BEITH LOCAL NOTES

DONALD L REID

(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)

SUNDAY 6 JULY 2003

GETTING THERE: Bellsdale Park has received a huge facelift over the last few months and the work on the playing surface is almost complete thanks to the help of a huger number of ‘Golden Oldie’ volunteer worker-fans. See Beith local notes. (SP)

GOLDEN YOUNG FOLK: Thirteen members of Beith Open Award Group at High linked with Trinity Church are pictured with leader Donald L Reid (back left), Rev Fiona Ross (back second from left) and treasurer, Janet Osborne (Back right) after they received their certificates from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Holyrood Palace last Saturday. See Beith local notes.

(SP)

BEITH LOCAL NOTES

CORRESPONDENT’S THANKS

Time does indeed fly and believe it or not it is exactly one year since your intrepid correspondent took over the helm of collating local news in Beith and district from the late Jim Coll. During that period literally thousands of words have been written and the Beith column has received positive comments from many folk. Indeed, David Lambie, former MP for North Ayrshire, admits to always reading the Beith column and is amazed at the range and variety of news which this small town can produce. Accordingly, I take this opportunity of thanking the many folk in a myriad of groups and organisations who regularly contribute news and views for the edification of others. The feedback received from locals has been very positive and encouraging. Everyone seems to like reading about happenings in the district, whilst somewhat strangely, the same folk who love reading it never seem to have any good news stories to share with others! Mind you, too many folk have been seen hurriedly disappearing up closes, diving over hedges and make unplanned trips into shops when your correspondent is spotted beavering along Main Street, notebook at the ready, on the lookout for good news stories. So, to everyone who has helped in bringing local news to the attention of the public through the columns of the Herald, I pass on my sincere thanks and that of Alex Clark the editor, and his team of reporters based at Ardrossan. Your correspondent is always on the lookout for interestingly different good news stories and can be contacted on 01505-503801 or by e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. Remember now, if it’s not in the Herald, then it simply didn’t happen!

END TO END

The pedalling polis of Beith, Brian Smith, set off last Friday morning on his challenging, charitable cycle ride from John o’ Groats to Lands End. Brian, who lives in Beith’s Crummock Gardens, took the train to Wick where he will cycle to John o’ Groats where last Saturday he began his epic cycle ride all the way down the length of Britain to Lands End. Brian’s intinerary will see him pedalling from Wick via Betthhill, Altnaharrah, Dornoch, the Great Glen, Glencoe, Inverary and so to Beith where he will have a day off to attend his daughter Heather’s graduation ceremony. He hits the road the next day and cycles via Dumfries, Brampton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Warrington, Telford, Monmouth, Bridgewater, Great Torrington and Truro and finally reaching Land’s End on 23 July. He aims to raise funds for Beith Cancer Support Group and for CHAS who are endeavouring to establish a children’s hospice at Balloch on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Sponsor forms are now available in a number of shops in the town and in the library and donations are flooding in. This seems to be a very special way of raising funds. Sadly, Brian has a very personal and tragic reason for undertaking this mammoth cycle rid. His mother and father-in-law both died of cancer. Whist Brian has no personal experience of dealing with cancer in the child or young person he will be more than happy if some of the funds raised help even a little way towards the care of children in such circumstances. Unusually for such a demanding trip in the height of summer, Brian will do this trip entirely under his own steam with almost two week of powerful pedalling to achieve his objective. Mind you, Brian sees the trip as something special to any keen cyclist which will give him enormous personal satisfaction as he has long hoped to have the opportunity of doing the famous ‘end to end’ which is a distance of 1,000 miles. He is, of course, hoping for conditions to be reasonably dry and wind-free and with few breakdowns or injuries. At the end of his cycle ride he will be joined by wife, Margaret, and they will spend a relaxing few days holiday in Cornwall before returning to Beith by what Brian describes as a ‘pollution mobile’ otherwise known to all and sundry as the motor car. Everyone will join in wishing Brian many happy carefree miles on his bike and look forward to seeing him, sore legs and all, back in Beith on at the end of his happy jaunt having raised some money for two very laudable charities.

FORTHCOMING BOOK

A new limited edition book entitled, Beith Bygones – A Pictorial Journey Down Memory Lane, by Donald L Reid will be published towards the end of August. The book is dedicated to the memory of Sheila Pearson (1950 – 2002), a very popular Beithite. The rough proofs of the book have now been received from the typesetter for minor amendment and it is on schedule for delivery towards the middle of August. The book contains a great mixture of old a new photographs of people, places and events pertaining to Beith and District including many photographs which are published for the first time. Anyone wishing to reserve a copy of the book, which is limited to 1,000 copies and price £7-50, is asked to contact Donald L Reid on 503801 or add their name, address and telephone to a list in Beith library or E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. Those who reserve a copy and who reside in the Garnock Valley will have an advance copy of the book delivered to them at a reduced price before it goes on general sale. All funds raised from royalties arising from the sale of this book, which honours the memory of Beith’s best known citizens, Sheila Pearson, will benefit the Henry Faulds Society with a donation to Beith and Gateside Primary Schools.

OLD FOLKS TREAT

Last Thursday a group of ever-so-jolly older folk from Beith enjoyed a sunshine trip to Stirling where they had a great time shopping and seeing the sites. After enjoying high tea they returned to Beith in the early evening totally exhausted but having had a great day out. This Thursday the second group of older Beithites will head for the same destination, so it is to be hoped that Michael Fish will arrange for equally good weather. A special world of thanks is due to the hardworking members of Beith Old Folks Welfare Committee for organising these trips.

YOUG PEOPLE’S DISCO

Calling all the happy dancing youngsters in Beith aged between 5 – 12 years. A disco is being held in the Strand from 7 – 9 pm on Friday 18 July with entry costing £2. This is organised by the enthusiastic staff of Beith Co-op and all monies raise with benefit children through the work of CHAS who are endeavouring to build a new hospice for children at Loch Lomond.

BOWLING CLUB

On Saturday 19 July the popular duo, Lee and Me, make a welcome return on stage at Beith Bowling Club from 8.00 pm till late. The evenings entertainment also includes the ever popular card game, Play Your Cards Right, with Phil Shanaghey taking charge of events which could result in some lucky individual winning around £50. There will be the usual friendly welcome from Phil who will no doubt say to everyone, “Nice to see you, to see you nice,” as he perfects his Bruce Forsyth routine.

PLAYPARK GROUP

Beith Playpark Action Group are holding a pianathon/coffee morning on Thursday 23 July in Beith Community Centre from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. You can enjoy a coffee and chat whilst listening to some of Beith’s finest young musicians. Pianists can also be sponsored, so be ready to dig deep to help the hardworking Playpark Action Group deliver state-of-the-art play park in Beith.

BEITH JUNIORS

The dedicated group of ‘golden-oldie’ Beith volunteers continue beavering away at Bellsdale Park and last Saturday there was a full turnout as six cubic tons of concrete were delivered to be laid on the new terracings. So, it was a case of all hands on deck and everyone got stuck in to ensure that the cement was quickly laid. Jings, even the job creations team, that is those under age 65, were totally involved under the supervision of the real ‘golden oldies’ in this project which brings Bellsdale Park another step closer to becoming one of the finest junior football parks in Ayrshire. A special word of thanks is due to everyone involved in this massive project.

LIBRARY

Beith library staff are delighted with the number of young people who are taking part in the summer reading maze. This involves youngsters aged up to 12 years reading a variety of books during the summer holidays. Those who read six books will be given a prize by the library. So, kids, head down Main Street way where the librarians are only too willing to help you select some exciting books for summer reading.

TOKENS

Calling all choco-holics with a dream-come-true challenge. Stand by your beds with chocolate bar at the ready and listen carefully. Beith Primary School are collecting Cadbury’s tokens which will hopefully enable the school to get some much needed sports equipment. Please collect tokens and hand them in to the school or to Beith Co-op who have kindly agreed to assist the school. Right folks, everyone get munching and don’t worry about those calories as you can arrange to go on a keeep fit programme after a relaxing summer munching chocolate bars. Think of the great sporting equipment that will benefit the ever-so-fit weans of Beith Primary. On your marks, get ready, go for the chocolate! Mind now, no cheating. Only one chocolate bar at a time, folks!

BROADBAND

Locals are reminded that Allan Wilson MSP has recently written to BT Scotland with regards to the installation of broadband in the telephone exchanges in Beith, Dalry and Kilbirnie. He is keen to encourage them to install the broadband facility in all areas of the Garnock Valley as soon as possible. Broadband brings very real benefits for the business and commercial sector as well as for the home PC user. Locals who are linked to the web can help achieve broadband by recording their interest on: www.bt.com/btbroadband/register. It is emphasised that individuals are not tied to taking broadband when they register, but once sufficient people have registered BT Scotland will install broadband facilities in the local exchange. Everyone who registers will help ensure that broadband is made available, so if you are on-line help make broadband available in the Garnock Valley.

CRAIRVOYANT NIGHT

Garnock Boys Club are endeavouring to raise funds and are holding a Clairvoyant night in Beith Community Centre at 7.30 pm tonight (Friday 11 July). The guests are the well known duo of Margaret Dreyer and Sally Buxton, local clairvoyants who will be on hand to demonstrate a variety of mind boggling feats which even Mystic Meg would find intriguing. Entry fee is £4 at the door.

MASONIC CLUB

Tonight (Friday) there will be the popular line dancing evening at Beith Masonic Club from 8 pm till late with a cover charge of £3. Tomorrow (Saturday) the popular group, Remedy, make a return visit and there will be the usual bingo and raffles. There is a cover charge of £2.

STRATHCLYDE POLICE

There will be no place to hiding for baddies with outstanding warrants in the Garnock Valley now or in the weeks to come. Strathclyde Police this week continue their warrants initiative aimed at targeting people who are wanted on warrant for crime and failure to pay fines. Already several folk who have been wanted on warrant had been nabbed by the local polis. The warrants to be enforced can range from people who are wanted for committing very serious crimes to those who may have simply forgotten to pay a fine for a variety of less serious issues such as parking or other minor offences. Commenting on the initiative as it pertains to the Garnock Valley, Inspector Kenny McLachlan of Kilbirnie Police said: “All officers in the Garnock Valley will vigorously pursue this initiative and I would encourage local people who know that there are outstanding arrest warrants to voluntarily surrender themselves at Kilbirnie Police Station or to any on duty officer or face being apprehended. This initiative will be enforced in addition to normal policing activities and I am confident that we will impact positively on a number of outstanding warrants in the local area. This initiative is actively supported by the Procurator Fiscal Service and the Courts and it will have a positive impact on crime and disorder in the Garnock Valley.”

GARDENING

The Barrmill gardeners are working hard making sure that their gardens are in pristine condition in the knowledge that the judging of the best kept garden which will take place between 2^nd week in July and the second week in August. The presentation to winners will take place in the community centre on 14 August at 7.30 pm.

SPEED CAMERA

Word has it that Beith will shortly have its first and very own speed camera to be located on Dalry Road about 50 metres south of Balfour Avenue. As locals will be only too well aware, Dalry road has a reputation for speeding cars with the problem especially acute in the summer months. Work commenced last week to fit the electricity box and apparently the camera will shortly be snapping speeding drivers. Road accident research has consistently revealed that speeding motorists do contribute greatly to road accidents involving fatalities and serious injury, so the more cameras located in areas where speeding is all to common, the better. No right thinking individual can argue about effective measures to reduce speeding and cameras do just that. The location of this particular camera has, however, not totally endeared itself to local householders who fear that the camera has been inappropriately sited and they are unhappy that they were not consulted about its location. Just goes to show that you can never please all the people all the time. Wherever you happen to be driving it is important that you drive within recognised speed limits. Every fatal and serious accident is a tragedy and we all do well to remember that we are never more dangerous – and never more in danger – than when we are behind the wheel of a car.

RANGER SUPPORTERS

Hardly have the school weans gone on holiday than we learn that the football season is nearly upon us already. Jings, doesn’t time fly when you are on holiday! The Beith Rangers Supporters Club are already gearing up for the new season full of hope and expectation after the famous three-in-a-row of last season which they hope their heroes will repeat this year. The new season kicks-off on 9 August, but even before that a series of friendly games means that the latter part of July will see joyous locals once again unable to attend the domestic bliss of Saturday morning shopping sessions because of match-day preparations including compulsory choir practice when the tonsils will echo to songs old and new. The local Rangers Supporters Club intimate that subscriptions are now due for the new season and those intending using the ‘bus regularly should intimate same to John on 01505-503801. Those wishing to attend the pre-season friendlies should contact Andy on 01505-503928 or Jim Reid on 01505-504548. Let’s all sing together - here we go, here we go, here we go.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Edinburgh was invaded by Beithites last Saturday when the Palace of Holyrood was overrun by young folk receiving their gold level Duke of Edinburgh’s Award from HRH Prince Philip. The young Beithites who had a smile as wide as the River Clyde were Allison Balmer , Eileen Cockburn, Jenni Denovan, Vicky Hood, Scott Menzies, Fiona Irvwin, Alan Walker, Alstair Murdoch, Jennifer Harkins, Suzanne Ross, Kirstin Wilkes, Joanne Millar and Nicola Smith. The group were accompanied by family and friends including Rev Fiona Ross (Beith High linked with Trinity Church), Catherine Wilson (1^st Beith BBs), Rae Hutchinson (Beith Christian Action Group) and award group leaders Donald L Reid and Janet Osborne. This was the first occasion that the event has been held inside the Palace and Prince Philip was in fine form and spent time speaking to the young people. There were sixteen young folk in Group two of six groups, and as the Duke of Edinburgh went along the line and asked where each person was from, the name Beith was repeated no less than thirteen times. So, Beith is now well and truly on the Royal map of Scotland. Jade Dickinson (19) of Barrmill Road, who took on the award challenge at Kilmacolm School attended the Gold Award Presentations last Wednesday at Holyrood where she, too, received her certificate. Well done Jade. All in all a proud day for the young people, parents, supporters and leaders and indeed everyone locally should be proud of the achievements of the intrepid young Beithites. Interestingly, the Beith Award Group at High linked with Trinity Church had the largest number of young people receiving awards this year in the whole of Scotland. Not a bad accolade for Beith, methinks.

CANCER SUPPORT

Bill Haining, Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, reports that the summer draw ticket sales at Beith Co-op last week rasied £577-08 and he passes on his thanks to the Co-op staff and customers for their support. Billy is delighted to report that following the recent Garnock Academy Benefit Concert which is held each year for charity the sum of £1,000 was raised and £400 was donated to the Beith Branch. Billy passes on his grateful thanks to the teachers and pupils who took part in the concert. For further information about Beith Cancer Support Group contact Bill or Moira on 01505-502671 or drop into Billy’s of Beith where Lorna will be pleased to help.

PLAYGROUP

Beith Community Centre Playgroup meet every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30 am – 11.45 am in Beith Community Centre. Registrations are now being taken for the new session which begins in August 2003. Children aged 2 ½ – 5 years will be made most welcome. Contact Ellan on 506403 for further information.

MARATHON

Nilkla Jacobson of Beith, a nursery mum at Kids R Us, has offered to raise sponsorship via the Glasgow half marathon to be held on 7 September. 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.

ROAD REPAIRS

Councillor Jean Highgate has placed a book in Beith Library where locals are invited to record details of road deficiencies and lighting faults in Beith and District. Councillor Highgate and Councillor Ian Richardson will take it upon themselves to report these to the Roads Department each week.

KESTREL BADMINTON

The Kestrel Badminton Club, organised by locals George and Annette Munro, meets twice weekly at Beith Primary School and they recently held their presentation of prizes at the end of yet another successful year for the club. The under 12 girls singles winner Courtnay Holliday, Chelsea Adams runner up; the under 12 boys singles Martin Burns with Stewart Duncan runner up; the under 12 girls doubles winners Lauren Young and Chelsea Adams with runners up Lauren Graham and Emma Robertson; under 12 boys doubles winners Martin McLean and James Crook with Stewart Duncan and Jordan Pollock runners up; Under 12 mixed doubles winners Jennifer McClune and Martin McLean with Leanne Chapman and Ross Wilson runners up; Under 12 complementary competition winners, Holly Grant and Ross Wilson with Hannah Boyd and Scott Anthony runners up. The under 16 girls singles winner was Jade Clark with Nicole Anthony runner up; the under boys winners was Cameron Clark with Colin Evans runner up; the under 16 girls doubles winners were Rhona McConnell and Lucy Cumming with runner sup Nicole Anthony and Jade Clark; the under 16 boys doubles winners were Craig Andrew and David Cardy with Gary Lennon and Christopher O’Donnell runners up; the under 16 mixed doubles winners were Lucy Cumming and Christopher O’Donnell with Fiona Andrew and Craig Andrew runners up and in the under 16 complementary cup the winners were Sarah Cooper and Gary Lennon with Danielle Boyd and Sean Lennon runners up. Congratulations to all the competitors. And remember, taking part is just as important as winning the silverware.

SWIMMERS WANTED

Cunningham Action Club runs swimming sessions for young folk with disabilities each Saturday morning at Garnock Pool, Kilbirnie, from 12 noon until 2.00 pm. They are on the lookout for anyone 16 years and over who is a competent swimmer. This is a great way of giving service to the community. For further information drop in at the pool or phone 01505-683304 for further information.

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.

The top notch bowlers of Beith lost with a score of six points to Kilbirnie's eight at Kilbirnie in Monday nights league game, and the bad news is that the Beith bowlers have so far gone the whole season without winning a game. Mind you, from that position the only way to go is up, so be cheerful lads and keep trying! On the positive side the Beithites have been improving over the last few games so perhaps next year we will be better. Dalry BC won the Garnock Valley Bowling Association League this year, so congratulations to the Dalry lads. It was the Glasgow V Ayrshire Competition last Thursday for the prestigous Eglinton Jug, this is one of the biggest one day bowling events in Scotland, if not the world. Beith BC sent out six rinks. President Charlie Fairns with Scott Dillon, Kerr Bryson and Ray Lewis went to Kirkhill BC. Vice President Brian Monk with Robert McDonald, George ‘Pipe’ Wilson and Bob Lochhead went to Riddrie BC. Immediate Past President John Simpson went to Busby BC with Richard Hackney, Jim Gibson and Past President Charlie Thomson. Past President Jimmy Chesney went to Weir Recreational BC with Harry Young, Cyril Owen and John Pinkerton. Past President Tom Pie Irvine's team went to Bellahouston BC with Mitchell Rae, Past President Graham Young and Billy Lindsay, and last but not least Super Skip otherwise known as the man with the Golden Hand, Willie Hunter and his band of merry men Jim Purvis, Robert MacDougall and Past President Jack Russell went to Hutchesontown BC. By all accounts all had a really good day up in the Big Smoke. Perhaps a readers can enlighten the Beith bowlers as to how the tradition came about which involves all the Ayrshire lads involved in the Glasgow – Ayrshire ccmpetition all weaing roses in their blazers when they go to Glasgow on that day. All replies to John Simpson at Beith BC or to your correspondent.

The Ladies wappinschaw last Wednesday was won by the pair Skipped by Sally Brennan and lead Alena Thomson. Ladies stalwart, Rebecca Price kindly donated the prizes. The Ladies triples on last Saturday was won by Alena Thomson lead, Fay Purvis 2nd and Pat Longridge skip. Runners up were Jean Wyllie lead, Margaret Fraser 2nd and Ann Wriggley Skip.

32 members took part in Friday nights mixed wapinschaw and the winners of the sweep were the rink skipped by young Donald McCorquodale, Jim McFadzean 3rd, William McConigall 2nd and lead Farmer Jim McConnell.

Despite the poor support from Beith Bowling Club members at the Race night and Disco last Saturday, the 23 guests and members that did come along, had a really enjoyable evening and raised the amazing sum of £438 for the club funds. Brian Monk who organised the night won the auction race to loud roars of Fix! At the end of the evening Brian thanked all the sponsors, the DJ Brian and everyone that was there. Members are reminded that the remaining Friday night Wapinschaws are Mixed events. Beith BC are now on the Web, and members and readers can visit their site by logging in to www.arabicaonline.co.uk and follow the links.

DISABILITY FORUM

Garnock Valley Disibility Forum members are are reminded that the meeting on 30 July takes the form of a barge trip to Kirkintilloch. The weekend holiday to Blackpool will be held from 10 – 13 October. Anyone requiring further information contact forum secretary, Jean Gilbert on 01505-502521.

HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY

The Reporter, the official newspaper of Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Coucil, published last week, contains an interesting half-page article about the Beith based Dr Henry Faulds Society and its aims to establish a fitting memorial to the international missionary, writer and pioneer of fingerprint science in Beith, the town where he was born, educated and spent his formative years. This newspaper is delivered free to every home in the Potteries council area and highlights the work of Dr Henry Faulds, who lived the latter part of his life in Staffordshire and is buried in St Margaret’s Church yard, Wolstanton. Dr Faulds returned to Britain from Japan in 1885 and practised medicine in London whilst continuing his research on fingerprints. He later moved to Fenton and became a police surgeon in the Potteries. In 1922 he sold his practice and retired to Wolstanton, where he died in March 1930, aged 86. At the grave where he is buried with his wife, Isabella and their two daughters, Agnes Cameron Faulds and Isabel Jane Faulds, the Latin inscription on the memorial reads: ‘Qayaretue et ubvebuetus’ – ‘Seek and ye shall find.’ An apt epitaph for the ‘father of fingerprint science.’ Like Beith and indeed North Ayrshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme, is now beginning to realise that the quiet doctor who lived among them, was a great man who really does deserve to be remembered and recognised for his contribution to fingerprint science. Here is Beith, the distribution of 3,200 copies of the Beith Gazette with a two page article on Henry Faulds, to homes in Beith and district, will also have helped to make local folk more aware of the story of Dr Henry Faulds and his connections with Beith. This week the society gratefully acknowledges a donation from Mr Donald Ross of Beith.

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.

RATS

Residents Against Tip Site (RATS) recently held their AGM at Gateside Village Hall. There was an excellent turnout for the meeting and the committee reported over 1500 objection letters had been sent to North Ayrshire Planning Department including those from internationally renowned paleantologists relative to the proposal to site a major landfill site at Trearne Quarry, a site of Special Scientific Interest. RATS will continue to raise money for their fighting fund and will keep the public advised of progress through the columns of the Herald. The previous RATS committee were all re-elected.