The town’s newspaper for February, 18 1865 was full of interesting news. Mr Alexander’s writing class re-commenced earlier in the month and absent pupils were being admonished for not submitting their work. Mr Alexander was also about to  start similar classes in Kilbirnie for a two week trial period.

A hand-bill had been circulating about the town which was of interest to the ‘able-bodied poor’ who were encouraged to attend a meeting of the Parochial Board to look to their own interests. The matter to be discussed was whether a certain sum of money bequeathed to the poor of Beith in 1812, (known as the Blair Legacy and Border Farm) was still to be kept under trust on behalf of the poor of the town or alternatively it was to be handed to the control of the Parochial Board who would then dispose of the profitable investment at the expense of the poor, and thus lighten the poor-rates of the present generation.

Eleven rinks of Kilbirnie curlers met a similar number of their Beith counterparts on the eastern end of Kilbirnie Loch. After a keen competition of 21 ends the Beith folks were found to be winners by 15 shots.

Mrs Spiers of Marshyland, who for many years has taken an interest in the schools in the town, gave her usual treat for the pupils and teachers attending them, in the Parish school room. The Rev Andrew Browne, minister of the parish, gave a suitable address, after which the company, number over 200, were handsomely regaled. A Magic Lantern show was given which gave great satisfaction to the juvenile section of the audience. Mrs Spiers has also contributed to a fund for the purchase of Bibles to the children attending the schools.