DONALD L REID

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

SUNDAY 22 JUNE 2003

BEITH ALL-STARS

A montage showing some of the young people who took part in the recent concert to raise funds for Beith Playpark Action Group

(SP)

DYNAMIC DUO: Joanne Miller (16) and Kenneth Blackburn (16), both Beith locals and pupils at Garnock Academy have excelled in their commitment to the local community. Joanne was awarded the Leadership Trophy and Kenneth lifted the Roche Community Trophy. See Beith local notes. (Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

SQUEEZE BOX CHAMP: David Murray (15) of Beith’s Lomond Crescent is a top-notch accordian player who lifted a number of trophies at the recent UK championships in Scarborough. (Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

GRAVE MYSTERY

Mr John McNeill of Barrmill Road last week made enquiries of your correspondent about the grave in Beith cemetery of Private Malcolm Bell, No 463235 of the 29^th Battalion, Canadian Infantry who died on 6 November 1917 aged 24 years. He had long been intrigued by the Canadian military grave and wondered who Malcolm Bell was and why a Canadian soldier was interred in Beith cemetery. This interesting grave is located just beyond the main gates of Beith cemetery and opposite the cemetery office. The headstone has the Canadian Maple leaf at its head and is maintained, as are several others in Beith, by the War Graves Commission. Your correspondent visited the grave and did a little research and came up with at least part of the answer. The Western Supplement and Advertiser (Beith Supplement) of 10 and 17 November 1917 contains a report of the death of Private Malcolm Bell and also a military photograph. He was the seventh son of Mr and Mrs David Bell of 12 New Street, Beith. Having emigrated to Canada a few years before the outbreak of war he immediately joined the army at the outset and was subsequently wounded in action and transferred to King George Hospital, London, where he died on 6 November 1917. He was buried in Beith Cemetery with full military honours on Saturday 18 November 1917. A detachment of Royal Scots Fusiliers from Fort Matilda formed the military escort along with a troop from Beith Boy Scouts, headed by Beith Instrumental Band. There was a large attendance by the public who lined the route to his last resting place. The service was performed by Rev I Grant Sutherland, after which the Fusiliers fired three volleys over the grave as the bugler sounded the Last Post. Mr David Bell and his sons, Alexander and William, were the chief mourners. Before moving to Canada a few years before war broke out, Malcolm Bell worked in the offices of John Muir and sons, tanners. Sadly, this was the third son of Mrs and Mrs David Bell to be killed in the course of the war. Anyone with further information about Private Malcolm Bell is invited to contact the Beith correspondent. Interestingly, the Beith Supplement of 10 November 1917 also reports the death of Simon Fraser, a wireless operator, who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, his ship having been torpedoed with the loss of 23 hands. Simon Fraser lived with his uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs Cairns, Hessilhead Lodge, by Gateside and he was well-known in Beith and district as a musician, teacher of music and leader of the Simon Fraser Orchestra which performed at many local events. Before joining the navy Simon Fraser trained as a carver in Caledonia Works.

HOME FROM IRAQ

Lance Corporal Craig Sanderson (25) of REME returned from a long tour of duty in Iraq where he was attached to the Royal Horse Artillery since early March. Craig has been in the army for just over 5 years and is thoroughly enjoying her well earned period of leave. He was on active service mainly in the Basra area of Iraq. Craig is the son of well known Beithites, Robbie and Anne Sanderson of Beith’s Blackthorn Avenue and the grandson of Mrs Nan Sanderson. Craig’s grandfather, Alex Sanderson, died last year and was a kenspeckle figure in the town. Craig passes on his personal thanks and that of his colleagues who benefited from parcels sent to him in Iraq by the Garnock Valley Branch of the Royal British Legion. These parcels were very well received by the soldiers on active service and were another indication that folk back home were thinking of them. Everyone will join in wishing Craig a happy period of leave after his gruelling tour of duty in the Gulf.

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. 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 E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. All funds raised from the sale of this book will benefit the Henry Faulds Society with a donation to Beith and Gateside Primary Schools.

GATESIDE HALL COMMITTEE

The Gateside Hall Committee would like to thank everyone for their support at the Cream Tea held in the Hall to raise funds for Marie Curie in memory of Sheila Pearson. The Cream Tea was well attended and thanks to the generous support and donations received raised over £900. The Committee are going to add to this and make the donation to Marie Curie up to £1,000.

ACCORDIAN CHAMPION (PHOTO)

David Murray, 15, of Beith’s Lomond Crescent, brought honour to himself and the town at the recent UK Accordian Championships held in Scarborough organised by the National Accordian Organisation of UK. David took first place in the Scottish 13 – 15 year old section. He was second in the intermediate solo competition and was first in the intermediate group competition. Playing with Gordon Paterson, 15, of Erskine, they were placed second in the duet competition and he was part of the group which took second place in the intermediate orchestra section. David studies accordian with Brian Lawrie of Paisley. All in all an outstanding achievement by this up-and-coming young Beith accordianist.

PLAYPARK GROUP

Beith Playpark Action Group report that they have received various donations as a result of their leaflet drop to all houses in the town which highlights their efforts to establish a state-of-the-art play facility in Beith Public Park. They wish to pass on their thanks to Stewart and Osborne, solicitors and Elliott and Sons, slaters. The winners of the spring raffle were Isobel Gibson, Colin McGill, F Elliott, C Irvine, Mary Wallace, Ann Pollock, Claire Hendry all of Beith; Audrey Finlayson, Dalry; Gareth Vincent of Erskine and Robert Laurie of Kilbirnie.

3^rd BEITH GUIDES

Last weekend the 3^rd Beith Guides set off to Lochgoilhead for an activity weekend. Twenty girls and eight leaders went on the trip. During the weekend they took part in sailing, canoeing, abseiling, orienteering, archery, gorge walking and a boat race. As you might expect, they were very happy but exhausted when they arrived back in Beith on Sunday evening. The girls were well prepared to meet the challenges of the weekend and with their face nets they were able to largely defeat the Wee McNasties, in the form the Scottish Midgie. This is the third visit to the Activity Centre and further trips will no doubt be planned.

BEITH PRIMARY

Last week Beith Primary kids were busy with a variety of trips. One class from primary 3 and 5 visited Kilmarnock cinema as their treat for being class of the term. Primary 7s had their leaving disco in the school last Wednesday when they all seemed to have a great time dancing the night away. The good news is that 21 members of primary 6 passed their cycling proficiency test last week. Last Friday three primary 7 pupils, Samantha Denholm, Nicola Young and Louise Bateman together with Mrs Craine, were invited to North Ayrshire Council HQ in Irvine where they received prizes for winning the Save Energy competition. Their drawings now feature on North Ayrshire Council’s School calendar for 2003/2004. Beith Primary and Gateside School close today (Friday) at 1 pm for the summer holidays. Apparently their were strong pleas by all the kids that school should continue during the summer months. And if you believe that, you’ll believe anything.

GARNOCK ACADEMY

Yesterday (Thursday) a large group of musicians comprising the choir and school wind band left Garnock Academy on their international tour which sees them putting on performances in Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. They will spend ten days on tour under the leadership of Miss May Murray, Principal Teacher of Music.

AWARDS

There are two very special awards made each year at Garnock Academy. This year the School Board Citizenship and Leadership Salver was awarded to Joanne Miller of Beith’s Balfour Avenue. Joanne achieved the bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and is a Sunday school teacher at Beith High Church as well as taking on a variety of voluntary roles in the community and school. Joanne was busy delivering the Beith Gazette Safety Magazine earlier in the week and in between times she also managed to pass her driving test. The Roche Community prize was awarded to Kenneth Blackburn, who achieved bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Kenneth is the North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year and Garnock Academy Young Musician of the Year. Last week he added a further honour to his long list of achievements when he was awarded the Saltire Society Award for music composition. Kenneth wrote music to the Burns poem, ‘Will Ye Go Tae The Indies, My Mary.’ Congratulations to Joanne and Kenneth on tremendous achievements.

BEITH JUNIORS

David Wilson is a die-hard Beith Juniors supporter who is keen to pay tribute to the manager, coaching staff, committee and players of the Bellsdale team. At the end of a gruelling season which saw them having great runs in the Scottish Junior Cup and West of Scotland cup, they did the town proud by finishing a creditable fourth place in the newly formed Rockware Glass Super League, just missing promotion by four points. Locals will recall that two weeks ago, Beith won Ayrshire’s most coveted trophy, The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Cup, reached the semi-finals of the Evening Times Super Cup, which was Ayrshire Junior footballs first venture into this trophy, and they also reached the semi-finals of the North Ayrshire Cup. By any teams standards, this has been an excellent season for Beith juniors. David Wilson left Beith to live in Paisley in 1970, but he is one of a faithful ‘die-hard’ band of around a hundred supporters who travel to most away matches, but would love to see more Beithites repay the juniors efforts by turning out in season 2003/2004 when Beith will again grace what is now a beautifully refurbished Bellsdale Park and give the team their much deserved support, both vocally and financially. Everyone will join David Wilson is congratulating everyone at Beith Juniors for a great achievement in a year when all their games have had to be played away from home. Let’s hope that they get a really rousing reception and total support in the new season at Beith.

GAS WORK

At long last the long awaited work is now underway to install a new gas pipe line at Gateside Crossroads on Beith bypass. This work has to be undertaken before work major roadworks commence to build at roundabout at this problematic junction. This work will involve road diversions at some stage in the coming weeks, so drive carefully on the bypass.

END TO END

Brian Smith of Beith is taking on a challenging charitable cycle ride from John o’ Groats to Lands End between 5 – 23 July. Policeman Brian who lives in Beith’s Crummock Gardens, has been training hard for his ambitious trip which includes stopping in Beith on route. Brian aims to raise funds for Beith Cancer Support Group and sponsor forms are now available in a number of shops in the town and in the library. This seems to be a very special way of raising funds and Brian will do this trip entirely under his own steam as he has no support team and has almost a fortnight of powerful pedalling to achieve his objective. This is a first class event which is worthy of the support of everyone locally. As one local put it as he made his donation: “It’ll be great to see a polisman sweating for a fortnight.” Never mind, he did make the donation and that is what counts, eh!

TABLE TOP SALE

Our Lady’s Church are holding a table top sale in the chapel hall tomorrow (Saturday) from 10.00 am onwards. There will be the usual interesting variety of stalls, so why not drop in for a rummage and a blether over a nice cup of coffee.

SUNDAY CLUB

Beith High Church Sunday Club members spend a great day enjoying all the fun of the fair at Loudon Theme Park, Galston, last Saturday on their annual outing.

TOKENS

Anyone like chocolate. In fact does anyone not like chocolate. Well folks, lets get stuck in. 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.

BROADBAND

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 as there are 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.

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 began a warrants initiative aimed at targeting people who are wanted on warrant for crime and failure to pay fines. 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.”

CREAM TEAS

The dedicated committee members of Barrmill Community Association are holding cream teas in Barrmill Community Centre from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm this Sunday (29 June). Why not come along and enjoy a happy blether and sample what are arguably the finest cream teas in North Ayrshire. Everyone receive the usual warm Barrmill welcome.

KIDS R US

Kids R Us were clearly looking to the future when they held a Clairvoyant evening at Beith Community Centre last Friday. Mystic Meg would have been proud of them as the managed to raise over £200 for their funds.

CANCER SUPPORT

Ayrshire Cancer Support Group are celebrating 21 years of providing a comprehensive service to cancer patients and their carers in Ayrshire. The group was formed in 1982. The Beith Branch, organised by Bill and Moira Haining, is recognised as being one of the hardest working groups in Ayrshire. The group receive loyal support from many organisations and individuals who regularly donate funds. The Beith branch have published their most recent newsletter which highlights the range and variety of services on offer to cancer patients through the group. It is pleasing to be able to report that last year the Beith group raised £13,505.12, a magnificent sum. Fundraising cans brought in £1,537 whilst the annual coffee morning raised £1,033. The summer draw in 2002 filled the coffers with £2,180 whilst the whist drive saw £446 brought in and the supper dance drew in £1,077. This year’s summer draw is now underway with tickets being sold locally this Saturday at Beith Co-op. The first prize is £200 donated anonymously to the group. Bill and Moira Haining pass on their grateful thanks to a willing band of helpers and the many donars who helped the group in any way over the past year and remind everyone that cancer is an all too common disease which needs the ongoing support of the public to provide services of patients. New volunteers are always made very welcome and are require to help with fund raising or as a voluntary driver. For further information contact Bill 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.

MOD CLUB

Beith MOD Police Club are holding a BBQ and Karaoke night tonight (Friday) at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £3.50 and profits will benefit the local depot charities.

HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY

This week the Henry Faulds Society gratefully acknowledge donations received from Beith Chapter No 122 of the Order of the Eastern Star, John Darroch, Sandy and Angela Mackie all of Beith and from Rhoda Boston, a latent fingerprint examiner in Portage, Ohio, USA. Further information about the Henry Faulds Society and its objectives can be obtained from the secretary, Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith or telephone 01505-503801 or you can visit the official web site of the society on www.henryfaulds.org or our local site at www.drhenryfaulds.arabicagroup.com.

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.

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.

BEITH SAFETY GAZETTE

So far 1600 copies of the Beith Safety Gazette have been delivered with a further 1600 still awaited from the printer. So, if you haven’t yet got your copy, it will arrive later this week or early next week. Please read it carefully as you may be asked questions! Already there has been some excellent feedback about the value of a magazine dedicated in the main to safety issues. Receiving feedback from the public is important as this allows an evaluation to be made of the benefit of carrying out such projects. Copies of the magazine are also available in Beith Library, but most homes in the Beith and District will have a copy delivered already or in due course. Homes where there is a controlled entry system are advised that they can uplift copies from the library.

TRAFFIC

Mr Tom Hart, Beith Local Plan Action Group, recently wrote to North Ayrshire Council with regards to concerns he has relating to traffic issues in the local plan for Beith. His groups specific concerns are with regard to the need for parking spaces for the proposed cemetery extension proposal; the need for traffic calming to reduce speeds, especially at the Cross and the Kings Road approach to Beith. His group have also identified a need for parents to encourage travel to school by means other than car with the benefits being reduced parking problems at the school entrances and a consequent improvement in the fitness and health of local children. The group are also keen to see more vigorous enforcement of parking regulations by the police and traffic wardens. Mr Hart’s group received a reply from Mr Neil Buchan, Head of Roads, to the effect that a number of traffic management schemes are under investigation in North Ayrshire and currently it would not be possible to undertake a wider study of the type suggested by the Beith Local Plan Action Group. Beith Labour Party will shortly circulate a pro-forma to businesses and shops in Main Street with regard to seeking their views about future changes to access arrangements. This has arisen because there is considerable disquiet about the level and extent of traffic using Main Street and creating a potential hazard for pedestrians. It is, however, emphasised that there is unlikely to be an changes in the short-term, but it will be worthwhile to gain the views of the shops and businesses so that proposals to the Roads Department can take account of their views for any future project.

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.

BOWLING

The league game on Mon night the saw the Beith Bowlers beaten by Dalry BC by 10 shots to four. The Beith lads will be looking for better things next week when they taken on the iron and steel lads of Glengarnock at Beith. The return game against Largs Halkshill for the Millennium Shield took place at Beith on last Thursday and it is pleasing to report that Beith BC won the Shield by the close margin of one shot. Hugh Barclay kindly thanks all those that took part, and Robert MacDougall for organising the cheese and biscuits. Only fourteen members took part in last Friday nights Wappinschaw and the winners where the triples skipped by Lenny Whiteman 2nd Duncan Knox and lead Kerr Bryson. Members are reminded that tonight’s (Friday) wappinschaw is a mixed one. Last Saturday morning, the usual coaching session for youngsters was held and they were shown how to play a chap and lie shot and how to effectively trail the jack. There then followed a singles competition of 8 ends, and the winner with the highest up score was Stewart Marshall who is making very good progress. Local school children are reminded that due to club competitions on Saturdays and while the schools are on holiday, the coaching will take place each Friday afternoon starting today (Friday). Last Saturday four rinks took part in the Ayrshire Cup. This year Beith was away from home with President Charlie Fairns going to Dalmellington, Vice President Brian Monk to Mauchline, Immediate Past President John Simpson to Glaisnock Valley near New Cumnock, and Past President Jimmy Chesney to Rankinston. From all the reports so far everyone thoroughly enjoyed a great days bowling. It was the Charlie Fairns Shield last Sunday when 24 Ladies & Gents played a triples round robin of four games with five ends each, with the two highest up triples playing a final of 6 ends. It was a strong triples Skipped By Alex Wilson, 2nd Jacque Shannaghey and lead Rose Rae, that won against triples skipped by Jimmy Chesney, 2nd Georgie Parker and lead Scott Glen, a new member and this was his first competition. President Charlie Fairns presented the winners with their prizes and thanked all those that took part in the competition.

Beith St Inans Angling Club
The Beith St Inan’s fishy lads are a busy lot. In contrast to last week the Mitchell Cup was fished in conditions more conducive to catching fish, overcast and breezy with occasional showers. This was reflected in the number of fish caught. Jim Black took the trophy with 5 fish for 10lb 6oz, second was Stewart McNaughton with 3 fish for 5lb 6oz and third was John Black with 1 fish for 2lb 14oz. In the club championship the points are as follows: 1st Jim Black on 20, 2nd Jeff Barrie on 18, third equal on 14
are John Black and Stewart McNaughton and 4th is Andy Cooper on 10. With 4
competitions still to fish anything could happen. Watch this space. The dam
has been fishing well this week, with about 24 fish recorded, one of which
weighed almost 4lb. Work is continuing on Wednesday evenings with progress being
made on keeping the bracken under control to make as much of the bank as
possible fishable.

WILD DAY

All roads lead to Lochwinnoch where there is another chance to have a 'Wild Day Out' at RSPB Nature Reserve tomorrow (Saturday 28th June). It promises to be a fun-packed day with nature games and activities. 'Over a hundred people came to the last 'Wild Day Out' in April and they all had a great time. There will be new activities as well as a mystery giant bird to meet!' said Jen Walker, Visitor and Publicity Officer at the reserve. Come down to the reserve anytime between 10am - 4.00pm and get your activity card (costing £2 per child). Children of all ages are welcome and once you have taken part in all the games you even get a gift to take home.

FISHING

Allison McCrae, 21, of Beith’s Chestnut Avenue took up fishing as a hobby last year and gained recent success when she won the Kilbirnie Angling Club’spinning competition on Kilbirnie Loch with a fine 3lb 12 oz trout. Allison’s cousin, Stephen Gilbert, 12, of Windyhouse Farm won the juvenile competition at Kilbirnie Loch with two fine fish weighing in at 3lb.