Published March 20th 2003
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
BEITH FIREMAN RETIRES
Well known Beithite, Jim Morrison (55) of Cherrywood Drive hung up his fireman’s helmet last week for the last time when he reached the compulsory
fire service age for retirement. He joined the South Western Area Fire Brigade on 1 September 1969 as a retained fire fighter and was always station
at Beith. Jim was promoted to sub-officer in charge of the local brigade in February 2002 when Harold Taylor retired and he was responsible for
overseeing the local crew of ten who meet every Wednesday for training and drills. Local folk will be surprised to learn that the Beith station attend
over 300 call-outs each year and they are not restricted solely to the Garnock Valley. The local brigade have attended forest fires in such far-flung
places Barrhill, Girvan and Cumbernauld. And how does Jim feel about retirement? “I’ll really miss the challenges in the fire brigade because over
the years I’ve worked with a really great team in what were often difficult and dangerous situations. I’ve had to deal with some terrible tragedies, which
you can never, ever forget. It sticks in your mind. However, there have been many happy occasions when we have rescued folk who otherwise would
almost certainly have died and that gives enormous satisfaction. Over the years we’ve been responsible for saving many burning properties too and
that’s also important.” Jim’s day job is as a joiner with the Beith’s jovial joiner, Jim Wilson (Joiners) where he has worked for the last 23 years. Before
that he began his career as a joiner in Matthew Pollock’s famous Caledonian Works, then owned by the Co-operative. Speaking about Jim’s role in
the fire service, David Miller, Senior Divisional Officer and Deputy Commander of West Command said: “Jim has been a dedicated officer for many
years and has been a great servant to the community of Beith and district. He is a highly respected professional. He has been commended by the
Fire Master for the professionalism and leaderships skills he displayed at a particularly tragic fire in Kilbirnie. We are sorry to lose someone of
Jim’s calibre because he is a dedicated professional and we wish Jim and his family great happiness in the future.” Jim and his colleagues attended
a celebration party for colleagues, family and friends in Beith Bowling Club last week where he was presented with a number of gifts to mark his
retirement. Everyone in the local community will join in thanking Jim for his long service to the community in the local fire service and wish him well
in the future. Local man, Jim Cole, has been promoted to sub-officer in charge of Beith Fire Station in place of Jim Morrison. However, Jim’s stay will
be fairly short-lived as he is due to retire on age limit in February 2004.
Dr HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY – PROGRESS REPORT
The Dr Henry Faulds Society was established in Beith in November 2002 with a membership from a wide spectrum of local groups and organisations.
The aim of the society is to establish a lasting memorial to Beith’s pioneer of fingerprints. Henry Faulds (1843 – 1930) was born and brought up at 39
New Street and served as a medical missionary in India and Japan. His role as a significant pioneer of the forensic application of fingerprints has only
belatedly been fully recognised, albeit there is already a memorial to him in Japan which was erected in 1951. The Beith society have now established
an official web site: www.henryfaulds.org hosted for the group courtesy of the American based International Association for Identification and very
kindly sponsored by their magazine editor, Alan McRoberts. Here in Beith local businessman, Alan Watson, who runs the local computer training centre
at Arabica in Main Street, has also allowed the group space on his web pages and extensive information about the Dr Henry Faulds Society can be
found at: www.DrHenryFaulds.Arabicagroup.com. Still more information about Dr Faulds can be found on the Beith site courtesy of Iain Shirlaw
and this can be accessed on http://www.beith.org/faulds.html. An article about Dr Henry Faulds and his connection with Beith will appear in the
June edition of the
Scots Magazine written by Bill Fyfe Hendrie. Faulds Society secretary, Donald L Reid has had a two page centre spread article on the Beith project
published in the March/April edition of the International Police Magazine, Police World, which has a world-wide membership. There has also been
interest in Beith’s efforts to recognise Dr Henry Faulds from professionals in the forensic science and fingerprint world in USA, Canada, Germany,
Australia, New Zealand and Japan where they are delighted at what is happening in Beith to honour the man whose role as a fingerprint pioneer was
never given the recognition it deserved during his lifetime. There is wide body of opinion that Dr Henry Faulds is indeed someone who deserves to be
included in the canon of Great Scots who have changed the world. A bank account for the Dr Henry Faulds Society has been opened at the Lloyds
TSB, Eglinton Street, Beith. The account number is: 00512747, sort code 30-25-88 and donations can be make direct to this account or cheques
payable to Dr Henry Faulds Society forwarded to: Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith KA15 1BJ. Individuals, groups and organisations making
a donation to this memorial appeal will have their personal details included in a booklet which will be published to coincide with the inauguration of
the memorial and they will be inextricably linked to righting a wrong which has blighted the world of fingerprints for far too long. Anyone making direct
payments to the bank should also forward their details to Mr Reid so they can be included in the book.
Additional Contribution information
RED NOSE DAY
Last Friday was Red Nose Day when many groups and individuals were out and about raising funds Comic Relief. In Beith the local librarians were
dressed up which added a special touch and brought a few smiles to the faces of local bookworms. The ladies of the Co-op were also in party mood
as they entered into the spirit of the event. Staff at Arabica Bistro in Main Street held a special quiz evening and the staff were dressed up during the
day much to the amusement of their regular customers. All in all it was a happy day in Beith.
BEITH ARTS
Beith Arts Guild's next concert is at 2.30 pm on Sunday 23rd March in the Community Centre and will feature "The Demon Barbers" playing a selection
of music from the 20's to the 90's. Their repertoire is not entirely barber shop music as they also sing folk and humorous original songs along with their
own special arrangements of pop classics from 30's to the present day and their act still contains musical material which no other group in the world
has been able to imitate. Tickets are £5, concessions £3, students/schoolchildren £1 and can be obtained at the door.
GUIDING LIGHTS
Three local Beith Guides are becoming guiding lights for others with their excellent progress in the senior section of Guides. Laura Bell, Rachel
Charruth and Fiona Sinclair have each passed their Community Action Certificate whilst Fiona has also passed her Fit for Life certificate.
They are all working towards achieving the Chief Guide Award. Well done, Laura, Rachel and Fiona.
MUSICAL YOUNGSTERS
Tonight (Friday) children from Beith Trinity Church God Squad are taking part in the Ayrshire Music Festival under the leadership of their conductor,
Kenneth Blackburn. Kenneth (16) is the current North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year. The God Squad choir will perform several pieces from
Christian musicals. We wish them well in their endeavours.
RATS
Following hot on the heels of similar donations from the Labour Party and SNP, the RATS group last week received a cheque for £100 from the Cunninghame North Conservative and Unionist Assocation which they gratefully acknowledge. Jings, could there be an election in the offing? RATS are hosting a Comedy Evening in the Beith Community Centre on Friday 9th May. They have lined up three top artists, Alfie Joey, Ray Means and Miles Jupp, stars of TV and radio. Tickets are £12.00 and includes a buffet supper. There will be a bar and all proceeds will go to RATS. Tickets are on sale at B & A Travel, Beith or from David Elstone on 07976 388294.
TOOLS FOR SELF-RELIANCE
Tools for Self-Reliance is the name of a charity based in Southhampton which aims to provide practical help to practical people in poorer countries
overseas. This is a small charitable organisation which aims to assist artisans by supplying them with refurbished hand tools. To make best use
of resources this charity works with indigenous partner organisations who are already assisting artisans in their own countries. This ensures that
tools are sent as part of a bigger programme of training, credit and other necessities of running a small business, as well as enabling the charity
to gain feedback about the assistance they give. They work with partners in seven countries at present including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Tanzania,
Uganda, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Nicaragua. They only work in countries where tools will not undermine the local tool industry. Most of the work
in the Uk is carried out by volunteers who collect and refurbish tools and there are currently around 65 groups in operating in the UK. In addition there
are about 50 tool collectors. Local man, Maurice Hughes of Beith’s Morrishill Drive, learned about this charity and felt that there was a strong likelihood
that there would be a large number of tools in Beith stemming from its long history of cabinet works. Perhaps folk have tools lying in huts or attics which
could be donated to this charity. Maurice is keen to find someone locally who might be interested in becoming the local collector for this charity.
They would require to have some storage space available to retain tools collected prior to them being dispatched to the charity which is based in
Southhampton. If anyone is interested in becoming involved in this very practical project which benefits folk in poorer countries they can contact
Maurice Hughes on 01505-504005 who will be happy to provide fuller information.
GARNOCK VALLEY EX PRESIDENTS BOWLING
Garnock Valley ex Presidents Bowling Association are holding their annual indoor game on Sunday 23 March from 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm at Ardrossan.
Any ex presidents wishing to attend are asked to advise their local representative as soon as possible. The AGM of the ex presidents will be held at
1.30 pm at Ardrossan immediately prior to the game.
MUSICAL EVENING
Beith High Church Organisations Committee are hosting a musical evening on Friday 4 April at 7.30 pm in the High Church Hall. The musical
very popular group Chi Canta will be performing songs from the shows, traditional songs and Scottish songs. Tickets are £4 and £3 concession
and this includes a cream tea.
BARRMILL JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club are unearthing more photos of the club of yesteryear. The latest batch of photographs arrived courtesy of George
Anderson. These will be included in the book being produced later this year as part of their diamond jubilee celebrations. Those who have contributed
items so far are thanked for their kind assistance to the club. Club members send their best wishes to cronie Norman Brown. Norrie was in hospital
for a major operation last week, but it is pleasing to report that it was a success and he is now recuperating at home. Get well soon, Norrie. Last
week Iain Shaw and Donald L Reid of the Barrmill Jolly Beggars presented their acclaimed talk on the Poet of the Yukon, entitled
Robert W Service – Poet of the People, to Fullarton History Society in Irvine to a very appreciative audience.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Billy and Moira Haining retired from business in Billy’s of Beith some 3 years ago. Lorna Lawson is now manageress with Ann Anderson as
assistant and they have both been in the shop now for 25 years. They thank the public for 50 years of loyal support and for the next 6 months
every customers will receive a free raffle ticket and the prize is a £50 gift voucher. The business was started by Bill and Moira at 15 Head Street
which was adjacent to the current St. Inan’s Drive. The business began as a ladies hairdresser and retail outlet and today the shop trades as
fancy goods, jewellery and cards. The first shop was opened on 25 March 1953.Their second shop, opened in 1957, was at 12 Mitchell Street.
Their third shop, this time at 14 Wilson Street, opened in 1972 and the present shop was opened in 1977 at 15 Wilson Street. Billy and Moira
thank the public for their continuing support of the business since their retiral. Billy started business at the age of 19 years and he advises that his
is the longest continuous business operated by one person in Beith. When Billy started out in business a hair set cost 2s 6d whilst a shampoo and
set cost 3s 6d. A Marcell Wave cost 2s 6d, trims were 6d and 1s. Perm waves were 30s. All ponds and rimmel makeup was 1s 2d each. Combs
were 3d and a good string of pearls was 1s 11d and earings were 6d. Jings, it would make your hair curl to think how prices have increased over the
years. Everyone will join in congratulating Billy and Moira on 50 years in business and wish Lorna and Ann every success as they continue with the
very popular business, Billy’s of Beith.
CANS WANTED
Ann McGonagall of Ann’s Fruit and Veg, 44 Main Street, Beith, is again collecting aluminium cans to raise much need funds for Cardonald Cat
and Dog Home. If you have drink cans or beer cans these are the type required. Ann has already amassed quite a collection and sends her
thanks to many individuals as well as to local pubs and clubs who are supporting her fund raising drive. Ann can be contacted on 01505-506415
or simply bring you cans to her Main Street Fruit and Veg premises.
BEITH ST. INANS ANGLING CLUB
Sixteen members of Beith St. Inan’s Angling Club took advantage of the fine weather to cast a line on the opening day of the brown trout season. There were sixteen fish recorded in the record book, for a total of 29lb. Sixteen members fishing, and sixteen fish caught would, by simple arithmetic make it seem that everyone fishing had caught something, but unfortunately, for the club president, Robert Jamieson at least, this was not the case. As well as the fish recorded, there were a large number returned. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed getting back to their favourite sport and no doubt there will be many very fishy anglers tales to be told during the rest of the season.. TRINITY CHURCH MENS FELLOWSHIPLast Monday saw an effort to get all competition ties up to date at the regular meeting of Trinity Church Men’s Fellowship. The winners of the balloted pairs bowling competition competition were John Coffin and Harry McMaster, who beat Donald Ross and David McMillan by four shots to nil in the final. In the darts competition the winner was Allan Richardson, who was in great form with the spears. Next week there is an illustrated talk on "A Wilderness Safari To Namibia" by Dr Fiona McEwan.
BEITH HARRIERS
Beith Harriers and Beith Primary School’s athletes have been competing in various events recently. Three U/13 boys took part in the National Championships and put in excellent performances against some tough opposition from all over the country. Ian McNaughton ran an excellent 800m, narrowly missing reaching the final and together with Fraser Holt competed well in the long jump. Colin Evans gained eighth place in the high jump. Beith Primary took part in the N Ayrshire Sports Hall Athletics Heats and did extremely well, finishing in second place. The final is at the Magnum on Wednesday 19th March and the children are all looking forward to that. The third match in the Scottish Athletics Indoor League took place at the Kelvin Hall on Sunday 9th March. All competitors from the Harriers and Beith Primary put in very good performances, in particular, the school U/11 boys’ team which has reached the final on 23rd March. We wish them and the relay teams entering good luck on that day! Training continues on Thursday evenings from 5pm – 6pm for P4 & P5 children and from 6.15 pm for P6 and over. Saturday morning running for anyone interested, of any age, continues – 10 am at the Community Centre. Congratulations to the fastest kids in Beith on their continuing success.
1st BEITH BBsThere was an excellent attendance again this week at all sections at 1st Beith BBs, with a variety of activities taking place. The Junior Section, after the fall in and some drill, continued with badge work, and a session of P.E. Both of the other sections were involved in normal company activities.
SEMINAR
Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum held an important seminar last Saturday in Beith Community Centre when around 60 people from throughout the Garnock Valley in attendance. Chaired by the Herald's Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid, the seminar was attended by local Councillors James Jennings OBE JP and Robert Reilly JP. The two key note speakers were Allan Wilson MSP and Deputy Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs and Councillor Peter McNamara, North Ayrshire Council Chair of Education. Both speakers discussed a range of key issues affecting safety in the local community and highlighted many of the positive steps being taken by the authorities and local voluntary groups to make their communities better places in which to live, work and socialise. They also spoke about the way forward to make communities safer places and central to this was local groups and organisations working together in a partnership approach. In addition there was speakers from the police (Constable Sandy Brown), Community Education (Jean McKinlay and Jean Fraser), Margaret Smith on the role of Community Safety Forums and DC David Forsyth of Crimestoppers who highlighted the important role they play in getting information which enabled police to make arrests in a whole range of criminal cases and other cases such as drink driving offences. All in all this proved to be a very positive and worthwhile seminar with a great deal of interesting information and some lively audience participation and discussion. The seminar was organised by Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum which has been working on community projects in the valley since 1999. The members of the Forum are: Brian Hewitt (Chair), Robert Cuthbertson (vice-chair), Irene Broughton (secretary), Catherine Wigzell (treasurer) and a committee comprising Jimmy Muir, Jean Gilbert, Moira Smith, Joyce Walker and Fiona Cunningham. The forum members are to be heartily congratulated on organising a first class seminar which was very beneficial and worthwhile. They were assisted in organising this seminar by part-time Forum organiser, Brenda Allen and Community Education Officer, Colin Bruce.NEW KARATE CLUBKarate classes for young folk are now being held in the Old Beith Harriers Hut at Gateside Cross roads every Monday and Thursday from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Registration forms and further information can be obtained there from Sandy Kerr during the above periods.BEITH OPEN AWARD GROUP31 Members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity Church spent last Sunday evening on the second session of first aid training course led by Mr Ian Kirk of West Kilbride. Ian is a qualified volunteer with St. St. John’s Ambulance Association. This Sunday the group meet at the High Church Hall at 5.45 pm prompt when they will travel to Largs where they will attend a short service of worship at Clark Memorial Church and later join with a large number of other young people from North Ayrshire and meet the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Members are reminded that they have to bring along an easter egg or bar of chocolate which will be donated to the homeless in Glasgow. All members of the bronze and silver groups are reminded that their expedition dates are 6 – 8 June. Parental consent forms have been issued and must be returned to the award group leader by 23 March. EASTERN STARThe Eastern Star are holding a Supper dance on Friday 21 March at 7.30 pm in Beith Masonic Club with dancing to Peter Kerr and his band. Tickets are £5 and available from any committee member or from the Masonic Club. BLOOD THIRSTYThe blood transfusion service will be calling at Beith Community Centre on Thursday, 20 March from 2.30 pm – 8.00 pm. As recent appeals have made clear there is an even greater demand for blood and they are hoping for the usual very good response which they have always received in the past from the people of Beith and district. Anyone aged 16 years or over are eligible to give blood and it is a largely painless and worth while way of helping to save a life. For further information contact the Blood Transfusion Service on freephone nuber 0845-9090999 GREENHOUSE GARDENER WANTEDGeilsland School have a large greenhouse which for many years produced a large variety of vegetables, plants and flowers which helped provide some additional funds for the school. The school are keen to continue producing quality items from the greenhouse, but they no longer have staff with the appropriate skills to make the best use of the facilities. At the recent meeting of the school’s consultative committee it was suggest that perhaps local volunteers could be recruited who might be able to assist the school with making best use of the greenhouse. Any individual or group of keen gardeners who feel they might be able to help the school can contact the headmaster, Ranald Mair on 01505-504044 or simply drop in at the school for a chat. IN THE SWIMCan 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 to late to learn either so Garnock Pool also has classes for adults. For further information contact Susan, Angie or Norma on 01505-683304. BEITH’S HAPPY SNAPPERSExpert cameraman Duncan MacDonald revealed some of the mysteries of studio photography to the members of Beith Camera Club at the Community Centre last Thursday evening. This is a subject that frightens some photographers, but Duncan showed that it can be mastered with a little patience and some trial and error. He first explored the "do's" and "don'ts" of creating a still-life subject using simple household items. To create the mosteffective pictures, he emphasised the importance of taking great care in the selection of the various elements of the picture and in their positioningrelative to each other. Duncan then demonstrated a typical arrangement of studio lighting. He showed the effect on the subject of moving differentlights and varying their power levels. In the second half of his demonstration, Duncan showed a selection of colour slides to illustratedifferent types of lighting, both natural and artificial, and the results that can be achieved using the various techniques he had demonstratedearlier. His pictures confirmed his mastery of studio photography. He was given a comprehensive vote of thanks for an outstanding lecture which benefited everyone present and left them with many ideas to put into practice in future. BROADBANDThere is a continuing interest among computer users in Beith to have broadband which allows access to the world-wide web at very fast speeds. A number of individuals are really keen to get the system introduced locally. Anyone who might be interested in having broadband can register their interest with British Telecom on their web site at BT.com. There would appear to be around 150 individuals in Beith and district who have already registered and once that number reaches around 250 BT may be encouraged to offer the service in Beith. So, all you have to do is register without committing yourself to taking the service. HAPPY CHAPPERSBeith’s champion dominoe and whist players were back in action last week. On Tuesday the dominoe champ was Mrs E Jamieson with Mrs Margaret Carey second and Mrs Anna Gibson third. On Thursday Mrs Anna Gibson again left the others chapping in her slip stream with Mrs E Jamieson second and Mrs E Carson third. On Tuesday the whist ended up a drawn between Mrs Betty Smith and Mrs Sally Brennan with Mrs S Shaw taking third place. On Thursday the whist champion was club organiser Mrs May McLeish with Mrs J Smith second. A raffle was held and the winners were Mrs M Brown, Mrs S Shaw and Mrs B Smith. LOCAL PLANCopies of the draft North Ayrshire Local Plan are on display in Beith Library. Objections must be lodged with North Ayrshire Council by 4 April. The librarians report that as yet there have been very few folk taking the time to view these plans. So, if you are interested in plans for North Ayrshire as a whole and the Garnock Valley in particular, you should pop down to the library to find out exactly what is being proposed. BEITH OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARECalling all Beith and District Senior Citizens! Beith Old People’s Welfare Committee are hosting a Cabaret and Supper Evening just for you. The ‘Time of Your Life Millenium Show’ will take place in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 25 April from 6.30 pm till 10.00 pm. This should has already proved to be an outstanding evening of very lively entertainment when shown elsewhere in the UK. The musical journey starts in 1900 and continues all the way to 2000 and brings to life characters such as Elsie Brown and Al Jolson, Roaring 20s Charlston, The War Years, Doris Day, Buddy Holly, Marilyn Munroe as well as a host of popular stars of the 60s and 70s. This amazing variety show raises audiences to their feet. Anyone wishing to bring along their own bottle to enjoy a refreshment may do so. Buses to and from the Community Centre will leave from the usual pick-up points. Tickets are priced £1 and will be on sale at Beith Community Centre on the following dates and times. Tuesday 1st and 8th April from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm and Thursday 3rd and 10 April from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. No tickets will be sold after 10th April, so it is important that if you intend going to this concert that you arrange for tickets during the above periods. Sorry all you young folks, this event is for Beith and District Senior Citizens only.
BEITH YOUNG FARMERSBeith & District Young Farmers Club were placed third at the West Area Drama Festival. Congratulations to all the cast namely, Lorna Fraser, Catriona Gilbert, Alan Kirkpatrick, Joanne McCarter, Bradley Scott, Julie Scott and Brian Wilson who worked extremely hard and performed to a very high standard. The next club event is the confined clay pigeon shoot at Meikle Ittington Farm, Ardrossan on Sunday 30th March at 12.30pm. Club membership is now due to be paid to David Young. For information on any of the events please contact Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email BeithYFC@hotmail.com.
BEITH PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP
Winnie Buckley, Fund Raising Events Co-ordinator of Beith Playpark Action Group advises that the group have submitted a planning application to North Ayrshire Council for consent to install play and recreational equipment in the Orr’s Trust Public Park. A copy of the plan may be viewed in Beith Library. The actual installation of the equipment is unlikely to go ahead until sometime in 2004 as the group still have a large amount of fund raising to reach their target figure. The good news is that the Playpark Action Group have been advised that they will receive £20,000 from North Ayrshire Council Landfill Tax Credits. However, this money will not be available until towards the end of 2003. The group held a crairvoyont evening last week in Beith Community Centre when they raised a total of £400 and they pass on their thanks to everyone who supported this fund raising event. They would particularly like to thank the following who donated raffle prizes for the event. Deb’n’hair, Billy’s of Beith, Ellricks Emporium, Hoynes the Baker, McConnells Florist, Ann’s Fruit and Veg, Woodsides, Garnock Video and Blackwoods Butcher. Their support was greatly appreciated. The group are holding a spring raffle soon. The major three prizes have been donated by Marbill Coaches (1st and 2nd prizes) and Bright Sparks (3rd prize) and other prizes to date have been donated by Tulloch Transport, B & A Travel and Robert Danks School of Motoring. This will be drawn on Friday 30 May and tickets are available from any committee member.
BEITH LIBRARY
Beith Library last week unveiled six internet ready computer systems which are now available for public used during library opening hours.
A formal launch of the service will be made at a later date. For further information contact the library on 01505-503613.
