ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 13 APRIL 2003

PHOTOS AS JPEG ATTACHMENTS

031

GATESIDE MINSTRELS: The choir of Gateside Village school recently took part in Ayr Music Festival where they took first place in their section under the baton of teacher, Catriona Gilbert. See Beith local notes.
(Photo: Donald L Reid - SP)


032

RETIRING COUPLE: Bill Jenkins, pictured with his wife Margaret, retired last week after serving as an instructor and teacher at Geisland School for almost 30 years. Here he is seen outside Millport Chapel, which he built with the help of boys from the school between 1974 and 1976. See Beith local notes.
(Photo: SP)



WATER WATER WATER
Last Thursday Beith residents awoke to find that they had no tap water. As the early birds turned on the spickets in households across the town they were gobsmacked to find only a few droplets of water, much to the consternation of those about to head off to work. A mains burst on the industrial estate near Longbar put paid to any ideas of having a nice refreshing cup of tea or coffee, let alone the rejuvenating morning shower. The burst seems to have occurred during the early hours of 10 April and the water was not finally restored to most houses until after 6 pm. Even then, as you might expect, it was very dirty for a long period of time. Needless to say it was decidedly strange to hear locals moaning about the lack of water in a valley and town which is famed for its all-to-frequent heavy rainfall. Some complained that Scottish Water had singularly failed by not supplying all houses with bottled water - perhaps just a little unrealistic. At least one café in Main Street had to shut-up shop, whilst others managed to obtain copious supplies of the real water of life. Mind you, not one pub had to close, so perhaps the publicans had special water divining skills! First thing in the morning there was a rush to the shops to buy bottled water. The Co-op quickly sold out before 9.00 am and was restocked by lunch time with queues gathering keen to obtain the much sought-after liquid. Some locals were able to advise that bottled water had been delivered in some streets in the town. Others were unhappy at Scottish Water who apparently told them that they had to be without water for 24 hours before they would deliver supplies. However, yet more locals had a positive tale to tell. One woman who phoned Scottish Water because she was looking after a baby, was fulsome in her praise as they delivered water to her to her door within one hour of her phone call. Not a bad response by any standard you care to apply. So, whilst for some it was a case of water, water all around, others had not a drop to drink. Mind you the pubs still had their regular customers who couldn't care less about water as they had plenty of thirst-quenching beer. To some Scottish Water were the villains of the peace whilst to others they in difficult circumstances because you will never please all of the people all of the time. As one Main Street sage aptly put it: "If Iraq and her population can manage without mains water for almost 4 weeks, we in Beith can surely make do for 8 hours." Well, that really does put it into perspective, eh folks! Truth to tell, as the wise man looked skyward, the heavy dark clouds seemed to be indicating that rain was not too far off!

RETIRING
Last week Geilsland School held their end-of-term service last Friday morning in Millport Chapel conducted by headmaster, Ranolph Mair and Rev Fiona C Ross. This was also an appropriate opportunity to mark the retirement of a man who was contributed greatly to the life of the school over the past 30 years. Bill Jenkins (56) began work as an apprentice joiner with Archibald Shedden, joiners of Saltcoats and after serving his time he worked for a period as a craftsman in the Scottish Prison Service. However, on 24 September 1974 he took up an appointment with the Church of Scotland at Geilsland School, Beith and has worked there as a craft teacher until his retiral last week. The headmaster at that time was Sandy Munro, a popular leader of the school, who now lives in retirement in Ayr. In Bill's early days the school had around 65 boys and one of his earliest achievements was in working with the boys at the school between 1974 and 1976 when they they jointly built what is now the magnificent Millport Chapel. He recalls that when they were working on the interior floorwork, the boys were so keen to complete the work that they often worked through the night, supplied with copious amounts of food by the staff. Building props and assisting the boys in the memorable Geilsland Minstrel Shows were also a highlight. These, he remembers, as being a very special period in the life of the school. Bill, known to staff and boys as 'Jenks', had a very practical down-to-earth approach to his work with the young people which endeared him to them and staff alike. Bill reckons that over the years he has seen around 1500 boys pass through Geilsland and he always found that he managed to get the best out of all of them, most of the time. Ranolph Mair, headmaster of the school, paid tribute to the tremendous work of Bill over 30 years and presented him with several presents on behalf of staff and boys. His wife, Margaret, who was also present at the service, also received a special word of thanks and a gift on behalf of the boys at the school. Bill, who lives in Stevenson, has a son, two daughters and two grandchildren, and he enjoys golf, snooker and do-it-yourself. He intends to maintain his links with the school on an adhoc basis and he will always be remembered for his outstanding leadership in creating Millport Chapel, which has a special place in the hearts of everyone associated with the school. Indeed he is one of the few men able to boast that he actually built the chapel in which his own daughter was married. Few folk can claim such a unique honour. Everyone locally will join in wishing Bill and Margaret a long and very happy retirement.

GATESIDE SCHOOL
The happy scholars at Gateside School have had a very busy time recently. The school choir, conducted by teacher Catriona Gilbert, took first place in their section at the recent Ayr Music Festival with songs, Cats and Island Home, which greatly impressed the adjudicator. Congratulations to the happy Gateside songsters. Five pupils were placed in the Garnock Valley heats of their respective sections in the Burns Federation competition, namely, Owen Morgan (1st), Emma Gillan (2nd), Heather Gibson (3rd), Kayleigh Brown (2nd) and Megan Reid (3rd). In the Burns Federation Ayrshire finals recently held in Ardrossan Civic Centre, in their respective sections the Gatesiders acquitted themselves well with Heather Gibson (3rd), Owen Morgan (3rd) and Kayleigh Brown (3rd). Congratulations to all the competitors and a special word of encouragement to those who, on this occasion, didn't quite make the prize list. Keep plugging away! Well done everyone at Gateside Primary. The school held at craft fayre last week in the school hall from 7 pm - 8.30 pm which was well supported by parents and friends and they were amazed at the range and variety of craft products on sale which had been produced by the children themselves. The young folk from P3/4/5 have been involved in a re-cycling project for several months which involved making items from used materials. This led to a most interesting visit to Kilmarnock where they saw a simulation of glass re-cycling and this gave them further ideas to work on at school. Encouraged by the work of their younger friends at Gateside, P6/7 decided to form a business company which would make items to be sold for charity. Not to be outdone the Nursery and P1/2 class joined what is now a whole school enterprise initiative. Indeed certain pupils were invited to give a presentation on 'Enterprise' at the Head Teachers Conference in March. The presentation was very informative and they received lots of compliments from those in attendance. It is also pleasing to report that the profits from the fayre will go to Yorkhill Hospital as decided by the children. Perhaps we have a few budding entrepreneurs of the future. The pupils also recently raised £70 for Hansel Village, Symington, when they took part in a sponsored sing-a-long. All in all some great work at Gateside School under the leadership of head teacher, Mrs Agnes McGuigan and her staf. Everyone will be delighted to see that the village school is clearly thriving.

BEITH FARMERS SHOW
The annual Beith Farmers Show will be held in the Manse Field on Saturday, 26 April. There will the usual display of Clydesdales, cattle, sheep and the popular dog show as well as the varied industrial exhibits. You can also enjoy and blether and coffee with mouth-watering goodies in the marquee. This year there will also be quad bikes and the ever-popular Young Farmers Tug-o-War competition. The show is always superbly organised and hopefully this year the weather will be kind to the farmers and locals will give it their usual great support.

VANDALS AT WORK
The vandals were back at work last Friday evening. A large plate glass window on the Post Office owned building in Eglinton Street next to the sorting office was smashed.

GARNOCK CHORAL
Garnock Choral Society are holding their 81st annual concert in the Walker Memorial Hall, Kilbirnie, on Saturday 26 April and the doors open at 6.45 pm and the concert commences at 7.15 pm. The conductor is Rose Mary Doolan and accompanist Anna M Adamson. The guest artistes are the Salon Trio on violin, cello and piano and they are sure to enthral the audience. Tickets are £5 for front balcony, £4 for back balcony and £3 concession and available from any choir member or telephone Jean on 01505-502032 or Margaret on 01505-682562. The concert will have something to please everyone and it's a great opportunity to hear choral music at its very best on our down doorstep.

BEITH YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers' Club are holding their tractor driving, farm handler, car driving and wheel change event on Sunday 20th April at Lorabar, Lochwinnoch by kind permission of J&S Montgomery, starting at 11am. On Monday 21st April the club are holding their confined field night at Little Ittington Farm, Ardrossan by kind permission of the Chalmers family at 6.30pm. Football, hockey and netball tournaments for the Young Farmers will be starting soon, so if you would like to play do not hesitate to call the sports captains or get in touch with the secretary. For further information or transport to any of the events please call Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email BeithYFC@hotmail.com.

BEITH ST INAN'S ANGLING CLUB
A good number of members of Beith St Inan's Angling Club have signed in to fish this week, with 10 fish recorded in the book. The average weight was a pound and three quarters, although there was one fish recorded at three and a quarter pounds. Clearing of the area along the left hand side of the dam is continuing, with a large amount of dead bracken and fallen timber being removed and burn. Work will continue on this on Wednesday evenings, and when work is finished there, it is intended to clear the right hand side of the dam up to the point, most of which is unfishable at the moment. All members who have helped are thanked for their efforts.

1st BEITH BB
Despite the school holidays having started there was a good turn out of boys AT 1ST Beith BB last Friday evening. Parents are asked to note that there will be no meetings at all tonight (Friday), with the Junior Section and the Company section resuming on Friday 25th April. The Anchor Boys will have no more meetings until 9th May. We trust that the boys and leaders will enjoy the Easter break.

THRIFT SHOP
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity Church pass on their thanks to Mrs Rae Hutchinson and the ladies of the Thrift Shop for their thoughtful donation of a carrousel slide projector for showing slides which was handed in to the shop. This item of equipment will be made available via the Award Group to any other organisation or group in the town and district who might be able to benefit from it.

CLAIRVOYANT NIGHT
The MOD Police Club are holding a clairvoyant night on Wednesday 23 April at 7.30 pm. Tickets, priced £3-50, are available from the club or Brightsparks, Beith.

GOLF
Last Saturday Beith Golf Club held the JPI Stableford Trophy competition with 116 players taking part in excellent weather conditions. In the first class section the winner was John Neilson with 40 points; second Robert Marshall with 39 points and 3rd Robert Johnstone with 34 points. In the second section the winner was John Woods with 39 points; second Iain O'Donnell with 39 points and 3rd Danny Johnstone with 39 points. In the third class section the winner was Tom McMahon with 39 points; second Hugh Manley with 37 points and third Duncan Auld with 37 points. The overall competition winner was John Neilson with 40 points and a handicap of 9.

HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY
The Henry Faulds Society continues to attract folk from home and abroad in their efforts to raise funds to honour Dr Henry Faulds in the town where he was born, educated and lived until aged 13. This week John Fulton, formerly of Beith but now of North Bay, Ontario, Canada, sent a cheque to help the work of the society and also passes on his regards to his many friends in Beith whom he still misses dearly, despite having left the town over 40 years ago. Many will recall that John featured in one chapter of the popular local book, In the Valley of Garnock, entitled Beith to Canada - The Migration Experience. John receives the Herald every week from his sister in Lochwinnoch and is delighted with the range and variety of news which keeps him up to date with the happenings in Beith where his heart still belongs. He writes: Each week I eagerly look forward to my copy of the A & S Herald, containing your ample, eclectic reports, regarding Beith and district. Keep up the good work." Still on the subject of Dr Henry Faulds, Professor Julian L Verbov of Liverpool, an eminent scientist and consultant to the Fingerprint Society, also sent a letter of support together with a cheque. A bank account for the Dr Henry Faulds Society has been opened at the Lloyds TSB, Eglinton Street, Beith. The account number is: 00512747, sort code 30-25-88 and donations can be make direct to this account or cheques payable to Dr Henry Faulds Society forwarded to: Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith KA15 1BJ. Individuals, groups and organisations making a donation to this memorial appeal will have their personal details included in a booklet which will be published to coincide with the inauguration of the memorial and they will be inextricably linked to righting a wrong which has blighted the world of fingerprints for far too long. Local folk are cordially invited to subscribe small amounts to this appeal and those who follow in their footsteps tomorrow will be proud that their parents or grandparents were involved in helping to establish this special memorial in Beith.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - GARNOCK VALLEY BRANCH
The Royal British Legion, Garnock Valley Branch are requesting donations of items such as soap, shaving foam.
The collecting points are Beith Thrift Shop, Woodside Ironmongers in Dalry and Garnock Valley Community Transport Office, Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie. Items collected will be transported to British troops serving in Iraq.

AWARD GROUP
The gold members of Beith Open Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity Church are advised that the annual presentation of awards will be held at Holyrood Palace on 2nd July at 3.00 pm in the presence of HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. Arrangements will be made for recipients and their guests to be taken to this event by coach. Anyone who is unable to be present due to holidays or other reasons should contact Donald Reid or Janet Osborne as soon as possible.

BEITH HIGH DRAMA (NOTE: PHOTO BY HERALD PHOTOGRAPHER)
Beith High Drama presents the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society MURDER MYSTERY IN Beith High Church Hall on Thursday - Friday, 8-9 May at 7.30 pm Tickets are available from any member of the drama group. This looks to be a fascinating and very humorous play and one which is strongly recommended. The infamous local thespians have worked very hard producing this play and by all reports the standard of production is very good indeed. In fact this play has just about everything. More blood shed than in the 'St Valentine's Massacre.' Corpses aplenty. Watch out for low flying wheelchairs, mad archaeologists and a touch of romance. You will discover a sleuth with the cold brain of Hercule Poirot, the accent of Inspector Cluzot and the name of O'Reilly. On set there will be vanishing chessmen, exotic recipes, a fashion show, a beautiful French maid, some very strange noises and acting like you have never quite seen it before. Not bad for a mere £4. Tickets are available from any committee member or Tel 502913 or 502920. This show is a must for the women of local Guilds and Rurals. In fact it's a mystery how anyone could even contemplate missing this drama.

TRINITY MENS FELLOWSHIP
Last Monday saw the final meeting of the current session at Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship. 26 members were welcomed by President Hugh Gibson, and after a reading by John McGibbon, Hugh introduced the speaker for the evening, Harry McMaster (94), a long time member of the fellowship. Harry's talk was entitled 50 Years A Steelworker. However, he pointed out that this was not strictly correct, as he had been employed there for fifty one and a half years, starting in September 1924. His first impression, at the age of 13 was of noise, steam and dust. He was set to work in a small mill which made fishplates, his job being to dip them in whale oil to prevent them rusting. Working conditions were hard, and if the mill was slack, men were simply paid off. At the age of sixteen, Harry was old enough for shift work, and moved on to the big mill, which made rails and channels of various shapes. The first steelwork was built on the site in 1843, due to the abundance of coal and water in the area, and continued in use until 1931, when the new works was built with seven furnaces. Conditions in the works were fairly primitive, and remained so until the outbreak of war when, due to so many men being called up women were employed, and the company was obliged to install washing and changing facilities, as well as canteens. Harry outlined the various processes involved in the rolling of steel, at that time powered by steam engines, and outlined the changing fortunes of the steel industry up until his retirement. During the course of his employment Harry had a wide variety of jobs, including trade union activities, and various committees. There followed a question and answer session, then a vote of thanks was proposed by Allan Richardson. The A.G.M. was held, following a cup of tea, and the following appointments were made. President John McGibbon, Vice President, Iain Buchanan, Treasurer, Maurice Rattray; Secretary, Robert Jamieson; Auditors, Willie Crangle and Doanld Ross; committee, Willie Crangle, John Darroch, Jim Paton, John Shields, John Smith, Iain Ross and Jim Mitchell.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
Christian Aid Week runs from 11 - 17 May. This year the usual coffee mornings will be held during the week in the United Reform Church hall. On Wednesday 14 May it will be hosted by High Church Guild whilst on Thursday 15 May it will be hosted by United Reform Church Guild and on Friday 16 May the Trinity Church Guild will be the organisers. On the morning of Tuesday 13 May there will be a "Fair-Trade Ready Steady Cook" event in the United Reform Church and details will be circulated later. The highlight of Christian Aid Week is the special project which is held in the town centre on Friday 16 May, led by Angus Nimmo and Anne Smith, who seem to come up time and again with special ideas which always attract folk to the town centre. Because of the ongoing work at the Cross, the event will not be at its usual location, but we are assured that something interesting will be ongoing in the town centre. On Saturday 3 May local members of the Christian Action Group are walking across the Erskine Bridge and they are keen to attract sponsors. Anyone wishing to support this fund raising event is asked to contact Anne on 01505-502531. So, why not jot down these diary dates and we trust that everyone in Beith will give their usual great support to Christian Aid Week.

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

RATS
The RATS committee would like to thank Beith Farmers Society Ladies Committeee for their generous donation of £200 to RATS Fighting Fund. The committee are now in the process of assessing public opinion on alternative uses for Trearne Quarry. To this end they are looking for YOUR ideas. Please pop into the Patrick Memorial Hall on Monday or Tuesday, 28/29 April between 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm or Saturday 3 May from 2.30 pm - 5.00 pm to view displays of schemes which have proved successful elsewhere and also consider other peoples suggestions. More importantly, come along armed with ideas and suggestions which you can offer to the committee. It will only take a few minutes of your time and refreshments will be available. For any plan of this nature to succeed it needs the backing of the local community. RATS ask that locals continue to support them and they very much value the community support already given over the past 9 months. RATS are hosting a Comedy Evening in the Beith Community Centre on Friday 9th May. They have lined up three top artists, Alfie Joey, Ray Means and Miles Jupp, stars of TV and radio. Tickets are £12.00 and includes a buffet supper. There will be a bar and all proceeds will go to RATS fighting. Tickets are still available from Liz at B & A Travel, Beith or from David Elstone on 07976 388294.

BEITH BOWLING
Beith Bowling Club opens tomorrow (Saturday) when President Charlie Fairns carries out his first duties of the new season. It is hoped that the weather will be favourable and that members will turnout in large numbers. Members are reminded the annual fees are due to be paid on or before opening day.

CHILDMINDERS SUCCESS
Seven Childminders from Beith and district successfully compled two training sessions and recently passed a course organised by North Ayrshire Council Educational Services in key areas including risk assessment, policy writing and self evaluation. Congratulations to Christine Cree, Anne Denholm, Margaret Lucas, Hazel Milne, Linda Morrison, Catherine McCarter and Lynn Shearer.

BINGO
Beith Eastern Star are holding a prize bingo in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday 22 April at 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. Tickets are 50p which includes tea and are available from any member of the Eastern Star or from the Masonic Hall.

BEITH TRINITY CHURCH PLAYGROUP
Beith Trinity Church Playgroup are now taking registrations now for session 2003-2004. The Playgroup is staffed and managed by qualified and highly experienced personnel and works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and offers funded places for 3 - 5 year olds. Places are also available for children from 2 years on a pay-as-you-go basis. Recent fund raising and lottery awards means that the group will benefit from over £3,000 worth of new equipment which will greatly enhance the presentation of learning experiences within the play setting. For more information why no drop into Trinity Church Hall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9.15 am and 12 noon and have a chat with play leaders Leslay, Sharon and Jane or call the chairperson, Lyn Brown on 01505-506135.

BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
Easter is a good time to pop along and have a look in the windows in Beith Town Centre. BTCI have invited all shops and to decorate their windows in an Easter theme. As part of the display they have all been invited to create an Easter Bonnet as the focal point of the window display. Prizes will be awarded for the best window and runner-up window. Have a look and see which shop you feel has put on the best display.

BTCI are announce that collections are on-going in local shops and businesses to raise funds for more Christmas lights and parade celebrations this year. Since September 2002 until the present the public have donated £581 towards this festive celebration and any loose change dropped into the collecting bottles will help ensure that we have an even more successful parade and Christmas shopping extravaganza this year. They also have a Towns of Scotland quiz sheet for sale at £1 from most local shops and these funds will also help the Christmas celebrations. They are also hoping to organise a Loft Auction in September/October and they ask that anyone with goods suitable for such an event, keep them aside until a date is set and more information is available. The next meeting of the BTCI committee is on Monday 12 May at 6.00 pm in Beith Community Centre. Anyone who feels that they could assist the work of the committee is cordially invited to attend. This column will keep you updated on all future planned events. For further information about any events being organised by the Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) please contact their secretary, Sandra Brown at Brightsparks or telephone 01505-503625.

BARRMILL JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns AGM has been rescheduled to Monday 28 April in the Eglinton Inn at 7.30 pm for a regular meeting followed at 8.00 pm by the AGM. Apologies to cronies for this change of date.

ACCORDIAN CLUB
Beith & District Accordian Club meet in the Anderson Hotel on Monday 21 April at 7.30 pm when they will be entertained to the country dance music of David Bowen. Members and visitors will be warmly welcomed.

CHURCH NEWS
The sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at Beith High Church on Sunday 11 May at the 10.30 am service. Good Friday meditations will be held today (Friday) in Trinity Church at 12 noon, 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm. All welcome. On Sunday 13 April there will be the usual Easter Sunday service on Bigholm Hill at 7.45 am. Thereafter all are cordially invited to attend at Trinity Church Hall for breakfast at 9.15 am. On that Sunday there will be a joint service in Trinity Church at 11.00 am.

3RD BEITH GUIDES
3rd Beith Guides met last Friday for their final meeting before the Easter break. 24 members and three leaders travelled to Greenhills Ice rink where they enjoyed a game of curling before returning to Beith. The 3rd Beith Guides resume at 7.30 pm on Friday 2 May in the High Church Hall.

BEITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The last meeting of Beith Historical Society for the current session takes place at 8.00 pm on Thursday 24 April in the lounge of the Eglinton Inn. The speaker is Ian Quinn who will speak on the history of Clyde Steamers. This will be followed by the AGM of the society. A good turnout of members is requested. The annual outing of the society is going to Dunaskin Heritage Centre near Dalmellington on Saturday 31 May. Those intending to make this trip are asked to give their names to secretary, Sue Williams on 01505-503381 as soon a possible.

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

BOOK SALE
Calling all bookworms. Put your books down and stand by your beds and pay attention for some really good news! Kilbirnie Library are holding a book sale between 1 - 13 May. Attend during normal opening hours to enjoy some book bargains or telephone the library on 684218 to learn of the range of books available for sale.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
The Chief Executive of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, Mr John Beck and his wife Joyce, were in Beith last week and met many of the volunteer helpers and supporters of the dedicated Beith Branch. Mr Beck advised the gathered company of the inspirational work being carried out by the Beith group under the leadership of Billy Haining, so ably supported by his wife Moira. This year the group has raised an amazing £13,505.12 all of which is used to ensure that cancer patients are transported to and from hospitals in Ayrshire and Glasgow. The Ayrshire group carried out 12,000 journeys in the past year and spent £70,000 on transport costs alone, so fund raising by local groups is essential if the vital services to patients is to continue. Mr Beck commended everyone connected with the Beith group for their tremendous work and made special mention of all the volunteers who are crucial to ensuring that a first-class service is provided for those suffering from cancer. Ayrshire Cancer Support Group are holding a sponsored cycle ride on Sunday 11 May meeting outside the Magnum Centre, Irvine. The event starts at 2.30 pm and they will cycle off-road via tracks to Gailes and return to the Magnum. Sponsor forms are available by telephone on 01563-538008 or uplift same from Billy's of Beith.

COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum are holding their AGM in Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie at 7.30 pm on Thursday 24 April. The forum have been very pro-active lately on a number of issues and recently held a very successful conference in Beith Community Centre. Members of the public will be made very welcome at the AGM.

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

DISCO & PRESENTATION
Billy and Moira Clark, hosts at the Station Inn, Barrmill, and their customrs have been very busy over the last 18 months organising events to fund the purchase of two electric wheel chairs for use by villagers and visitors who are disabled. Tomorrow (Saturday) they are holding a disco in the Station Inn from 9.00 pm to 1.00 am and during this event they will present the wheelchairs to the village. Everyone will join in congratulating Billy, Moira and all their customers for raising the funds to purchase these two wheel chairs which will be invaluable for disabled people locally. Well done everyone!

SOUP LUNCH
Beith Trinity Church are holding a soup and sandwich lunch after the service at approximately 12.15 pm on Sunday 27 April. All welcome.

BEITH ARTS
Beith Arts are holding their last concert of the season on Sunday 11 May beginning at 2.30 pm in Beith Community Centre when they will be entertained by the Clyde Coast Strathspey and Reel Band. This will be followed by a short AGM and a glass of wine is included.