DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 8 June 2003
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PRIZES GALORE: The committee and prize winners of Greenhills Rural gather in Barrmill Community Centre with the silverware won duriing the last session
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
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QUIZICAL PAIR: Alastair Dunn, formerly Managing Director of B & A Trave and now enjoying a well earned retirement presents a bottle of bubbly to Isobel Monahan, Beith Citizen of the Year 2001/2002 who cam out tops in the Towns of Scotland Quiz prepared by Alastiar Dunn on behalf of Beith Town Centre Initiative.
(SP)
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SPEED KING
Philip Wilkes of Beith took fourth place in the Scottish Go Cart championships held in Carluke last Saturday. The speedie Beithite has a fancy trophy to show for his good work and indeed may eventually follow in the footsteps of Stirling Moss or Jim Clark.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
HAPPY HIKERS
Some members of the bronze and silver group at Beith Open Award Group are caught on camera as they stop for a break near to the old barramites mines at Muirshiel Countryside Park.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
POLICE REPORT (SUPPLIED BY NEW INSPECTOR)
Kilbirnie Police advise that a 24 year old male will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal at Kilmarnock following the recovery by police of an offensive weapon, allegedly a knife, on the morning of Thursday 5 June in New Street, Dalry.
Two girls, aged 12 and 13 are the subject of a report to the Childrens Panel following reports of elderly people being asked to provide sponsorship monies in the Dalry and Kilbirnie Areas. Inspector McLachlan, Kilbirnie says: “I do not wish to discourage authorised charitable collections but would ask anyone approached for money to ask for identification if they have any doubts at all and not to donated to unaccompanied children.
BEITH AMATEURS
Beith Amateurs Sportsmans Dinner to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the team was held on Friday 7th June at 7.30 pm in the Masons Hall. There was a good audience in attendance and they enjoyed a first-class line up of speakers including Bert Thomson, Bill Copeland, Stewart Coull the dinner being chaired by the Largs and Millport editor and West Sound football commentator, Drew Cochrane. Everyone seems to have enjoyed a great night celebrating the 25th birthday of Beith Amateurs. Happy birthday!
CANCER CARE
Bill Haining of the Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group gratefully acknowledges receipt of £95 which was part of the offering given at the funeral of Mr George Carmichael, former Kilbirnie police officer, whose service of rembrance was on 1 April. Mr Carmichael was the father of well known Beith man, Marshall Carmichael. The Beith branch also received a donation of £20 from a grateful patient handed in to Billy’s of Beith.
SPEED KING
Philip Wilkes (16) recently took fourth place in the Scottish Go Karting Championships held at Carluke. Philip is a pupil at Garnock Academy and member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity. Who knows, we may have a buddying Stirling Moss on our hands. Well done, Philip.
BTCI
Beith Town Centre Initiative next meet at 6 pm in Beith Community Centre on Monday 23 June. Their recent fund raising bingo night raised £216 for funds and they pass on their thanks to everyone who supported this event. Isobel Monahan, Beith Citizen of the Year 2001/2002 was the winner of the Towns of Scotland Quiz and last week received a bottle of bubbly as her prize from Mr Alastair Dunn, formerly managing director of B & A Travel.
BREAKIN
Last Monday night or Tuesday morning there was a break-in at the premises of Woodsides the ironmonger in Beith’s Main Street. The nefarious individual(s) gained entry by removing slates from the roof and breaking through the roof surface and dropping down into the shop. Amongst items stolen were two charity boxes and a box of glue. The premises were violated by exactly the same method about three months ago. A recent sneak-in theft in Roebank Road is a timely reminder to everyone to ensure that doors and windows are secure, as nefarious types are always on the lookout for an opportunity for easy pickings.
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.
The enthusiastic fisherfolk
of Beith St Inan’s Angling Club and still working hard around the dam at Bigholm,
with the bracken cut back on east side of
the dam, and bushes and grass cut back down the west side. Special thanks to
Jeff and Tam who took the trouble to drive down from Kilbarchan on Monday night
to assist. Painting of the inside of the hut has now been completed, with work
continuing on the outside. Catch returns have been good this week with several
fish in the 3lb plus range caught. Members are reminded of the competitions on
Saturday, the West Trophy for senior members, and the Morrison Cup for juniors.
Work will continue on ednesday evening, all volunteers welcome.
HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY
The Henry Faulds Society gratefully acknowledges donations this week from Rev Fiona Ross, the Scots Magazine, James L Reid, William Fairns and Jessie Fairns. It was interesting to see that all copies of the June edition of the Scots Magazine which contains an interesting article about Henry Faulds and Beith, sold out completely in all local newsagents in Beith on the same day they were displayed on the news-stands. 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.
SUMMERY FAYRE
Trinity Church Summer Fayre will be held in Beith Community Centre from 10.00 am until 12 noon this Saturday (14 June). There will be the usual interesting and varied stalls to suit all tastes. From 12 noon until 2.00 pm soup and sandwich lunches will be available.
The bold bowlers of Beith were on official league duty last Monday with an away tie against the iron and steel lads at Glengarnock Bowling Club in the Garnock Valley league last Monday. After a close fought game Glengarnock ran out winners by 8 shots to 6. The only consolation for the disappointed Beith bowlers was the fact that Irvine the Bakers hot pies were on offer after the game and they were soon demolished in double quick time. The annual
Gold & Silver Bowl competition took place on 4th June and this year the Beith lads were drawn away from home. President Charlie Fairns took his experienced rink to Galston Bowling Club and Immediate Past President John Simpson took another team of braw Beithites to Dailly Bowling Club. Both teams won on the day but unfortunately the combined scores were not enough to win the competition. The winners of the Friday night wappenschaw at Beith were the pairs skipped by John Marshall and lead Mitchell Rae.
The Barbara Peat Trophy took place on 7th June at the Beith Club. The winner was Rita Hay, and the runner up was Doris-Ann Taylor. The consolation prize was won by Liz McDonald and the runner up was Margaret Fraser. Lady President Ann McCorquodale would like to extent her thanks to those took part and all who helped make the day a very enjoyable one.
BEITH OPEN AWARD GROUP
Well, the happy campers of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity had a weekend of largely good weather at Muirshiel Countryside Park last weekend. Friday and Saturday provided great weather for bronze and silver level explorations which everyone seemed to enjoy in brilliant sunshine. Needless to say the inevitable rain arrived on Sunday together with the people-devouring midgies who were extremely hungry. Never seen anything as funny as 30 young folk doing a Beith version of the highland fling as they unsuccessfully attempted to ward off the wee McNasties, by jumping up and down, flailing their arms in the air at the same time as they tried to dismantle tents in the rain. Wonderful to watch and many dance teachers would have signed up the dancing Beithites on the basis of this stunning performance. There is an interesting birds-eye-view of a nesting Hen Harrier which can be viewed from the visitor centre at Muirshiel. The nest contains two chicks with two eggs yet to hatch. The video link allows the audience to see every aspect of life for the female hen harrier sitting on the nest, feeding the chicks and leaving the nest occasionally to take food from the male in mid air. Well worth a visit to Muirshiel which has a myriad of interesting walks to suit families amid some grand scenery. Mind you, be aware that the wee McNasties can be more than a little annoying and they seem to be immune to midge repellant. Donald Reid, award group leader, passes on his grateful thanks to Iain Hart, Alastair Murdoch, Fraser Reid, Janet Osborne, James Waite, Tom Osborne, Kathleen Reid, Elaine Reid and Heather Thompson for their assistance at various times over the weekend of the expedition.
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.
GATESIDE CHARITY TEA
The Gateside Hall Committee are holding a cream tea this Sunday (15 June) from 2 -4 pm in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside. The proceeds from the afternoon are going to the Marie Curie Charity in memory of Sheila Pearson. Tickets can be purchased from committee members or from B&A Travel, Beith. We look forward to seeing a good turnout of locals to enjoy a chinwag and support a very worthy cause. It has to be said that the cream teas provided by the Gatesiders are mouth-wateringly delicious and this is an event not-to-be-missed.
CRONIES
Beith Cronies meet every Monday and Wednesday from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm in Beith Community Centre where they enjoy bowls and a happy social afternoon. New members will be made most welcome.
COMMUNUNITY COUNCIL
Until her recent election as Councillor for Beith on North Ayrshire Council, Jean Highgate was the secretary of Beith and District Community Council for many years. Councillor Highgate tendered her resignation at the recent meeting of the community council and they in turn appointed Mrs Julie Crook, 3 Lochlands Grove, Beith, as interim secretary, until the community council elections take place in September. Any matters which they public wish to raise with the Community Council can be passed to Mrs Crook on 504179
GREENHILLS RURAL
Greenhills Rural held their last meeting of the session in Barrmill Community Centre there was a good turnout of ladies and they were warmly welcomed by president, Mrs B Raeside. After dealing with matters of business, the president introduced Colin Duffy, himself disabled, who gave a most interesting and amusing talk on Riding for the Disabled. He emphasised that able-bodied helpers were always required to assist. A delicious tea was provided by the committee and this was followed by the business meeting. The annual reports were given and the competition results announced. The new committee for next session will be confirmed and announced later. The competition results were as follows. The Janet Garven Memorial trophy for making three cheese oven scones was won by Mrs B Raeside with Mrs B Robertson taking second and third places. The class 2 yogart loaf competition was won by Mrs B Raeside, with Mrs B Robertson again taking second and third places. A case of always the bridesmaid, never the bride! In the class 3 gingerbread competition the winner was Miss M Brown with Mrs B Raeside second and Mrs Sadie Gardiner third. In class 4 making shortbread biscuits the winner as yet again Mrs B Raeside with Mrs Sadie Gardiner second and Miss M Brown third. In class 5 rhubarb tart, the winne was Mrs B Robertson, second was Mrs Sadie Gardiner and third was Miss M Brown. In Class 6 chocolate sponge the winners was Mrs B Raeside with Mrs B Robertson second and Mrs S Gardiner third. The overall cookery winner for the year was, not surprisingly, Mrs B Raesdie with Mrs B Robertson second and Mrs S Gardiner third. There were no entries received for the Annie McLellan trophy for a knitted pram cover. The Lady Cochran-Patrick salver was a three-way tie between Miss Jean Gilbert, Mrs J Lamont and Mrs N Brown with Mrs C Millar second and Miss M Brown third. The Reid trophy was won by Mrs N Brown with Miss M Brown second and Mrs J Lamont third. At the end of a very enjoyable evening a comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Mrs Sheila Craig. The members now look forward to the summer outings which this year involve a day in Arran and a visit to the Falkirk Wheel. The next session resumes on 17 September when a demonstration will be given by Tesco. New members will be made very welcome.
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.
RANGERS SUPPORTERS
Beith Saracen Rangers Supporters Club held their end of season party last Saturday in Beith Masonic Club. They pass on their thanks to the Masonic Club, bar staff, and everyone involved in making the party such a success. Particular mention was made of Rangers legend, Eric Caldow, who attended the function with his wife. Jings, with all this partying, one might even be led to believe that some silverware or three arrived down Govan way this year!
VANDALISM
Late on the evening of Friday 6th June the recently installed street bin located opposite Trinity Church on Roebank Road was set on fire. The melted plastic spread across the pavement and is now creating a potential hazard to pedestrians. By the time this appears in print the appropriate Council Department will have been advised and asked to deal with the matter. One local resident was fuming that attempts to provide a useful facility has once again fallen at the hands of mindless vandals who seem to be hell-bent on disgracing the town.
