ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 20 JULY 2003
PHOTOS AS JPEG ATTACHMENTS
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
PHOTOS
92
CAPPED: Moira Kinniburgh of Beith recently graduated with a BA (Hons) from the Open University. See Beith local notes.
(SP)
GOLF
On a glorious July day last week, over 40 young golfers from all over Ayrshire and Renfewshire took part in the Grangehill Junior Open at Beith Golf Club. An excellent day was had by all. The course was in fine condition, this mainly due to the hard work of Marshall Sloss and his team of greens staff. The young people who played were kept fed and watered by efforts of Linda and Roberta and the rest of the staff in the clubhouse.
There were many prizes at stake mainly because of the generosity of our sponsors. This year once again our main sponsor was Mr Peter Ross of Grangehill. The following also assisted the junior section by sponsoring individual trophies in each class, namely, Iain McDonald, Lesley and Robyn Menzies, David Harkness and Maurice Irvine. In addition to this the junior section have had donations from Iron Bru, Wilson sporting goods and Gerry Reilly, PGA professional Lochwinnoch Golf Club. In the evening the prize giving was held in the clubhouse were an excellent turn out of participants their parents and friends was present to see the ladies Captain Marie Woods hand out the prizes together with words of encouragement to all. On behalf of the juniors at Beith Golf Club Junior Section Convener, James Waite, passes on his thanks to everyone who made the day a success and especially the main sponsor, Mr Peter Ross.
Results from the Beith Golf Club Grangehill Junior Open
Nearest the pin
5th Hole: Martin Bell West Kilbride Golf Club
9th Hole: Greg Roriston Turnberry Golf Club
11th Hole: Fraser Bell Beith Golf Club
14th Hole: David Shewan Largs Kelburn Golf Club
17th Hole:
Longest Drive
1st Class: Steven McEwan Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club
2nd Class: John Johnstone Caldwell Golf Club
3rd Class: Gary Craig Beith Golf Club
3rd Class Winners:
5th: Ian Ryrie Beith Golf Club
4th: Craig Lawson Beith Golf Club
3rd: Chris Lawson Beith Golf Club
2nd: James Craine Beith Golf Club
1st: David Shewan Largs Kelburn Golf Club
2nd Class Winners:
5th: Greg Roriston Turnberry Golf Club
4th: John Johnstone Caldwell Golf Club
3rd: Micheal McCulloch Beith Golf Club
2nd: Craig McGlynn Irvine Ravenspark Golf Club
1st: Craig Wilson Beith Golf Club
1st Class Winners:
3rd: Jonathon Gilmour Lochwinnoch Golf Club
2nd: Nick Faulds Turnberry Golf Club
1st: Ian Lloyd Caldwell Golf Club
Scratch Winner:
Steven McEwan Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club (Gross 72)
Overall Winner:
Martin Bell West Kilbride Golf Club (Net 65)
BEITH PLAYPARK ACTION GROUP
Beith Playpark Action Group intimate with regret that due to unforeseen circumstances, they have had to cancel the planned fund raising coffee morning/pianathon. They pass on their apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused to anyone.
HENRY FAULDS
The Henry Faulds Society gratefully acknowledge a grant received from North Ayrshire Council Local Grants Committee towards running costs. The National Fingerprint Training Centre at Durham have been very interested in the progress of the society and send their congratulations on progress towards establishing a fitting memorial to the Beith born pioneer of fingerprint science. Indeed they have asked for help from the Society regarding the provision of information about establishing a data base of publications making reference to Dr Henry Faulds and the information has been provided to them. In conjunction with the University of Durham, the National Fingerprint Training Centre is considering setting a question to fingerprint degree students on the subject of Dr Henry Faulds and this has been triggered by the formation and progress of the Beith based Henry Faulds Society. The Society have now managed to raise just over £2,000 from mainly local sources and enquiries are ongoing regarding making a bid to a major lottery funder in the coming weeks. Anyone wishing to keep abreast of developments can access the official site on: www.henryfaulds.org or contact the secretary, Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or email: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com
ST. INAN’S ANGLING CLUB
Despite the reasonable weather, and good rises of fish, the amiable anglers of the famous St Ian’s Angling Club have apparently found great difficulty hooking the foxy fish housed in Kirkleegreen Reservoir over the past two weeks. Where have the trout been hiding, has been the anxious cry of the uphappy fishermen, too many of them having to return home to glumly report empty bags. However, although the trout are presently somewhat scarce, environmental improvement work is continuing on the outside of the fishing hut, and along the banks of the reservoir, particularly along the east side, where a large amount of bracken has again been cut. Members are reminded that the West Trophy will be re-fished on Saturday 26th July, from 10 am until 4pm. Since the competition for the club championship is very close the results of this competition could be crucial. A good turnout of local anglers is requested.
BEITH BOWLING CLUB
On Saturday ,12th July 2003, the happy bowlers of Beith played their annual friendly game against Shawlands BC at Beith. This game was started by William Crawford, a past president of Beith in 1938 and has been going strong ever since. Mind you, the Shawlands lads are master bowlers because it was 1998 when Beith last won it. Needless to say the Beith lads were once again trailing in second place. VP Brian Monk gave a hearty vote of thanks to all those who took part, to the caterers Avril & Sandra Smith for a excellent meal and also to the bar staff for helping the day go with a swing. Last Sunday, 46 Beithites took part in the Craig Cup, which is a three bowl pairs competition. Through to the semi finals were Scott Glen and Ann McCorquodale against Liz McDonald and Tom ‘Pie’ Irvine; and Betty Clark and Charlie Thomson against Sadie Lochhead and Jim McFadzean. The final was played under clear blue skies with the winning pair of Betty Clark and Charlie Thomson beating Scott Glen and Ann McCorquodale in the final. President Charlie Fairns announced the winners and the sponsor of the Craig Cup, Jacqui Shanaghey, presented the cup and prizes to the winners. VP Brian Monk thanked the sponsor and hoped Jacqui would continue to sponsor the competition for many years to come. He then went on to thank the Ladies for providing the sandwiches, tea and Coffee, and not forgetting the bar staff who kept the drouth away on what was a very hot day. He also thanked Ann Glen for selling the raffle tickets, raising £150 which was donated to the Building Fund. Many thanks to all who donated prizes and everyone who parted with their hard -earned cash. President Charlie then thanked Brian Monk for running the game on the day. An exciting final for the GVBA Top Ten took place at Beith BC between Dalry and Kilbirnie Bowling Club last Monday night. With both teams scoring four points each, it was a shame someone had to loose, and unfortunately it was Kilbirnie BC by only three shots. Congratulations to Dalry BC on winning the Top Ten. Last Wednesday three rinks from the Beith Ladies Section travelled to Lochwinnoch BC for a friendly game of bowls. They had a very good day despite loosing by only two shots.
The Ladies Wapinschaw on Wednesday, 16th July, was won by pairs skipped by Ann Wriggley and lead Georgie Parker. The Prizes were kindly donated by Immediate Past President Rose Rae. Four youngsters turned up for the Friday afternoon coaching session. Once again, due to the poor weather conditions, it was a pairs competition on the indoor carpet, with Hannah Main and Steven Warnock winning by one shot against Stewart Marshall and Jamie O' Hara. President Charlie Fairns welcomed 24 members, including the sponsor himself, to the annual two bowl pairs competition for the William McMillan Trophy, which was played on Saturday 19th July. William McMillan who now resides in the Nairn area of Scotland, had to leave early to meet up with his good lady to celebrate their Wedding Anniversary, so Willie McDougall kindly stepped in to present his prizes. These went to the winning pair, lead Willie Smith and skip Duncan Meldrum. Runners-up were lead Jim McFadzean and skip Brian Monk. Willie McDougall then gave a special thanks to the Sponsor Willie McMillan, the ladies Rose Rae & Netta Hunter for the sandwiches and tea, George behind the bar for serving the drinks and all the members who played in the competition.
Last Sunday, President Charlie Fairns welcomed 37 Member of Beith BC to the annual round robin, Plott & Cochrane Cup Competition. In a keenly fought final between Jim McFadzean, Sadie McMeechan, Ella Marr and Lena Paton against Donald McCorquodale, Andy Dick, Pat Longridge and Marty Wilson, it was down to the last bowl, delivered by young Donald McCorquodale and his team, which secured their victory. The Cup was presented by the sponsor Desmond Plott who thanked all who took part and made the day such a success despite the frequent heavy showers. Finally, President Charlie thanked the sponsor Desmond Plott, Match Secretary Alex ‘Smiler’ Wilson, the ladies Meta & Greta for the tea & sandwiches and genial barmaid Gill for making sure the bowlers were well-watered.
END TO END
The pedalling polis of Beith, Brian Smith, continues to make good progress on his challenging, charitable cycle ride from John o’ Groats to Lands End. Brian, who lives in Beith’s Crummock Gardens, set off from John o’ Groats on 5 July as he began his epic cycle ride all the way down the length of Britain to Lands End. At the time of writing (Sunday 20 July) the end was almost in sight for the super-cyclist and the last leg of his sojourn sees him pedalling just over three hundred miles through Telford, Monmouth, Bridgewater, Great Torrington and Truro and finally reaching Land’s End on 23 July. In fact by the time you read this Brian will have finished his journey and will no doubt be soaking in a well-earned hot bath before enjoying a celebratory meal with his wife, Margaret, who is meeting him at journey’s end. Brian hopes that through his efforts he will have helped to raise funds for Beith Cancer Support Group and for CHAS who are endeavouring to establish a children’s hospice at Balloch on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Sponsor forms are still available in a number of shops in the town and in the library and all donations will help two very worthwhile charities. Isn’t it wonderful that Brian is able to fulfil a personal ambition of cycling the ‘end to end’ and in the process of doing that he will have benefited local charities. Well done, Brian!
KESTERAL BADMINTON
The list of award recipients at the presentation of prizes at Beith Kestrel Badminton Club recently appeared in the Herald. The following results were not included at that time. Monthly points winners were Courtney Holliday, Martin McLean, Sarah Cooper, Cameron Clark, Nicole Anthony and Craig Andrew. The sportsperson of the year winner was David Gray. Congratulations to everyone at the Kestrels.
RANGER SUPPORTERS
This Sunday all roads lead to Bellsdale Park where the top-notch ballmen of Beith Juniors play host to a mighty Rangers select in what is likely to see a capacity crowd for the opening of the revamped Bellsdale Park. The game kicks-off at 2.00 pm, so make sure you don’t miss this special day by getting a much-sought-after ticket priced £5 from local outlets. A superb job of work has been carried out by the dedicated band of worker-supporters who have grafted well above and beyond the call of duty to bring this project to fruition and give the juniors a state-of-the-art park. That the opening is being marked by a visit of the trophy-laden Rangers team will doubtless be reward enough for those who made this project happen. The Beithites deserve maximum support from locals in the exciting season which lies ahead. The Beith-Rangers game is proving to be a great boon for the town and particularly so for the local Saracen Rangers Supporters Club who are already gearing up for the new season full of hope and expectation after the memorable trophy-laden days of last season which they doubtless hope their heroes will repeat this year. Mind you, they might have mixed emotions about the outcome of this spellbinding game. The Bellsdale game means that the Saracen lads will not even have to leave Beith to enjoy seeing their local and visiting heroes do friendly battle at Bellsdale. The new premier league season, long-awated by local Rangers supporters, kicks-off on 9 August, but even before that a series of friendly games means that the latter part of July will see joyous locals once again unable to attend the domestic bliss of Saturday morning shopping sessions because of match-day preparations including compulsory choir practice when the tonsils will echo to songs old and new. The local Rangers Saracen Supporters Club intimate that subscriptions are now due for the new season and those intending using the ‘bus regularly should intimate same to John on 01505-500264. Those wishing to attend pre-season friendly games should contact Andy on 01505-503928 or Jim Reid on 01505-504548.
FORTHCOMING BOOK
A new limited edition book entitled, Beith Bygones – A Pictorial Journey Down Memory Lane, by Donald L Reid will be published towards the end of August. The book is dedicated to the memory of Sheila Pearson (1950 – 2002), a very popular Beithite. The rough proofs of the book have now been returned to the typesetter for updating and the book is on schedule for delivery towards the middle of August. The book contains a great mixture of old a new photographs of people, places and events pertaining to Beith and District including 140 photographs many of which are published for the first time. Anyone wishing to reserve a copy of the limited edition book, price £7-50, is asked to contact Donald L Reid on 503801 or add their name, address and telephone to a list in Beith library or E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. It is pleasing to report that advance orders have come flooding in not only from locals but from Canada and USA. All funds raised from royalties, which honours the memory of Sheila Pearson, one of Beith’s best known citizens, will benefit the Henry Faulds Society with a donation to Beith and Gateside Primary Schools.
CAPPED
Moira Kinniburgh of Beith’s Glebe Road recently graduated BA (Hons) at the Open University after several years of demanding study. Moira is the daughter of well known Beithites, Edward and Rita Christie. Miora is very keen on keeping fit and every morning she can be seen striding out around the byways of Beith as she thoroughly enjoys a brisk stroll, irrespective of the weather. She is also well known in Kilbirnie where she is an assistant librarian in the town’s library. As well as encouraging others to read, Moira is also a skilled pensman and was co-author with Fiona Burke of the popular local reminiscence book, Kilbirnie and Glengarnock – Shared Memories which was published in 1995. Congratulations on your success, Moira!
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Billy Haining, organiser of the Beith Branch of Ayrshire Cancer Support Group intimates that the group gratefully acknowledge receipt of a donation of £144-95 from Isobel Shields, daughter of the late Tom Shields, and donated by friends of Tom.
GARDENING
The Barrmill gardeners are working hard making sure that their gardens are in pristine condition in the knowledge that the judging of the best kept garden which will take place between 2nd week in July and the second week in August. The presentation to winners will take place in the community centre on 14 August at 7.30 pm.
ROADS DEPARTMENT
North Ayrshire Council Roads Department have earned a big thank you from Garnock Valley Disability Group. The group recently requested that a kerb be lowered in New Street, Beith, to facilitate a local wheel-chair bound member in crossing the road. This work has now been completed and the individual who will benefit is delighted. So, well done North Ayrshire Council Roads Department.
PLAYGROUP
Beith Community Centre Playgroup meet every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30 am – 11.45 am in Beith Community Centre. Registrations are now being taken for the new session which begins in August 2003. Children aged 2 ½ – 5 years will be made most welcome. Contact Ellan on 506403 for further information.
SPEED CAMERA
It was recently highlighted in the Herald that a speed camera was likely to be located on Dalry Road. Local residents have asked that it be made clear that they have no objection to the speed camera, but were more concerned that its likely location would make it difficult for pedestrians to pass along Dalry Road which is currently very narrow at the proposed location for the camera. The box, apparently designed to gather for traffic movement data, recently positioned in Dalry Road near to Balfour Avenue, is already creating such problems and mothers with prams have apparently had to move onto the roadway to pass this structure. Readers will be kept abreast of developments.
FUND RAISING
Jim and Sady Brown, well known Beithites who regularly organise events to raise funds for charities, advise that Ann Blair, barmaid in the Masonic Arms, raised £92 following a recent 15 mile sponsored walk. The total amount raised from this walk amounted to £160-50 and everyone involved is thanked for their support.
MARATHON
Nilkla Jacobson of Beith, a nursery mum at Kids R Us, has offered to raise sponsorship via the Glasgow half marathon to be held on 7 September. Anyone wishing to sponsor Nikla can do so by using sponsor sheets either in Cross Pharmacy or Arabica Café or by phone committee member Audrey on 506320, Joyce on 503459. All funds raised will be donated to Beith Playpark Action Group.
SCHOOL REUNION
Everyone loves to journey down memory lane to those happy halcyon days of yesteryear. And if you attended Garnock Academy beginning in August 1982 you, too, could be about to enjoy sharing those happy school days with former school friends. Beithites, Cariona Robb (nee McInnes) and Melanie Packman (nee Pearson) are organising a school reunion to be held in the Dalry Inn on 19 September. Why not go along and find out what your old school friends and some of your teachers are doing now? For further information contact Catriona on 01505-504798 or Melanie on 01505-506872. There has already been a great demand for tickets for this event, so if you want to journey down memory lane with your school pals, contact Catriona or Melanie soon and pickup your ticket price £8.
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.
BEITH TRINITY CHURCH PLAYGROUP
Beith Trinity Church Playgroup are now taking registrations now for session 2003-2004. The Playgroup is staffed and managed by qualified and highly experienced personnel and works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and offers funded places for 3 – 5 year olds. Places are also available for children from 2 years on a pay-as-you-go basis. Recent fund raising and lottery awards means that the group will benefit from over £3,000 worth of new equipment which will greatly enhance the presentation of learning experiences within the play setting. For more information why no drop into Trinity Church Hall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9.15 am and 12 noon and have a chat with play leaders Lesley, Sharon and Jane or call the chairperson, Lyn Brown on 01505-506135.
TEL NUMBER
In the recent edition of the Beith Safety Gazette the telephone number of Kilbirnie Police shows the wrong STD code. If you wish to contact Kibirnie Police the number is 01505-682677 and in an emergency simply dial 999.
THE INFORMER
The latest edition (July – September) of the Informer Newspaper, the voice of the community and volutary sector in North Ayrshire, was published last week. The newspaper is widely distributed throughout North Ayrshire and copies are available in Beith library. The front page contains a major article entitled: Dr Henry Faulds – Beith’s Pioneer of Fingerprints. The newspaper runs to eight pages and contains a huge amount of interesting information and advice including articles about how to succeed with lottery funding applications and information about trusts and charities. The publishers, the Council for Voluntary Service North Ayrshire (CVSna) will even help you to access funders applicable to your particular project. Well known Barrmillian, Margaret Montgomery of Barrmill Community Association is on the editorial team of The Informer and the newspaper is looking for articles for their next edition to be in the hands of the editorial team by 14 August. Contact the editor, CVSna, 1a Winton Buildings, Ardrossan KA22 8HT. Tel 01294-473139 or e-mail: cvsna@btconnect.com.
BARRMILL JOLLY BEGGARS
Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club are presently working on a book to commemorate the diamond jubilee of the club which was formed in Barrmill in 1944. Anyone who has particular memories about the club over the years is cordially invited to contact the secretary, Donald L Reid on 503801. Part of the book will be short pieces of only a few sentences reflecting personal recollections of local folk about the club and its members of yesterday and today. The club are very grateful to North Ayrshire Council Local Grants committee for a grant which will help in producing this publication.
DISABILITY FORUM
Garnock Valley Disibility Forum members are are reminded that the meeting on 30 July takes the form of a barge trip to Kirkintilloch. The weekend holiday to Blackpool will be held from 10 – 13 October. Anyone requiring further information contact forum secretary, Jean Gilbert on 01505-502521.
JUDO
M-A-S Judo Club meet in the old Harriers Hut, Gateside Crossroads, Beith, each Tuesday from 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm. The premises have recently been fully refurbished and brought up to a good standard. The club currently has fifteen members and new members will be made very welcome. Simply attend at the club or contact the club coach, Steven Smith on 07944-658023 for further information.
