hit here was Emily in 1987 with power off
for people between 1 week and 4 weeks.
Day 3 - Thursday - reports change during the day when it will hit, Fabien is
speeding up, originally meaning to hit 3am on Saturday morning, it is now due to
hit midday Friday. Oh well a day off I guess - but where I work is really busy -
one of the companies I am the controller for is Bermuda Lumber and plywood for
people's windows is flying out of the door - not literally tho (thats tomorrow).
Day 4 - Friday - Hurricane Day - luckily where my Samantha & I stay is quite
sheltered so we didn't need plywood. I had to shelter my motorbike into a
covered area. The wind really started getting wild about 2 in the afternoon and
hit its peak about 6pm with power going off at 1pm. Power off in Bermuda means
no running water, no electrical appliances especially no air conditioning. Which
in Bermuda heat is rather a disadvantage to comfortable living. The phones kept
working during the day and I got numerous phone calls from family and friends
checking to make sure everything was okay.
Day 5 - Saturday - Another lovely day in Bermuda, which is good to see after
Fabien but without electricity or a fan or cool water is rather unpleasant.
Normally it would have been a great day for the beach, but a lot of the beaches
are in a terrible state. The emergency radio station is warning people not to go
out sight seeing and to stay indoors to let the army do its job and clear the
roads and look out for the many downed power cables. With it being a very warm
day, the small battery operated fan I bought at the airport before I came out is
becoming the most prized possession in the house hold.
Day 6 - Sunday - we get reports it may well be weeks before we get power back, a
really depressing thought and the sobering thought of how most people back home
don't realise how well off they are when the power is off and back on within a
day or two. Also a nice situation if all you had to do was put on an extra
jumper - the opposite applies here and not quite so easy. Sunday evening - our
landlord proves to be a saint as he acquires a power generator from a friend of
his that has his power back. So we get running water back and one socket - only
enough power to run a fan, but we feel as if we are living in comparative
luxury. Although it is to go off every night as it too noisy so people can
sleep, not that I would mind.
Day 7 & 8 – Monday and Tuesday - looking forward to going back to work and
getting some air-conditioning. As I walk in the door, I see that was a pipe
dream. 40% of the roof has been ripped off and the water has soaked thru to the
office ceiling tiles, which have soaked through and are collapsing on the floor.
I spend the 2 days helping to tidy up - although this is a continuous exercise
as the heavens decide to open up another few times. When it rains in Bermuda it
rains, its only ever drizzle in Scotland compared to out here.
Wednesday - We wake up and know something is wrong, the power generator is
acting up and is about to break down. The thought of going back to no running
water or fan in not worth contemplating - I am afraid Samantha or I will never
volunteer to go on Survivor! I mention our ongoing problems to my boss, who
generously offers to put us up in his small apt that I stayed in for the 1st 2
months in Bermuda - which has power. No TV, but you soon get your priorities
straight in these circumstances.
Sunday - We head back to our home to get clothes for the laundry and discover
the power is back on, we were jumping for joy, you would have thought Beith had
lifted the Scottish Junior Cup!
Today - As of now, still decanted from our office and working on a countertop in
the kitchen cabinet showroom. No cable TV as yet, but the weekend trip we had to
NYC & the Waldorf Astoria for my 30th birthday, I think was well deserved after
the goings on courtesy of Hurricane Fabien. The fact there was a chance that
Hurricane Isobel might hit NYC when we were there simply wasn't worth thinking
about and thankfully proved unfounded. 2 hurricanes in 2 weeks would have been
too much for a boy from Beith to put up with.
A footnote - the Bermudian people all rallied during the aftermath of the
hurricane and good preparations along with a sensible building policy, compared
to Florida ensured only four people lost their lives to the hurricane. Flights
to and from Bermuda have been subject to change and many cancelled - with
limited power available at the airport and the causeway to the airport being
nearly destroyed.
QUIZ
The Monthly quiz at the MOD Police Club will be on Thursday 23 October starting at 8.00 pm. The Depot management team will be out to retain the trophy. All monies raised go towards the Childrens’ Christmas party. All welcome to enter a team of up to four members.
QUIZ SHEETS
Quiz sheets are on sale at Beith Library to raise funds for the Ayrshire Hospice. The quiz sheets cost £1 and completed entries should be returned to the organiser, Mr Marlyn Pollock, Burnside Cottage, Gateside by 10 December.
BARRMILL
Barrmill Community Association are holding a childrens fancy dress Halloween Party in the village community centre on Friday 31 October between 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm. Those who turn up in fancy dress will receive free entry whilst others will pay £1. There will be lots of games, Halloween fayre and prizes to be won. All are very welcome.
ROYAL ARCH
Beith Royal Arch annual installation of office bearers will be held in Beith Masonic Hall at 7.00 pm on Friday 31 October.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Last Monday, President John McGibbon welcomed a good turn out of members for the
opening meeting of the new session of Trinity Church Men’s Fellowship, which
took the form of a games night. The bowls and darts were both closely
contested, with Willie Lawson winning the darts, and Ian Buchanan and Robert
Jamieson winning the bowls by 5 shots to 3 in a hard fought final against Jim
Mitchell and Hugh Gibson. Next week will be a games night, with a 7.00 pm
start, and all members, and any new members will be made most welcome.
PIPE BAND
The Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band has several members who live in Beith and district. They are holding a race night to raise funds for the pipe band. The race night and disco will be held on Friday, 24 October from 8.00 pm till late in Beith Bowling Club. Tickets are £5 and available from Central Café, Main Street.
WILD DAYS OUT
There will be a mini-beast safari at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve on Friday 17th October. Search for weird and wonderful mini-beasts on the reserve with our teacher-naturalists! ‘You never know what lurks beneath logs and leaves within our woodland, and there will be a chance to go pond-dipping too!' said Jen Walker, Visitor and Publicity Officer. You can choose from 10-11am, 11.30-12.30 or 1-2pm. Children of all ages welcome cost £2 a child. Please telephone the reserve to book for the party on 01505 842663. For further information please contact Jen Walker on Tel 01505 842663 or email jennifer.walker@rspb.org.uk
BEITH ARTS
Beith Arts continue with the winter programme of concerts. The next meet on Sunday 19 October at 2.30 pm in Beith Community Centre when the visitors will be the Edinburgh Jazz Quintet. They will feature the music of Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin in a wide range of music to suit all tastes. Tickets are available from the usual sources price £8 and £5 concession or simply pay at the door.
RSPB
Diary date! The next talk at RSPB Lochwinnoch is on Wednesday 5 November: Sharing your home with wildlife (7.30 – 9.00pm). Hear about all the creepy crawlies and wildlife that you share your home with, often without realising! This is an illustrated talk by Liz Parsons, of Starling Learning who provide the educational program at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve.
OLD FOLKS WELFARE
Calling all Beith and district senior citizens! Beith Old People’s Welfare Committee are hosting a Christmas cabaret supper evening just for you. You are cordially invited to come along and have the time of your life at what is billed as The Millenium Show in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 28 November from 6.00 pm until 10.00 pm. This looks likely to be a lively evening of entertainment and fun. Anyone wishing to bring along their own bottle for refreshement is welcome to do so. Buses to and from the community centre will be available at the usual pickup points. Tickets priced £1 will be on sale on Thursday 6 November, Tuesday 11 November and Thursday 13 November from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Older citizens are asked to ensure that they pick up their tickets during the above times as no tickets will be sold after 13 November.
JABS
Beith Health Centre are holding a series of flu’ clinics during the month of October. Those who are recommended to have the flu jab are those age 65 or over or those who will be 65 before March 2004. Anyone who is under 65 and suffers from any chronic heart, kidney or lung disease or are asthmatic, diabetic or undergoing chemotherapy treatment are also recommended to have the jab. For further information either drop in to the surgery or telephone 015505-502683.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Beith and District Community Council are looking for nominations from you of individuals or a group who reside or are based in the Parish of Beith who are very special. The annual Citizen of the Year is an honour conferred on someone who works in a voluntary capacity in the community. It may be someone who excels in voluntary community work; an individual who goes the extra mile and shows special commitment above and beyond the call of duty. Perhaps you know someone, irrespective of age, whose work in a voluntary role is worthy of commendation. All you have to do is write a brief letter outlining the reasons for your nomination and send it to: William McRoberts, Beith and District Community Council, 12 Montgomery Avenue, Beith. Entries must be received by 12 noon on Tuesday 29 October. Three simple rules apply. The nominees must reside in the Parish of Beith. Members of the Community Council are ineligible for nomination and will form the panel of judges whose decision will be final. The nominations should be given in writing and highlight the particular voluntary work of the individual. The presentation of the Citizen of the Year 2003 will take place in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 21 November and will take the form of a Cheese and Wine evening. Tickets are £4 and available from any member of the Community Council. Everyone is now under starters orders. Wrack your brains for a worthy nominee and get writing!
BEITH JUNIORS WEB SITE
A brand new web site has been recently
launched to highlight the activities of Beith Juniors. It was developed by
Tommy McAdam who used to be on the Beith Juniors committee and wanted to give
the town’s Junior team some presence on the world wide web. The strange thing is
that, although the site is regularly updated, Tommy actually lives and works in
Bermuda where he has been since March this year. Mind you, the sun doesn’t
always shine in Bermuda. Tommy recently had to sit out a hurricane! The site has
results, fixtures, news, statistics and history as well as other informative
articles
and photographs. The address of the site is
http://www.eteamz.com/beithjuniorsfc/
Tommy’s e-mail address should anyone wish to contact him is
tommy@beithjuniorsfc.com. Tommy is keen to receive photographs of Beith
junior teams of yesteryears and any interesting anecdotes which he may include
on the web page.
TODDLER GROUP
Plans are afoot to organise a baby and toddler group in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside. The group would meet from 9.00 am until 11.00 am and there would be a variety of activities to keep the little ones busy as well as play facilities and snacks. The mothers would also enjoy adult conversation and share stories and experiences. Interested? Contact Gill on 01505-500010 or May on 01505-503193.
GARNOCK ACADEMY
The Young Enterprise Team at Garnock Academy are currently planning their special project for the year. They are about to begin a project that will see them publishing a book of photographs of Garnock Academy pupils and staff down through the years. They are keen to obtain photographs for inclusion in this book and anyone with photographs of any events at Garnock from the inception of the school until now are cordially invited to send their photographs to the Young Enterprise team via the school office. It would be helpful if details of those in the photograph and the event and approximate date could be recorded on the back of the photograph together with the name and address of the sender. So, come on ex Garnockians, dig deep into your own personal photographic archives to help the enterprising youngsters produce a fabulous book taking everyone on a happy journey down memory lane. The Garnock Academy Young Enterprise team have regularly appeared in the Scottish finals of this event. So, with your help, the planned reminiscence project could see them scaling new heights. A number of interesting photographs have been received, but many more are requested.
SPEAKING
Last week Donald L Reid of Beith gave an illustrated talk to Kyle and Carrick Civic Society in Ayr choosing as his subject, Doon Valley Bygones. His most recent book, by the same title, will be published on 15 November and covers part of the history of the Doon Valley together with a large number of photographs of people, places and events.
GOLF
On Sunday 5 October the Beith Golf Club Junior Section Annual Prize Giving took place in the club house. Prior to this event there was an adult/junior 18 hole competition and this was won by Carl Thomas and David Hewitson, with Keith and Ewan Ross being runners-up. In all almost 40 took part in the competition in pretty poor weather conditions. The Junior Convener, Iain McDonald thanked the following for their donations and support to the Junior Section Mr M Carmichael, Mr W Toft, Mr T Ferguson, Mr D McCorquodale, Mr J McCullochj, Mr A Berry, Stewart and Osborne (Solicitors), Mr M Irvine, Mr D Harkness of Burnhouse Motors, Mr J Smith, The Johnstone Boys, Mr and Mrs R Menzies, Mr T Campbell, Mr C Thomas, Mr R Johnston, Mr K Ross, Mr J Torrence, Mr I Taylor and friends, Mr A McFarlane and Mr W Whyte. He went on to thank Mr James Waite for his help throughout the year and it was intimated that James Waite had accepted the position of Junior Convenor and will take up this post at the start of the new season. The prize giving then commence with Club Vice-Captain, giving out the well earned trophies, shields and medals to the winners. At the end of the evening a formal presentation was made on behalf of the Junior Section to Mr Iain McDonald to mark his efforts as Junior Convenor over the past three years. The following is a list of winners and runner-up for the junior section. On 30 March the Warm Up trophy, D Gray and J Craine runner up; in April the monthly medal was won by F Robin with J Craine with best novice J Blackwood. On 4 May the monthly medal was won by J Blackwood with I Ryrie second. On 11 May the Daily Telegraph trophy winner was D Gray. The May medal was won by J Blackwood with I Ryrie second and best novice T Law; on 18 May the E J Armstrong Trophy was won by E Lowe with C Wilson second; On 25 May the Chivas Trophy was won by I Ryrie with G Hercus second; The June medal was won by F Robin with E Ross second; on 22 June the vice-captains shield was won by I Ryrie with A Arnott second; on 29 June the A McLachlan trophy was won by I Ryrie with S Broughton second; the July medal was won by A Picken with F Robin second; on 27 July the Carl Thomas trophy winner was J Blackwood with I Ryrie second and best novice T Law; the August medal was won by E Lowe with G Hercus second and best novice D Irvine; on 10 August the Whyte McFarlane Shield was won by D Hewitson with E Low second and D Irvine as best novice; On 17 August the Torrens Trophy was won by I Ryrie with G Hercus second and I ryrie and J Blackwood joint third; on 24 August the stroke play competition was won by C Evans with A Picken second and G Evens best novice; the September medal was won by D Gray with C Hercus runner-up; the Ross challenge trophy was won by F Robin; the doubles final was won by E Ross and E Lowe; the medal final was won by D Gray and the junior club champion for 2003 was E Ross.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
Last Tuesday the happy chappers were back in action and the domino champ was Mrs A Smith with Mrs F Welsh and Mrs M Kennedy trailing close behind. On Thursday the tables were turned when Mrs M Kennedy ran out the winner with Mrs A Gibson second and Mrs J Welsh third. On Tuesday the whist was won by Mrs M Milne with Miss F McCreadie second and Mrs J Reid third. On Thursday Miss F McCreadie was the winner with Mrs M Montgomery second and Mrs E McKechnie third.
BEITH TRINITY CHURCH PLAYGROUP
Beith Trinity Church Playgroup is now open and a warm welcome awaits new members. The Playgroup is staffed and managed by competent play leaders and works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council. We offer funded places for 3 – 5 year olds. Places are also available for children from 2 ½ year olds. The group is open in Trinity Church Hall on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday mornings between 9.15 am and 11.45 pm. For more information drop in and have a chat with play leaders Lesley and Sharon (0787-0125677).
CHOIR
The Cunninghame Choir has begun rehearsals for their winter concert and practices have been well attended and good progress is being made. In December they will perform excerpts from Gilbert & Sullivan and various Christmas Carols. The date and place of this concert will shortly be announced. As ever, new members will be made most welcome. Contact Alan on 01505-504413 or come to rehearsals on Wednesday at 7.30 pm in Beith Community Centre.
HISTORICAL
Beith Historical Society meet in the Eglinton Inn at 8.00 pm on Thursday, 30th October. The speaker is Elaine MacFarlane from Ardrossan. A University lecturer, Elaine is going to speak on Fighting in the cause of Freedom. Scotland in the Great War.
TODDLERS
Trinity Church Toddler Group resumed on Thursday, 4 September from 9.30 am – 11.00 am in Trinity Church Hall. Vacancies are available for children from birth to three years and a warm and friendly welcome is assured. Drop in to the hall where you will be made welcome to have a chat with the play leaders and learn more about the Trinity toddler group.
HENRY FAULDS
Further information about Dr Henry Faulds – Beith Commemorative Society can be found on: www.henryfaulds.org or www.arabicaonline.co.uk
CANCER SUPPORT
Billy Haining of the Beith branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, advises that he has received a cheque for £95 from Gateside School which was the proceeds from the retiring offering at their summer church service. This was erroneously recorded last week as Geilsland School.
PLAYGROUP
Beith Community Centre playgroup provide excellent child care and education provision and they are currently taking registrations for the new session. The playgroup is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week from 9.30 am until 11.45 am. There is a full complement of trained staff including a fully qualified nursery nurse with 15 years experience and a capable nursery assistant with 5 years experience. Immediate funded places are available for children in North Ayrshire aged 3 years and limited places are available for children aged 2 ½ years. The emphasis of the playgroup is always on fun and enjoyment whilst learning in a happy and secure environment. Anyone interested in finding out more about the playgroup is invited to contact Helen on 506403.
WRI
Greenhills WRI meet in Barrmill Community Centre on Wednesday 15 October at 7.30 pm when the ladies will enjoy a quiz night hosted by Mr and Mrs John Johnstone of Beith. The ladies will enjoy Halloween fayre.
NORTH AYSHIRE BAND
North Ayrshire Band are once again busy with rehearsals in the community wing at Garnock Academy from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm every Tuesday. They are on the lookout to recruit new members to the band as several key players have had to leave recently to take up degree courses at Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen Universities. Anyone who has previously played with the band will be made very welcome and anyone with experience of a brass instrument can also come along and enjoy a taster session. The band will be taking part in a joint concert with Kilbirnie Salvation Army Band in the Salvation Army Hall, Kilbirnie, on Tuesday, 25 November. This concert is interestingly different as both bands will feature the music of Eric Ball, one of the all-time great brass band composers. The centenary of his birth is being celebrated by brass bands all over the world during 2003 and this concert marks the contribution from two local bands. Followers of the band are asked to note that the annual concert of North Ayrshire Band will be held in St Margaret’s Church, Dalry, on Friday 5 December at 7.30 pm. The band will also be taking part in the Borders Brass Band Competition to be held in Innerleithan on Saturday, 15 November. On the social side the band are holding a ceildh in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 31 October. There will be a first class ceildh band and a light supper with tickets costing £5 from any band member. So, a busy three month period lies ahead for the band. Hopefully they won’t run out of wind!
NURSERY
Beith Community Centre Nursery group which is a registered charity has funded places available now for children aged 3 years. The nursery is open on four mornings each week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and is overseen by fully qualified staff. The programme of activities is delivered in a stimulating environment where the emphasis is on fun and enjoyment whilst learning. The group operates in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and have access to their training programmes and follow their guidelines so that the group is kept fully informed of the latest in child education and care. You can drop in with your child to see the facilities available and have a chat with staff. For more information telephone 01505-503187 or 01505-506403.
MASONIC
Lodge Beith St Johns No 10 meet in the Masonic Hall on Thursday 16 October at 7.30 pm when there will be one candidate undertaking the second degree. There will also be a visitation by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire. A good attendance of brethren is requested.
RATS
Speculation mounts that a date will soon be announced with regards to the public enquiry into the proposal for a landfill site at Trearne Quarry, Gateside. Once the date and venue are definitely confirmed, the public will be advised. Watch this space.
JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars begin their open nights for 2003/2004 session on Monday, 20 October when they meet in the Eglinton Inn at 7.30 pm. The speaker is Andy Gallacher of Paisley who takes as his theme, the American Indian Wars. This looks likely to be an interesting lecture as the speaker actually goes to USA and takes part in re-enactments of the Indian wars. He will be able to shed light on a subject which tends to be controversial. A good turnout of cronies and visitors is requested. Cronies are also asked to confirm their ticket requirements for the 59th annual St Andrew’s Dinner which is being held in Beith Bowling Club on Friday, 28 November when the speaker is Bill Hewitt, past president of Greenock Burns Club and a very gifted speaker who will deliver the toast to St Andrew and Scotland.
BEITH VISITORS
Last week Robert and Joyce Presler of Highland, California, USA, visited Beith and were grateful for the kind assistance provided by Sandra Brown of Brightsparks and the Beith correspondent. They are endeavouring to find out more information about James Cunningham Smith who owned a newsagent business in Beith. He emigrated to the USA in 1906 landing first at Ellis Island then moving to New York. They can be contacted by e-mail: represler@aol.com. Also visiting Beith last week was Catherine Marshall of Las Vegas. Her great great grandfather, Thomas Allan, born 1817, in Beith emigrated in 1838 having married Robina Crawford of Beith in 1836. They travelled to America from Glasgow on the steamer, Thomas P Cope. Mrs Marshall passes on her thanks to Hugh Gibson, property convener, Trinity Church for assistance and to the Beith correspondence for transport help. She can be contacted by e-mail: cmarshallLV@juno.com
BEITH JUNIORS
Beith Juniors monthly draw for October resulted in Maureen Smith winning £100; John Boal lifting £50 and Paul Brown taking away £25. The ever-popular annual Sportsmans Dinner will be held on Friday 24 October in Beith Community Centre. The speakers are Buller Reid, Scott Glynn and John Gaghen, all well known on the after-dinner circuit and this looks like a night not to be missed. Tickets are £25 and available from any Beith Juniors committee member or contact secretary, Robert McCarter on 01505-503800.
FACE OF NORTH AYRSHIRE
Are you the face of North Ayrshire young Scot? If you are aged between 12 and 25 years you could be! As the face of young Scot in North Ayrshire you will become the face immediately associated with this corner of Ayrshire. You will appear on all the publicity material and be the person people think of when they speak of North Ayrshire. Application forms are available in the library.
BEITH NOTES
Anyone with items for inclusion in the Beith column are reminded that the information should be with the correspondent as early as possible and by 10.00 pm each Sunday evening at the latest for inclusion in the Herald the following week. Any group or organisation who have planned events where they wish a photograph taken are also reminded that this should be arranged direct with the editorial department at the Herald. The Beith correspondent can, on occasions, oblige by taking a photograph at short notice, but in general requests should be made via the newspaper. Items can also be sent to the correspondent by e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com
