ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 13 APRIL 2003
033
VALE OF DUSK: This was the name of the magical Barrmill Village amateur team of
1947 with Alex Sanderson (manager) extreme right and Willie Beggs (80) centre
front row who died last week. The others in the photo will be known to only the
oldest local residents.
(Photo: Donald L Reid collection – SP)
DEATH OF BEITH’S OLDEST RESIDENT
On Wednesday 16 April Beith’s oldest lady died at the age of 102 in Spiers
Nursing Home. Louisa Wilson was born on 27 June 1900, the youngest in a family
of eight and at the time of her death was only two months short of her 103rd
birthday, a remarkable record by a lady who was greatly respected in the town.
Louisa was born in Beith and educated at Beith Academy and until recent years
had wonderful stories to tell about her early memories of life in Beith. Her
father was John Candlish Wilson and her uncle was William C Wilson who operated
a furniture factory in the town in Auldlea Road near to Caledonia Works. Miss
Wilson never married and after spending about 16 years in Glasgow beginning in
1914, she returned to Beith around 1930 and took charge of a very popular fish
and chip shop in Eglinton Street which was located in premises now operated by
Val’s Confections. She often recalled seeing lorry loads of wounded troops
brought into Glasgow during the First World War to be taken to the city’s
hospitals and this brought home to her the harsh realities of war. Locals will
recall that the Eglinton Street shop was famous for great ice cream and the most
delicious mouth-watering fritters. She worked there until her retiral in 1965.
Her final years in retirement were spent at Laigh Court which she greatly
enjoyed until she became too frail and for the last two years she was resident
in Spiers Nursing Home. Miss Wilson was a keen member of Trinity Church all her
life. A committal service was held last Tuesday (22nd May) conducted by Rev
Fiona C Ross.
DEATH OF POPULAR BEITH MAN
Willie Beggs (80)a weel kent figure in Beith died last week. Willie was a keen
bowler and a long-standing member of Beith Bowling Club where he was very
popular and successfully represented the club on many occasions over the years.
He served in the armed forces during the Second World War in Turkey and Italy.
As an ex serviceman he was also a keen member of the Garnock Valley Branch of
the Royal British Legion. After the war he returned to work in the West of
Scotland Cabinet Works in the town and later took up a post with the Ministry of
Defence as a Naval Ordnance Inspector at RNAD Beith. On his retiral Willie was
awarded the Imperial Service Medal. During his early years Willie was a
footballer of note and played with the fondly remembered Vale of Dusk side in
Barrmill Village, at that time managed by the late Alex Sanderson. Older locals
will recall that Willie went on to be capped at amateur level for Scotland and
later played for a few seasons with Kilbirnie Ladeside. There was a large
attendance of family and friends at Paisley Crematorium where the service of
remembrance was conducted by Rev Andrew Black.
SPRING FAYRE
Our Lady’s Church are holding a Spring fayre tomorrow (Saturday) in the Chapel
Hall from 10 am – 12 noon. Tickets are 80p and include tea. There will be the
usual variety of interesting stalls to suit everyone.
BEITH VISITOR
Janette McKenzie, better known to locals as Janette Denholm, is currently
visiting Beith following the recent death of her mother, Jessie Denholm who
recently died age 91 in Craighead Nursing Home, Dalry. Her father, George
Denholm, who was a noted army boxer and also took part in fights in the boxing
booths at the annual Beith Fairs, died some 12 years ago, but was a very popular
man in the town. Janette has lived in Geelong, Victoria, Australia for the past
29 years. She was educated at Beith Academy and after leaving school worked for
a period at Ryside Mills. Janette has retained her native accent and is enjoying
meeting her many friends and relatives in the town. She is staying with her
friend, well known Beithite, Betty King in the town’s Barrington Drive. Although
her current visit was made due to very sad circumstances, everyone will join in
wishing Janette a happy stay in her home town before returning to sunny
Australia.
SPIERS NURSING HOME
Last Friday the lady residents in Spiers Nursing Home displayed the Easter
bonnets they had made. There were some fine specimens on display and Jimmy Muir
of Beith and District Community Council and chair of Garnock Valley Community
Transport Group, ably assisted by Moira Smith and Katherine Wigzell, also of the
Transport Group committee, joined in judging the first class bonnets on display.
Needless to say every one was a winner and Easter eggs were distributed to the
residents who had a very enjoyable time making bonnets for Easter.
GARNOCK CHORAL
Garnock Choral Society are holding their 81st annual concert in the Walker
Memorial Hall, Kilbirnie, tomorrow (Saturday) 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.
Those who leave it late for tickets can simply obtain them at the door. 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 ST INAN’S ANGLING CLUB
The ever-so-keen anglers of the famous Beith St. Inan’s Club are still involved
in the hard work of clearing bracken and brambles around the edges of the
Kirkleegreen loch to make all areas fishable. This continues with renewed
enthusiasm and it is hoped by the end of the month to have all of the south side
of the reservoir cleared to allow access up to the point. Work will
continue on Wednesday evenings, and any member wishing to help will be very
welcome. Another job to be tackled soon is the painting of the hut, inside
and out. Jings, with all this ongoing work there is hardly any opportunity for
the fishermen to come up with tales both true and spurious of huge trout that
just happened to escape at the last minute. Hardly fair, eh!
1st BEITH BB
Meetings of the Junior Section and Company Section of 1st Beith BB will resume
today (Friday), at the usual times. However, there will be no meeting of
the Anchor Boys this week.
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 Beith based Henry Faulds Society continues to attract folk from home and
abroad in their efforts to raise funds to honour Beith’s world-famous Dr Henry
Faulds, the father of fingerprint science, in the town where he was born,
educated and lived until age 13. Donations have been received and are gratefully
acknowledged this week from Bill and Moira Haining, Spiers Nursing Home and Val
Gibson. Further information about the society and its objectives can be obtained
from the secretary, Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith or telephone
01505-503801.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – GARNOCK VALLEY BRANCH
The Royal British Legion, Garnock Valley Branch are requesting donations of
items such as soap, shaving foam, hand creams, shoe laces and food items such as
pot noodles. 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. A full list of requested items can be obtained from these outlets.
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.
CHORAL CONCERT
Cunninghame Choir are holding a choral concert in St Margarets Church, Dalry on
Saturday 10 May at 7.30 pm. Works being performed are Schumann’s Requiem opus
148 and Haydn’s Harmonie Messe. Tickets are £6.00 and £4.00 and available from
any committee member or simply attend on the evening of the concert.
BEITH HIGH DRAMA
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 famous thespians have worked very hard on this heart-stopping
production and by all reports the standard of drama is very good indeed. In fact
this play has just about everything. Murder and mystery. 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. Make sure you get your ticket early
to avoid making a drama out of a crisis if you miss this play.
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 the first coffee morning 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 Hall. This is a must for all aspiring cooks. 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.
RATS
The RATS 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 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 Lesley, Sharon and Jane or call the chairperson, Lyn Brown on
01505-506135.
BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
The Easter window competition organised by Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI)
resulted in Elrick’s Emporium taking first prize with Irvine’s the Baker in the
runners-up spot with B & A Travel taking third place. The committee thanks all
the shops and businesses for decorating their windows in an Easter theme and the
displays certainly made the town an interesting place to visit over the last
couple of weeks. Well done everyone! 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. And
you don’t necessarily need to be a shop owner or run a business to help the work
of the BTCI. 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. A good turnout of cronies is
requested. Past President Tom ‘Pie’ Irvine goes into hospital this week for a an
operation and the thoughts of cronies are very much with him during this period.
3RD BEITH GUIDES
The 3rd Beith Guides resume at 7.30 pm on Friday 2 May in the High Church Hall.
BEITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The annual outing of Beith Historical 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.
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
Bill and Moira Haining, organisers of the Beith Branch of Ayrshire Cancer
Support Group report that £137 has been donated to the local branch following
the memorial service to Jenny Jamieson, 7 Rowan Place, Beith. £45 in collected
donations has been handed in to Billy’s of Beith. They pass on their thanks to
all concerned for these donations. There are seven Beith folk taking part in the
Rotary Blair Sponsored Walk on Saturday 10 May and funds raised are being
donated to the Beith Branch. Anyone wishing to sponsor the walkers can do so at
Billy’s of Beith where sponsor forms are available. 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.
CHURCH SERVICE
Last Sunday the traditional Easter morning service was held at 7.45 am on the
edge of Lochlands Hill high above Beith on the Threepwood Road. The weather was
dry but cold and around 50 worshippers attended the service which was led by Rev
Andrew Black and Rev Fiona Ross. In what is now becoming something of a
tradition, during the service two doves were released by Rev Fiona Ross and
after circling overhead they immediately headed for Stevenson where they arrived
at the pigeon loft of Mr Ross, father of Rev Fiona Ross, some ten minutes later.
The worshippers then made their way back to Beith where they enjoyed a breakfast
at Trinity Church. There followed a joint service at Beith Trinity with a large
congregation joining in worship.
PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP
Beith Playpark Action Group are delighted to announce that Beith Christian
Action Group are the first sponsors of an individual piece of equipment for the
playpark which they intend to establish in Beith Public Park in due course. The
Christian Action Group have given the Playpark Action Group a cheque for £586-35
which will pay for the supply and installation of a springer for the proposed
under 5s area. The ‘Bengy the Puppy’ Springer will have a plaque indicating that
it was donated by the Beith Christian Action Group. The Playpark Action Group
will shortly be launching a public appeal for sponsorship of individual items of
equipment for the public park as they continue their hard work towards achieving
sufficient funding to deliver a state-of-the-art play area in the public park
for the children and young people of Beith and district. Anyone wishing further
information about this project can contact Winnie Buckley on 504941 or Audrey
Rae on 506320. The AGM of the group will be held on Sunday 27 April in Beith
Community Centre. Everyone interested in the work of the group is cordially
invited to attend.
SOUP LUNCH
Beith Trinity Church are holding a soup and sandwich lunch after the service at
approximately 12.15 pm this Sunday, 27 April. All welcome.
BEITH ARTS
Beith Arts Guild are holding their last concert of the season this Sunday, 27th
April at 2.30 pm in the Community Centre when they will be entertained by the
Clyde Coast Strathspey and Reel Society. This will be followed by a short AGM
and a glass of wine is included. Please note the date which was incorrectly
given in last week's Herald. The annual Art Exhibition starts on Monday 26th May
and further details will appear later.
GREENHILLS RURAL
Greenhills Rural held a whist drive recently in Barrmill Community Centre. There
was a good turnout with 18 tables taken and the results are as follows. Ladies:
1st Mrs S Milne; 2nd Mrs Lwilcox; 3rd equal Mrs J Smith and Mrs J Crawford;
booby prize Mrs J Burns. Gents: 1st Robert Clements; 2nd Mrs J Thomson; 3rd
equal Miss J Par5ker and Mr J Miller; Booby prize, S Baxter. The April meeting
of the rural was held on Wednesday 16 April and Mrs Barbara Raeside presided and
warmly welcomed members and visitors. After the business meeting, Mrs Raeside
introduced Mrs Caroline Lowe from Kilbirnie who gave an excellent demonstration
on machine embroidery. She explained how she was self-taught in this beautiful
art and how she later joined the Embroiders Guild. Mrs Lowe judged the
competition and the results. The Reid trophy for a sewn cushion: 1st Miss
Margaret Brown; 2nd Mrs Nancy Brown. The Salver for an arrangement of flowers in
an unusual container: 1st Miss Jean Gilbert; 2nd Mrs Christine Miller and 3rd
Mrs Nancy Brown. At the end of a most enjoyable meeting a comprehensive vote of
thanks was proposed by Mrs Christine Miller and the meeting closed with the
singing of the national anthem. Members of Greenhills Rural are asked to note
that if they are entering the Garven baking trophy at the next meeting in May
they can obtained the recipe for melted gingerbread from Jean on 01505-502521.
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
Now that summer is very evident it was appropriate that Beith Bowling Green was
officially opened by Mrs Isabelle Fairns, wife of President Charles Fairns and
she was presented with the Silver Jack and a bouquet of flowers by Vice
President, Brian Monk. The President then welcomed new member Hughie
McMeechan onto the green to be welcomed by the members and visitors. This was
followed by a special presentation to Jim Wilson, recently elected an honorary
member of the club and he received his honorary members badge from the
president, a very special tribute for exceptional service to the club by a
stalwart member. In good weather conditions the afternoons game of bowls took
the form of the normal Presidents V Vice Presidents rinks and was won by the
Presidents rinks. Presidents prizes were won by the highest up rink skipped by
Eric Monk, lead Peter Maxwell (Glengarnock BC, second Hughie McMeechan and third
Cyril Owen. Vice Presidents prizes were won by the highest up rink skipped by
President Charlie Fairns, lead Jim McFadzean, second John Simpson and third
Duncan Meldrum. The president and members showed their deep appreciation of the
ladies for an excellent traditional meal of tatties & mince and special mention
was also made of all the guests and members that turned up on the day. Mrs Brian
Monk, wife of the club treasurer also received a bouquet of flowers on behalf of
the members. All in all a very successful and enjoyable day for Beith Bowling
Club which augurs well for a successful season.
Y0UNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club are hosting exchangees this weekend who are
coming from Lower Speyside in Invernesshire to enjoy the hospitality of the
Beith lads and lassies. They will also be holding Beith Show Dance, which is
being held in the Police Club, RNAD, Beith, this Saturday 26th April. Everyone
is welcome, but only if they can stand the pace
