BEITH LOCAL NOTES

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

SUNDAY 1 June 2003

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DRAW FOLKS: The committee of Beith Playpark Action Group meet to draw the winning tickets in their summer draw. See Beith local notes.  (Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

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HAIR-RAISING EXPERIENCE: Shopping in Beith Co-op was once a relaxing experience. However, last Saturday you could also get a new hairdo with your messages as the workers endeavoured to get regulars to part with the bawbees in aid of CHAS. See Beith local notes.  (Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)

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TOP COPS: Chief Inspector Alan Lawrence of Irvine welcomes Inspector Kenny McLachlan, the newly appointed Inspector for the Garnock Valley, based at Kilbirnie Police Station. See Beith local notes.

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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

BEITH LOCAL NOTES

NEW INSPECTOR (Photo 68)

The Garnock Valley has a new police chief. Inspector Kenny McLachlan (48) was recently appointed to the top post looking after policing in Kilbirnie, Dalry, Beith and surrounding villages. He replaced Inspector McDonald who recently retired. Inspector McLachlan has 25 years police service and began his policing career in Glasgow City Centre before coming to Ayrshire in 1988. He has experience in a range of operational policing roles, community policing and latterly as Duty Officer at Divisional HQ in Kilmarnock. Commenting on his appointment to the Garnock Valley he said: “I am very aware of the commitment of the local community and the good level of partnership working which exists and this has already shown very real benefits in our joint aim of trying to achieve a safer and happier community. I look forward to meeting local people and I have already attended several community meetings and been very impressed by the enthusiam and willingness of groups working for the community. We are all working with the aim of making the Garnock Valley an even better place in which to live, work social and a place which will attract inward investment.” Inspector McLachlan is a married man with no children and lives with his wife in Newton Mearns. He also enjoys reading and gardening and drives a motor cycle. He looks forward to working with the community in the Garnock Valley.

YOUNG FARMERS 

Beith & District Young Farmers’ Club held their dairy stockjudging and reason giving recently at Flemyland Farm, Kilwinning by kind permission of Mr Lamont. The results were as follows: Open Stockjudging 3^rd John Stevenston 2^nd Alex Logan 1^st Allan Reid, Junior Girls 3^rd Jennifer Logan 2^nd Allison Reid 1^st Claire Hamilton, Senior Girls 2^nd Anne Reid 1^st Joanne McCarter, Associate 1^st Agnes Paton, Junior Boys 2^nd Alex Wilson 1^st Walter Mitchell, Senior Boys 2^nd equal Robbie Nisbet and Allan Kirkpatrick 1^st Stuart Logan, Associate 1^st William Chalmers. Reason Giving, Girls 1^st Anne Reid, Boys 2^nd Lewis Scott 1^st Stuart Logan, Associate 1^st William Chalmers. Demonstration, Girls 1^st Anne Reid, Boys 2^nd Lewis Scott 1^st Stuart Logan, Associate 1^st William Chalmers. The winner of the boy’s sweepstake was Stuart Logan and the winner of the girl’s sweepstake was Claire Hamilton. The winner of the side competition was Tom Logan. The winner of the John S. Young Memorial Trophy was Stuart Logan.

The ever-popular tractor driving, farm handler, car driving and wheel change event at Lorabar, Lochwinnoch which had the following results: Tractor driving Junior Boys 3^rd Walter Mitchell 2^nd Alex Wilson 1^st William Smith, Senior Boys 3^rd Gareth Scott 2^nd Ross Gilbert 1^st Lewis Scott. Farm handler Junior Boys 2^nd Walter Mitchell and Alex Wilson 1^st William Smith and Alistair Wylie, Senior Boys 3^rd David Young and David Scott 2^nd Ross Gilbert and Lewis Scott 1^st Stuart Logan and Gareth Scott. Wheel change 2^nd Ann Wilson and Julie Scott 1^st Anne Reid and Catriona Gilbert. Car driving Junior Girls 3^rd Jennifer Logan 2^nd Ann Wilson 1^st Julie Scott, Senior Girls 2^nd Anne Reid 1^st Catriona Gilbert.

The confined field night at Little Ittington Farm, Ardrossan gave the following results: Girls valuation Juniors 3^rd Jennifer Logan 2^nd Allison Reid 1^st Susan Logan, Seniors 3^rd Jean Reid 2^nd Anne Reid 1^st Catriona Gilbert, Associate 1^st Agnes Paton. Boys valuation Juniors 3^rd Walter Mitchell 2^nd Alistair Wylie 1^st Alex Wilson, Seniors 3^rd Robbie Nisbet 2^nd Ross Gilbert 1^st David Scott, Associates 2^nd David Wilson 1^st William Chalmers. Mock Auction Juniors 2^nd equal Alistair Wylie and Walter Mitchell 1^st William Smith Seniors 3^rd Lewis Scott 2^nd Robbie Nisbet 1^st Ross Gilbert, Associate 1^st William Chalmers. Sheaf tossing Seniors 3^rd David Young 2^nd Stuart Logan 1^st Gareth Scott, Associates 2^nd William Chalmers 1^st David Wilson. Tyre throwing Juniors 3^rd Alistair Wylie 2^nd Walter Mitchell 1^st William Smith, Seniors 3^rd Stuart Logan 2^nd Lewis Scott 1^st Gareth Scott. Stab driving Juniors 3^rd William Smith 2^nd Walter Mitchell 1^st Alistair Wylie, Seniors 3^rd Gareth Scott 2^nd Stuart Logan 1^st Lewis Scott, Associates 2^nd David Wilson 1^st William Chalmers. Pillow fight 3^rd David Scott 2^nd David Young 1^st Lewis Scott. Best hand written cheque Juniors 3^rd Alex Wilson 2^nd Walter Mitchell 1^st Alistair Wylie, Seniors 3^rd Robbie Nisbet 2^nd Lewis Scott 1^st Stuart Logan, Associates 2^nd William Chalmers 1^st David Wilson.

Another popular event was the confined clay pigeon shoot at Meikle Ittington Farm Ardrossan which was well supported. The results were as follows: Junior Boys 2^nd Alex Wilson 1^st Scott Wilson Junior Girls 2^nd equal Julie Scott and Rachel Wilson 1^st Claire Logan Senior Girls 1^st Anne Reid Senior Boys 3^rd Robbie Nisbet 2^nd Bradley Scott 1^st Gareth Scott. The winner of the whiskey trap was GarethScott. The tractor driving, farm handler car driving and wheel change event at Lorabar, Lochwinnoch had the following results: Tractor driving Junior Boys 3^rd Walter Mitchell 2^nd Alex Wilson 1^st William Smith, Senior Boys 3^rd Gareth Scott 2^nd Ross Gilbert 1^st Lewis Scott. Farm handler Junior Boys 2^nd Walter Mitchell and Alex Wilson 1^st William Smith and Alistair Wylie, Senior Boys 3^rd David Young and David Scott 2^nd Ross Gilbert and Lewis Scott 1^st Stuart Logan and Gareth Scott. Wheel change 2^nd Ann Wilson and Julie Scott 1^st Anne Reid and Catriona Gilbert. Car driving Junior Girls 3^rd Jennifer Logan 2^nd Ann Wilson 1^st Julie Scott, Senior Girls 2^nd Anne Reid 1^st Catriona Gilbert. The confined field night at Little Ittington Farm, Ardrossan had the following results: Girls valuation Juniors 3^rd Jennifer Logan 2^nd Allison Reid 1^st Susan Logan, Seniors 3^rd Jean Reid 2^nd Anne Reid 1^st Catriona Gilbert, Associate 1^st Agnes Paton. Boys valuation Juniors 3^rd Walter Mitchell 2^nd Alistair Wylie 1^st Alex Wilson, Seniors 3^rd Robbie Nisbet 2^nd Ross Gilbert 1^st David Scott, Associates 2^nd David Wilson 1^st William Chalmers. Mock Auction Juniors 2^nd equal Alistair Wylie and Walter Mitchell 1^st William Smith Seniors 3^rd Lewis Scott 2^nd Robbie Nisbet 1^st Ross Gilbert, Associate 1^st William Chalmers. Sheaf tossing Seniors 3^rd David Young 2^nd Stuart Logan 1^st Gareth Scott, Associates 2^nd William Chalmers 1^st David Wilson. Tyre throwing Juniors 3^rd Alistair Wylie 2^nd Walter Mitchell 1^st William Smith, Seniors 3^rd Stuart Logan 2^nd Lewis Scott 1^st Gareth Scott. Stab driving Juniors 3^rd William Smith 2^nd Walter Mitchell 1^st Alistair Wylie, Seniors 3^rd Gareth Scott 2^nd Stuart Logan 1^st Lewis Scott, Associates 2^nd David Wilson 1^st William Chalmers. Pillow fight 3^rd David Scott 2^nd David Young 1^st Lewis Scott. Best hand written cheque Juniors 3^rd Alex Wilson 2^nd Walter Mitchell 1^st Alistair Wylie, Seniors 3^rd Robbie Nisbet 2^nd Lewis scott 1^st Stuart Logan, Associates 2^nd William Chalmers 1^st David Wilson.

For further information please contact Julie on 01294 832262, Gareth on 01294 832249 or email BeithYFC@hotmail.com.

BEITH AMATEURS

Beith Amateurs Sportsmans Dinner to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the formation of the team will be held on Friday 7^th June at 7.30 pm in the Masons Hall. Tickets are £20. There is 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. All in all, this looks like being a great night of entertainment. Make sure you get your ticket by contacting Boyd Jamieson on 503935.

CA\NCER SUPPORT GROUP

Bill Haining, organiser of the Beith Branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, advises that a team of helpers from Beith recently took part in the Rotary Sponsored Walk and raised £300-29. He passes on his thanks to the leg-weary walkers, I Wallace, I Kerr, G McDonald, H Dillon, S Johnstone and S Lort. He gratefully acknowledges donations from the Saracen Rangers Supporters Club of £42 and to anonymous cash donations handed in to Billy’s of Beith of £20 and £5.

TRINITY TODDLERS

Beith Trinity Toddlers Group are holding an open day on Thursday 5 June from 9.30 am until 11.00 am. They committee are keen to welcome mothers with kids aged 0 – 3 years to allow them to see the wide range of facilities on offer. Tea, coffee is on tap and and a warm welcome assured.

1st Beith BB
The staff of 1^st Beith BBs would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of their jumble sale last Friday.  After a week of collecting the sale raised £1500 for company funds and several happy Beithites will doubtless shortly appear with a few items on Antiques Roadshow. A special word of thanks to all parents and friends who came along to help, and particular 
thanks to Di. Heather. Karen and Jennifer who spent many hours distributing
leaflets.  Meetings olf 1^st Beith BB will resume in August, so watch this space for details.

Beith St Inans Angling Club
Very little work has been carried out by members of St. Inan’s Angling Club on the dam or hut last week due to the competition last Wednesday.  Eleven anglers contested the Coach House Trophy, the best turn out so far this season.  The winner was Andy Cooper, club secretary, and runner up was Jeff Barrie.  This is Jeff's second scoring competition, which puts him in front on club championship points.  Members are reminded that the next
competition will be fished on Saturday 14th June from 10am to 4pm, and is the West Trophy. A good turnout is requested.

BOWLING

It was Neilston Bowling Club’s 100th anniversary on Saturday, 24th May and it transpired when they were looking back on their minutes they found that Beith Bowling Club used to play a friendly game on a regular basis in the early 1900s. Because of this they invited Beith BC to send a rink to help them celebrate their centenary. The Beith contingent who travelled to Neilston included VP Brian Monk. Jim Wilson, Charlie Thomson and Murdie Brown and from all reports they had a cracker of a day. The winners of the Friday night wappenschaw at Beithj last week was the triples skipped by John Simpson, second Hugh Wilson and lead Alex McFarlane. It was good to see 30 members playing on what was the first really good Friday evening since opening day. Eight youngsters turned out for the Saturday morning coaching session and after a demonstration on foot faulting by the coach, they all took part in a singles competition, and the winner Elsa Muirhead with 17 points up won the prizes. Beith Bowling Club seem to be on the up-and-up at the moment which is good news indeed.

HISTORIC SOCIETY

Seventeen members and friends of Beith Historic Society took a charabanc trip to Dalmellington last Saturday for their annual outing. The first stop was the Weavers Cottage in Dalmellington where they were welcomed by Stanley Sarsfield, curator, who had tea and coffee on tap for the thirsty Beithites. They enjoyed an audio visual presentation on the history of Dalmellington and noted that two prominent books on display were Doon Valley Memories and Old Dalmellington, Patna and Waterside, both by the Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid. The group then went on a walking tour of Dalmellington, visiting many historic sites including the old Cross-keys pub and the older cemetery and village motte. At this juncture the Beithites were due to travel three miles down the valley to Waterside. However, the charabanc decided to give-up-the-ghost and despite the best efforts of the driver it refused to budge. Never ones to be stuck, the Beithites took the service bus to Dunaskin where they enjoyed seeing round the old ironworks. They also donned safety helmets before being escorted, with much hilarity, down the Craigton Mine. The Rev Fiona Ross was present and it was a pity that the Herald’s correspondent was not on hand to snap the happy group in their mining gear. Would have made a special photo!  After a tour led by Fiona Andrew, it was time for a first class meal in the charming Chimneys restaurant, located on the museum site. By this time their jalopy had been repaired and they returned safe and sound to Beith, everyone enjoying the mixed experiences of an interesting day. The lesson from this jaunt is that next year they will no doubt wish to hire a coach from good old Beith!

SENIOR YOUTH GROUP

Last Sunday there were 32 members present at the meeting of Beith High linked with Trinity Senior Youth Group. This was the last meeting of the group prior to taking part today (Friday) in their bronze and silver level Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions when they will be based at Muirshiel Country Park. The group spent the evening at Marshalland where they checked all the group tents prior to the expedition. All members are reminded that they will be based at Muirshiel Park, camping behind the visitor centre and not a Barnbrock Farm, which is being invaded by around 80 Girl Guides. Mind you, one suspects that some of the lads might prefer to have been staying at Barnbrock Farm!

HENRY FAULDS SOCIETY

The Henry Faulds Society has received donations this week from Cunninghame Housing Association, Joyce A Walker, Jean Reid of Dalry and a further donation from Mrs A L Meyer of Beith who was delighted at the positive article about Beith and Dr Henry Faulds in the June edition of the Scots Magazine.  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 on 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.

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 on 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.

NATURE AT NIGHT

Fancy a wee jaunt down to Kilwinning for a special evening event this Saturday from 9.00 pm until 10.30 pm! Billed as a night with nature the supervised walk around the park will reveal bats, moths and many other nocturnal animals and creepie-crawlies. Meet at the visitor centre just before 9.00 pm where the Ranger will meet up with everyone for a chat before the walk.

SWAN SONG

Mrs Margaret Smith of Coldstream Mill reports that for the first time in several years, two swans have nested at the mill dam and have recently produced six cygnets. The swans sat on the eggs for five weeks and make a fine site as they swim majestically across the water in this idyllic setting. The dam had been empty for a time and was only refilled some 2 years ago and this is really the first time when there was sufficient natural feeding to allow swans to nest and successfully raise a brood. Locals will recall that Andrew Smith, a wonderful character who was well known in the district, worked the mill from 1954 until he took a stroke in 1991 and had to retire. He died in 1997. Coldstream Mill was originally built for the old Hessilhead Castle estate. There are no exact records of when the mill was built. However, the first date which can be confirmed was 1782 when it changed hands. In those days most farms belonged to a larger estate on which was always located at least one meal mill that ground the grain for cattle and made oatmeal for porrige from oats. Above the mill is the small water dam where the swans currently nest. The water runs from there through the sluice where the flow is regulated, along a lade and it then tumbles over the top of the wheel. The dam is man made as the Dusk Water, which flows into it, is only a small burn and the flow would not be swift enough to turn the wheel which is 22 feet in diameter and 3 feet. The mill can still operate today, albeit only for demonstration purposes. Places such as Coldstream Mill, are part of the living history of our rural community and everyone will be pleased to learn that the mill pond is again home to a breeding pair of swans.

HIGHLAND GAMES

The spirit of Scotland will be on show at the prestigious Ardrossan Highland Games this Sunday (8 June) with the gates opening at 10.30 am with entrance a modest £1. There are a host of attractions and stalls and doubtless many Beithites will enjoy a jaunt ‘doon the coast’ to enjoy the fun of this spectacular event.

REUNION

A special reunion takes place in Beith Bowling Club tomorrow evening (Saturday). Several members of the Spiers School class of 1949 have organised a quiet get-together and those attending include well known Beithites, Billy Steel, Ian Hamilton, Ian Smith with Freda Nelson and her husband, Jim Bustard. They were all pupils at Spiers in 1949 and look forward to travelling back on those halcyon wings of time as they relive part of their happy school days of yesteryear. 

BEITH LIBRARY

Beith library has been busy of late with a number of children learning more about the joy of reading books. Last week Beith High and Beith Trinity Playgroups visited the library and had great fun browsing as well as getting a story from the librarian. This week Beith Primary classes 3 and 4 will be visiting. One of the success stories is the introduction of ‘surprise books.’ As an alternative to the children choosing their own stories, the librarians have selected a variety of stories for boys and girls which are gift wrapped in paper. From all reports, the youngsters are enjoying picking a surprise book and they only find out the title when they get home. Whe the packages are scanned, the librarians are able to advise the youngsters if a book might be unsuitable viz girls book picked by a boy. As previously reported in the Herald, the library now supply a range of DVDs as well as record CDs, tapes and videos, all at modest prices and these, too, are proving very popular with customers.

FARMERS

Local farmers are taking advantage of the excellent weather so far this year and a number of them are already cutting grass to make silage. Tom and Robin Boyd of South Barr, Barrmill were seen doing just that earlier last week. The good weather experienced between February and May this year has been warmly welcomed by the farmers, allowing them to push on with tasks which in previous years would have proved impossible because of wet fields. 

CHAS FUND RAISING

Strange goings on at Beith Co-op last Saturday morning! Actually it was hair-raisingly spectacular. As well as purchasing messages, customers were offered a charitable haircut for a donation to popular childrens’ charity CHAS. When you correspondent called in on Saturday, Elaine McHardy of Beith’s Cedar Avenue was in the chair getting the full treatment, with local shoppers looking on in amazement as she received a full-blown haircut of the highest standard. Elaine was the fourth customer that morning to receive a charity rump. This was part of the Beith Co-ops continuing drive to raise funds for CHAS and their next event is a disco to be held in the Lounge of the Anderson Hotel from 8.00 pm till late and tickets, price £3, are available from the Co-op. Don’t worry, folksd, haircuts are definitely not on offer at the disco. Well, we hope not, anyway!

AGM

The AGM of Beith Juniors will be held in the pavilion, Bellsdale Park on Friday 6 June at 7.30 pm. A turnout is requested.

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.

BEITH ARTS

Beith Arts Guild's Exhibition in Beith Community Centre closed on Sunday after a successful week during which a lot of interest was expressed. Total number of paintings submitted was 299 with 28 in the portfolio (unframed) and the number of sales was 79. Attendance during the week was just over 600 and the Guild are grateful for the support given by artists, purchasers and visitors. The first of the concerts in the new session is on Sunday 21st September in the Community Centre and will be given by the R3 Tenors and Janet Henderson, mezzo soprano in a varied programme of songs and duets from operas and shows. More information will appear nearer the date, but locals are asked to note this diary date.

PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP

Beith Playpark Action Group (BPAG) are holding a concert this Sunday (8 June) in Beith Community Centre from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Tickets are £3 and £2 concession. Programmes and refreshments will be on sale. Tickets are available from any committee member or at Arabica Café. Main Street or for those who are slow off the mark, simply turn-up on the day. Amongst the talented youngsters who will entertain is North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year, Kenneth Blackburn and local school choirs and the famous Trinity Church Sunday Club choir.  Looks like being an afternoon of entertainment not-to-be-missed. The Playpark Action Group raised £344.18 from their bag pack at Beith Co-op. Their summer raffle was drawn last Friday evening and raised £700 for group funds and a list of winners is displayed in local shops.

Beith Playpark Action Group (BPAG) last week received the extremely disappointing news that their application to the Community Fund (The National Lottery) to finance the major part of the Beith playpark has been turned down. The letter from the Director for Scotland states: “We noted that the project was well planned and we recognised that comprehensive consultation had taken place. It was clear that your project was well supported by the local community. However, we did not award you a grant for this project at this time as we judged that this project’s primary focus was to improve the quality of life in the area rather than to directly tackle disadvantage.” Needless to say the committee of BPAG are deeply disappointed at this decision. The process required by the Community Fund as part of their application has taken over two years of intensive work. This has included extensive public consultation, design, competitive tendering, surveys, planning consent, local fund raising and other main grant funding applications. The input into this process by the hardworking committee of BPAG has been enormous. Some members and helpers have regularly given freely of their time and talents in the process, some contributing over 15 hours each week. The project has also had huge support form the public in Beith and district and individuals have made generous donations. Local fund raising events have been well supported. This setback makes it unlikely that the whole project will now be achieved in a single step. However, BPAG are determined to continue and, with the help of the local community, are aiming to install phase 1 of the project this summer. This includes the tennis courts and multi-sports area. BPAG have already raised the amazing sum of £28,000 and now need to find another £9,000 to cover the cost of the equipment and installation for phase 1. They also need to find money for the necessary ground works such as resurfacing, line marking and fence repairs. North Ayrshire Council’s Jack Mair, Facilities and Maintenance Officer, is currently investigating ways in which the council might be able to assist. BPAG are now busily looking at submitting grant applications to other agencies and grant providers to enable phase 1 to be fully completed this year. Everyone will join in congratulating BPAG committee on their outstanding work so far and it is indeed disappointing that their application to the Communities Fund was rejected on this occasion. More importantly, it’s great to see that they remain undaunted in their determination to see their plans through to fruition despite this set back. Local folk can help to ensure that phase 1 can go ahead by supporting the various fund raising events held by BPAG and by making a donation to them. Contact Audrey Rae on 506320 or chairperson, Winnie Buckley on 504941 or any member of BPAG.

APPEAL

Billy Long of Dalry is a regular patient at the John Lynch Renal Unit of Crosshouse Hospital. He is keen to organise some fund raising for the unit and is looking for volunteers which might be interested in setting up a support group for this specialist unit. He first fund raising effort is a Karaoke in the Turf Inn, Dalry tomorrow (Saturday), from 8.00 pm – midnight. The admission cost is £2 and there will be a raffle. Anyone wishing to support this event or help in others ways can contact Billy Long on 01294-833397 or simply drop in to the Turf on Saturday to support a good cause.

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. Mrs Crook can be contacted on 504179

GREENHILLS RURAL

Greenhills Rural held their last meeting of the session on 21 May in Barrmill Community Centre when a good turnout of ladies 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.

BROADBAND

A couple of locals in Beith are really champing at the bit waiting on the arrival of broadband being installed in the Beith telephone exchange. In order for this to happen, the magic figure of 350 locals must register an interest in broadband at www.bt.com for this to be achieved. Once you access the page on broadband all you need to do is type in your telephone number and you are registered. Dead simple! It is emphasised that registering does not tie the individual to taking broadband at all, or taking it from BT as a number of other internet providers can supply the service once a broadband facility is installed in the Beith exchange. By way of highlighting the difference, a local man downloaded a large file in Beith which took a staggering 48 minutes. He then downloaded the same file from the home of a friend in Paisley, where there is broadband and it took only 4 minutes for the download. The difference is like night and day. So, if you are a computer buff and would like to have the opportunity of speeding your way through the internet super-highway, register your interest as soon as possible on www.bt.com. At the time of writing the number registered in Beith was 197 so there is still a long way to go. This column will keep you updated on progress towards the magic 350 figure.

BEITH CROSS REGENERATION

Very obvious progress continues with the Beith Cross regeneration project which is receiving universal acclaim by locals as well as those with an interest in the town living firth of these shores. The completed dormers overlooking Eglinton Street and the almost completed slate work on the roof provides a noticeable difference. Last week the feature chimney pots were in place standing sentinel providing an interesting change in the skyline over the Cross and Eglinton Street when viewed from the Foley. Everyone is delighted at the progress of this flag-ship project which marks what is hoped will be the beginning of the regeneration of the historic buildings in the town. As part of the package of improvements in the historic town centre area, individuals and businesses within the regeneration area now have the opportunity to take advantage of the very generous 90% grants on offer to upgrade buildings. This seems like a dream-come-true opportunity and it is disappointing that the take-up rate has so far been poor. Look after the building and the building looks after you, is the old maxim. Meanwhile the work at the Cross is almost on schedule and hopefully this part of the town centre Regeneration will be complete in October 2003. Arabica Café and internet centre in Main Street has on display a most amazing wide angle photograph of the Cross and Eglinton which gives a panoramic and crystal clear view of the centre of Beith. This can be seen in the Main Street café. You can also view the changing face of the Cross as well as an interesting range of information about the town and district on a number of Beith-based internet sites such as www.arabicagroup.com, www.beith.org.uk, www.monkton-farleigh.freeserve.co.uk

 HAPPY CHAPPERS

Last week was the final session of the Beith whist club and for many it was a sad occasion. However, the happy-chappers will continue chap, chap, chapping with sore and skinned knuckles until they break for the holidays on 10 July and they and the card sharps resume on 12 August. On Tuesday the chapping champion was the astute, Mrs Ina McAuslane who seems to have been very prominent throughout the season. Second was Mrs M Carey with a three-way tie for third place between Mrs M Gardiner, Mrs A Gibson and Mrs A Smith. On Thursday there was a tie for first place between Mrs M Kennedy and Mrs E Carey with Mrs E Jamieson second and Mrs Ina McAuslane only managing third place. Jings, she must have had sore knuckles that day, eh! The whilst only took place on Tuesday with Mrs S Brennan taking pole position with Miss F McCreadie second and Mrs M McLeish third. So, just a brief reminder that the whist is now finished until 12 August, but the dominoes continue until 10 July and anyone wishing to take part will be made most welcome. For further information contact May McLeish on 502731.

CHAMPION DANCER

Jennifer Smith, 18, of Bellman’s Close has enjoyed Irish dancing for several years. She took part in a recent Scottish championship  competition in Carluke and returned to Beith with two trophies and six medals. She was second in the championship and fourth in the confined championship. She received three seconds and a third prize in the open and in the pre-open a second and fourth place. Jennifer is the daughter of April and James Smith and is likely to have taken her talent from her grandmother, well known Beithite, Joyce A Walker. Locals will recall that Joyce who had a varied stage career in her younger days as a dancer and singer under the stage name, Elizabeth Joyce. Indeed Joyce still performs locally at a variety of local concerts and charity events. Jennifer, who is following in the footsteps of her gran, is currently pursuing a course at Langside College, Glasgow, to become a child care worker. Well done, Jennifer.

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.

GUILD OUTING

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Church of Scotland Guild at Beith High Church are taking a jaunt down to bonny Galloway where they will spent much of the day in Castle Douglas. The bus leaves Grahamfield Place at 9.15 pm and thereafter to the usual pick-up points in Beith. A few seats are still available, for both men and women, so if you fancy a trip down to Castle Douglas contact Guild secretary, Sue Williams on 503381.