ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 2003
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PROMINENT CITIZEN: Billy Duncan, 78, of Gateside died on 22 August. See Beith local notes.
(SP)
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BOWLED OVER: Some weel kent brilliant Beith bowlers took on the Scottish presidents select and beat them on the Beith green last week.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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PRESIDENTS ALL: The president of the Scottish Bowling Association, Sam Kennedy of Saltcoats (4th from left) joins past presidents of Beith Bowling Club before taking part in a friendly game at Beith.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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BRIGHTER BEITH: A few members of the committee of Beith Town Centre Initiative as they prepared for their fund raising auction at the community centre.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
DEATH OF GATESIDER
It is with great sadness that we report the death on Friday 22 August of well known Gatesider, Billy Duncan. Billy, 78, had been ill with cancer for several months, but by virtue of his happy personality and strength of character, had retained his pawky sense of humour right to the end. On a very recent visit he was asked if he had attended Spiers school, like his sister Anne. Bill replied, “Oh, no, no, no. I was far too clever for Spiers. I went to Beith Academy.” Billy will be remembered as the driving force of the haulage firm of W & J Duncan of Gateside. The firm operated several large tankers which uplifted milk from farms in Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. However, with the introduction of the Milk Marketing Board this work was virtually taken away overnight from local transport companies. Through Billy’s leadership they quickly adapted and began work for ICI at Ardeer delivering chemicals from the Stevenston base to plants in England. In due course Billy‘s company was dealt yet another blow when this work at ICI Ardeer was transferred to a plant in Belgium. At this juncture Billy decided to diversify and he then concentrated on engineering work from his garage base in Main Street, Gateside. For a number of years and until a few months before his death, Billy worked alongside his son, Keith, and they quickly built up a well deserved reputation by providing a first class lorry and car repair service to local customers. He served with distinction in the Royal Signals during 1943 – 1947 in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. His own father, Jack Duncan, of whom Billy was very proud, served in the First World War and won the Military Medal and later founded the company of W & J Duncan. Billy was a keen footballer in his younger days and played with the famous Barrmill team, the Vale of Dusk. He was a keen curler and over the years played with Beith St Inan’s, Beith Morrishill and in recent years was a stalwart with Montgreenan Curling Club. About 20 years ago together with Robert McDougall, Hugh Knox and Jimmy Reid, he was proud to bring the Arthur Gilmour Trophy to Beith, the first time ever that the trophy had left Glasgow. This memorable game was played at the old Crossmyloof ice rink. He was also a key member of the team which won the Osprey Shield at Aviemore during that same period. A committed member of the 1st Beith BB in his boyhood days, he later became an officer and served the company well for many years. Many older Beithites will recall with a happy smile that Billy was a stalwart of many stage shows promoted by the 1st Beith Company entitled, BB Days, when he trod the boards hilariously to great local acclaim. Billy was predeceased by wife, Jean. He is survived by his sons Murray, Keith and Athol. His sister Anne, who lives in British Columbia, Canada, has been staying at Gateside and has given stalwart support Billy during the final weeks of his illness. A well attended service of remembrance and committal for Billy was held on Wednesday 27 August at 11.00 am in Trinity Church and thereafter at Holmsford Bridge Crematorium, conducted by Rev Fiona C Ross. The thoughts of the local community are with the family.
BTCI
Beith Town Centre Initiative held a fund raising auction in Beith Community Centre last Friday. The auctioneer who controlled proceedings was Willie Wilson of Paisley Market. The event was very well supported and raised £2,541. This amount will be added to current funds and will help the BTCI in their aim to make Beith a brighter and better place in which to shop over the festive period. Locals are also reminded that the late night shopping event in Beith is pencilled in for Friday, 5 December when BTCI intend to have an even better event lined up for locals and visitors to enjoy. Congratulations to everyone at BTCI on a great event which was enjoyed by everyone. BTCI pass on their grateful thanks to everyone who supported the event as well as those who donated items for auction.
BARRMILL
Barrmill Community Association are holding a fund raising car boot sale in the village on Saturday, 6 September from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm. They are keen to attract as many car booters as possible. Each car or stall is asked to pay a donation fee of £5 and you can book your spot by contacting Jean on 01505-502521.
HARRIERS
Beith Harriers resume training sessions on Thursday 28th
August at 5.00pm for
primary 4 and 5 children and 6.15pm for primary 6 and over. Saturday
morning training continues for all ages and stages at 10.00am, meeting at
the Community Centre. New members are very welcome, just turn up at these
times. The final outdoor league athletics match took place at Coatbridge on
Sunday
17th August with some fine performances and personal bests from
participants. Hannah Boyd, Graham Evans, Frazer Keil and Sam Harkness
performed exceptionally well in the U/11 age group, while Ian McNaughton,
Colin Evans and Cameron Clark gained virtually maximum points for the U/13s.
Scott Keil, our only u/15 competitor also gained a huge number of points for
the club. With the points gained by our adult competitors, Susan McIsaac,
Michael Connelly, Robin Boyd, John Simpson and Stephen Cullen the Club has
won Division 4 and have gained promotion to Division 3 next year.
Congratulations to all the successful speedy Beithites.
BRASS BAND
North Ayrshire Brass Band are back in action after the summer break. The band meet each Tuesday evening in the Social Wing at Garnock Academy from 7.30 pm till 9.30 pm. The band are always on the lookout for new players in all instrumental sections. At the first practice of the new session the band welcomed four visitors from Clydebank Band and the principal Euphonium players from the Scottish Co-operative Band who joined in what turned out to be an excellent practice session. Last Saturday the band played during the crowning ceremony of the Queen and attendants at Marymass, Irvine. The band are holding a celebration ceildh on Friday, 31 October in Beith Community Centre. This event will also formally mark the retiral from the band of Hugh Brennan who was the founder member and musical director for almost 30 years. However, the good news is that Hugh will remain with the band in a playing capacity where his tremendous experience will be put to good use. The ceildh will be a night of great enjoyment for everyone past and present connected with the band. It will also provide a suitable opportunity for the band to mark Hugh’s enormous contribution to brass banding. Tickets for this event can be reserved by contacting Donald L Reid on 01505-503801. Here is a diary date for all brass band enthusiasts! The North Ayrshire Band will hold their annual concert in St Margaret’s Church, Dalry on Friday 5 December when they will perform an interesting and varied range of brass band music to suit all tastes.
TODDLERS
Trinity Church Toddler Group resumes on Thursday, 4 September from 9.30 am – 11.00 am in Trinity Church Hall. Vacancies are available for children from birth to three years and a warm and friendly welcome is assured.
BOWLING
Beith BC was honoured by this years Scottish Bowling Association President Sam Kennedy (Saltcoats BC) and his tour team on Friday the 22nd August when they visited to play a Beith select. After morning coffee at West Kilbride BC, Sam and his team had lunch at Beith BC followed by a game of bowls, which Beith won by 23 shots. After the game President Sam was presented with a framed Line Drawing of the Auld Club Hoose, (illustration by Alan Watson) and a framed photograph of himself, from John Simpson Immediate Past President taken at Saltcoats BC earlier this year. Beith President Charlie Fairns then went on to give a comprehensive vote of thanks to Sandra and Avril Smith for an excellent lunch, and all those involved in making the day such a success. President Sam and his team then departed for Largs Halkshill BC for dinner and an evening game of bowls having carried through a very busy programme of visitations throughout Scotland over recent months. The mixed Wappenschaw on Friday the 22nd August was won by the highest up pairs skipped by Blair Michie, and lead Jim Mitchell.
The Marbill Trophy (Triples Competition Sponsored by Marbill Coaches) kicked off this last Saturday and Sunday, with three triples from Beith BC, Brian Monk, Murdoe Brown. Charlie Thomson and Willie Mack from Ardeer Recreation BC going through to the semi finals this Sunday with a start time of 11.00am.
Beith BC Finals Day will take place tomorrow (Sat 30th Aug) with a 2.00pm for 2.30pm start. A good turnout of members is requested to support this special competition day.
FISHING
The merry fishers of the Beith St Inan’s Angling Club have found fishing to be
on the slow side last week with few fish recorded. However, the catch returns
show fish to 2lb. Part of the reason for few fish recorded is members who, for
whatever reason, do not record their fish in the returns book, and it has been
noticed that one or two members are still not signing in before fishing. All
members have a key to the hut, and there is no excuse for not signing in or
recording fish. So, in the spirit of friendship and fishing, please obey the
club rules. Members are asked to note that the Capuano Cup will be fished next
tomorrow (Saturday), with a start time of 4.30pm. Please note
this altered time for starting. Competitors are asked to be there at 4.15 pm for
a prompt start to the competition. The West Trophy for junior members will also
be fished at the same time.
BBs
Recruiting for 1st Beith BBs will take place again on Friday 29th
August between 7.00 and 8.00pm. Please note that this is not only for new
members, but existing members who are returning this year. It is essential that
all the paperwork is filled in by parents as soon as possible so that all boys
are covered by the BB insurance scheme when taking part in meetings.
WRITERS WORKSHOP
Ardrossan based authors, John and Noreen Steele are to hold a workshop for writers who may be struggling to get their work into print. John and Noreen have penned several books about the stricken HMS Dasher aircraft carrier and about Horse Island. The workshop, based at Saltcoats Library and to be held from 2. – 4 pm on Tuesday, September 2, will offer guidance and tips on researching material for books, styles of writing and getting work published. John is vice president of Beith and District Writers Group and is very well known in the Garnock Valley where he has given several of his acclaimed talks on the HMS Dasher mystery. This workshop will be invaluable for anyone wishing to gain a few tips about writing and how to get works published. To book a place on the workshop call 01294-469546.
PRIZE GUYS
Beithites, Jack and Betty Elliott are well known in Ayrshire gardening circles. The green fingered Beithites have a special talent when it comes to producing prize fuschias, of which they have a huge collection. At the recent Troon Show they again featured in the prize list. Not to be outdone two aspiring young Barrmillian gardeners also made their mark at the show. Hazel Munro, 8, a pupil at Gateside Primary won first prize for the best geranium winning £100 for a charity of her choice with a further £20 as a personal prize. Her older sister, Laura, 15, a pupil of Garnock Academy, also entered the same competition and took third prize and was awarded £40 for charity and £10 as a personal prize. Both girls decided to pool their prize money which they have donated to CHAS. Well done Hazel and Laura! Arguably, Beith’s best gardener, Peter Grant, was exceedingly successful with his wide range of exhibits at the West Kilbride Show last Saturday. He took no less than 21 prizes and lifted the honours in a variety of sections of the show including leeks, beetroot, turnips and parsley. More awards were forthcoming for the Beith master gardener for his herbs in a pot, rhubarb, parsnips, carrot, (stumped root), Carrot (long), onions, cauliflower, celery and cabbage. As you might imagine, Peter works extremely hard and his continuing success at many local shows is due to his extensive knowledge of the subject and his enthusiasm. Well done, Peter!
COFFE MORNING
Beith Conservatives are holding a coffee morning in Beith Community Centre tomorrow (Saturday) between 10.00 am and 12 noon. There will be the usual ancillary stalls and tickets are available at the door price 80p. At this event they will also make the 200 club draw when prizes of £100 and £25 will be announced. For further information contact 01505-502014.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held their ten pin bowling evening recently in the Basebowl, Saltcoats. The results were as follows, boys 3rd Alex Wilson 2nd Graeme McCarter 1st Bradley Scott. Girls, 3rd Anne Reid 2nd Ann Wilson 1st Jennifer Mair. Good luck to everyone who is going on to represent the club at Ayrshire level. Congratulations to Ann Wilson and David Young who have been selected to represent the club in the forthcoming Ayrshire Mr and Miss Competition. Fingers crossed for everyone! For further information about the club please call Julie on 01294 832262 or Gareth on 01294 832249.
RAINBOWS
The Wednesday Rainbows resume their meetings in Beith High Church Hall on Wednesday, 3 September from 5.15 pm – 6.30 pm. A few spaces are still available for girls aged 5 – 7 years. Contact Elaine Fisher on 01505-503425
WANTED
Care Partners is a voluntary organisation which provides some time-out to children and adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. To become a Care Partner you don’t need experience or qualifications. Caring, understanding, patience and commitment are more important. Training and support will be provided to help develop your skills. An opportunity will be offered to achieve a nationally recognised certificate (SVQ) in Social Care. For more information contact Care Partners, Suite 3 The Windmill Centre, Hamilton Street, Saltcoats KA21 5DS Tel 01294-607111.
ALZHEIMER
Like cancer, there can be few folk whose lives haven’t been touched by a relative or friend who suffers from Alzheimers. Many people care on a day to day basis for someone with dementia and this can be a 24 hour, 7 day a week job. Alzheimer Scotland invite local people to organise a TEAriffic tea party to raise funds to ensure that research into dementia can continue apace. They are keen for as many people as possible to have people round for a tea party and invite donations from guests. Every £1 raised helps improve the quality of life for those facing this devastating illness. They suggest that in addition to the tea party, the event can be made more interesting by selling cakes, raffle tickets and quiz sheets and perhaps taking part in competitions. The focus of the event is World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, but locals can hold their tea party on any day! This seems like an interesting way to enjoy the company of friends and help raise funds for charity. Further information about this event is available from Alzheimers Scotland, Freepost EH2835, 22 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 7RN or email: diaing@alzscot.org or visit their web site at www.alzscot.org/fundraising/teaday.html
RANGERS
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club have organised a bus for the game against Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Sunday 31 August. The bus leaves Beith at 11.00 am and there are spare seats but no spare tickets. Anyone wishing to travel on the bus is asked to contact John on 500264 or Andy on 503928.
HENRY FAULDS
For further information about the Dr Henry Faulds Society contact the secretary, Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or email: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
Registration is now open for Beith High linked with Trinity Church Senior Youth Group to undertake activities leading to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at bronze and silver level. The first meeting of the group will be held in the High Church Hall at 7.00 pm on Sunday, 28 September, but it is imperative that those wishing to take part are registered beforehand as there is the usual paperwork which requires to be completed. The numbers participating at bronze level will be limited to a maximum of 20 young people, and those who may wish to join are invited to contact Donald L Reid (503801) or Janet Osborne (503505) in the first instance from whom registration forms and a programme of activities for 2003/2004 can be obtained. There will be a registration fee of £25 which includes the appropriate award book and £1 is also payable at each meeting which are held in the High Church Hall on a Sunday evening. Beith Group are currently developing an award web site which can be visited on: http://awardgroup.beith.org where they can register and keep up to date with developments.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club are holding their open clay pigeon shoot on Sunday 24th August at North Ayrshire Shooting Ground. Please note the start time is 10am. The following event is the beef and sheep stockjudging on Monday 8th September at Hauplands Farm, West Kilbride at 6.30pm by kind permission of Mr Wardrop. Everyone is welcome! The club are always keen to attract new members, so if you are aged between 14 and 26 why not come along and try out some of the activities that are arranged throughout the year. It’s a very worthwhile experience, and remember you don’t need any farming background to participate. For further information or transport to any of the events please call Julie on 01294 832262 or Gareth on 01294 832249.
HEART START
Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran are on the lookout for volunteers. Can you help? No previous training or experience is necessary as full training will be given. Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran will train you in all aspects of first aid, particularly in relation to how you would treat a patient who suffers a heart attack. Those who have the necessary ability could be trained as trainers of others and this is a special way of giving service to the local community. The programme has so far trained 21,000 people in Ayrshire and Arran. If you are interested and want to know more contact Mike Rennie, co-ordinator, Heart Start Room 624, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine KA12 8SS tel. 01294-323478.
CANCER SUPPORT
The Beith branch of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group meet in the community centre tonight (Friday) at 7.00 pm when the annual raffle will be drawn and prize winners announced. Billy Haining, local organiser, advises that all tickets were sold and he passes on his thanks to everyone who helped. Everyone is welcome to come along to the draw and enjoy a coffee and learn more about the work of the group over the past twelve months.
DISCO
Beith Boys Town under 14 team are holding a celebration disco in Beith Masonic Club on Saturday 30 August from 8.00 pm till late. The disco is a fund raiser for the club. The club are hoping to be able to take part in an international tournament scheduled for Blackpool during the Easter holidays and funds raised will help them achieve this objective. This is also a farewell party for Jackie and Neil McClune who are leaving for a new life in Australia on 7 September with their son Ross. Friends of the McClune family are cordially invited to attend this special farewell event. Tickets for the social evening are £3 and available from team manager, Hugh Murray on 01505-504889.
PLAYGROUP
Beith Community Centre playgroup provide excellent child care and education provision and they are currently taking registrations for the new session. The playgroup is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week from 9.30 am until 11.45 am. There is a full complement of trained staff including a fully qualified nursery nurse with 15 years experience and a capable nursery assistant with 5 years experience. Immediate funded places are available for children in North Ayrshire aged 3 years and limited places are available for children aged 2 ½ years. The emphasis of the playgroup is always on fun and enjoyment whilst learning in a happy and secure environment. Anyone interested in finding out more about the playgroup is invited to contact Helen on 506403. The e
FLORA ART
Kilbirnie Floral Art Club resumed activities on Tuesday 2 September in the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie. The speaker is Ruth Brown from Edinburgh and her demonstration is entitled: Harmony Unconfined. The club has members from throughout the Garnock Valley. Annual membership fees are £14 and visitors pay £3 at each meeting. A full programme of speakers has been lined up and old and new members will be made most welcome. For further information contact June on 502967.
BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) are holding a fund raising auction tonight (Friday 22 August) in Beith Community Centre beginning at 6 pm. They are keen to receive donations of items which can be professionally and light-heartedly auctioned. Anyone wishing to help should contact Christine at Cross Pharmacy or Liz at B & A Travel, Main Street where items will be gratefully received. Interestingly, there will also be a kids auction at the start of the event at 6.00 pm and the range of variety of items on offer is sure to attract many charitable young folk. Doubtless the young citizens will bring along parents, with their dosh of course, to ensure that the canny kids can bid for some of the goodies on offer. An auction catalogue will shortly be available and will highlight the range and variety of items on auction. So, make sure you are there sharp at 6.00 pm on Friday, 22 August.
DANCE SCHOOL
The Hilda Cameron Dance School resumes activities in Gateside Hall on Wednesday 20 August when a full range of classes in all dance forms will be held.
FORTHCOMING BOOK
A new limited edition book entitled, Beith Bygones – A Pictorial Journey Down Memory Lane, by Donald L Reid arrived from the printer last Saturday and those who ordered the book have already had it delivered. The book is on sale priced at £5.99 at several outlets in Beith including Burns, Newsagent, Eglinton Street; Arabica Bistro, Main Street; Brighstparks at the Strand; McConnell Florist and Chatterbox Café both in Main Street or direct from Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith, Tel 503801 or E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. This limited edition book has sold around 250 copies in its first week. Royalties arising from the sale of the book will benefit the Henry Faulds Society with a donation to Beith and Gateside Primary Schools.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The Beith Domino and Whist Club, fondly known as the happy chappers are back in action at Beith Community Centre where they meet each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. On Tuesday the dominoe champ was Mrs M Kennedy with Ina McCausland second and Mrs M Smith and Mrs M Kennedy third equal. On Thursday the chapping champ was Mrs A Smith with Mrs M Kennedy taking second place and a draw for third place between Mrs M Gardiner and Mrs J Welsh. On Tuesday the whist was won by Mrs I Reid with Mrs E McKechnie second and Mrs Agnes Jackson third. On Thursday Mrs I Reid was champion once again with Mrs E Carson second and Mrs E McKechan and Mrs F McCreadie joint third.
MARATHON
The big day is getting near as Nikla Jacobson of Beith begins final preparations for the Glasgow half marathon, fondly known as the Great Scottish Run, to be held on 7 September. Nikla has worked hard pounding the highways and byways of Beith as she builds up her daily mileage and improves her fitness and stamina for the big day. Anyone wishing to sponsor Nikla can do so by using sponsor sheets either in Cross Pharmacy or Arabica Café or by phone committee member Audrey on 506320, Joyce on 503459. All funds raised will be donated to Beith Playpark Action Group
SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Safety Forum have just published their summer newsletter which is available in libraries and community centres in the Garnock Valley. They are keen to recruit new members and the newsletter contains a list of future meeting dates. The first meeting is in Bridgend Community Centre on 11 September at 7.30 pm. If anyone is interested and needs help with transport, contact Brenda on 01475-568650.
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.
FLOWER FESTIVAL
Diary date! Kilbirnie Auld Kirk are holding a Festival of Flowers in the church from 11 – 13 September from 11.00 am until 8.00 pm. Donation programmes are £3. This event marks the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kirk.
ABSEIL
Have you ever fancied leaping from a high roof? Well, now you have a chance to make your dream come true. A sponsored abseil will take place at Crosshouse Hospital on Sunday 14 September when the enterprising volunteer fund raisers will have the opportunity of abseiling 100 feet from the roof of the hospital. Entry fee is £10 and participants are expected to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. All funds raised will help to beat leukaemia and other similar related disorders. For further information and forms telephone 01294-601233.
The following information was recorded in the town’s newspaper of 26 August 1916.
A recent visitor to our town was Mr John Stewart, Commission Agent, Glasgow, a gentleman who was born in Beith 63 years ago and who left his native place when he was a boy of eleven years. Mr Stewart has still a few acquaintances here with whom he was associated in his boyhood days. He has very vivid recollection of events which happened fifty years ago, and of local notables who made history in those days. He belongs to the Stewarts of Hessilhead, although he was born in the town. He attended Miss Wallace’s school in Backburn. He was also at Mr Gemmell’s school in the Crummock, but, most of all, his recollections centre on the Parish School and the dear old pedagogue, Mr William Duff.
The sub post office which has been conducted by the Marshall family for nineteen years, will be closed at the end of August. The Post Office officials give as their reason that the present circumstances the department considers that the continuance of the branch not warranted. There is no doubt the post office was a great convenience to the villagers and neighbouring farmers in supplying stamps and postal orders, and its discontinuation will be regretted. The war has upset many time-hallowed customs that the inconvenience will be borne with fortitude which in normal times would have raised a howl of protest. As a substitute a pillar box will be erected in the village and letters uplifted perhaps twice daily. There was no telegraph business transacted at the branch.
Private James Michael, Royal Scots Fusaliers, who went out with the Battalion in May last year, was wounded at Gallipoli, and subsequently had one of his legs amputated below the knee. He is now home in Barrmill. Modern surgery has advanced by leaps and bounds since the war started and in the case of Private Michael a wonderful cure was affected. But for an almost imperceptible limp one would hardly know that he has an artificial limb. He is as jolly as ever and speaks of his experiences at the Dardanelles with encouraging cheerfulness
Corporal Dan Robertson, Scots Guards, wounded while serving with his battalion in Belgium, is home for ten days leave. He is the son of Mr Robert Robertson, Woodside Road. He is making a good recovery after being in hospital in England for several weeks. He volunteered at the beginning of war and has been at the front for nearly two years.
Mr David McEwan, Buswynd, Beith, has received official intimation on Saturday that his son, Private Thomas McEwan, serving with the Egyption Expeditionary Force, was reported wounded. Private McEwan has been with the Battalion since its embodiment over two years ago, and beyond one or two mishaps such as being buried in a caved-in trench, has until now escaped Scot-free. His anxious parents await a letter from their son.
Corporal Robert Thompson, of the Royal West Kent Regiment, eldest son or Mr Robert Thompson, Wilson Street, Beith, is at present here on short leave. Corporal Thompson was a brilliant student at Spiers School, and has been employed in the Government Comptrollers Office in London for some years.
