ARDOSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID: (Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 11 JANUARY 2004
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BIKER BERTIE: A lookback in time to 1946 with Bertie Hobkirk, known locally as the Provost of Gateside, on his trusty bicycle. Bertie, a much loved character in the district, died in 2002.
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CHRISTMAS CRACKER: Joyce A Walker, well known Beithite in festive mood, who not only judged the Beith festive window competition, but also wrote a verse of poetry for each of the winning shops.
NEWS ITEMS
COUNCILLOR HIGHGATE’S REPORT
Councillor Jean Highgate advises that she has been in close liaison with North Ayrshire Leisure regarding the ongoing flooding problems at the Astro Turf. She has been assured that a 'sizeable maintenance task is programmed at this facility which will improve the drainage from this site'. The work is due to commence shortly subject to weather conditions. NAC Roads Department have agreed to reinstate the light in Wee Close at Main Street but no date has been set as yet. NAC Grounds Maintenance Department have agreed to consider installing lights along the path in the public park, improve the drainage along this path and also resurface it. The recent problem which has lead to the flooding of the pavement outside the Post Office has been tackled and it is hoped that this action will have solved this flooding problem. Similarly, the street light located outside Friar Tucks at the Strand which had been out for some time is likely to be fixed this week. The lamp standard which has been cut and removed (adjacent to the end of the Masonic Hall) is scheduled to be replaced and Councillor Highgate has asked that it be given a high priority as this is a very dark area and several members of the public have complained about this in terms of community safety. Councillor Highgate has also requested that NAC consider installing white lights to replace the rather dim orange bulbs on the two lamp standards nearest the pedestrian crossing at the Cross. Again, once this is achieved it will create a brighter and safer atmosphere. She is also due to meet with two members of Ground Maintenance on Wednesday January, 14 to discuss improvements to the triangular flower bed on Roebank Road at the bypass. As locals will be only too aware, this is located at the entrance to the town from Renfrewshire. Beith is the first Ayrshire Town on the A737 and as such must be greatly improved in line with other towns in North Ayrshire.
BIRD WATCHING
This weekend do come down to RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve if you fancy starting the new year by getting to know a bit more about birds. There are a huge variety of birds to be seen on the reserve during this time of year and staff are on hand to help you identify the different birds on the reserve. On Sat (17th January) there will be a chance to walk around the reserve on the first 'Introduction to Birdwatching' walk in 2004, at an earlier time of 10.00 am -12 mid-day. There is a modest charge for this. For further information please contact Jen Walker (Tel: 01505 842663 or email the centre on lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk)
BURNS SUPPER
The annual haggis-hunting season is now in full swing in the Garnock Valley. Here in Beith a very special celebration is being held by the famous wee happy club to mark 60 years of fun and friendship. Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club’s diamond jubilee Burns Supper will take place on Friday January, 23 in Beith Masonic Hall at 7.00 pm prompt. This is the 60th annual celebration held by the club, founded in the village of Barrmill in 1944 as part of the village welcome home to men returning from the war. The principal speaker is Barrmillian, Allister Anderson, the son of Edward Anderson who was the club’s founding secretary. Allister is a past president of Greenock Burns Club and a former secretary of the Burns Federation. The Toast to Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club will be proposed by well known Ayrshire Burnsian, Jim Thompson of the world famous Kilbirnie Rosebery Club. The Toast to the Lassies will be proposed by another past president of Greenock Burns Club, David Fulton, who lives in Rashfield, by Dunoon. David is a well known speaker in Renfrewshire and Argyllshire. Tickets for this historic celebration cost £10 and are now available from secretary Donald Reid (503801) or President Norman Henderson (502419) or any committee member. The demand for tickets for this special event has been excellent. Anyone wishing to attend is advised to order tickets now to avoid disappointment. Incidentally, this week a lovely commemorative certificate was received by the Jolly Beggars from the President and Chief Executive of the Robert Burns World Federation Ltd congratulating the club on achieving their diamond jubilee.
BEITH MASONIC
Tomorrow (Saturday) there will be the usual dance at Beith Masonic Club from 8 pm till late. On stage to entertain will be popular local group Horizon. There will be the usual bingo and raffle. All welcome.
ARTS GUILD
On Sunday January, 25 at 2.30 pm in the Community Centre, Beith Arts Guild start 2004 with a concert given by Anne Lorne Gillies, Rhona Mackay (Clarsach) and Eddie Maguire (Flute) in which Anne tells the story of lady Caroline Nairne and sings songs written by her as well as other Scottish Music. Tickets £8, concessions £5, schoolchildren/students £1 and tickets can be purchased at the door.
CANCER SUPPORT
Bill Haining, Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group is delighted to announce that the whist drive held in Beith Community Centre last week raised £452-50. Thanks to Margaret Fraser, Jean Gilbert, and their helpers for running the event for the Group. Their efforts were much appreciated by all and a special word of thanks to all who donated prizes.
PLAYPARK GROUP
Beith Playpark Action group are delighted to announce that the Music Department of Garnock Academy have offered to hold a concert to help with fundraising efforts. This will take the form of a cheese and wine evening to be held in Beith Community Centre on Wednesday January, 28 at 7.30 pm. Those taking part will include the Senior Band, Jazz Band and various choirs. This looks sure to be an enjoyable evening for adults and children. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 concession and can be obtained from any committee member of the Playpark Action Group or from Cross Pharmacy.
SPEAKERS GROUP
Beith Speakers and Writers Group have been working hard over the last year compiling a photographic record of Beith of yesterday and today. There is currently a display of a whole range of photographs in Beith Library. Many of the photographs have appeared over the last two years in the Beith column of the Herald. The photographs have created much local interest with many folk visiting the library to see them. Indeed a member of Beith Camera Club was very complimentary about the standard of the photographs in the display. It is intended to update the display with the next batch of photographs going on display today (Friday). Why no pop in to Beith Library and, who knows, you may even see yourself!
MARIE CURIE
The recent dance held in Kilbirnie Labour Club and organised by Ian Hardie, a Beithite now living in Kilbirnie, raised the magnificent sum of £1,947. This sum includes £425 raised by Colin Sinclair and his friends at the Eglinton Inn, Beith. Ian Hardie passes on his grateful thanks on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care to all who helped towards achieving this amazing amount of money. He makes special mention of Brian and staff at Garnock Labour Club. Ian has been organising dances and other events to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care since 1996. The total amount raised to date through Ian’s fund raising efforts is £34,068. Well done, Ian.
KARATE
Garnock Valley Karate Club resumed on Monday January, 12 in the Harriers Hall, Beith, from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm. The club is the original Japanese Karate Association (JKA) Shotokan Karate Club in the Garnock Valley. The club has been established in the valley for well over 35 years. It has been run by a 4th Dan JKA instructor Sandy Kerr who has more than 25 years continuous training with the top Japanese instructors. Sandy has had to keep up with many changes throughout this time and his continuous dedication to the art of Shotokan makes him one of the best instructors in Shotokan karate in the area. Sandy is ably assisted by his JKA fully qualified team and the club is fully insured through the Scottish Karate Board of Control. The local instructors are: Sandy Kerr, 4th Dan; Steven Asbury, 1st Dan; Andrew Everet, 2nd Dan; Monty Sneddon, 1st Dan; and David Shannon, 1st Dan. Anyone wishing further information about the club can contact Sandy Kerr on 01294-832316 or Steven Asbury on 01505-685299. Beginners classes start in January and new members will be given a warm welcome.
HAPPY CHAPPERS
Knock, Knock! Who’s there? It is, of course, the famous Beith happy chappers who resumed their nail-biting whist and dominoe competitions last week. The club meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in Beith Community Centre at 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. The winner of the dominoes on Tuesday was Mrs E Jamieson with Mrs A Gibson and Mrs M Carey second and third respectively. On Thursday the dominoe champion was Mrs C Burns with Mrs M Gardiner and Mrs A Gibson following in her wake. On Tuesday the whist was won by Mrs S Shaw with Mrs I Milne second and Miss F McCreadie third. There was no whist competition on Thursday.
RANGERS CLUB
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club are running a bus to Ibrox for the game against Motherwell tomorrow (Saturday). The bus leaves Dalry at 1.30 pm; Kilbirnie at 1.45 pm and Beith at 2.00 pm. Tickets for the Rangers Road show Friday, 20 February 2004 have been sold out and a reserve list is now open. You can add your name to this list by contacting David Raeside on 01505-504892 and Jim Reid on 01505-504548. Those who have booked tickets are reminded that tickets must be paid in full by the end of January, or they will be re-allocated to those on the waiting list. The Christmas raffle was drawn last week and the star prize was won by Michael Packman. Second prize went to Alan Ferguson and third to David Raeside. Other prize winners will receive their prizes in due course. The club would like to thank all those who sold and purchased tickets.
MENS FELLOWSHIP
President John McGibbon, Beith Trinity Mens Fellowship, welcome a reduced number of members to the first meeting of the new year. After a reading from Hugh Gibson, John introduced the speaker, Rev Fiona Ross. In the guise of the Rev I B Happy Fiona gave a humerous, and very true to life account of the trials and tribulations of being a minister, covering a wide variety of topics. These included Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, Nativity plays and Carol concerts as well as television programs to be seen every Christmas. This was followed by more general advice on attending meetings, and a variety of stories covering weddings, funerals and hospital visiting. After a vote of thanks proposed by Allan Richardson, the meeting closed. Next Monday the speaker will be Mr Bob McKenzie, and his subject will be "Kinder Britain's Generosity". The meeting will start at 7.30pm
1st BEITH BB
All meetings OF 1st Beith BB are back to normal after the break, with
a good turn out of boys in all sections. Junior Section boys were busy with
badge work, followed by games, while the Company Section took part in various
initiative tests.
All meetings tonight (Friday) will be at the usual times
JANEFIELD CLUB
Janefield MAP club meet in Beith Community Centre from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm each Thursday. The club aims to attract people who have mental and physical disabilities who are on the lookout for something interesting and positive to do in an environment which is supportive and welcoming. For further information about the club contact Karen Provan on 01505-503314 or Anna Gibson on 01505-503685 or drop in on a Thursday evening.
BOWLING
Beith Bowling Club Members are advised that they can now pay their Annual Subscriptions by instalments on the last Friday in January, February and March, 2004 at the Club, when the Treasurer Brian Gemmell will be in attendance for this purpose. The balance of subscriptions have to be paid on or before opening day. For further information members can contact the treasurer on 01505-502803.
POLICE SURGERIES
PC Jim Dougall and PC Sandy Brown will be holding police
surgeries between
7pm-9pm on the following dates in Beith Police Office. Wednesday 28th January;
Wednesday 25th February; Wednesday 24th March; Wednesday 21st April; and
Wednesday 19th May. The officers are keen that local folk take this opportunity
to come along and raise any concerns they may have. Jim and Sandy can be
contacted via Kilbirnie Police Office on 01505 404400. Police in the Garnock
Valley are requesting that householders pay particular attention to home
security following break-ins. Inspector McLachlan of Kilbirnie Police Office
said: “I would ask residents to carry out routine security checks on their homes
and ensure before leaving the property that doors are secured with the key being
kept elsewhere. This also applies to lockable windows. Following the festive
break thieves can be tempted by easy pickings and my officers will remain active
and vigilant in the area.” There seems to have been some confusion with the
recent change of telephone number at Kilbirnie Police Office. Inspector
McLachlan asks that everyone takes note of the new number which is 01505 404400.
Write it down, folks. And finally, as dear old Constable George Dixon, of happy
memory, said in that old worldly police series, Dixon of Dock Green: “Evening
all. Take care out there!”
BURNS SUPPER
The Gateside Hall Committee are holding a Burns Supper/Ceilidh in the Gateside Hall on Saturday January, 24 at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. A supper of haggis, neeps and tatties will be served. No bar provided, bring your own bottle. Tickets £8 per person, contact Jane Marshall on 504556.
JUDO
M-A-S Judo Club meet in the old Harriers Hut, Gateside Crossroads, Beith, each Tuesday from 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm. The premises have recently been fully refurbished and brought up to a good standard. The club currently has fifteen members and new members will be made very welcome. Simply attend at the club or contact the club coach, Steven Smith on 07944-658023 for further information.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A Public Meeting is to be held in the coffee lounge of the Beith Community Centre on Sunday 1st February 2004 to ascertain the support for a proposal to establish a museum in the former Townshouse.Doors will open at 2 pm and the meeting will commence at 2.15 p.m. The speaker for the Historical Society Burns Night meeting is not as per the syllabus.Drew Cochrane is unable to come, so now the speaker will be Frank McCarrey of the Largs Cronies Burns Club. The meal will start at 7.30 p.m. prompt. Tickets are £8.00, payable on the night. Anyone who has not already given their name to the secretary Sue Williams, should do so by Friday 23 January at the latest.
COURSES
North Ayrshire Council Educational Services are holding a variety of interesting courses in all three Valley towns beginning early in January. The courses include computing, information technology, word processing, cooking, confidence building, personal development, first aid, community health issues and food hygiene. The venues for these courses are St Bridget’s Primary School, Kilbirnie; Longbar Community Centre; Dalry Community Centre and Beith Community Centre. The courses begin on the week commencing 12 January 2004. There are two courses being held in Beith Commuity Centre. The first is Community Health Issues which commences on Tuesday 13 January from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pmm and Food Hygiene which begins on Thursday, 15 January from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm. All classes are free of charge and crèche childcare facilities will be provided. Details of all classes being held in the Garnock Valley are available on flyers obtainable in the local libraries or for fuller details please contact Agnes Reid, Community Learning and Development Office, 19 Brahead, Dalry Tel: 01294-833173 or visit the North Ayrshire web site at: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
SNP
Members and guests of Beith Branch SNP will be out in force on Sunday 18th January, when they will be attending the monthly meeting of the SNP's 'Sunday Speakers Club.' The guest speakers are John Swinney MSP, National Convener of the Scottish National Party and Shadow First Minister of the Scottish Parliament and Campbell Martin MSP West of Scotland Member of the Scottish Parliament. The meeting, in Beith Community Centre starts at 7pm and members who have not received their tickets should contact Branch Convener John Johnstone on 502680.
MAGAZINE
The Kilbirnie Youth Project is open to all young people from age 12 – 25 years living in the Garnock Valley. The group is actively seeking young people from Beith and district to make greater use of this facility. The youth project is situated in the basement of the Walker Hall, Main Street, Kilbirnie. Facilities include a café/bar with healthy foods and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a pool table, air hockey and a variety of activities for young people. The facility is staffed by North Ayrshire Council youth workers who will welcome all comers, especially new members. The project is open five days per week, except Friday and Saturday, during school term time and offers a number of services from advice and activities to providing a place to meet and chat with friends. The Garnock Valley Youth Forum are looking for young people aged 12 – 18 years to take part in the new Youth Voice Magazine. Anyone who wants to get involved in producing this magazine for young folk by young folk is asked to drop into Youthzone which is held in the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie on Monday nights from 7.00 – 9.00 pm. For further information about the range and variety of facilities available to young people in the Garnock Valley based at the Walker Hall, Kilbirnie contact Educational Services on 01294 833759 or better still why not drop in and speak to the youth workers and meet some of those who currently use and enjoy the facilities on offer.
HAPPY SNAPPERS
The Camera Club held its first meeting of the new
session at the Community
Centre on Thursday. The evening was devoted to an informal colour-slide
competition. The slides were shown in pairs with the winner of each pair
judged by a show of hands by the audience. After a close-fought series of
rounds, a slide entered by David Kerr emerged as the winner and the second
place was won by Alan Wilson.
GARNOCK SHARKS
Garnock Sharks Swimming Club have now resumed activities at Garnock Pool and meet every Tuesday evening for training. New members will be warmly welcomed.
SHOTAKAN
A new Shotaken Karate club will be opening up at the exciting new venture at Radio City, Kilbirnie on Thursday, 15 January 2004. The classes will run every Thursday from 7.00 – 900 pm in the games hall. The instructor is Graham Guffie who is a third Dan with over 15 years experience. Adults and children over 7 years at all levels will be made most welcome. For further details contact 01505-684181.
BOWLING
Beith Bowling Clubs Burns Supper this year will be held on the later date of Saturday February, 28. A top class list of speakers has been compiled this year with names including Alan Saunderson, a well renowned after dinner speaker who this year is doing the toast to the Immortal Memory; Ex Superintendent John Young of Darvel, and ex-School Teacher John Hodgart, a well known Burnsian.Tickets are priced at £8.00 the same as last year. Any one interested please give their name to Brian Monk or any committee member.
FOOTBALL
Beith’s budding footballers are advised that North Ayrshire Leisure are holding a football training sessions at Meadowside every Friday evening from 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm. This is aimed at youngsters aged 12 – 15 years (secondary 1 – 3 pupils). Admission to the scheme is free and anyone wishing to improve their footballing skills will find this course very beneficial. For further information simply attend at Meadowside Pavilion at the times shown or contact Craig Hamilton, North Ayrshire Leisure on 01294-317456 for further information.
CONTACT YOUR CORRESPONDENT
You can contact your correspondent on 01505-503801 or e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. If you know of a good news story, why not share it with everyone else?
