ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES by DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
An enthusiastic group of ever-so-happy champion bowling ladies from Beith are now in sunny Spain enjoying a totally relaxing bowling holiday on the Costa Del Sol at Fengirola. The eighteen ladies, led by president Ann McQorquodale, left Beith Bowling Club at 3.00 pm last Sunday by Marbill Coach and later departed from Glasgow Airport at 6.00 pm. Believe it or not, this is the 7th annual foreign bowling tour by the brilliant bowlers of the Beith ladies section. Apparently their standard of play on tour is so exceptional that they always win their games each year and are automatically invited back to Spain the following year. Well, their partners seem to believe that story anyway! Needless to say they were in jovial mood as they left town for their holiday. Mind you the women seem to have a far better venue for their jaunt than the men of Beith Bowling Club who this year are off on tour to Perthshire and Belfast. Spain does seem to have just a little more appeal, methinks. No doubt we will hear about some of the bowling exploits of the Beith ladies in due course.
LADY BOWLERS AGM
The ladies of Beith Bowling Club held their AGM last week and the following were elected to administer the activities of the club for the ensuing year. President, Anne McCorquodale, Vice President, Margaret Irvine, Immediate Past President, Rose Rae, Secretary, Louisa Young, Treasurer, Margaret Irvine, committee: Netta Hunter, Rebecca Price, Meta Walker, Jean Wylie, Gretta Durkin and Betty Brown. The ladies have organised a coffee evening which will be held in Beith Bowling Club on Wednesday, 9 April from 7.00 – 9.00 pm. Tickets are priced £1 and available from any committee member or simply turn up on the night. There will, of course, be the usual stalls.
IRAQ WAR
Lance Corporal Craig Sanderson (25), the son of Robbie and Anne Sanderson of Beith’s Blackthorn Avenue, is currently serving in Iraq having previously been based in Germany for some time. Craig is a member of REME, but is currently attached to the Royal Horse Artillery. Everyone in Beith and District who knows Craig will be thinking of him as he goes about his dangerous duties in the current conflict and our thoughts and prayers are also with his parents and his grandmother, well known Beithite, Mrs Nan Sanderson.
THANKS FOLKS
Well know Beith man, Mr Jimmy Quinn (91) passes on his grateful thanks to the large number of folk who sent him cards following his recent stay in hospital. Jimmy is now back to full health and everyone who knows him will be delighted to see him out and about as usual walking the highways and byways of the district.
Dr HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY – PROGRESS REPORT
The Dr Henry Faulds Society was established in Beith in November 2002 with a membership from a wide spectrum of local groups and organisations. The aim of the society is to establish a lasting memorial to Beith’s pioneer of fingerprints. Henry Faulds (1843 – 1930) was born and brought up at 39 New Street and served as a medical missionary in India and Japan. In Japan he vas invited to become the physician to the Imperial Household, but declined so that he could pursue his work with the poor of the country. His role as a significant pioneer of the forensic application of fingerprints stemming from his work in Japan, has only belatedly been fully recognised, albeit there is already a significant memorial to him in Tokyo which was erected in 1951. The Beith society have now established an official web site: www.henryfaulds.org hosted for the group courtesy of the American based International Association for Identification and very kindly sponsored by their magazine editor, Alan McRoberts, who resides in California. With the internet the world is indeed shrinking! Here in Beith, Alan Watson, who runs the local computer training centre at Arabica in Main Street, has also allowed the group space on his web pages and extensive information about the Dr Henry Faulds Society can be found at: www.DrHenryFaulds.Arabicagroup.com. Still more information about Dr Faulds can be found on the Beith site courtesy of Iain Shirlaw and this can be accessed on www.beith.org which also contains extensive information on Beith. An article about Dr Henry Faulds and his connection with Beith is scheduled to appear in the June edition of the Scots Magazine written by Bill Fyfe Hendrie. Faulds Society secretary, Donald L Reid has had a two page centre spread article on the Beith project published in the March/April edition of the International Police Magazine, Police World, which has a world-wide membership. A copy of the magazine is now available in Beith library. There has also been tremendous international interest in Beith’s efforts to recognise Dr Henry Faulds from professionals in the forensic science and fingerprint world in USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Japan where they are delighted at what is happening in Beith to honour the man whose role as a fingerprint pioneer was never given the recognition it deserved during his lifetime. This week a cheque for £100 was received from an Edinburgh man who knows the background to the Faulds story. There is wide body of opinion that Dr Henry Faulds is indeed someone who deserves to be included in the canon of Great Scots who have changed the world and everyone in Beith should be proud of his association with the town. 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. Forms for making donations are also available in Beith library. Anyone making direct payments to the bank should also forward their details to Donald Reid so they can be included in the book.
BREAK-IN
A sneak-in theft occurred last week shortly after 6 pm in a house in Lancaster Avenue, Beith. The householder was alone in the house and had left her kitchen window open. On hearing a noise she went to the kitchen in time to see some nefarious individual running through her back garden. On examining the bedroom she discovered that it had been ransacked and all her jewellery had been stolen by the baddie. To make matters worse when the incident was reported to the insurance company she was stunned to learn that because the window had been left open and there was no forced entry to her home, she was not covered by insurance for the theft of the jewellery. Two points to bear in mind here. Everyone in Beith and district should be taking extra care with their home security to ensure that such opportunist thieves are unsuccessful in their attempts to steal money, jewellery and other property from houses. It really only does take a few seconds for the opportunist thief to strike when windows are left open. Secondly, make sure that you are aware of what your insurance does and does not cover in terms of break-ins.
SCHOOL SAFETY
One local lady, who doesn’t have children of school age, phoned to report her genuine concerns about the number of cars parking in the ‘bus parking lane and stopping indiscriminately in Glebe Road to allow drop off children for school. She has witnessed some incidents which almost resulted in children being knocked down crossing the road. A number of parents are apparently still dropping off children on the opposite side of the road from the school entrance and allowing children to cross what is a very busy road. Beith Primary is very aware of this problem which is mainly created by the thoughtless parents of the children. It is appreciated that this road is very busy in the mornings, but parents are asked to think about where they drop the children off and make sure that they do so in a position which is not potentially putting children in danger. Seems like common sense, eh!
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.
RED NOSE DAY
Last Friday was Red Nose Day when many groups and individuals were out and about raising funds Comic Relief. In Beith the local librarians were dressed up which added a special touch and brought a few smiles to the faces of local bookworms and the ladies raised £35 for charity. Across the road from the library, the staff in Woodsides also entered into the spirit of the day and they raised £62.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Garnock Valley Branch of the Royal British Legion who their regular meeting on Monday 7 April at 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm in the Masonic Arms, Dalry. A good turnout of members is requested.
BEITH ARTS
Beith Arts Guild's next concert is at 2.30 pm this Sunday (23rd March) in the Community Centre and will feature "The Demon Barbers" playing a selection of music from the 20's to the 90's. Their repertoire is not entirely barber shop music as they also sing folk and humorous original songs along with their own special arrangements of pop classics from 30's to the present day and their act still contains musical material which no other group in the world has been able to imitate. Why not pop down to the community centre and enjoy a first class concert. Tickets are £5, concessions £3, students/schoolchildren £1 and can be obtained at the door.
BEITH TRINITY CHURCH
Beith Trinity ChurchSunday Club had a very successful evening on Friday 21st at The 78th Ayrshire Music Festival in Ayr Town Hall. Their choir, conducted and trained by Kenneth Blackburn (16), won the “Junior Choir Under 16 Years” class for which they were awarded “The Springhill Challenge Trophy”. Adjudicator Gary Sieling awarded an unusually high grade for the fourteen-strong choir aged 7 to 15, marking them “Outstanding”. He described their rendition of “Jonah Man Jazz” by Michael Hurd as a “happy, colourful and musical performance!” The result is a tribute to the children, parents and helpers who put many hours of hard work into the preparation and rehearsals. Their loyal support and enthusiasm has paid off. Their youthful conductor, Kenneth Blackburn, a pupil of Garnock Academy and North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year, also had many personal successes during the 78th Ayrshire Music Festival. In addition to participating in many winning ensembles and choirs, he gained awards for his solo performances. Kenneth won Advanced Tuned Percussion, for his percussive Vivaldi Concerto in A minor, and Advanced Contemporary Piano, playing Excursion No.2 by Samuel Barber. At the Final Concert, he was awarded the M L Limond Prize for the most outstanding contribution to the Festival. The decision, made by committee members and not divulged until the Prize giving, was based on his participation in Speech and Drama, Percussion, Singing, Conducting, Piano Solos and Duets. The young people of Trinity Church Choir, known as the God Squad, brought great honour on themselves, Trinity Church and indeed the whole town when they took first place in Ayr Music Festival under their talented young conductor, Kenneth Blackburn (16), who is the current North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year. Well done! We also hear that the Gateside School Choir were in great form at the same festival last week under conductor and teacher, Catriona Gilbert, and they also took first place in their section of the festival.
Meanwhile, Garry Wilson (12) of Beith’s Thorntree Avenue, was yet another local lad gaining success, this time at the Glasgow Music Festival. Garry,a pupil at Garnock Academy, gained first prize with his piano piece, Slovac Peasant Dance and won the Raymond O’Connell Trophy for the best piano soloist in the competition. His proud teacher is Mr Martin Cardy of Beith. Garry has been playing piano for five years and he was invited to play in the Glasgow Festival’s final recital last Saturday in Renfield St. Stephen’s Church, Glasgow. See Beith. See Clever weans, fines voices and great results! Well done everyone and a special word of encouragement to those who took part in the Glasgow and Ayr Music Festivals without reaching the prize list. Keep plugging away. Having a musical talent is indeed a wonderful thing.
PIANO CHAMPION: Garry Wilson (12) of Beith won his section at the Glasgow Music Festival and also won the Raymond O’Connell trophy for best pianist.
RATS
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 campaign to prevent a landfill site being established at Trearne Quarry, Gateside. Tickets are on sale from Liz at B & A Travel, Beith or from David Elstone on 07976 388294.
GREENHILLS RURAL
Greenhills Rural met last Wednesday in Barrmill Community Centre when president Mrs Barbara Raeside introduced the speaker for the evening, Mrs Barbara Walker, who is a dietician. Mrs Walker gave a very interesting nutritional quiz as part of her talk which surprised everyone when they were advised of the answers. Unfortunately, Mrs Walker was unable to provide an easy answer to losing and keeping off weight. She was then invited to judge the competitions for the evening the results of which are as follows: Reid Trophy for a home made pie: 1st Mrs J Lamont, 2nd Mrs C Miller and 3rd Mrs N Brown. Salver for a homemade bookmark: 1st Mrs E Hamilton, 2nd Mrs C Logan and 3rd Mrs N Brown. Mrs Sheila Criag gave a comprehensive vote of thanks and the evening closed with the singing of the national anthem.
GARNOCK VALLEY EX PRESIDENTS BOWLING
Garnock Valley ex Presidents Bowling Association are holding their annual indoor game this Sunday (23 March) from 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm at Ardrossan. Any ex presidents wishing to attend are asked to advise their local representative as soon as possible. All members are reminded that the AGM of the ex presidents will be held at 1.30 pm at Ardrossan immediately prior to the game. A good turnout is requested.
MUSICAL EVENING
Beith High Church Organisations Committee are hosting a musical evening on Friday 4 April at 7.30 pm in the High Church Hall. The musical very popular group Chi Canta will be performing songs from the shows, traditional songs and Scottish songs. Tickets are £4 and £3 concession and this includes a cream tea.
BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
Beith Town Centre Initiative are holding a prize bingo evening in the Strand Lounge of the Anderson Hotel on Thursday 14 April with eyes down at 8.00 pm. There will be raffles, lucky ticket draw along with prizes for the bingo. Tickets will be £1.50 and will be available from the Drinks Cellar, B & A Travel and Elricks Emporium. A good turnout would be appreciated and all funds go towards helping with the Christmas late night shopping event in the town which was so successful in 2002. We also hear that the Town Centre Initiative are planning to involved local shops and businesses in an Easter Bonnet Display over Easter weekend. This column will keep you advised of arrangements in due course. 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 Club are unearthing more photos of the club of yesteryear. The latest batch of fascinating photographs arrived courtesy of George Anderson and this contains the rough proof photographs taken by the American photographer, William Sumits, who visited Barrmill, Beith and other places of with Burns connections in Ayrshire in November 1948. Some of these fascinating photographs will be included in the book being produced later this year as part of their diamond jubilee celebrations of Barrmill Jolly Beggars. A fascinating article about the Jolly Beggars did in fact appear in the American Life Magazine and included photos of the Boyd family Balgraymuir. Many of these old photographs from 1948 have been rediscovered and are interestingly different and are a great record of yesterday’s Barrmill. It is hoped to have some of these photographs displayed, perhaps in Beith library, later this year once some work has been done on enhancing them and they will doubtless bring back happy memories to those who had friends and relations in the famous Burns club of yesteryear. Among those in the photos who were well known in the district are R B Neil, R R Fairley, John Jamieson, Chum Beare, Joe Cashmore, Matthew Boyd, Willie Fairns, David Conn, Eddie Anderson, Willie Conn and David Howitson. The names of a number of others have still to be clarified. What the photographs do reveal is the great enthusiasm of the cronies of yesteryear and there is absolutely no doubt that in the early days of the Jolly Beggars their celebrations were very special occasions indeed. Those who have contributed items so far are thanked for their kind assistance to the club and the club are still keen to find other photos and memorabilia. This is perhaps the right time to also about other items belonging to the club. For example, the only surviving minute books of the club date back to very recent times. The current book begins on 12 May 1993 and sadly the club have absolutely not other written records prior to that date. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of earlier minute books going right back to the clubs formation in 1944, please contact past president Norman M Henderson on 01505-502419, secretary Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or treasurer Harry Young on 01505-504655
CANS WANTED
Ann McGonagall of Ann’s Fruit and Veg, 44 Main Street, Beith, is again collecting aluminium cans to raise much need funds for Cardonald Cat and Dog Home. If you have drink cans or beer cans these are the type required. Ann has already amassed quite a collection and sends her thanks to many individuals as well as to local pubs and clubs who are supporting her fund raising drive. Thecollection is being very well supported indeed and in fact Ann has had to order more collecting boxes such has been the excellent response of locals to her appeal. Ann can be contacted on 01505-506415 or simply bring you cans to her Main Street Fruit and Veg premises.
DANCE SCHOOL
Hilda Cameron of Cameron Dance School announces that members of her dance school led by Anne Hume recently held a disco which resulted in £300 being raised and following further donations from parents and friends running a café during the pupils dance exams held in the Apex Centre, Paisley, the raised a further £200. The total of £500 was split between McMillan Cancer Fund and the Cardonald Cat and Dog Home. All local pupils, who meet for lessons in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside, and who sat exams received pass results and were commended or highly commended. Congratulations to all of dance students.
NEW KARATE CLUB
Karate classes for young folk are now being held in the Old Beith Harriers Hut at Gateside Cross roads every Monday and Thursday from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Registration forms and further information can be obtained there from Sandy Kerr during the above periods.
BEITH OPEN AWARD GROUP
Last Sunday the members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Beith High linked with Trinity Church travelled to Largs where they attended an All Age Worship service of worship at Largs St. John’s Church and joined with a large number of other young people from North Ayrshire where they met the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – Right Rev Finlay A Macdonald. They later took part in a number of organised games and activities as well as hearing a short presentation about the work of Glasgow City Mission. All the young folk took along food gifts for the homeless in Glasgow which will be distributed by the City Mission. All in all this was a most enjoyable evening. All members of the bronze and silver groups are reminded that their expedition dates are 6 – 8 June. It is essential that parental consent forms relating to this expedition are fully completed and returned to the award group leader immediately.
EASTERN STAR
The Eastern Star are holding a Supper dance tonight (Friday ) at 7.30 pm in Beith Masonic Club with dancing to Peter Kerr and his band. Tickets are £5 and if you feel like a good night out why not pop in!
FISHY TIMES
Blackwood the Butcher, Main Street, Beith, is now providing a variety of fish for customers. With the closure in December 2002 of the popular fishmonger, Wilson’s of Beith, the Main Street has lacked such a facility. We wish Mr Tom Blackwood and his sons, Sandy and Jamie, every success with their new venture.
BLOOD THIRSTY
The blood transfusion service called at Beith Community Centre last Thursday when, by all reports, they did a roaring trade with the place queued out by local folk keen to give a pinta. As recent appeals have made clear there is an even greater demand for blood and the people of Beith and district have always been great supports of the Blood Tranfusion Service. Anyone who missed giving blood at Beith are reminded that there is a centre in Glasgow where blood can be given Monday – Friday and all you need do is contact the Blood Transfusion Service on freephone number 0845-9090999. At this time of conflict with Iraq there can hardly be a more important time to give blood and help to save the lives of other folk.
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!
GREENHOUSE GARDENER WANTED
Calling all green house gardeners out there! Stand by your begonias and listen carefully so see if you can help. Geilsland School have a large greenhouse which for many years produced a large variety of vegetables, plants and flowers which helped provide some additional funds for the school. The school are keen to continue producing quality items from the greenhouse, but they no longer have staff with the appropriate skills to make the best use of the facilities. At the recent meeting of the school’s consultative committee it was suggest that perhaps local volunteers could be recruited who might be able to assist the school with making best use of the greenhouse. Any individual or group of keen gardeners who feel they might be able to help the school can contact the headmaster, Ranald Mair on 01505-504044 or simply drop in at the school for a chat.
PUPPET FESTIVAL
The 2003 Puppet Festival will be held in Irvine Harbour Arts Centre from 1 – 5 April. There are a variety of puppet based shows and this should prove a fascinating programme for children and adults. For further information contact Harbour Arts Centre on 01294-274059.
IN THE SWIM
Can your children swim? If not why don’t you enrol them for swimming lesson at Garnock Pool. It’s never too early to learn! Classes are available for parent and baby, ducklings (aged 3 years) and juveniles. It’s never to late to learn either so Garnock Pool also has classes for adults. For further information contact Susan, Angie or Norma on 01505-683304.
HISTORIC SOCIETY
Yesterday (Thursday), at 8 pm. Beith Historical Society held their regular meeting in the Eglinton Inn when the speaker was Bob McKenzie, an ex Beithite now of Cumbernauld, with his second recent visit to the town when he again took as his subject, Kindertransport and Its Aftermath. This relates to the transport of German children to the UK during the last war and it is a truly fascinating and hubling lecture with the added input of Mr McKenzie’s personal experiences of being part of that process.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Beith Cancer Support Group are holding their annual coffee morning in Beith Community Centre on Saturday 5 April from 10.00 am –12 noon. There will be the usual stalls including the ever-popular home baking. Tickets are 80p and available from all committee members or simply drop in for a coffee and chat on the day. Contributions of baking and items for other stalls can be handed in to the Community Centre on the morning of the event and will be gratefully received. All the proceeds go towards helping transport local cancer patients to and from hospitals in Glasgow and Ayrshire. For further information or offers of help, please contact local organiser, Billy Haining on 01505-502671 or call in at Billy’s of Beith.
BROADBAND
There is a continuing interest among computer users in Beith to have broadband which allows access to the world-wide web at very fast speeds. A number of individuals are really keen to get the system introduced locally. Anyone who might be interested in having broadband can register their interest with British Telecom on their web site at BT.com. There would appear to be around 150 individuals in Beith and district who have already registered and once that number reaches around 250 BT may be encouraged to offer the service in Beith. So, all you have to do is register without committing yourself to taking the service.
KARAOKE
Garnock Valley Early Learning Centre are holding a fund raising Karaoke night in Garnock Labour Club from 8 till late on Friday 11 April. Tickets cost £3 and includes a light supper. For tickets contact the GV Early Learning Centre on 01505-681322.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers Club are holding their confined clay pigeon shoot on Sunday 30th March at Meikle Ittington Farm, Ardrossan, at 12.30pm, by kind permission of the Scott family. The sports night will be held on Monday 31st March at Holmbyre Farm, Dalry at 6.30pm by kind permission of the Smith family. Good luck to Julie Scott for the Rally Queen competition, in which she will participate on Saturday 29th March. If you are aged between 14-26 you are more than welcome to come along to our events and see if you would enjoy being part of the Young Farmers. Contrary to popular belief which is a pure myth, It’s NOT all about farms and tractors! Please remember you do not have to be a farmer or live in the country to join. A lot of our members are from the town as well as the country so why not come along and give it a go? The range and variety of activities is enormous and there is a first class social life too! For more information or transport to any of our events please do not hesitate to contact Julie on 01294 832262 or Gareth on 01294 832249.
LOCAL PLAN
Copies of the draft North Ayrshire Local Plan are on display in Beith Library. Objections must be lodged with North Ayrshire Council by 4 April. The librarians report that as yet there have been very few folk taking the time to view these plans. So, if you are interested in plans for North Ayrshire as a whole and the Garnock Valley in particular, you should pop down to the library to find out exactly what is being proposed.
TRINITY CHURCH MENS FELLOWSHIP
Trinity Church Mens Fellowship met Last week and everyone enthusiastically took part in the finals of all competitions. The trophy winners being as
Follows: Ken Bryson Trophy (Bowls, singles) Winner: George Colligan, runner up; winner of the Hugh Hayes Trophy, Allan Richardson
J W Gibson Trophy, (Bowls, pairs) Winners: Iain Ross and John Coffin, runners up, Allan Richardson and Neil McPhee; Simpson Memorial Trophy Bowls, (singles) Winner: John Darroch, runner up Hugh Brown.
W S Millar Trophy (Darts) Winner: Robert Jamieson, runner up Iain Ross H & J Trophy (Snooker) Winner: John Smith, runner up, Jim Pearson
Next week is the final meeting for the current session. There will be a talk from Harry McMaster, on his 50 years as a steelworker at Glengarnock, This will be followed by the AGM and the presentation of awards.
1St BEITH BB
There was close to 100% attendance in all sections last Friday at 1st Beith BBs, with all boys joining in enthusiastically in a variety of activities. The highlight of the Junior Section meeting was a session of PT, while the Company Section are pressing on with their badge work. The 1st Beith BBs, one of the oldest companies of BBs in the UK, like many other youth organisations in Beith, are really keen to recruit more officers and helpers. If you are interested, please drop into the BB hall on a Friday evening for a chat with some of the current officers.
BARRMILL COMMUNITY CENTRE
Last week Jean Gilbert and Margaret Mongomery, chairman and secretary respectively of Barrmill Community Association and other interested parties, held a meeting in Barrmill with Mr James K Ferguson of North Ayrshire Council Estates Department regarding the problems being experienced with the roof at Barrmill Community Centre. This has been leaking for some time and examination revealed that it contained an element of asbestos. The meeting was very positive and Mr Ferguson was very helpful and supportive of the problems now being faced by this small rural community. Further examination of the building will take place in due course to assess whether major repairs would be less or more cost-effective than moving towards a total rebuild programme. This will not be known for some time, but it is likely that Barrmill Community Association will require to sit down and carefully examine the cost benefits of a refurbishment programme compared to a total rebuild. Clearly a rebuild would have the advantage of allowing the community to design a purpose built centre, but the costs and fund raising required would be of major proportions. There is no doubt that with the outstanding leadership of Jean Gilbert and Margaret Montgomery, there will be no lack of enthusiastic action to ensure that the community centre is back on track as soon as possibe. It should be noted that the current problem has not affected the day-to-day activities in the centre, but future remedial work will almost certainly require the activities to be held elsewhere. The Beith column will keep everyone up-to-date with the situation at Barrmill as it develops.
BEITH OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE
Calling all Beith and District Senior Citizens! Beith Old People’s Welfare Committee are hosting a Cabaret and Supper Evening just for you. The ‘Time of Your Life Millenium Show’ will take place in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 25 April from 6.30 pm till 10.00 pm. This should has already proved to be an outstanding evening of very lively entertainment when shown elsewhere in the UK. The musical journey starts in 1900 and continues all the way to 2000 and brings to life characters such as Elsie Brown and Al Jolson, Roaring 20s Charlston, The War Years, Doris Day, Buddy Holly, Marilyn Munroe as well as a host of popular stars of the 60s and 70s. This amazing variety show raises audiences to their feet. Anyone wishing to bring along their own bottle to enjoy a refreshment may do so. Buses to and from the Community Centre will leave from the usual pick-up points. Tickets are priced £1 and will be on sale at Beith Community Centre on the following dates and times. Tuesday 1st and 8th April from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm and Thursday 3rd and 10 April from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. No tickets will be sold after 10th April, so it is important that if you intend going to this concert that you arrange for tickets during the above periods. Sorry all you young folks, this event is for Beith and District Senior Citizens only.
BEITH CAMERA CLUB
Alastair Knox continued his demonstration of the wonders of digital imaging to the members of Beith Camera Club at the Community Centre last
Thursday evening. Using a laptop computer linked to a digital projector, Alastair explored some more of the remarkable capabilities of "Photoshop"
and "Photoshop Elements" software. Drawing on just a few of the many functions of these powerful programs, Alastair amazed the audience with
their ability to alter and improve photographic images. He showed how easy it is to select parts of a photograph and to lighten or darken them as
required, to improve the contrast and correct faults. In his series of demonstrations Alastair has shown the way ahead in photography. The club is
fortunate to have a member with such a command of the new technology.
CURLERS
Just before going to press we heard that a group of local curlers from Beith and Barrmill who play regularly at Greenacres, had travelled last Friday to Stockholm in Sweden for a competition. Perhaps once they return we will be able to report on their experiences in foreign climes and how their curling skills match that of the Swedes.
PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP
Beith Playpark Action group are holding a spring raffle soon. The major three prizes have been donated by Marbill Coaches (1st and 2nd prizes) and Bright Sparks (3rd prize) and other prizes to date have been donated by Tulloch Transport, B & A Travel and Robert Danks School of Motoring. This will be drawn on Friday 30 May and tickets are available from any committee member or phone Winnie on 01505-504941 if you can perhaps help to sell tickets on behalf of the hardworking group who aim to establish a state-of-the-art play facility for children and young people in Beith Public Park.
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.
COMPUTERS
Beith Library recently unveiled six internet ready computer systems which are now available for public used during library opening hours. A formal launch of the service will be announced at a later date. Last Saturday the library staff were busy helping local children make cards for Mothers Day and they had a lively bunch of children who were busy cutting and pasting under the guidance of the thoughtful librarian. Next door to the library you can also access ten internet ready computers at Arabica Media Centre located above Riverhills where training in all aspects of computing is available at very reasonable cost. Not to be outdone, Barrmill also has its own computer access point in the Station Inn where two computers with internet access are available to the public. Jings, the whole district seems to be awash with computers nowadays.
HARRIERS
Beith Primary School took part in the final of the North Ayrshire Schools’ Sports Hall Athletics Competition on Wednesday 19th March. All children gave of their best and finished in 7th place out of an original 26 schools. The U/11 boys Primary School team reached the final of the Scottish Indoor Athletic League at the Kelvin Hall on Sunday 23rd March and finished in 5th place with 20 points. Central Athletic Club were winners with 24 points in a close competition. Beith Harriers were also represented on this day by their U/11 and U/13 boys relay teams. Unfortunately no medals were won, but a great experience especially for some of the younger athletes who were competing there for the first time and a valiant effort from all concerned. Everyone will join in congratulating the speedy Beithites on their hard work and continuing improvement.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The most recent meeting of Beith Community Council was held in Beith Primary School on 27 February, Mr Edward Christie, vice chair, presiding. Chairman, Robert Boyd, who had been ill for several months was welcomed back to his first meeting for some time, but decided to take a back seat for the time being.
The following is a brief synopsis of the matters discussed at the meeting. Mr Ashwood and Mr and Mrs Mackie, who had a special interest in the building at 6 Wilson Street, were in attendance and following a brief review of the history of the building, the Council agreed to write to North Ayrshire Council advising that they were keen that this building is not demolished and asking the intention of North Ayrshire Council regarding the future of the building.
A letter was received from Mr Allan Wilson, MSP, regarding Scottish Water and Beith sewerage and the letter pointed out that he was seeking further information from Scottish Water about their capital spending programme and current constraints in relation to development in Beith. The Council were advised that both bids submitted in a partnership approach with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group, Barrmill Community Association and Garnock Valley Disability Group had been successful.
The Community Safety Magazine for Beith and District was well under way and Donald Reid was thanked for his work on both successful bids. It was reported that a public meeting was to be held as part of the appeal process regarding the original application for landfill and land improvement at Townend of Shutterflat. The Council were advised that North Ayrshire Council Cleansing Department were responsible for cleaning the roads between Barrmill and Burnhouse, but only within the limits of the village and where kerbs were in evidence. It was further reported that the blocked gully opposite Giffen Mill had been cleared and drainage now appears to be working properly. It was noted that a grit bin had now been located near to Barrmill Village Hall. In respect of the application for a landfill site at Trearne, the members were advised of a copy of a letter sent from SEPA to Mr Brian Wilson, MP. In the opinion of SEPA the application for landfill development at Trearne had not justified best methodology for site selection or demonstrated a need for further landfill site.
It was reported that Robertson’s Memorials (Aberdeen) had submitted an estimate for the relocation and reassembling of the memorial fountain in the Strand to Beith Cross at a cost of £7,425 plus VAT. It was agreed that secretary, Jean Highgate investigate possible sources of funding to achieve this. The future of the Townhouse was discussed as the Post Office will relocate at Beith Cross sometime after October. After some discussion about possible uses for the building it was agreed that the public should be consulted via the Herald and local notices about their support for creating a local museum in this building. Anyone with views on this issue are asked to contact community council secretary, Jean Highgate or any community council member. It was also agreed to send a letter to North Ayrshire Council on this matter.
Constable Sandy Brown advised the members that crime in Beith had shown a positive downward trend. House breakings had fallen from 82 – 70 and vehicle crime had fallen from 103 to 53. There had also been a marginal fall in serious violent crime from 7 to 6. Incidents involving the carrying offensive weapons had increased, but this was largely due to pro-active policing and increased levels of searching. During February there had been incidents of tyres being slashed and the public were asked to be mindful to check their tyres during routine vehicle examinations. Constables Brown advised that he and his colleague Constable Jim Dougall had began surgeries where the public could visit them to discuss any concerns.
The Community Council agreed to send a letter of congratulations to local butcher, Sandy Blackwood, who in his role as a swimming coach gained an award from the Amateur Swimming Association of Scottish Youth Coach of the Year.
