ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER 2003
043
HARVEST SERVICE: Children at Gateside Primary celebrated Harvest thanksgiving last week in a service led by Rev Fiona Ross and headteacher Mrs McGuigan.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
046
HI DI HI: The members of Beith Trinity Church God Squad enjoyed a weekend away at Aviemore. See Beith local notes. (SP)
NEWS ITEMS
HURRICANE EXPERIENCE
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 and the following is a brief synopsis of his recollections of hurricane Fabien.When Tommy realized that a hurricane was likely to strike in Bermuda he had little knowledge of how it would impact on him, bearing in mind that his only experience of hurricanes was gleaned from the safety of the movie screen. On the second day of the hurricane alert the bad news was confirmed that it was likely to be a direct hit on Bermuda. Hurricane Fabien was building up enormous force as it approached the island. There was local panic and shops started to run out of hurricane survival supplies such as batteries, portable gas stoves, candles, matches, dry food and water. Worse still, Tommy discovered that no electricity in Bermuda means that they would have no running water. It also meant that buying frozen foods was not a great idea either! Locals were able to tell him about the last direct hit of hurricane Emily in 1987 and at that time there was no power for between one and four weeks. The hurricane eventually struck with its full force at 6.00 pm the winds having built up to a tremendous force in the previous two days. Tommy had already protected his windows with plywood and like everyone else in Bermuda, he was unable to go to work. Very soon after the strike the power was down and that meant there was no running water and the telephone lines were down. Fortunately, most folk also had mobiles which was a distinct advantage. Tommy had numerous phone calls from family and friends in Beith to make sure that he was as safe as possible in the circumstances. The winds and driving rain were the worst and most frightening that he had ever experienced and the house seemed to shake and shudder. As you might expect there was considerable damage to the roof and the streets and gardens were strewn with debris. Eventually the force of the hurricane receded dramatically after five days of pretty horrendous weather. The normally excellent Bermudian weather returned as quickly as it had disappeared, but the hurricane left a huge amount of damage to the island. Normally it would have been a great day for the beach, but a lot of the beaches were in a terrible state. The emergency radio station warned people not to go out sight seeing and to stay indoors to let the army and civil authorities get on with the job of clearing the roads and repairing the many downed power cables. On the sixth day after the Fabien struck it was reported that it could well be several weeks before power was fully restored to the island, a really depressing and sobering prospect for all the islanders, it made Tommy realise how lucky folk in Scotland are when power is occasionally off and back on within a day or at most two. Almost 40% of buildings had roofs ripped off or severely damaged. The situation was exacerbated when the heavens opened up. When it rains in Bermuda it really does rain in a way which few folk in Scotland could even begin to contemplate. Indeed within a week of the storms ceasing, Tommy was able to go for a lovely meal to the Waldorf Estoria Hotel to celebrate his 30th birthday. The Bermudian people all rallied during the aftermath of the hurricane and good preparations along with a sensible building policy of former years ensured that only four people lost their lives to the hurricane. Flights to and from Bermuda had been subject to change with many flights having to be cancelled. Fortunately thing are beginning to get back to normality. Tommy is now looking forward to his next visit back to Beith where he will enjoy seeing his favourite team, Beith Juniors, back in action. And of course, his friends and family will never again hear him complaining about the Scottish weather!
GARNOCK ACADEMY SCHOOL BOARD REPORT
Garnock Academy School Board advise that they have recently received two petitions and several letters regarding problems relating to the uplifting of pupils at the Manrahead Bus Stop in Beith for transport to Garnock Academy. Parents have asked for the reinstatement of a dedicated bus for this stop due to the number of pupils who travel from Manrahead, as well as safety concerns relating to pupils waiting for and boarding the buses. The school management team and school board have met with various parties concerned with regard to this issue. Further meetings are to follow soon. The school management team and school board will shortly issue a letter advising parents of progress on this matter to keep everyone up to date with developments. The school board have also been actively campaigning for additional funding for Garnock Academy. Recently a tour of the school was arranged to show those present where the concerns of the school board arise with regard to investment in the schools learning and welfare facilities. The tour was attended by Councillors Jean Highgate and Ian Richardson, Mr Leckie of North Ayrshire Council, Mr Brian McNaught the school Rector and school board members, Mr Broughton, Mr Hair, Mr Turner and Mr Blackburn. Following the tour discussions were held and its hoped that some of the concerns raised will be addressed as soon as possible. The next school board meeting is Thursday 30th October at 7.30 pm in the school library. If any parent/guardian has any concerns which they wish raised at this meeting they should write or contact any member of the school board.
MENS FELLOWSHIP
President John McGibbon welcomed 23
members to last weeks meeting of Beith Trinityh Mens Fellowship. After a
reading by Jim Mitchell he welcomed the speakers for the evening, Community
Constables Sandy Brown and Jim Dougall, who gave a very informative talk on home
security. Sandy, a former crime prevention officer, said that it was a sad fact
that most householders know what should be done in terms of home security, but
that they never quite get round to it, and that in the majority of cases
the crime prevention officer is called in, and the alarm system fitted, only
after there had been a break in. The officers stressed that crime prevention
starts in the wider community, and that schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch are
useful in that they encourage people to be aware of what is going on around
their
home. They then went on to outline in detail precautions that should be
taken outside the home, such as locking up sheds and ladders, etc, inside the
home, fitting good quality locks to doors and windows, and also the steps which
should be taken if planning to be away from home. After a question and answer
session, a vote of thanks was proposed by Hugh Gibson. Next weeks speaker is
Mr Colin Duthie, who will speak on his experiences cycling across Israel.
1st BEITH BBs
There were no meetings last week of 1st Beith BBs due to school
holidays, but all meetings will be back at the usual time tonight (Friday).
ANGLING
Due to the continued good weather Beith St. Inan’s anglers have been fishing,
and continuing to catch fish in good numbers, especially those who are fishing
sub-surface
with nymphs and lures. Several fish to 2lb have been recorded in the past week.
CAMERA CLUB
Beith Camera Club's first internal
competition of the new season was judged by Andrew Currie of Inverclyde Camera
Club, Gourock. 30 slides and 21 prints were entered and the top marks were
awarded to:- Slides - 1st Hugh Waterston, 2nd Ian Smith, 3rd Ian Smith
Prints - 1st Alastair Knox, 2nd Hugh Waterston, 3rd Alastair Knox. In addition
to judging the competition Mr Currie gave the members several useful hints and
tips to improve their photos in future. New members will be warmly welcomed to
the Thursday evening meetings of Beith Camera Club held at 7.30 pm in Beith
Community Centre.
RSPB
Local school pupils and community groups using the RSPB’s Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve will be reaping the benefits of a 3M Environmental Award achieved by RSPB Education Officer Sharon Fraser. Sharon, who also works part-time as a primary school supply teacher in Glasgow, won the chance to join scientists from the environmental charity Earthwatch on a research project in Cameroon to save the endangered rock fowl.
To mark her achievement, she has been
presented with a new 3M overhead projector for use at the RSPB centre by Roger
Hubbert, site manager at 3M Hillington. Roger commented: “3M has a long history
of environmental stewardship and has been running this national award scheme to
give teachers invaluable practical experience to share with their pupils. We’re
delighted that Sharon and her pupils will benefit so much from it and hope that
the projector will be useful for many years to come.” Sharon recently returned
from the research trip, where she assisted scientists at the Cameroon
Biodiversity Conservation Society (CBCS) in assessing the population status of
the grey-necked picathartes and determining their ecological requirements in the
rainforests of South Cameroon. “I will never forget my time in Cameroon or the
friendly and welcoming people I met there,” said Sharon. “I learned a great deal
about the natural history and culture of the country and gained new skills in
field research, all of which will prove invaluable in my work.“I feel that I am
now better able to foster in my pupils a love and respect for the environment
and a passion to learn more. I’d like to thank Earthwatch and 3M for giving me
this opportunity of a lifetime.” The RSPB environmental education programme at
Lochwinnoch reserve is a valuable resource for local schools, with around 1500
pupils from all over the Greater Clyde area participating each year. Student
teachers and local community groups also regularly use the centre, one of 40
RSPB reserves in Scotland. Reserve manager Zul Bhatia said the overhead
projector will be well used during the indoor sessions for students. “It will be
very helpful when introducing the subject and for more in-depth studies,
particularly with older students and secondary school groups,” he said. “We are
very grateful both to 3M for donating the projector and to Sharon for suggesting
that it be used at the Lochwinnoch reserve."
SCOUTS
The 102nd Ayrshire Scouts held a hugely successful Gang Show recently in Beith High Church Hall. The boys excelled themselves, performing sketches and musical numbers, and really helped to promote the community spirit in the town. A big thank you goes to all businesses in the town, especially to Beith Christian Action Thrift Shop and to Beith High Drama who respectively helped supply costumes and technical equipment. The Scouts send their apologies to Billy’s of Beith whose advert in the programme should have read “all our prices are below recommended prices.” A huge thank you to all parents for their continued support and to everyone who helped in raising the marvelous sum of £863.00. A special word of thanks must also go to all the Scout leaders for their work with the young people which led to this outstanding 2003 Gang Show.
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.
WRI
Greenhills WRI met in Barrmill Community Centre last Wednesday. Mrs Barbara Raeside, president was in the chair and warmly welcomed members and guests. After dealing with items of business everyone enjoyed a Halloween tea with superb dumpling. Thereafter the president introduced Mr and Mrs John Johnstone who acted a quiz masters during an interesting and closely contest quiz which was won by the Teddies team. The competitions for the night were judged by Mrs Janette Miller of Dunlop Rural. The Reid trophy for a favourite thimble was won by Mrs J Lamont with Mrs N Brown second and Mrs S Gardiner third. The salver for three treacle scones was won Mrs Mrs M Smith with Mrs B Raeside second and Mrs S Gardner third. After the quiz the president introduced Mr Donald Reid who gave a short talk on Dr Henry Faulds, the Beith born pioneer of fingerprint science. At the close of the meeting a comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Mrs Sheila Craig.
CANCER SUPPORT
Billy Haining of Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group advises that he has received a donation of £160 in memory of Mr R Whiteman of Beith. He also received an anonymous donation of £20 handed in the Billy’s of Beith.
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.
RANGERS
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club are running a bus to the game against Livingstone at Almondvale tomorrow (Saturday). The bus leaves Kilbirnie at 8.45 am and Beith at 9.00 am. Those intending to travel must confirm names to John on 500264 or Andy on 503928 as soon as possible. Advance notice is given that Rangers FC will be holding a road show in Beith soon. Watch this space for details.
GUIDES
3rd Beith Guides are holding a coffee morning in Beith High Church Hall on Saturday, 1 November from 10.00 am until 12 noon. Tickets are 80p from any Guide or simply come along on the day and support the Guides and enjoy a coffee and blether.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The last meeting of Beith and District Community Council was the bi-annual election. There were ten nominations received for ten places and consequently there was no need for an election. The following appointments were made. Chairperson, Robert Boyd; Vice chairperson, Elizabeth Henderson; secretary, Julie Crook; treasurer, James T F Muir, minute secretary, Joyce B Walker; social events, Willie McRoberts and Anne Hay; press officer, Donald L Reid and Spiers Trust representative, Robert Boyd and other council members, Fiona Reid and Ian Buchanan. It was reported that the Scottish Executive had further funding available for safer routes to schools projects and Councillor Jean Highgate was asked to investigate having Beith Primary included in the scheme. Community Officers, Constables Jim Dougall and Sand Brown were in attendance at the meeting. They reported that ten cases in respect of possession of drugs and a further eleven individuals for breach of the peace had been reported to the fiscal since the last meeting. There had been six housebreakings and two attempted break-ins. They emphasised the importance of every householder reviewing their own home security and stated that houses with effective alarm systems are less likely to be violated. Advice to householders was available from local officers or from the Community Safety Department based at Irvine Police Station. The police continue to monitor parking in Glebe Road as well as targeting illegal parking at the junction of Eglinton Street and the Strand. It was reported that nominations are sought for the Citizen of the Year and arrangements were made for posters to be distributed throughout the town and district. Nominations to be made to William McRoberts, 12 Montgomery Avenue, Beith not later than 12 noon on Wednesday 29 October. A letter outlining the reasons in support of the nomination was all that was required. The presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award will take place in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 21 November at 7.30 pm. The next meeting of Beith and District Community Council will be held in the staff room at Beith Primary School at 7.15 0pm on Thursday 30 October. Members of the public are cordially invited to attend all meetings of the community council and Councillors Jean Highgate and Ian Richardson are also in attendance.
RATS
The date for the local enquiry into the proposed siting of a landfill site at Trearne Quary, Gateside, is not yet confirmed, but the feeling is that it will possibly be held before the end of 2003. When the date and location is definitely confirmed it will be publicised in the Beith News section of the Herald and posters will be displayed in all the usual local outlets, e.g. The Cross Pharmacy, Arabica and the Co-op. The support of members of the public who are concerned about this proposed landfill site is absolutely vital at the public enquiry stage. RATS ask that local folk try to arrange to attend this planning meeting to make their views known and monitor the debate on the issue. They also ask that locals show their determination not to have a site of such unique importance buried in millions of tons of rubbish. RATS are keen to be given the time and opportunity to save this site and develop something positive for this area and beyond. Dr John Faithfull, Curator in Geology at The Hunterian Museum, The University of Glasgow has recently stated: "There are very few localities IN THE WORLD where such soft-bodied creatures are fossilised: it would be a catastrophe if this locality was to be lost forever." So, watch for the date and venue for this important meeting and lend RATS your support.
DISABILITY GROUP
Fifteen members of Garnock Valley Disability Group enjoyed a three day break in Blackpool last weekend with great hospitality at the Bond Hotel. Friday evening was spent at the nearby Pleasure Beach followed by entertainment in the hotel. On Saturday they journeyed to Liverpool where they spent the day enjoying the museums and shops along the docks on the River Mersey as well as a taking a ferry trip across the famous river. Fleetwood and Cleethorpes were visited on Sunday with everyone enjoying the shops and markets. On Monday the exhausted group were homeward bound in the early afternoon having enjoyed a wonderful short holiday with great weather. Last Friday evening the Disability Group held a supper dance in Dalry Bowling Club with music supplied by popular vocalist, Remedy. There was an excellent turnout of members and friends and everyone had a very enjoyable social evening. A special word of thanks is due to Janice Marshall who is a volunteer helper at the disability group for organizing the social evening as well as for her work in organizing the holiday weekend at Blackpool. The next meeting of Garnock Valley Disability Group will be held on Wednesday 29 October at 1.30 pm in Barrmill Community Centre. Everyone will be made most welcome.
INFORMATION
Mrs Doreen Aldrige of Leeds is seeking information about her grandparents. They were James Brown Millar, tanner of Head Street and his wife Helen Jamieson who married on 29 December 1882. She has no idea what happened to them and would appreciate any help which locals might be able to provide. In the first instance contact 01505-503398.
PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP
Beith Playpark Action Group are on the look out for volunteers to help them achieve their objective of delivering a state-of-the-art play facility for children and young people in Beith Public Park. The group have already made massive strides in their fund raising endeavours and have been successful in organizing a variety of interestingly different fund raising events and accessing a variety of grant sources. They have also had the support of many folk in the town who have taken part in sponsored events such as the recent Glasgow half-marathon. However, they do need a number of people to help in repetitive ongoing tasks such as photo-copying, gathering and distributing information, typing etc. The time involved is small, but the help given will be invaluable. The Playpark Action Group is made up of a very small number of people who have worked very enthusiastically and effectively over the last couple of years and they really do deserve the help and support of the local community as they continue their fund raising drive. If you think you might be able to spare one hour each week to assist please contact Audrey Rae on 01505-506320 for further information or see the posters in the usual locations in the town.
ROAD SAFETY
Police officers in the Garnock Valley
are giving increased attention to the
areas used by parents to drop off or uplift children from schools. The safety of
children is clearly of the essence. Inspector Kenneth McLachlan of Kilbirnie
police office said "Community Constables have been in contact with North
Ayrshire Council road safety
department and I would urge all road users to be courteous and considerate
near schools in what can be a potentially hazardous environment".
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.
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 tonight (Friday) from 8.00 pm till late in Beith Bowling Club. Tickets are £5 and available from Central Café, Main Street or simply come along tonight.
HEART START
Barrmill Community Association are holding a heartstart course in the village community centre on Wednesday, 29 October beginning at 7.30 pm. This course is open to anyone and is very worthwhile as it provides valuable information about what action can be taken to help someone who takes a heart attack. Interested? Contact Jean on 01505-502521.
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.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Barrmill Community Association organise a wide ranging programme of activities in the village community centre and everyone is welcome to attend any of these events. Each Monday indoor bowls is held from 1.30 pm until 4.00 pm. From 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm an art class is held. Every second Monday of the month, Councillor Ian Richardson hold his surgery from 6.30 pm until 7.30 pm. Every Tuesday there is a prize bingo from 7.45 pm until 9.00 pm. Friday is again a day when bowling dominates and games are held between 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm and again from 7.00 pm until 10.00 pm. The village hall is available for hire at very reasonable rates for any kind of meetings, training courses, parties and can hold up 100 people. It is fully equipped for catering purposes. Contact Jean on 01505-502521 or Margaret on 01505-506923. The next Barrmill Community Association meeting will be held in Barrmill Community Centre on Wednesday, 29 October at 7.30 pm. If anyone has issues they wish to raise, they will be warmly welcomed to the meeting.
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!
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 special word of thanks to Mrs Jean McDonald, formerly Head of Music at Garnock, for submitting several interesting photographs. Many more are requested.
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. A good attendance by members and visitors is requested.
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.
SNP
The ladies of Beith Branch SNP are holding a fund raising evening in the form of a 'Cosmetics Demonstration' in Beith Community Centre on Monday 27th October from 8pm to 10pm. Sarah Gilfillan of 'Virgin Vie Cosmetics' will be hosting the event. Tickets are priced at only £3 which includes a free glass of wine on arrival and are available from Margaret Johnstone on Beith 502680 or you can pay at the door.
SNP SPEAKERS CLUB
West of Scotland MSP Bruce McFee was the guest speaker at the October
meeting of Beith Branch SNP's monthly Sunday Speakers Club, in the Beith
Community Centre on Sunday 19th October. The Speakers Club allows the local SNP
activists to meet with Party Officials and elected representatives and to debate
and discuss the political themes of the day. Bruce McFee talked on the theme of
the 'SNP and the way forward' and afterwards enjoyed and informal question and
answer session with the audience. The branch laid on a buffet and refreshments
for the guests following the meeting when everyone had a chance to chat and
socialise. The branch held a raffle which raised £65 for branch funds. The next
meeting of the Speakers Club will be on Sunday 16th of November in the Community
Centre at 2pm when the guest speakers will be Alex Neil MSP and Campbell Martin
MSP. For further details contact Beith SNP Convener John Johnstone on Beith
502680.
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.
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!
DOMINOES
The happy chappers were in action again last week at Beith Community Centre. On Tuesday the dominoe champion was Mrs Ina McCauslane with Mrs Anna Gibson second and Mrs M Carey third. On Thursday Mrs M Kennedy was the winner with Mrs E Robinson second and Mrs Ina McCauslane third. On Tuesday the whist was won by Miss F McCreadie with Mrs F Reid second and Mrs Smith third. On Thursday the whist was won by Mrs Margaret Montgomery with Mrs B Smith second and Miss F McCreadie third. New members will be made most welcome and they meet every Tuesday and Thursday in the community centre at 1.30 pm.
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.
CHURCH SERVICE
The regular monthly church service will be held in Barrmill Community Centre on Sunday, 26 October at 6.00 pm and will be conducted by Rev Fiona Ross. All welcome.
BEITH JUNIORS
The ever-popular annual Sportsmans Dinner will be held tonight (Friday) 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.
GOD SQUAD
A group of Beith Trinity God Squad left last Friday for
a weekend of fellowship and fun at Lochinsh near Aviemore. There were 24 in
total. Gary Caldwell (trainee minister) and his wife Pamela and family, led the
group in bible study, games and song. Morning and late afternoon were spent on
the loch in various means of water transport or for others in the luxury of log
chalets , admiring the fantastic views of our wonderful country. On Saturday
night the group enjoyed a fabulously mouth-watering barbeque and sing song.
After breakfast on Sunday morning, it was on the loch again and then we met for
a short service and fond farewells. We look forward to meeting up again soon.
