March 7th

Beith Notes from Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

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

GREENHILLS RURAL Greenhills Rural recently held their annual Bulb Show in the Community Centre, Barrmill. After the business was dealt with the president, Barbara Raeside, introduced Archie Comrie from Dalry who gave the members a very amusing talk on how seeds should be sowed and cuttings taken from plants. Mrs John Larkin judged the beautiful display of bulbs and plants. A comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Mrs Sheila Craig. The results of the Bulb Show are as follows: Class 1 – 3 Blue Hyacinths: 1st Jean Boyd, 2nd Jean Barr, 3rd Jean Barr. Class 2 – 3 Pale Pink Hyacinths: 1st Nancy Brown, 2nd Nancy Brown, 3rd Barbara Raeside. Class 3 – 3 White Hyacinths: 1st Jean Boyd, 2nd Jean Barr, 3rd Nancy Brown. Class 4 – 3 Dark Pink Hyacinths: 1st Jean Barrr, 2nd Nancy Brown, 3rd Nancy Brown. Class 5 – 1 Hyacinth grown in Water: 1st Janet Lamont, 2nd Janet Lamont, 3rd Janet Lamont. Class 6 – 10 Daffodils: 1st Jean Boyd, 2nd Barbara Raeside, 3rd Nancy Brown. Class 7 – 10 Narcissi: 1st Jean Boyd, 2nd Nancy Raeside, 3rd Nancy Raeside. Class 8 – 10 Blue Crocus: 1st Janet Lamont, 2nd Janet Lamont, 3rd Barbara Raeside. Class 9 – 10 White Crocus: 1st, Janet Lamont, 2nd Janet Lamont, 3rd Janet Lamont. Class 10 – 10 Yellow Crocus: 1st Janet Lamont, 2nd Janet Lamont, 3rd Barbara Raeside. Class 11 – 10 Stripped Crocus: 1st Janet Lamont, 2nd Janet Lamont, 3rd Barbara Raeside. Class 12 Plant For Leaves: 1st Jean Barr, 2nd Nancy Brown, 3rd Janet Lamont. Class 13 – Plant for Flowers: 1st Jean Gilbert, 2nd Jean Lamont, 3rd Jean Gilbert. Class 14 – 5 Tulips: 1st Nancy Brown, 2nd Jean Boyd, 3rd Barbara Raeside. Class 15 – Cactus or Succulent: 1st Jean Barr, 2nd Barbara Raeside, 3rd Janet Lamont. Class 16 – 3 Pot Plants in one Container: 1st Jean Barr, 2nd Barbara Raeside, 3rd Nancy Brown. Class 17 – Snowdrops from Garden: 1st Nancy Brown, 2nd Jean Boyd, 3rd Barbara Raeside. Class 18 – Selection of Bulbs Grown in Container: 1st Janet Lamont, 2nd Barbara Raeside. Class 19 – Jug of Spring Flowers: 1st Jean Barr, 2nd Barbara Raeside, 3rd Janet Lamont. Class 20 – Any other Flower or Bulb: 1st Janet Lamont, 2nd Jean Barr, 3rd Janet Lamont. Winner of JessieHowatson Rosebowl: 1st Mrs Janet Lamont, 2nd Mrs Jean Barr. Best in Show (Mrs McDonald Cup): Mrs Jean Boyd for her Daffadils.

TRIBUTE – MR WILLIAM MILLAR Beith lost a very popular man with the recent passing of Mr William Millar of Sommervillie Court. Willie, as he was fondly known, would have celebrated his 89th birthday in a few weeks time. Although Willie moved to Beith as a babe in arms, he always had a twinkle in his eye as he claimed that he was still an interloper, as he was born in Dunlop. He came to Beith when his father took up a post as Superintendent in Beith Cemetery. Willie was educated at Beith Academy and like generations of other Beith men, it was almost a natural progression from there to one of the five cabinet works in the town. Willie became an apprentice with MacNeil Brothers where he served his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker. Later on he moved to Hamilton and Crawford in Lochwinnoch where he worked until he joined the Royal Navy during the war. Initially he served as a joiner at Rosyth, before going to Portsmouth and then overseas to various locations. After the war he worked at Shieldhall in Glasgow before returning to Beith where he worked in Caledonia Works until the factory closed. The final seven years of his working life were spent in an administrative position at RNAD Beith. Willie met his wife Nan in Houston’s Chip Shop in Reform Street, which will be remembered by only the oldest Beithites. Their courtship was to last for 6 years, and they married on 28 April 1941. However, the marriage was to be a very happy one and lasted for 62 years. His main hobbies were reading, gardening and woodwork. Willie was a very conscientious elder at Beith Trinity Church, serving in the demanding position of Session Clerk for 17 years. He also had gifts and abilities to conduct worship on a Sunday morning and these occasional services are still remembered by those who heard him preach. He was a founder member of Trinity Men’s Fellowship. He was appointed their secretary at the initial meeting on 19 November 1962. He served as president from 1982-1984. His service was recognised when he was appointed Honorary President of the Fellowship which he served so faithfully until a few weeks before his death. His friends in the Fellowship will miss him greatly for his wonderful sense of fun and his ability to laugh at himself. He is survived by his wife, Nan and children, Marsha, Lesley, Bill and Eileen and grandchildren Graham, Malcolm, Andrew, Jennifer, Kelly, Sara and Stuart. He was a great grandfather to Liam and Megan. Willie will be remembered by many in Beith as a quiet gentleman of the old school whose faith sustained him and encouraged others. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

3rd BEITH GUIDES Last Friday Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran had a small team of volunteer visit 2nd Beith Guides in the High Church Hall. Around 30 guides enjoyed an evening learning about how to respond when someone collapses and gained an insight into basic first aid procedures. This was a very worthwhile session and all the participants received a certificate.

BRAEFOOT NURSERY (Photo) Last week the children from Breaefoot Nursery visited Beith Library where they spend an hour learning more about the joy of books.

BARRMILL JOLLY BEGGARS The next meeting of Barrmill Jolly Beggars is on Monday, 10 March at 7.30 in the Eglinton Inn when the speaker is Clive French of Beith. Clive’s talk is entitled: The History of the Glasgow – Ardrossan Canal. A good turnout of cronies is requested. Already a number of photographs of members of the Jolly Beggars of yesteryear and club memorabilia have been received from various folk and these will be included in the book being produced later this year as part of their diamond jubilee celebrations. Those who have contributed items are thanked for their kind assistance to the club.

OUR LADY’S CHURCH Last Friday evening Our Lady’s Church held a very successful jumble sale which was well supported. They pass on their thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this a successful funding raising event.

BEITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Beith Historical Society had a large attendance last Thursday (27/2/2003) to hear Robert McCallum of the St Vincent Preservation Trust give an update on the work at Beith Cross. Since his last visit to the society in September 1999 a tremendous amount had been achieved and work was progressing very well indeed. He showed slides of the work the Trust has done on their project in Newmilns as well as slides on the ongoing partnership work at Beith Cross. The restoration at the Cross should be complete in October 2003. The audience had many questions for Robert which he very ably answered. The next meeting is on Thursday 27 March when the speaker is Bob MacKenzie of Cumbernauld on Kindertransport – it’s aftermath, and any visitors will be made most welcome and the cost of £1.00 for the evening. Mr Mackenzie recently spoke to Barrmill Jolly Beggars on this same subject and by all reports this is an illustrated story which is very moving and recommended to everyone as it highlights how 10,000 German children were moved to the United Kingdom at the start of World War 2.

HAPPY CHAPPERS The every-so-happy chappers at Beith Domino and Whist Club continue their twice-weekly challenges at Beith Community Centre where they display a remarkable enthusiasm and determination to win at all costs. Well, as you know, there can only be one winner and two second places and here are last week’s results. The dominoes on Tuesday was won by Mrs I McAuslane, with Mrs M Kennedy and Mrs A Smith, second equal. On Thursday the domino champion was again Mrs M McAuslane who joint first with Mrs J Welsh and Mrs M Kenndy was third. The whist on Tuesday was won by Mrs J Brennan with Mrs A Sands and Miss F McCreadie coming second and third respectively. On Thursday the winner was Mrs M McLeish, club organiser, with Mrs A Sands and Miss F McCreadie trailing in her he slipstream.

GATESIDE PRIMARY Gateside Primary School held their annual Burns Poetry Competition last week for all classes. The adjudicator was the Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid who was privileged to hear a variety of Scots poems performed to a very high standard indeed. Amongst the pieces recited were To A Haggis, Scots Wha Hae, To A Louse, A Dug A Dug, The Crocodile and Willie Wastle. All the young folk were commended for their efforts, and the adjudicator did emphasise that he had an extremely hard task in separating excellent readers and that another adjudicator might well have come up with a totally different result such was the high standard of the recitations by the young folk. Donald L Reid presented all those placed in the first three with a copy of one of his Garnock Valley local history books. Primary 1: 1st Hannah Main, 2nd Mark Taylor and 3rd Lynsey Muir. Primary 2: Heather Gibson, 2nd Emma Gillan and 3rd Emma Reid. Primary 3: 1st Hazel Munro; 2nd Kayleigh Brown and 3rd Nicola Watson. Primary 4: 1st Megan Reid, 2nd Erin Shepherd and 3rd Owen Morgan. Primary 5: 1st Margaret McConnell, 2nd Kate Muir and 3rd Kirstin Dunn. Primary 6/7: 1st Jennifer Marshall; 2nd Miamh McElhill and 3rd David Bryson.

HMS DASHER LECTURE Ardrossan based writers, John and Noreen Steele, who are very well known in the Garnock Valley, recently published their very successful book entitled, The Secrets of HMS Dasher. This book highlighted more information about the sinking of the aircraft HMS Dasher in the Clyde between Arran and Ardrossan in 1943. They are giving a talk about this tragedy and signing copies of the book at Saltcoats library tomorrow (Saturday) at 11.00 am. For further information contact Saltcoats Library on 01294-469546.

1ST BEITH BBs Anyone who feels that they would enjoy working with young people in a Christian environment offered by the Boys Brigade, which can be extremely rewarding and who would, of necessity, be subject to various security checks, can obtain further information from the 1st Beith BB Captain on 01505-502041.

GARNOCK VALLEY COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM Time is fast running out if you want to be involved in the biggest Community Safety initiative held in North Ayrshire in recent years. Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum, in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, are organising a Community Safety Conference in Beith Community Centre on Saturday 15th March 2003 from 10am till 3.30pm. There will be key-note speakers including, Alan Wilson MSP and Peter McNamara of North Ayrshire Council who is also a Youthlink Scotland board member. Four workshops will be held in the afternoon and include a Personal Safety Course taster for men and women, as well as looking at the development of the Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum. There will also be information displays from various organisations looking at specific areas of safety in the community. Even better there will be a free creche, free lunch, tea and coffee, free prize draw and free transport to Beith. In fact there is no cost to you at all. To register for a place or for further information, please contact Brenda Allan, Safety Forum Development Worker, on 01475 568650 or Colin Bruce, Community Education Worker on 01505 684551. Remember this is your community so why not come to put your opinions across concerning community safety issues throughout the Garnock Valley.

BEITH AND DIST COMM COUNCIL Beith and District Community Council are delighted to announce that they have been successful in their bid to North Ayrshire Community Safety Challenge Budget. The Community Council are currently preparing a Community Safety Magazine which will be very widely distributed in Beith, Barrmill and Gateside. Groups or organisations are cordially invited to submit community information for this magazine and copy for the magazine should be in the hands of Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith by 15 March. Local school children are invited to think of a suitable name for the newsletter and many entries have already been received. However, those who still want to submit their ideas for a magazine title can obtain forms from Beith Library. Prizes will be awarded to everyone submitting an entry.

BEITH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Billy Haining, organiser of Beith Cancer Support Group, advises that an anonymous donation of £71.13 was handed in to Billy’s of Beith and a donation of £20 in memory of Isobel Forrest is also gratefully acknowledged.

RATS AUCTION RATS held their time and talents auction last Saturday evening in the Gateside Inn. There was an excellent turnout of locals and the convivial atmosphere resulted in them raising the amazing sum of £1,700. This will go towards their fighting fund with the overall objective of preventing the siting of a major landfill site at Trearne Quarry adjacent to the Gateside village. Following hard on the heels of a donation of £100 from Kilbirnie Labour Club, RATS last week also received £100 from the SNP. Jings, the political parties seem to be lining up to please the RATS. Who knows, the Tories and Lib Dems may be next and what of the Monster Raving Loonies! Watch this space!!

BEITH HEALTH CENTRE INFORMATION As recently intimated in the columns of the Herald, Dr Peggie and partners intimate that the new Advanced Appointments System is now in place at Beith Health Centre and commenced last Monday. The introduction of this new system means that the Health Centre will no longer have an emergency drop-in clinic, but appointments will be available and all patients will be offered an appointment with a GP within 48 hours. The Health Centre would, however, advise patients that these changes may result in the Health Centre switchboard being exceptionally busy at the beginning of each week and would suggest that patients wishing to arrange non-urgent routine review appointments may find it more convenient to telephone towards the end of the week. Dr Peggie and partners would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding during the implementation of these changes. Anyone wishing further information about the new system should consult staff at the Health Centre by dropping in preferably outwith busy periods.

BEITH TRINITY MEN’S FELLOWSHIP Last Monday's games night at Beith Trinity Men’s Fellowship saw the completion of all second round bowling, snooker and darts ties. In the balloted pairs bowls competition three teams had two wins after the first two rounds, John Smith and Fred Austin, Hugh Brown and Ian Ross and John McGibbon and John Shields. By virtue of a better shot difference Smith and Austin played McGibbon and Shields. After three nail-biting ends the score was tied at four shots each, John McGibbon and John Shields being declared the winners, having won two out of the three ends. The eagle-eyed Robert Jamieson won the darts competition. All in all a very enjoyable night of enjoyable games. President Hugh Gibson spoke of the death of Willie Millar, who was probably the last founder member of the Men's Fellowship. Willie was appointed secretary at the initial meeting in November 1962, a position he held for 17 years. He later served a two year spell as vice president, followed by two years as president, and was a regular attender until recently when ill-health prevented him coming along to the Fellowship each Monday evening. He will be very sadly missed.

BEITH ST. INAN’S ANGLING CLUB Members, and prospective members are reminded that subscriptions for the comming year should be paid on either 7th or 14th March in Beith Community Centre between 7 and 9 pm. As agreed at the AGM subs are as follows: Adult members £40, with a joining fee of £20 for new members. Junior members £20, with a joining fee of £5. All junior members will be asked to fill in a consent form, to be signed by a parent, or other responsible adult. Members are reminded that if they do not renew their membership on either of these two nights they will be considered lapsed, and will require to pay the joining fee to renew their membership. 1ST BEITH BBs Their was a good turn out of all members at 1st Beith BB meetings this week with a variety of activities taking place. In the junior section, six first year boys have now completed their white badge work, and received their badges, while two of them have also finished their green badge work. It is expected that all boys will have finished within two weeks. The BBs meet at the usual times this evening (Friday).

BEITH OPEN AWARD GROUP 32 Members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group at Beith High linked with Trinity Church travelled to Baseball at Saltcoats last Sunday evening for a thrilling and very competitive game of indoor bowls. This Sunday and the following Sunday there will be two full training sessions on first aid, so all members are encouraged to come along to these important inputs which will focus on the types of injuries, accidents and illnesses which can occur in a hillwalking and camping situation.

EASTERN STAR Beith Order of the Eastern Star meet in the Masons Hall on Wednesday, 12 March at 7.30 pm. There will be an official visit by the Ayrshire District Grand Chapter and a good turnout of members is requested. The 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.

BEITH ARTS GUILD On Sunday 23rdFebruary there was an excellent turnout at Beith Arts Guild’s second concert of 2003 in the Community Centre, to welcome Opera on a Shoestring on their fourth visit to Beith. The first half of their performance consisted of arias and ensembles from such well known works as Don Giovanni, The Pearl Fishers, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Lucia de Lammermoor, The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville, all sung in the original language. After the interval the cast entertained their audience with a riot of tunes from Viennese operettas and the Savoy operas of Gilbert and Sullivan with its many tongue-twisting songs. In his vote of thanks Gordon Mabbott wished them well and hoped that it would not be long before they were back with us again. The next Beith Arts Guild concert is on Sunday 23rd March when the Demon Barbers will entertain with a programme of music from the 20’s to the 90’s.

BEITH COMMUNITY CENTRE PLAYGROUP Beith Community Centre Playgroup meet on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning from 9.30 am – 11.45 am. The playgroup is run by a fully qualified Nursery Nurse and a competent Play Assistant. The children who attended are provided with the opportunities to explore, investigate and try new things, some of which are too messy to do at home. The emphasis is always on providing a learning environment through play. There are funded places available fro 3-4 year olds for this term. Names are currently being taken for the August 2003 intake (children with dates of birth from 1.3.00 to 29.2.01. Anyone wishing to register their child is welcome to drop into the Playgroup or contact Helen on 01505-506403.

BEITH SUMMER PLAY SCHEME There has been a summer play scheme organised for the children and young people of Beith for over 25 years. However, it seems that this year there will be no organised play scheme in Beith. This is because several of the organisers/leaders who have been involved for many years are now working in full or part-time jobs and they will be unable to undertake the demanding work involved in planning and delivering a full activities programme. What are the weans of Beith going to do this summer, one wonders? 1st BEITH BB The BBs are holding a table top car boot sale in their Head Street HQ on Saturday, 15 March from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm. Anyone wishing a table, price £10, can arrange same by telephone 01505-502041.

BIRTHDAY GIRL (photo) A party was held in Laigh Court last Friday to mark the eightieth birthday of Mrs May Mallet who is resident there. Around 50 family, friends and other residents gathered to celebrate the occasion. May hails from Gateside where older folk will recall that she worked there in the sub-post office for several years. Mary moved to Beith when she was married. She has daughters, grandchildren and great grand children in the Beith area and in South Africa. At May's request donations were collected in lieu of presents and will be given to the Beith Branch of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group. Asked if she would not like to keep the money to buy something special she replied: “I have absolutely everything I need and a most wonderful group of friends in Laigh Court. If the money my friends collected for a present for me can help just a little to benefit local folk with cancer then that is exactly what I want.” Everyone who knows May will join in wishing this lovely lady many more happy birthdays.

YOUNG FARMERS Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held their annual general meeting on Monday 24th February 2003 in the Patrick Memorial hall, Gateside. The Chairman Mr Lewis Scott opened the meeting welcoming everyone along. The secretary, Miss Anne Reid, treasurer, Mr Gareth Scott and the chairman gave their reports for the year. The following office bearers were then elected: Honorary President: Mrs M. Shanks Honorary Vice-Presidents: Mr J. Scott, Mrs M. Wylie, Mr R. Boyd, Mrs M. Wilson and Mr C. Walker. Honorary Club Members: Mr Lewis Scott, Miss Anne Reid, Mr Gareth Scott. Chairman: Mr Gareth Scott, Vice-Chairman: Mr Robbie Nisbet, Secretary: Miss Julie Scott, Assistant Secretary: Miss Gillian Reid, Treasurer: Mr David Young, Assistant Treasurer: Mr Ross Gilbert, Press Secretary: Miss Jennifer Logan, Club Leaders: Mr Robert Chalmers andMrs Mhairi Blair. Committee: Miss Joanne McCarter, Mr Walter Mitchell, Miss Anne Reid, Mr David Scott, Mr Lewis Scott, Miss Ann Wilson, Club Chaplin: Rev. Andrew. Black and Rev. Fiona C Ross. Club Auditor: Mr D. Doul, Drama Secretary: Miss Vickie Hood, Drama Committee: Miss Catriona Gilbert, Mr Ross Gilbert, Mr Alan Kirkpatrick, Miss Joanne McCarter and Mr Robbie Nisbet, Miss Gillian Reid and Mr Bradley Scott, Mr Gareth Scott, Miss Julie Scott, Mr Scott Wilson, Mr David Young. Football Captain: Mr Robert Wilson, Football Vice-Captain: Mr Alan Kirkpatrick. Hockey Captain: Miss Anne Reid, Hockey Vice-Captain: Miss Joanne McCarter. Netball Captain: Miss Ann Wilson, Netball Vice-Captain: Miss Julie Scott. Tug O’ War Captain: Mr Lewis Scott, Tug O’ War Vice-Captain: Mr Robbie Nisbet. The annual dinner dance was held in the Lauriston Hotel, Ardrossan on Saturday 1st March 2003. It proved to be a successful night and was enjoyed by all. Congratulations goes to everyone who participated in the Ayrshire Drama Festival on Thursday 6th February, where they were placed first. Well done also to Joanne McCarter for winning the best actress award. The play now goes forward to West Area Drama Festival, which is to be held from 13th to the 15th of March. Good luck to you all! Ayrshire Ball tickets should be paid as soon as possible to Lewis. Anyone interested in tickets for the Rally Queen dance on Saturday 29th March should contact the secretary. For further information, tickets or transport to events please telephone Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email Jennifer at BeithYFC@hotmail.com.

BEITH ST. INANS ANGLING CLUB Members of Beith St Inan’s Angling Club are reminded that subscriptions for the coming session should be paid on the first two Fridays in March, that is 7th and 14th, in Beith Community Centre between 7 and 9pm. At the AGM the following subscriptions were agreed. Adults: £40, with a joining fee of £2, Juniors: £20, with a joining fee of £5. All members are also reminded that if they do not renew their membership on either of these two evenings they will be considered to be lapsed members, and therefore liable to pay the joining fee when rejoining. It was also agreed that junior members be asked to fill in a consent form, signed by a parent, when applying for membership.

MASONS Beith St. Johns Lodge No 32 meet in the Masons Hall on Thursday, March 8 at 7.30 pm when a 1st degree will be conferred by office-bearers. Beith Royal Arch No 32 members meet in the Masons Hall on Thursday, 13 March at 7.30 pm for a Mark Affiliate and Excellent Master Degree which will be conferred by Beith office bearers. Deputations from Paisley Abbey and Rockmount Lodges will also be present and a good turnout of local members is requested.

SCOUTS Beith Scouts are keen to invite young folk to join their ranks and have a wide and varied programme of activities to suit all tastes. It is emphasised that all Scouting activities from the very youngest Beavers to the oldest group, the Explorers are open to young people of either sex. All meetings are held in the BB Hall. The Beavers meet every Monday from 6.30 pm – 7.45 pm and boys aged 6 – 8 years will be made welcome. The cubs meet every Wednesday from 7.00 pm – 8.45 pm and caters for young folk aged 8 – 10 years. The Scouts meet every Tuesday from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm and boys and girls aged 10 – 14 years will enjoy a varied programme of activities. The Explorers, a relatively new section in the Scouts which replaced the Rover Scouts, meet each Monday from 7.45 pm – 9.30 pm for boys and girls aged 14 years and upwards. All sections meet in Beith BB Hall. Like most other organisations, the Scouts are always on the lookout for leaders and adhoc helpers. And remember folks, the Scouts is open to lads and lassies! For further information on any of the groups or becoming a helper, contact Jimmy on 01505-340228 or Lesley on 01505-502999.

BEITH CAMERA CLUB It was competition time again when Beith Camera Club met at the Community Centre last Thursday evening and the happy snappers were keen to get a win in the bag as this was the third and final competition of the current session. The winner of the print section with a striking seascape entitled 'Bright Seas' was Annette Hepburn. In second place with 'Arran Sunset' was David Kerr. Annette also took third place with 'Snowy Wood'. It was good to see two newcomers to the club take the top places in the competition. The increase in the number of prints entered in the competition was also welcomed. This is a sign of the relative ease with which prints can now be produced at home using digital equipment without having to rely on commercial processors. In the colour slide section the first two places were taken by Fred Wood with a gorgeous seascape taken in Mauritius and a fine Florida sunset. Annette Hepburn took the third place with a view of Brice Canyon. The judge was Angus Campbell of Greenock Camera Club. He emphasised the need to crop pictures to exclude any details that do not add to the centre of interest. He was thanked for his services by Hugh Waterston on behalf of the Beith snappers.

MASONIC CLUB There will be a dance in Beith Masonic Club tomorrow (Saturday) from 8.00 pm till late with dancing to the popular group Horizon. There will be the usual cover charge of £2 with bingo and raffle. On Friday March 14 from 8.00 pm till late there will be the ever-popular line dancing evening. There will be a cover charge of £3.

IN THE SWIM Can 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.

VALLEY ARC ‘SEW AND SEWS’ The famous Valley Arc Sew and Sews Club invite you to view a display of the quilts made on behalf of Scottish International Relief, for the comfort of orphan children in Rumania. These quilts were made by members of “Sew and Sews” quilting group who gratefully acknowledge the help of many people and organisations who have donated fabric or made patches. Come along and see this exhibition of their work of selected quilts from the second batch destined for Scottish Internation Relief “little homes” in Rumania, which will be sent away in April. Perhaps a patch made by your group or a fabric donated by you will be on show. The exhibition will be on display in the Valley Arc Cafeteria, School Road, Kilbirnie from March 13 – 27 during normal opening hours. Why not go along and see the display and talk to the ladies about their ongoing work. They really are nice friendly bunch of Sew and Sews!

BEITH SNOOKER CLUB Beith Snooker club meets every Sunday night from 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm in Beith Community Centre and new members, irrespective of age, will be warmly welcomed. For further details contact Alastair McKain on 01505-502408 BEITH BADMINTON CLUB Beith Ladies Badminton Club which meets every Tuesday night from 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm are on the lookout for new members. For further information contact Gaile Spiers on 01505685343.

BROADBAND There 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.

KIDS R US Kids R Us is a mother and toddler group who meet on a Monday and Wednesday in Beith Community Centre from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm. The women and children enjoy singing activities, play and story time and generally have a very happy and rewarding time together in an atmosphere which promotes learning and positive behaviour. A few vacancies are available. Why not come along and try out this happy group. Contact Winnie on 01505-504941.

NORTH AYSHIRE BRASS This evening (Friday) is the final practice night of North Ayrshire Brass Band, under musical director, Hugh Brennan, before they set off for Falkirk this Sunday morning at 8.00 am where they will be taking part in the Scottish Brass Band Championships. The band will play a challenging test piece, Northern Landscapes, written by popular Scottish composer, Peter Graham who originally hails from Ayr. The band have been working extremely hard on this test piece for the last 10 weeks and practices have gone very well. However, it will all be down to the band putting on a very polished performance on the day and the adjudicator liking what he hears. Everyone in the Garnock Valley will join in wishing the band, under the baton of Hugh Brennan, every success this Sunday in Falkirk. Irrespective of the result, it has to be said that the band are in very good shape, well musically at least! BEITH OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE Calling 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 charcters 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 refreshement may do so. Buses to and from the Community Centre will leave from the usual pick-up points. Trickets are piced £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.

COMIC RELIEF This year Comic Relief will be held on Friday, 14 March and this year’s theme is “Big Hair Do.” Already local shops are beginning to see a huge demand for red noses. Individuals and businesses often support such fund raising efforts which tend to bring a smile to everyone whilst raising much needed funds for charity. Already the staff of Arabica Bistro and Café in Main Street have been selling a variety of Comic Relief products to raise funds. We hear that Beith Library staff are also planning some hair-raising events, so all you book worms better watch out! If any other businesses, groups or individuals have plans to raise funds for Comic Relief, let’s hear about your ideas, but please remember above all - keep your hair on! Unless, that is, for charitable purposes you intent to be Beith’s next famous baldy man!

BEITH SNP FUND RAISER The Beith SNP held another of their successful domino/quiz nights last Saturday in Beith Community Centre. A fun filled night was enjoyed by everyone who attended which included members and friends from Beith, Gateside, Barrmill, Dalry, Largs, Ardrossan and Kilbirnie. The domino competition was won by Jim Langlands, with the booby prize going to Elizabeth Hays. The winning team in the quiz went to Margaret Mongomery, Agnes Jackson, Janet Madden and Elizabeth Hays. An excellent buffet was provided by Sandra and Billy of Discount Catering Services of Beith. Beith SNP Convener and quiz master for the night, John Johnstone, would like to thank everyone who contributed to the evening which helped boost Beith SNP funds by £200.

BEITH WEB SITE Iain Shirlaw of Beith advises that he has been running a web site for Beith for nearly 4 years now and has had contact with folk from all over the world who are interested in the history of the town. Those with internet facilities can check out his site on: www.beith.org.uk As well as providing a history of Beith the sites gives an overview of Beith today. In addition the site provides links to many other Beith based organisations. What Iain has found most interesting has been the large number of folk who have sent in their reminiscences of the times when they lived in Beith before leaving to go abroad to places as far away as New Zealand, Australia and even Hawaii. This only goes to prove that Beith folk are indeed located all over the world, but they still fondly remember their North Ayrshire roots. He has also had contact from visitors from abroad who visited Beith because of its historical connections, especially with Rev John Witherspoon, who signed the American Declaration of Independence and Dr Henry Faulds, Beith’s pioneer of fingerprints who is also remembered affectionately in Japan where he served as a medical missionary for 12 years. Iain has even had emails from people in the USA who own Beithcraft furniture which highlights that Beith was indeed a world-beater when it came to producing quality furniture. Iain is happy to include information of the site which locals might feel would be helpful in highlighting the town and neighbouring villages and he regards the site as a living advertisement for Beith. Anyone wishing to make comments about the site or provide information which might be included in future updates can contact Iain at beithayr@freenetname.co.uk

GARNOCK RUGBY CLUB BURNS SUPPER The present-day Garnock Rugby Club owes its existence to Mr R Bruce-Lockhart, the first headmaster of Spiers School, Beith. Spiers School opened on 22 September, 1888 and by November that year a rugby club was formed and has continued with a virtually unbroken record to this day. Spiers became the first school in the West of Scotland outwith Glasgow and Greenock to play the game of Rugby Football. With the closure of Spiers School in 1971 it was decided to change the name of the club to Garnock Rugby Club. Last Saturday evening the world-famous club held their annual Burns Supper in Kilbirnie Bowling Club. There was a good turnout of members and friends and the evening was chaired by president, Peter Duncan. The haggis was carried by Dalry Vet, Allan McTaggart, piped in by Neil McTaggart and addressed by the organiser of the evening, Tom Osborne. A very enjoyable meal was prepared by Mr and Mrs Sandy Higgins of Dalry. Traditional songs of the Bard were sung by Bob McBride and Harry Young to the accompaniment of Jim Walker. Readings of the works of Burns were rendered by Iain Skene and Ken Stewart. The toast to the Immortal Memory, which was humorous and informative, was proposed by Alan K Saunderson, a Kilbirnie lad and noted football referee, now of Largs. A light-hearted toast to the lassies was proposed by Tom Dickson and responded to by Mary Turner who was in fine fettle and had everyone in stitches. A comprehensive vote of thanks for an excellent night of entertainment was given by Peter McCarroll, one of the oldest playing members of Garnock Rugby Club.

HIGH CHURCH PLAYGROUP Beith High Church Playgroup currently has 30 children and they meet Tuesday – Friday from 9.15 am until 11.45 am in the High Church Hall where they enjoy a full range of interactive activities designed to challenge and stimulate the children through play. The current play leaders are Dawn Stoddart, Allison Gillan, Pamela Currie supported by Relief Playleaders, Angela Sloan and Isobel Monahan.