ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2003
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
SNOWBREAK
On Monday, 3 February the snow and ice brought sheer delight to Beith pupils
of Garnock Academy when the school buses were unable to transport them to their
seat of learning. Needless to say the young folk had the time-of-their-lives
playing in the snow on the open spaces in Beith whilst the not-so-happy
youngsters at Beith Primary enjoyed lessons as usual. The spare ground on Dalry
Road near to Balfour Avenue and the Manse field were two particular favourites
where dozens of very disappointed Garnock pupils were to be found having to
endure sledging and snow fights instead of enjoying the benefits of learning in
class. Inevitably, all good things have to come to an end and by Tuesday the
improved weather ensured that the Beith scholars were safely transported to the
hallowed portals of learning in Kilbirnie. No doubt some of them would be saying
that it was simply “snowfair.”
GARNOCK VALLEY COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum, in partnership with North Ayrshire
Council, are organising a Community Safety Conference in Beith Community Centre
on Saturday 15th March 2003 from 10am till 3.30pm. There will be key-note
speakers including, Alan Wilson MSP and Peter McNamara of North Ayrshire Council
and a Youthlink Scotland board member.
Four workshops will be held in the afternoon and include a Personal Safety
Course taster for men and women, as well as looking at the development of the
Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum. There will also be information displays
from various organisations looking at specific areas of safety in the community.
Even better there will be a free crèche, free lunch, tea and coffee, free prize
draw and free transport to Beith. In fact there is no cost to you at all.
To register for a place or for further information, please contact Brenda
Allan, Safety Forum Development Worker, on 01475 568650 or Colin Bruce,
Community Education Worker on 01505 684551.
Remember this is your community so why not come to put your opinions across
concerning community safety issues throughout the Garnock Valley.
GREENHILLS WRI
Greenhills WRI are holding a bulb show in Barrmill Community Centre on Wednesday
19 February at 7.30. Anyone entering the competition is asked to have their
exhibits delivered to the hall by 1.30 pm on the day of the event. The judge is
well know Dalry man, Archie Comrie who is a keen gardener and exhibitor.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
The happy chapping ladies of Beith domino and whist club were in great form last
week with every game being hotly contested. On Tuesday the domino champion was
Mrs J Welsh followed by Mrs E Robinson and Mrs M Kennedy. The lady who played
her cards closest to her chest was Mrs B Smith with Mrs E McKechan second and
Mrs I Reid third. On Thursday the domino champion was Mrs M Kennedy with Mrs M
Gardiner second. The whist was won by Mrs M McLeish, energetic club organiser
with Mrs I Reid second. Now ladies, what happened to the third places for
dominoes and whist on Thursday? The folk of Beith will be intrigued to find out!
GUIDES
3RD Beith Guides carried out a bag-pack at Beith Co-op over the Christmas period
and are delighted to report that they raised over £600 which has been donated to
Leukaemia Research at Yorkhill Hospital. The Guides would like to thank all the
staff at Beith Co-op and the customers who so generously supported them in their
fund-raising efforts.
BEITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Last week Beith Historical Society met in the Eglinton Inn and as well as a good
turnout of members they also warmly welcomed four visitors. The speaker was
extremely knowledgeable on Roundheads in Ayrshire in the decade 1650-1659,
appearing to have no notes, using only a series of transparencies on an overhead
projector to illustrate his talk. Amongst other things a plan of Cromwell’s
Citadel in Ayr was shown, and maps of Ayr during the 1650s. Next month should be
of great interest to Beithites as the speaker is Robert McCallum giving an
update on the multi-million pound restoration work at the Cross.
GARNOCK CHORAL SOCIETY
Last Thursday was a red-letter day for Garnock Choral Society when they
travelled to Greenock to compete in the 78th Inverclyde and Renfrew Music
Festival and came away, not for the first time, with the Greenock Telegraph
Trophy. The 35 strong mixed choir have Anna Adamson and Rose Mary Doolan as
joint musical directors and they have been in charge of the choir for the last
three years. Regular competitors at the Inverclyde Festival, the choir have won
this trophy on no fewer than ten occasions, the first being in 1935 under the
baton of Alex McInnes. Thereafter they had a series of wins from 1954 with
William Leitch conducting. On this occasion the choir were in fine form and
performed two pieces, Down by the River Side and Homing which clearly impressed
the adjudicators. The mixed voice choir has members from Kilbirnie, Beith, Dalry,
Lochwinnoch, Largs and West Kilbride. They will be performing a concert on
behalf of Barony St Johns Church, Saltcoats on Thursday, February 13 at 7.30 pm
in the church hall and all will be very welcome.
Garnock Choral Society is holding a coffee morning in the Walker Memorial
Hall, Kilbirnie, between 1000 am and 12 noon on Friday, 21 February. There will
also be the ever-popular baking stall and tickets are available from any society
member or at the door priced 70p.
THANKS
Locals will be aware that one of Beith’s best-known elder statesmen, Jimmy
Quinn, recently spent some time in hospital. Formerly a renowned harrier whose
happy running days go back to the earliest days of Beith’s famous club, Jimmy
was a regular competitor at sports competitions held for many years by the major
Glasgow Football Clubs and he once took 3rd place at the famous Ibrox Sports. It
is gratifying to be able to report that Jimmy, a wood craftsman of the highest
order, is now well on the mend and he sends his kindest regards to the many folk
who have phoned, sent cards, visited and generally inquired about him during his
recuperation. Over the years Jimmy has been a dedicated voluntary worker at
Beith High Church and he was once sponsored to run the Glasgow Marathon to raise
funds during the High Church refurbishment phase a few years ago. Get well soon,
Jimmy!
BEITH HEALTH CENTRE INFORMATION
Dr Peggie and Partners, The Health Centre, Reform Street, advise that they are
reviewing the appointment system and in particular the ‘Emergency Drop In
Clinic’, which was introduced as a temporary solution to combat a lack of daily
routine appointments. They are now looking at ‘Advanced Access’ appointments,
which has been proving very successful in surgeries south of the border. There
has been a fair amount of publicity about this system in the news recently and
it has apparently dramatically cut down the waiting time for appointments. A
working group has been set up in the Reform Street practice to look into the
possibility of introducing the same or a similar system and, all going well;
they hope to have the new appointment system in place by 3 March 2003. After
that date the ‘Emergency Drop In Clinic’ will no longer be necessary as there
should be sufficient access to appointments with all patients being offered an
appointment within 48 hours. Further announcements about the new system will be
made in due course and advice and guidance will be available from the Health
Centre.
HAPPY SNAPPERS
It was back to the classroom at the Community Centre last Thursday evening
when Beith Camera Club President Alastair Knox gave a demonstration of some of
the wonders that can be achieved using Photoshop, the leading digital imaging
software. Having first shown how to calibrate the computer monitor, Alastair
explored the potential of Layers, one of the features of this program, and
showed how to use it to alter and improve parts of an image. Alastair's
mastery of digital imaging was clearly evident to the members. He will
continue the demonstration next week and new members will be made most welcome
by Beith’s happy snappers who now clearly see the advantages of the digital age.
BEITH DISTRICT GUIDE ASSOCIATION
Beith District Guide Association Thinking Day Service will be held in the High
Church on Sunday, February 23 at 10.30 am. They will be joined by Beith Scouts.
After the service there will be a sandwich lunch in the High Church Hall. All
parents, friend and members of the congregation will be very welcome. A donation
will be gratefully received and all monies raised will benefit the International
Guide Association which sponsors projects for children world-wide.
BEITH ROYAL ARCH
Beith Royal Arch meets on Thursday, February 13 at 7 pm for 7.30 pm in Beith
Masons Hall when a Mark Affiliate and Excellent Master Degree will be conferred
by Paisley Abbey Royal Arch No 76. On the same evening a Royal Arch degree will
be conferred by Rockmount Royal Arch Lodge No 367. A good attendance of Royal
Arch members is requested.
PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting is being called on Thursday, February 13 at 7.30 in Beith
Community Centre with the aim of establishing a committee to organise the 2003
St. Inan’s Festival. Anyone who might be interested in helping will be warmly
welcomed.
JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club was formed in Barrmill in 1944 and based at
what was then the Hillcrest Hotel, later the Trout Inn and now called the
Station Inn. Nowadays the club meets in the Eglinton Inn, Beith. In the coming
session the club will celebrate their diamond jubilee. They are keen to collect
memorabilia, photographs, programmes of the past and anything else relating to
the history of the club as they intend to produce a publication marking 60 years
of the famous Wee Happy Club. Photographs sought include any of the original
members such as first president, John Cashmore; vice president William Dalzell,
secretary Edward Anderson and early committee members including Tom Boyd, John
McGregor, Robert McGregor, Dick Rae and Matthew Boyd. Some of the early speakers
and entertainers at the club were R B Neil, Robert Gibson, Charlie Anderson and
James Sanderson, James Hamilton, J P Hunter, Nathaniel Bates, Tom Williamson,
Harry Young, Willie Gemmill, David Miller and SC Jamieson. If anyone has such
items which could be borrowed for copying they are asked to contact secretary
Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or Hon President Norman M Henderson on
01505-502419. There may be others who have special reminiscences of the club
which they may wish to share. The club are very grateful to the Co-operative
Local Grant Scheme for the generous donation of £500 towards the cost of their
diamond jubilee celebrations.
RATS
Residents Against Tip Site (RATS) have now opened an official web site which is
currently at an early stage of development. Those with computers can access the
site on: http://beithrats.tripod.com. The site will provide a full update on the
current application for a landfill site at Trearne Quarry and it will highlight
what RATS consider to be the salient issues of public concern. The site is being
developed on behalf of RATS by local men, David Elstone and Andy Barker. It is
intended that the site will be updated on a very regular basis, so locals are
encouraged to mark it as a “favourite” and ensure that they pay regular visits
to find out the latest news and campaigning action by RATS. Anyone who wishes to
contact the web masters can do so on: beithrats@hotmail.com. They will welcome
comments and enquiries and will be very happy to try to answer questions raised
by members of the public.
The recent RATS public meeting held in Beith Community Centre chaired by Jean
Highgate of Beith & District Community Council and attended by Brian Wilson MP,
Allan Wilson MSP, Councillor James Jennings OBE JP, Councillor Robert Reilly JP,
John Johnstone and Andy Christie MBE seems, by all reports, to have been very
positive indeed and a number of crucial issues were raised for discussion.
RATS are delighted to advise that they also recently received a donation of
£100 from Garnock Valley Labour Club and they are keen to make it known that all
donations will be gratefully received to fill the coffers of their fighting-fund
for what is likely to be a protracted and expensive campaign.
RATS are holding a fund raising Time and Talents auction in the Gateside Inn
on Saturday, March 1 at 9.00 pm. This involves looking for individuals who will
offer their time and talents to others who will bid a sum of money for what is
offered. The types of talents already offered include holding parties, sailing
trips, offering to cook meals, tidying gardens and a caravan holiday weekend. If
you feel that you might be able to help, please contact the organiser, Marlyn
Pollock on 01505-502072 or more importantly simply come along to the event and
made a bid for some of the talents on offer. All funds raised from this event
will assist RATS in their ongoing campaign to fight the proposed landfill site
at Trearne Quarry, Gateside.
AYRSHIRE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
The Beith branch of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group is holding their annual supper
dance tonight (Friday) from 7.30 pm – 11.30 pm in Beith Community Centre.
Tickets priced £7 are available from Billy on 502671 or at Billy’s of Beith in
the popular Wilson Street shop or on 502444 and a few tickets are still
available priced £7. An anonymous £10 donation was handed in to Billy’s of Beith
last week. The church service held last week at Dickson Court resulted in a
donation from the offering to the local branch of £9 which is gratefully
received and acknowledged. A £20 and £10 donation was also handed in to the
Beith branch in memory of Mrs Eric Forrester.
BEITH BOOK CLUB
Beith Library is on the lookout for avid readers who might enjoy talking to
other like-minded folk about the books they have read. The library are holding
an inaugural meeting of Beith Book Club in the library on Tuesday, February 25
at 7.00 pm. Young and older folk alike will be warmly welcomed to this first
meeting.
SCOUTS
Beith Scouts are keen to invite young folk to join their ranks and have a wide
and varied programme of activities to suit all tastes. All meetings are held in
the BB Hall. The Beavers meet every Monday from 6.30 pm – 7.45 pm and boys aged
6 – 8 years will be made welcome. The cubs meet every Wednesday from 7.00 pm –
8.45 pm and cater for boys aged 8 – 10 years. The Scouts meet every Tuesday from
7.00 pm – 9.00 pm and boys aged 10 – 14 years will enjoy a varied programme of
activities. The Explorers, a relatively new section in the Scouts which replaced
the Rover Scouts, meet each Monday from 7.45 pm – 9.30 pm for boys aged 14 years
and upwards. All sections meet in Beith BB Hall. Like most other organisations,
the Scouts are always on the lookout for leaders and ad hoc helpers. For further
information on any of the groups or becoming a helper, contact Jimmy on
01505-340228 or Lesley on 01505-502999.
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 too late to learn
either so Garnock Pool also has classes for adults. For further information
contact Susan, Angie or Norma on 01505-683304.
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
Beith Bowling club are also holding a Valentines dance on Saturday, February 15
from 8.00 till late when dancing will be to popular group, Overdrive. There will
be a cover charge of £2.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Parents are reminded that on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February all schools in
the Garnock Valley area are on holiday, albeit teachers have an in-service day
on the Tuesday. All school resume at the usual time on Wednesday 19 February.
BEITH SNOOKER CLUB
Beith Snooker club meets every Sunday night from 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm in Beith
Community Centre and new members, irrespective of age, will be warmly welcomed.
For further details contact Alastair McKain on 01505-502408
NEW BUSINESS OPENS
Interesting news to report, particularly for those who enjoy the occasional
holiday in the sun on the Balearic Islands. Ibeitha is the name of Beith’s
latest business which recently opened its doors. Ibeitha is a tanning studio
operated by local young lady, Laura Mulholland, which employs a staff of four
and also provides manicuring services. So before you head for the Balearic
Islands on holiday, why not call in at your local Ibeitha in Eglinton Street!
BEITH BADMINTON CLUB
Beith Ladies Badminton Club which meets every Tuesday night from 8.00 pm – 10.00
pm is on the lookout for new members. For further information contact Gaile
Spiers on 01505685343.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith and District Young Farmers’ Club is holding its Annual Dinner Dance on
Saturday 1st March in The Lauriston Hotel, Ardrossan at 7pm. Tickets will cost
£18 and are available from any committee member or telephone Anne.
Congratulations must go to Beith YFC on gaining first place at the Ayrshire
Drama Festival on Thursday 6th February. The members involved were Lorna Fraser,
Catriona Gilbert, Allan Kirkpatrick, Joanne McCarter, Bradley Scott, Julie Scott
and Brian Wilson. Very well done to Joanne for winning the Best Actress award.
The play now goes forward to the West Area Drama Festival on Saturday 15th
March. Good luck to you all!
The Ayrshire Talent Spot Competition will be held on Wednesday 5th March in
Troon Town Hall. Anyone wishing to support the club should contact Anne for
tickets (adults £5, concessions £3)
Anyone wishing a concert video priced £5 should contact Julie Scott (01294
832262).
The next club meeting will be the AGM held on Monday 24th February in the
Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside at 7.30pm.
For tickets, information or transport to any of these events please contact
any committee member, telephone Anne on 01294 832424, Lewis on 01294 832262 or
email Gillian at: BeithYFC@hotmail.com
KIDS R US
Kids R Us is a mother and toddler group who meet on a Monday and Wednesday in
Beith Community Centre from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm. The women and children enjoy
singing activities, play and story time and generally have a very happy and
rewarding time together in an atmosphere which promotes learning and positive
behaviour. A few vacancies are available. Why not come along and try out this
happy group. Contact Winnie on 01505-504941.
MASONIC CLUB
Tonight (Friday) in Beith Masonic Club from 8.00 pm till late there will be the
popular line dancing with a cover charge of £3. The poster advertising the event
encourages revellers to “come on in for a good night out.”
COFFEE MORNING
2nd Beith Guides are holding a coffee evening in Beith Trinity Church on Friday,
21 February from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. There will be the usual baking stall and
tickets cost £1 are can be obtained from the church or any of the 2nd Beith
Guides or simply turn up on the evening.
RSPB
On Saturday 16 February between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm there is another opportunity
to visit the RSPB Centre, Lochwinnoch and enjoy learning about our feathered
friends. Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help you identify what’s out
there. Binoculars and telescopes will be available. On Saturday 22 February from
12 noon until 3.00 pm you an enjoy learning how to make your own bird box which
you can then take home ready for use in the spring. Materials and instructions
are provided and there is a cover charge of £3 per box. This event is
particularly suitable for children. Booking in advance is recommended and this
can be done in person at the RSPB centre or by telephone on 01505-842663 or by
e-mail: Lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk
TRINITY CHURCH TODDLER GROUP
Trinity Church Toddler Group meets in Trinity Church Hall each Thursday
afternoon from 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm. This is a friendly group where you can meet
other mums and enjoy seeing children develop through play. For further
information contact Karen Campbell on 01505-506479 or Karen Millan on
01505-502283.
SHOWSTOPPERS
Beith Trinity Church presents an evening of entertainment with songs, verse and
instrumental playing a wide music and interludes performed by Beith’s very
talented Blackburn family in Trinity Church Hall on Saturday, February 15 at
7.30 pm. Tickets are priced £2 and this looks like being a great evening of
musical entertainment with something to please everyone in their repertoire.
BEITH ACCORDIAN CLUB
The next meeting of Beith Accordian Club will be held on Monday, 17 February in
the Anderson Hotel, Beith at 7.30 pm when the guest artistes will be Andrew
Knight and his Scottish Country Dance Band. Anyone wishing further information
about the club can contact the secretary on 01505-863673 or simply turn up for
what you will find to be a very enjoyable evening in convivial company.
TRINITY TODDLERS
The Trinity Church Morning Toddlers Group has received a grant of £4,700 from
the Awards For All Scheme. This money will be spent on safety mats, barriers,
play equipment and outing costs for the group. The group meets on Thursday at
9.30 am and currently has vacancies. Anyone wishing further information about
the group is asked to contact Jill on 01505-503631, Allison on 01505-502713 or
Catriona on 01505-504798.
MUSIC FINALS
Beith’s talented young musician, Kenneth Blackburn, 17, is taking part this week
in the finals of the Young Musician of the Year. There will be ten finalists
from throughout North Ayrshire performing at the Magnum Theatre. Kenneth, who
plays marimba and xylophone, is a 6th student at Garnock Academy. Interestingly,
Kenneth took part in this event last year when he represented the Garnock Valley
area playing piano. Everyone will join in wishing Kenneth best wishes in this
final and he has included classical, contemporary and ragtime music in his
repertoire.
DISCO
The Station Inn, Barrmill are holding a Valentine Karaoke on Sat 15th February
from 9.00 pm until 1.00 am. All welcome.
FASHION SHOW
A fashion show and coffee evening is being presented by Beith Trinity Church and
Beith Christian Action Group Thrift Shop in the Trinity Church Hall on Tuesday,
February 25 at 7.00 pm. There will be a cover charge of £2. Tickets are
available from the Thrift Shop in Main Street.
BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
The committee of Beith Town Centre Initiative met recently in Beith Community
Centre where they reviewed the very successful 2002 late night shopping event
which was such a great success. The good news is that the 2003 event will be
held on Friday, 5 December when it is hoped that the event will be brighter and
even better than last year. Such is the enthusiasm of the committee that
planning is already underway for the 2003 extravaganza. It was noted at the
meeting that a number of local shops and businesses have not yet been
represented at meetings of the Town Centre Initiative and the committee would
warmly welcome a fresh input of ideas. Indeed it was pointed out that the
meetings were not only open to businesses and shopkeepers, but anyone interested
in making Beith a brighter better place would be warmly welcomed by the
committee.
As part of their continuing fund raising efforts to ensure that the town
moves into Christmas festive mode, the group have devised a Towns in Scotland
Quiz which are available from Bright Sparks, B & A Travel and Elricks Emporium
at the cost of £1. Locals have been wracking their brains and tearing their hair
out to get all the quiz answers. However, it would appear that great frustration
has been caused by question 17 so if you are keen on crosswords and particularly
good at coming up with answers to cryptic clues, make sure you get your quiz
sheet and solve the mystery question 17!
The next meeting of the Beith Town Centre Initiative will be held in Beith
Community Centre on Monday, March 31 at 6.00 pm when all businesses, shops and
interested individuals will be welcomed. In the interim period anyone who wishes
further information about BTCI can contact the secretary, Sandra Brown at Bright
Sparks or by telephone on 01505-503625.
RED BRAE
Last week workmen were busy working on the lower section of Beith’s Red Brae at
the point near to Meadowside where it regularly floods. New drains were laid and
it is to be hoped that this action will have solved the all-too-frequent
flooding problems which have been a regular source of complaint by locals who
use this pathway to Eglinton Street.
INTERNET COURSE
Does the word computer simply fill you with horror? Would you like to be able to
access the internet and explore the fascinating internet world? The Scottish
Executive has financed internet access points all over Scotland to encourage
local people to become more computer literate. In Beith a full range of
community based computer course aimed at developing the practical skills and
knowledge required to access the internet are now on offer in the Arabica
computer suite at 47a Main Street (above Riverhills). They are also now offering
After School Specials from 3.00 pm till 5.30 pm when young folk can access the
internet, gain extra computer skills, play games, learn a variety of computer
packages or simply brush up on homework. Interestingly a number of enthusiastic
older people have recently signed up for courses, thus emphasising that the
computer age is not just for young folk, but also holds great potential for
helping golden oldies discover a whole new and totally fascinating world. Anyone
wishing to register or find out more about the full range of current and future
courses should contact Alan on 01505-504489.
GATESIDE WRI
Gateside WRI met in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside last Thursday when they
were warmly welcomed by president Catherine McCarter. There was an excellent
attendance of members and visitors from various Rurals and Ayr Federation as
this was designated as a visitors night. After dealing with matters of routine
business the evening took the form of a concert which includes accordion music,
songs from member Joyce Walker, two sketches and a small play performed by Rural
members which had everyone in the hall rocking with laughter. This was followed
by an excellent supper provided by members. The competitions were judged by
Dalry guests. Flask of carrot and coriander soup: 1st Mabel Campbell, 2nd Agnes
Smith. The Garden Trophy for a paradise slice: 1st Agnes Smith, 2nd Catherine
McCarter and 3rd Isobel Hobkirk. Ann Dickson gave a well earned vote of thanks
to all who had contributed to a very enjoyable and successful evening. The
evening was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem and the
president wishing everyone a safe journey home.
COMIC RELIEF
This year Comic Relief will be held on Friday, 14 March and this year’s theme is
“Big Hair Do.” Individuals and businesses often support such fund raising
efforts which tend to bring a smile to everyone whilst raising much needed funds
for charity. Already the staff of Arabica Bistro and Café in Main Street is
planning to raise funds on this day and we hear that Beith Library staff are
also planning some interesting events. If any other businesses, groups or
individuals have plans to raise funds for Comic Relief, let’s hear about your
ideas!
BEITH OPEN AWARD GROUP
The Senior Youth Group at Beith High linked with Trinity Church met last Sunday
evening in the High Church Hall at 7 pm when 34 members were present. The
evening was spent working on Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities. Award log
books were issued to bronze and silver candidates and a review of progress to
date was carried out. There is no meeting of the Award Group this Sunday and on
Sunday, 23 February the group will be taking part in a joint meeting with the
Trinity Junior Youth Group. This will be held in Trinity Church and members and
parents are asked to note this change of venue.
BEITH MASONIC CLUB
This Friday evening there will be line dancing tonight (Friday) at Beith Masonic
Club from 8 till late. Entry at door is £3. Tomorrow (Saturday) is cabaret night
with popular comedian Garry Dennis entertaining followed by dancing to Spock.
There is the usual cover charge of £5.
BARRMILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Last week Barrmill Community Association held their annual lunch for local older
people in Barrmill and district in the village community centre. This was
attended by around 25 locals who enjoyed a first class soup and sandwich lunch
and a happy few hours of fellowship.
1st BEITH BOYS BRIGADE
Although overall numbers have dropped since the start of the session there
was an excellent turn out of enthusiastic lads last Friday evening at the
regular meetings of Beith Boys Brigade. The Anchor Boys were involved in craft
work, making valentine cards. Most claimed to be making them for their mother,
but one or two were reluctant to say and there may indeed by a few romances in
the offing!
The Junior Section took part in drill, badge work, football and tuck were the
order of the day. The Company Section lads are now working very hard on their
badge work,
particularly the two boys who are working towards their Queen's Badge. This
was followed by a session of physical activity on the trampoline for some,
and a pool match for the rest. All in all a very enjoyable evening of activities
for everyone.
TRINITY CHURCH MENS FELLOWSHIP
There was an excellent turn out of members at Beith Trinity Church Men’s
Fellowship on Tuesday evening at a joint meeting of the women of the Church of
Scotland Guild. Hugh Gibson, Men’s Fellowship President opened the meeting,
welcoming members and guests, then handed over to Trinity Guild President, Susan
Darroch, who continued with a hymn and then a reading by Fiona Gibson,
and a prayer. Hugh Gibson then welcomed the speaker, Mr Anthony Forrester,
from Sotheby's who gave an illustrated talk entitled Art Through The Bible.
Mr Forrester led the meeting, by way of illustrations, from the art world of
paintings, ceramics and sculpture, through the bible from "The Creation Of
Man" by Blake, through the Old Testament stories of the expulsion of Adam and
Eve, the flood and illustrations of the prophets, to the New Testament and
the various gospel stories. After a question and answer session Hugh Gibson
proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker, and the meeting closed.
Next Monday will be a talk, with the speaker being Mr Erwin Klinge, who will
talk on “The opportunities which exist in life’s difficulties.”
BEITH ST. INAN’S ANGLING CLUB
An advance notice to remind all members of Beith St. Inan’s Angling Club that
membership can be renewed on the first two Fridays in March, between 7 and 9 pm
in the Community Centre.
EARLY YEARS CENTRE
Garnock Valley Early Years Centre is located within St. Bridgits Primary School
campus, Hagthorn Avenue, Kilbirnie. The baby and toddler group is aimed at
children from 0 – 3 years and meets each Tuesday and Wednesday from 1.15 pm –
2.45 pm and funded places are available for parents in the Garnock Valley area.
To find out more about this innovative project which aims to encourage fit
Ayrshire babies contact Allison or Isobel at St Bridgits on 01505-681322
MATES
MATES is a acronym for motivating and training educational support. This is a
project run by North Ayrshire Council Community Education Service, for young
people aged 16-25 years in the Garnock Valley. The project aims to help
participants compile CVs and covering letters, find the college place of their
choice, how to perform well at an interview, search for jobs effectively and
develop independent living skills. MATES is held in Beith Community Centre every
Friday between 12 noon and 3.00 pm. For further information about this
innovative personal development course for young adults tel. 01505-683652.
BEITH COLTS
The recently formed Beith Colts are displaying first class footballing skills as
the youngsters begin to get to grips with competitive football. Their manager,
Iain Stirrit, passes on his own thanks and that of the young lads to Beith
baker, Maurice Irvine, for his recent donation to club funds.
HIGH CHURCH PLAYGROUP
Beith High Church Playgroup has recently designed a logo for the group and most
of the children and play leaders have new blue coloured tops with the
distinctive logo thereon. The logo was designed by play leader Dawn Stoddart of
Beith and the first batch of jerseys arrived to the delight of the children and
leaders just before Christmas. It is hoped that all the children will eventually
have a new jersey with logo. The playgroup currently has 30 children and they
meet Tuesday – Friday from 9.15 am until 11.45 am in the High Church Hall where
they enjoy a full range of interactive activities designed to challenge and
stimulate the children through play. The current play leaders are Dawn Stoddart,
Allison Gillan, Pamela Currie, Angela Sloan and Isobel Monahan.
NORTH AYRSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE
This is one for budding actors. Commotion, North Ayrshire Youth Theatre is
currently holding sessions for young people who may be interested in theatre.
The Garnock Valley sessions are being held in the Valley Arc, School Road,
Kilbirnie each Tuesday evening between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm. For further
information contact the Valley Arc on 01505-684225
