ADROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2003
PRIZE GUYS: A few of the prize winners at Beith Bowling Club gather for a photograph at the presentation of prizes held in the club last week.
(Photo: Alan Watson – SP)
NEWS ITEMS
BADMINTON
Calum Hercus and Graham Evans, both primary 7 pupils at Beith are making a name for themselves as enthusiastic young athletes. Calum and Graham have the distinction of having been recently selected to represent Ayrshire primary schools team in a badminton tournament in Newcastle in January. Needless to say they are both looking forward to taking part in this prestigious competition. Both play for the school team under the care of coach Mrs C McLaughlin and also play at a high level with Fullarton badminton club, based in Kilwinning. They have been attending sessions fortnighty for selection for the Ayrshire team for the last few months. Busy boys with other interests as well, both are keen golfers and athletes. Calum plays football and swims too. Congratulations to Calum and Graham. Well done, lads!
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.
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
Last week was a red letter day at Beith Bowling Club when the annual presentation of prizes took place in the club house. Those who enjoyed commendable success during the year were on hand to uplift their trophies from club president Charlie Fairns and his wife, Isobel. The Charles Fairns Trophy was won by R Rae, J Shanaghey and A Wilson with G Parker, S Glen and J Chesney runners up; The SC Jamieson trophy was won by Fay Purves and B Monk with J Shanaghey and C Thomson runners up; the Craig Cup was won by B Brown and C Thomson with S Glen and A McCorquodale runners up; the W McMillan Trophy was won by W Smith and D Meldrum with J McFadzean and B Monk runners up; The Plott and Cochrane Trophy was won by M Wilson, P Longridge, A Dick and D McCorquodale with L Paton, S McMeechan, E Marr and J McFadzean runners up; the W L Irvine trophy was won by Robert McDonald with John Simpson runner up; the GVBA Four Competition was won by J McFadzean, A Wilson, R F Clark and C Thomson with D Logue (jnr), D Logue (snr), M Brown and B Monk runners up; the Marbill Trophy was won by J Simpson, J Chesney and C Thomson with W Smith, D Meldrum and B Monk runners up; The Club Fours was won by J McFadzean, A Wilson, R McDonald and D McCorquodale with G T Wilson, B Monk, C Thomson and J Wilson runners up; The Club Triples was won by J McFadzean, R McDonald and D McCorquodale; the Mix Pairs was won by A McCorquodale and D McCorquodale with B King and B Monk runners up; the Balloted Pairs was won by R F Clark and D Meldrum with G D Wilson and K Bryson runners up; the Nominated Pairs was won by R McDonald and B Monk with R G Young and A Danks runners up; The Balfour Trophy (Novice Competition) was won by R Lewis with A McFarlane runner up; the Ex Presidents Trophy (Len Johnstone) was won by J Chesney with John Simpson runner up; the Blackwood Trophy was won by D Meldrum with W Hunter runner up; The Presidents Prize (Charlie Fairns) was won by G T Wilson with D Meldrum runner up; the premier trophy of the year, the Club Championship (Mrs Jean Roddie) was won by Jim McFadzean with L Wightman runner up.
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.
RANGERS
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club have arranged a bus for the game at Ibrox tomorrow (Saturday). It leaves from Dalry at 1.30 pm, Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith at 2.00 pm. Names to bus stewards no later than 30 October at 9.00 pm. The supporters club are delighted to announce that they are hosting a Rangers Road Show on Friday, 20 February 2004. Speakers include Donald Findlay QC and Rangers legend, Wee Willie Henderson. The price is £19 which includes dinner. Bookings are now being taken and tickets can be reserved by contacting David Raeside on 01505-504892 and Jim Reid on 01505-504548. A £5 deposite secures your ticket for this event.
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."
HAPPY CHAPPERS
Last week the happy chappers were again
engaged in friendly battle at Beith Community Centre. On Tuesday the dominoe
champion was Mrs E Jamieson with Mrs M Kennedy second with a tie for third spot
between Mrs M Gardiner and and Mrs Marie Carey. On Thursday the tables were
turned when Mrs M Gardiner was the winner with Mrs E Jamieson second and Mrs
Anna Gibson third. On Tuesday the whist champion was Mrs B Smith with Mrs J
Smith second and Miss F McCreadie third. On Thursday Mrs Margaret Montgomery was
the card sharp champion with Mrs J Smith second and Mrs B Smith third. Last week
the ladies also enjoyed a first class lunch at the Eglinton Inn and it was
definitely a case of chat, chat, chatting instead of chap, chap, chapping.
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, Mrs Marlyn Pollock, Burnside Cottage, Gateside by 10 December. A Crafy Fayre is also due to be held at Bowfield, Howwood, on Friday, 21 November at 7.30 pm when there will be a full range of interesting stalls to suit all tastes. All proceeds will benefit the Ayrshire Hospice.
WATCH THE BIRDS
At Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve the
first waxwing of this winter was seen
on Friday 24th October. In fact this is the first waxwing to be reported
within the central belt of Scotland so far this winter! There have been other
early reports of this highly coloured bird over the last few days in the
Northern and Western Isles and sightings off the sea at Fife Ness. All this
points towards a possible invasion, so please keep alook out for any
starling-sized birds scoffing berries from trees which have
an obvious crest, and a yellow tip to their tail. Please phone the reserve with
any possible sightings on 01505 842663.
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.
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. Unfortunately, she never asked her own parents about her grandparents and has only belatedly began to carryout research on her family tree. 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.
JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars met last Monday in the Eglinton Inn when president N M Henderson warmly welcomed eighteen members. The speaker for the evening was Andy Gallacher, a Paisley buddy who gave a fascinating talk entitled: The American Indian Wars. Andy has been involved in re-enactments at the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn for the past six years and in the process has amassed a great deal of knowledge about the Indian wars. In an illustrated talk he held the members captivated as he explained the myths and legends associated with the American Indians. He responded to a number of questions. He was thanked on behalf of the cronies by vice president Tom Osborne who presented him with a gift on behalf of the Jolly Beggars. The next meeting of the Jolly Beggars is on Monday 10 November when club member Duncan Winning OBE will speak on the history of sea canoeing in Scotland. Tickets price £10 are now available for the annual St. Andrew’s Dinner which will be held on Friday 28 November in Beith Bowling Club when the principal speaker is Bill Hewitt of Greenock.
PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP
Can you help? 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.
ACCORDIAN CLUB
Beith and District Accordian Club was founded in September 1972 and has been going strong ever since. Monthly meetings are held during the period October – May and are very well supported by locals in the Garnock Valley. Each month a leading Scottish Country Dance Band is normally engaged to entertain. Well known Beithite, Tom ‘Pie’ Irvine, was a founder member of the club and was secretary for the first 19 years and has been president for the past 12 years. Sheila Strachan has been secretary for the past 12 years. John Strachan, Sheila’s husband, has been club pianist and sound expert and organizes the equipment involved in making the club nights a great success. However, due to ill health, John has intimated that he will have to give up their part in the running of the club which is based in the Anderson Hotel, Beith and Sheila will retired from club activities at the same time. John has given 31 years of first class service to the Beith Accordian Club. The club will cotinue to operate until the end of the current season in 2004, but they are now on the lookout for someone to come forward and volunteer to take on the organisational side of the club. Unfortunately, Tommy, Sheila and John now feel that they would be keen to hand the reins of control over to someone younger, so they are on the lookout for a willing volunteer. The likely volunteer would no doubt enjoy Scottish accordian music and have good organisational skills. Anyone who might be interested in taking on this role can find out more about what is involved by contacting Sheila on 01505-863673. It would indeed be sad if the respected Beith Accordian Club was to discontinue activities after May 2004 because of a lack of volunteers to help with practical and administrative duties involved in making club nights so enjoyable for everyone.
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".
BEITH BBs
There was a good turn out of members at 1st Beith BBs last Friday.
The Anchor Boys had a visit from the police, who brought along a sniffer dog,
and this was very much
enjoyed by the boys who kept the officers busy with a large number of questions
about their work with the dog. The Junior Section had a drill session followed
by physical
activities, and the Company Section boys were carrying on with their badge
work.
Tongith (Friday) there will be a joint Hallow'een party, and all sections are
asked
to turn up at 6.30pm. Parents can collect children at 8pm.
ANGLING
The score this week at Beith St Inan’s Angling Club was fish one, anglers nil!
With the continuing good weather there has been a good turn out of anglers this
week, but unfortunately there were no fish recorded in the book. However, as
good anglers do, they will keep trying to hook the elusive trout.
MENS FELLOWSHIP
Last Monday was a games night at Trinity Mens Fellowship. President John
McGibbon welcomed eighteen members of Glengarnock Bowling Club for their annual
fixture. 36 members took part in the bowling competition, and after two keenly
contested rounds the finalists were Betty Gibson, Harry Shields, Danny Young and
Maurice Rattray who played Ray Neall, John Smith, Ann Knox and Hugh McMeechan.
Although Betty's team were favourites going into the final by virtue of a better
shot difference, the
opposition proved too strong and were victorious by 3 shots to one. In the
darts
competition Ann Bowie took the prize, with Isobel Menzies a close second.
Martin Mclead proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the bowling club and
everyone looks forward to next years competition. Next week will be a games
night, with a 7pm start.
CANCER CARE
The Beith Branch of Ayrshire Cancer
Support Group are delighted announce that Morna Thomson of Glebe Road, Beith
recently took part in the Glasgow Half-Marathon raising much needed funds for
the group. Last week Morna presented £320 to a delighted Billy Haining who
thanked her on behalf of the Beith Branch. This is the second occasion that
Morna has raised funds for the Beith Branch and she is to be heartily
congratulated on a great charitable effort. The Beith branch have now taken
delivery of two Parker Knowle electric reclining chairs donated to the branch in
memory of the late Billy Duncan of Gateside. These are already being put to good
use.
BARRMILL
Barrmill Community Association are holding a childrens fancy dress Halloween Party in the village community centre tonight (Friday) 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 tonight (Friday). A good attendance by Companions is requested.
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.
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.
BEITH JUNIORS
Tommy McAdam, web master of Beith Juniors Web site at http://www.eteamz.com/beithjuniorsfc/. He is currently looking for fans to fill out or answer a survey for a Fan of the Month section on the site which he has decided to call "Legends In Their Own Lunchtimes." So, if you know of Beith fans on the internet who would be interested in visiting the web site and contributing information it would be most appreciated. After all the club is about the fans every bit as much as the players. They could contact the web master at Tommy@beithjuniorsfc.com
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.
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 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 tonight (Friday) with dancing to the Garry Blair Band. There will be a first class ceildh band and a light supper with tickets costing £5 from any band member or Tel 01505-503801.
SNP
West of Scotland Nationalist MSP Campbell Martin will be holding a local surgery in Beith Community Centre on tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am. Anyone unable to attend the surgery but who would still like to raise matters of concern with Campbell Martin MSP can contact him at the West of Scotland Regional Office on 0141 887 2412.
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.
