ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2003
039
NEW KIT: The happy members of Beith Town Boys Club Under 14 squad are delighted to receive kit from Ken Carson, director of Intelligent Move, better known locally as Team Birrell, who have offices throughout North Ayrshire.
(SP)
040
BEITH BABES BLACKPOOL BOUND: Six of the departing Beith Babes from Kids ‘R’ Us Playgroup who enjoyed an away weekend in Blackpool.
(Photo: Donald L Reid – SP)
NEWS ITEMS
DEATH OF REV DAVID BROSTER
It is with deep regret that Beithites learned of the passing of Rev David Broster of St Columbas Church, Kilbirnie on Thursday 25 September in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock. Rev Broster had been ill for several months, but had been a great example of someone who fought his illness head-on right to the very end. Indeed he had only recently returned to his charge at Kilbirnie but was again overtaken by illness in the past weeks. David Broster was a dedicated minister and a lively preacher who was caring and compassionate in all his dealings with the public and was greatly loved by his congregation. In addition to his duties at St Columbas, he was Clerk to the Presbytery of Ardrossan which involved a tremendous amount of additional and often onerous duties. In thinking of the qualities which were special to this preacher these would include dedication; hard working; caring, compassionate, thoughtful, encouraging of others and wise. A sociable man, he was very much an organisations person and enjoyed the company of his fellow man. For many years Rev Broster was a key member of Garnock Valley Crime Prevention Panel, serving as chairman for a length period and leading them in a variety of local initiatives. A keen curler, he was a past president of Beith Morrisonhill club. As someone who embraced new technology, he was skilled in computing and was ahead of his time in terms of using this technology for the church and the Presbytery, developing innovative web sites and using the internet for speed of communication. He would also willingly take on tasks for others such as typesetting books and would decline acknowledgement, the only indication of his involvement being a few words, typeset by Mr B, Kilbirnie. A dedicated Rotarian, he was a past president of Rotary Club of Garnock Valley and was always at the forefront of their many and varied community activities. He was never one to sit in the background, but relished the challenge of getting his sleeves rolled up and helping in whatever way he could. Keen to promote youth activities, for many years David was a member of the Garnock Valley Youth Panel which aimed to promote facilities for young people. David Broster was one who relished involvement and the more involved he was the better. He was a first class administrator with communications skills to match, vital tools in his role as Clerk to the Presbytery of Ardrossan. There is no doubt that the passing of Rev David Broster will leave a yawning chasm in the Presbytery of Ardrossan and his wise counsel will be missed by many. Rev Broster was very well known throughout the Garnock Valley and everyone will join in sending their condolensces to his wife Margaret and daughters, Sian and Bethan. This now leaves three vacancies for ministers in Garnock Valley churches, namely Dalry Trinity, St Columbas’s Kilbirnie and Beith High.
ACCIDENT
About 1.00 pm last Wednesday (24 September) an unusual accident occurred in McHardy Crescent, Barrmill. Driven by a stranger to the area, a large articulated lorry bound for the nearby Defence Munitions Depot, missed the turning into the factory which is situated 1 mile nearer Beith. On entering Barrmill village the driver realised his mistake. He then attempted to reverse the articulated vehicle from Dunlop Road towards McHardy Crescent and in the process the lorry collided with the wooden power pole and brought down a live power cable. This resulted in electric currents sparking on the roadway and subsequent power failure to villagers homes. One local resident who witnessed the accident was alarmed to see sparks flying from the cables as they struck the roadway and ran off fearing for his safety. Fortunately no one was injured. However, the road was closed for a short time until the cables were repaired. The local police and MOD Police were present during this time.
ORDER OF FREE GARDENERS
Archie Chalmers of Stewarton is seeking information for ongoing research he is carrying out about various Orders of Free Garders including Thistle Lodge in Kilwinning, Olive Lodge in Dalry, Rose of Garnock in Kilbirnie and Robert Burns Lodge in Beith. These were types of Friendly Societies which existed to help members in time of illness and unemployment. Any information can be passed to the Beith correspondent.
RSPB
Diary date! The next talk at RSPB Lochwinnoch is on Wednesday 5 November: Sharing your home with wildlife (7.30 – 9.00pm). Hear about all the creepy crawlies and wildlife that you share your home with, often without realising! This is an illustrated talk by Liz Parsons, of Starling Learning who provide the educational program at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve.
JABS
Beith Health Centre are holding a series of flu’ clinics during the month of October. Those who are recommended to have the flu jab are those age 65 or over or those who will be 65 before March 2004. Anyone who is under 65 and suffers from any chronic heart, kidney or lung disease or are asthmatic, diabetic or undergoing chemotherapy treatment are also recommended to have the jab. For further information either drop in to the surgery or telephone 015505-502683.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Beith and District Community Council are looking for nominations from you of individuals who reside in the Parish of Beith who are very special. The annual Citizen of the Year is an honour conferred on someone who works in a voluntary capacity in the community. It may be someone who excels in voluntary community work; an individual who goes the extra mile and shows special commitment above and beyond the call of duty. Perhaps you know someone, irrespective of age, whose work in a voluntary role is worthy of commendation. All you have to do is write a brief letter outlining the reasons for your nomination and send it to: William McRoberts, Beith and District Community Council,12 Montgomery Avenue, Beith. Entries must be received by 12 noon on Tuesday 29 October. Three simple rules apply. The nominees must reside in the Parish of Beith. Members of the Community Council are ineligible for nomination and will form the panel of judges whose decision will be final. The nominations should be given in writing and highlight the particular voluntary work of the individual. The presentation of the Citizen of the Year 2003 will take place in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 21 November and will take the form of a Cheese and Wine evening. Tickets are £4 and available from any member of the Community Council. Everyone is now under starters orders. Wrack your brains for a worthy nominee and get writing!
SAFETY FORUM
Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum in partnership with the Department of Trading Standards, will be holding a mini conference for members of the general public to attend. This mini conference will be held in Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie on Thursday 2nd October 2003 at 10:30am to approximately 12 noon. The Department of Trading Standards wish to inform 'you' on this day of the Dangers of Fireworks and Fireworks Safety, Defective Toy Hazards, Fair Trade, and how try and avoid accidents for the elderly. Tea and Coffee will be provided, please come along to this very interesting talk.
The Committee would also like to say a big thank you to Jim Cummings the Tutor for St Andrews Ambulance who has just completed Tutoring another successful First Aid Training Course for us. Congratulations to all who attended and good luck with your new certificates. A get together for all First Aiders will be organised in the near future. The next meeting for the Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum will be held on Thursday 9th October at 7:30pm all members of the public are invited to attend and inform us of issues which affect them.
LADY BOWLERS
Around fifty of Beith’s finest lady bowlers headed out on a jaunt to Edinburgh last Saturday morning. Armed with credit cards and bawbees sufficient to give their nervous partners apoplexy, the joyful ladies were determined to make the best of this away day, described by one woman as ‘a shop till we drop mission.’ After enjoying a day of shopping and a fine lunch they then headed down Leith way to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Thereafter it was once again nose bag time and they savoured a sumptuous high tea before heading back to Beith. On arrival worried partners were seen to frown as the champion bowlers left the coach heavily laden with bags and bags of expensive goodies. No doubt this retail therapy day will be repeated next year and the lady bowlers will be smiling for months to come. The worried men folk should remember that only a few weeks ago they returned from their famous tours of Perthshire and Ireland, which puts thing in perspective and probably leads to a win-win situation. Happy bowling, happy touring and happy shopping!
BEITH JUNIORS WEB SITE
A brand new web site has been recently
launched to highlight the activities of Beith Juniors. It was developed by
Tommy McAdam who used to be on the Beith Juniors committee and wanted to give
the town’s Junior team some presence on the world wide web. The strange thing is
that, although the site is regularly updated, Tommy actually lives and works in
Bermuda where he has been since March this year. Mind you, the sun doesn’t
always shine in Bermuda. Tommy recently had to sit out a hurricane! The site has
results, fixtures, news, statistics and history as well as other informative
articles
and photographs. The address of the site is
http://www.eteamz.com/beithjuniorsfc/
Tommy’s e-mail address should anyone wish to contact him is
tommy@beithjuniorsfc.com. Tommy is keen to receive photographs of Beith
junior teams of yesteryears and any interesting anecdotes which he may include
on the web page.
CAMERA CLUB
Beith Camera Club President Alastair
Knox gave another demonstration at the Community Centre on Thursday evening of
some more of the amazing powers
of digital imaging software. He used a digital projector to display images
stored on a laptop computer. Starting with a typical camera club picture, a
rather ordinary highland scene with a loch and distant mountains, Alastair
showed how it could be improved using Photoshop software. First he straightened
the horizon. Then he used the Levels function in the software to check the
distribution of pixels in the image. This revealed an absence
of black and white tones. A simple adjustment improved the picture's contrast a
great deal. Alastair then explored the use of the sharpening filter. He stressed
that it is easy to make pictures look unrealistic by excessive use of this
feature. He completed his work on the picture using the Mask function to
introduce an impression of recession within the
landscape. Alastair emphasised the importance of making subtle adjustments
rather than over-obvious ones. He also stressed the need to use the layers
function to work on a copy of the picture to avoid losing the original image.
Alastair's words of wisdom were eagerly noted down by the club members. Alastair
concluded the evening with a remarkable demonstration of the ease with which
photographs can be converted into virtual paintings in a variety of styles.
Beith Camera Club meet every Thursday night in the community centre and new
members will be made most welcome.
HMS DASHER TALK
Ardrossan based author, John Steele will be giving an illustrated talk today (Friday) in Biggert Hall, Trinity Church. Dalry at 2.00 pm to members of Dalry Leisure Club. John is vice president of Beith and District Writers Group. Entitled "The Mystery of HMS Dasher Resolved,” he will reveal more of the fascinating history of this naval disaster which was shrouded in war time secrecy. John and Noreen Steele have spent countless hours researching the history of HMS Dasher which sank between Arran and Ardrossan on 27 March 1943 with loss of 379 lives. This was to be one of the largest catastrophes in British naval history when the converted aircraft carrier blew up and sank in the Firth of Clyde. This is a fascinating talk which includes links to the Man Who Never Was - the allied ruse to deceive the Germans about the likely point of mainland Europe invasion.
BOOT SALE
Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) apologise for the last minute cancellation of the car boot sale due to be held last Sunday. Unfortunately, there were only a few car booters interested in supporting this fund raising event.
COURSES
Arabica Bistro & Internet Café located above the Riverhills Chinese are offering a first for the community of Beith in the form of free introductory internet courses throughout October. The course is aimed at the first time users and is software assisted. Spaces are limited so interested parites should book early to be guaranteed a place. All participants will receive a free disc which is titled, Internet Made Easy. This package has been developed by the Scottish Executive’s Open Scotland and Learn Direct Team. This software will assist the user through friendly interactive menus to help develop there skills in computing. You can also learn how to burn CDs, laminate and bind documents and a whole host of other office related facilities or on offer which will prove invaluable. Assistance can also be given in the preparation CVs and guidance given on interview techniques. The courses will be held in the new Digital Media Centre located in the second level of the Bistro which is open for members of the community to use. The Internet Access Point will be open from 9am till 4.30pm at a cost of £1.00 per hour. The Official Memorial site of Dr Henry Faulds is hosted from here and gives a great insight to a great scientific discovery, the fingerprint. Other sites hosted from Arabic Centre include www.arabicagroup.com /www.northayrshire.co.uk /www.henryfaulds.com / www.beithbowlingclub.co.uk. The business community are also reminded that the launch of the new local business directory aimed at putting all the local shops and trade services within the community onto the internet. This will create a better awareness to community members as regards what Beith has to offer and give all the business people of the town a window of opportunity to sell themselves. The cost for this service starts at £20.00 per year for a full page hosting with images. All proceeds raised from the sale of adverting space will go towards running the community web site www.beith.com which is shortly to be launched. Packs are already being widely distributed but if you have not received one please call 01505 504489 or contact Christine at the Cross Pharmacy.
MAS JUDO CLUB
MAS club have had some recent success with Amanda Henderson of Beith’s Manuel Avenue recently winning a gold medal at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow in the age-band category. Congratulations also go to Fraser Reid who has attained his red belt. MAS Judo Club meet at the Harriers Hut each Tuesday night at 6.30 pm. New members will be made most welcome.
AGM
Beith St John’s No 157 are holding their AGM in the Masonic Lodge at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 2 October. A good turnout is requested of all brethren.
BARRMILL COMM ASS
Barrmill Community Association announce that the Art Class will resume on Monday, 6 October at 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm in the community centre. The tutor is Matt Hope. The cost is £2-50 per class. Everyone welcome.
COUNCILLOR SURGERY
Councillor Ian Richardson will be holding his next surgery in Barrmill Community Centre on Monday 13 October from 6.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
TODDLER GROUP
Plans are afoot to organise a baby and toddler group in the Patrick Memorial Hall, Gateside. The group would meet from 9.00 am until 11.00 am and there would be a variety of activities to keep the little ones busy as well as play facilities and snacks. The mothers would also enjoy adult conversation and share stories and experiences. Interested? Contact Gill on 01505-500010 or May on 01505-503193.
ST INAN’S ANGLING CLUB
The St Inan Anglers have found fishing has been good this week with about thirty fish recorded, including one superb rainbow weighing 4lbs. Unfortunately, there have been a number of poachers spotted fishing in the last few weeks, and members are asked to call the police if they spot poachers, but are not advised to tackle them.
MENS FELLOWSHIP
Trinity Mens Fellowship members are advised that the winter session begins with
a games night on Monday 6th October at 7.00pm in Trinity Church Hall. The group
will warmly welcome any new members, and men are encouraged to come along to
enjoy the wide programme which alternates games nights, snooker, carpet bowls
and darts, with a variety of interesting speakers covering a diverse range of
subjects.
1st BEITH BBs
1st Beith BBs continue their Friday night meetings in the BB Hall.
Last Friday the BBs continued with a program of physical activities. Numbers,
although lower than usual, are remaining steady and there is always room for
more members. They boys who come along each week are enthusiastic and we would
encourage any boys in the appropriate age group to give it a try.
GARNOCK ACADEMY
The Young Enterprise Team at Garnock Academy are currently planning their special project for the year. They are about to begin a project that will see them publishing a book of photographs of Garnock Academy pupils and staff down through the years. They are keen to obtain photographs for inclusion in this book and anyone with photographs of any events at Garnock from the inception of the school until now are cordially invited to send their photographs to the Young Enterprise team via the school office. It would be helpful if details of those in the photograph and the event and approximate date could be recorded on the back of the photograph together with the name and address of the sender. So, come on ex Garnockians, dig deep into your own personal photographic archives to help the enterprising youngsters produce a fabulous book taking everyone on a happy journey down memory lane. The Garnock Academy Young Enterprise team have regularly appeared in the Scottish finals of this event. So, with your help, the planned reminiscence project could see them scaling new heights. A number of interesting photographs have been received, but many more are requested.
NEW BOOK
A new limited edition book entitled, Beith Bygones – A Pictorial Journey Down Memory Lane, by Donald L Reid is now on sale priced at £5.99 at several outlets in Beith including Burns, Newsagent, Eglinton Street; Arabica Bistro, Main Street; Brighstparks at the Strand; McConnell Florist and Chatterbox Café both in Main Street or direct from Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith, Tel 01505-503801 or E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com. For those interested in the social history of the Garnock Valley, two other local history books are currently still available. The Beith Supplement – The Story of Beith’s Newspaper and In the Valley of Garnock – Beith, Dalry & Kilbirnie are packed full of photographs of yesterday and today together with information about the social history of this interesting corner of North Ayrshire. Copies are available from Donald L Reid as show above.
RANGERS SUPPORTERS
Saracen Rangers Supporters Club are running a bus for the league tie this Saturday at Parkhead against Celtic FC. The bus will leave Dalry at 10.45 am, Kilbirnie at 11.00 am and Beith at 11.15 am. Anyone wishing to travel is asked to contact bus conveners John on 500264 or Andy on 503928 by Thursday 2 October at the latest.
COUNCILLOR REPORTS
Councillor Jean Highgate advises that
Tescos proposals to built a new store in Kilbirnie should have resulted in
information leaflets being distributed in both Kilbirnie and Beith, but the
Beith leaflets were not delivered. Tescos would like to apologise for this
oversight and have advised that the leaflets will now be delivered to all homes
in Beith around 6 October. North Ayrshire Grounds Maintenance have been busy in
the town tidying up various areas. This has made a big difference especially
opposite the Cross. The intention is that this area and also the bed at Roebank
Road will be planted out with bedding plants next summer. Councillor Highgate is
also investigating the possibility of having spring bulbs planted. The two seats
at the top of Townhead will be painted before the winter comes in.
BEITH TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE
Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) are busy planning their next fund raising event to ensure that Beith has another cracking success with their Lights and Laughter parade and late night shopping event on Friday, 5 December. Local folk will recall the superb event held last year and plans are well advanced to ensure that the 2003 event will be even brighter and better. For further information about BTCI telephone 01505-502211.
GARNOCK VALLEY DISABILITY FORUM
Garnock Valley Disability Forum met last Wednesday afternoon in Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie. The speaker was Liz Nickerson and John McDonald, community workers with the Social Work Department. They gave a very informative illustrated presentation on committee work skills which was followed by workshops. The next meeting of the Disability Forum will be on Wednesday, 29 October. However, the group holiday to Blackpool will take place from 10 – 12 October. The annual dance will be held in Dalry Bowling Club on Friday, 17 October. Tickets are £5 and this includes a light supper. For further information about any aspect of the Disability Forum contact Jean on 01505-502521
MARATHON
Nikla Jacabson of Beith’s Dalry Road recently completed the famous Glasgow half marathon in a commendable time of 1hour 55 minutes & 45 seconds. In the process Nikla was placed 2,884 out of 11,000 competitors. In the process she managed to raise over £600. In due course there will be a formal presentation of a large sized cheque to help replenish the coffers of Beith Play Action Group as they work towards their aim of giving the town a state-of-the-art play facility for children and young folk. Nikla would like to thank everyone who sponsored her with special thanks to John Crangle of Tax Assist Direct for T-shirt sponsorship, Cross Pharmacy and also Mike Barr for their generous donations. Congratulations Nikla on completing the demanding half marathon and aking so much money for the Playpark Action Group in the process. No longer will her friends shout encouragingly, “Run Nikla, run,” as she pounds the highways and byways of Beith.
BEITH TRINITY CHURCH PLAYGROUP
Beith Trinity Church Playgroup is now open and a warm welcome awaits new members. The Playgroup is staffed and managed by competent play leaders and worksin partnership with North Ayrshire Council. We offer funded places for 3 – 5 year olds. Places are also available for children from 2 ½ year olds. The group is open in Trinity Church Hall on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday mornings between 9.15 am and 11.45 pm. For more information drop in and have a chat with play leaders Lesley and Sharon (0787-0125677).
CLAIRVOYANT NIGHT
Barrmill Community Association cordially invite you to attend a Night of Clairvoyance with Margaret Buxton and Sally Dreyer in Barrmill Community Centre on Wednesday, 8 October at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £5 and include refreshment and are available from any committee member or simply turn up on the evening.
FLORAL ART
The Beith members of Kilbirnie Floral Art Club are reminded that the next meeting of the club will be held in the Walker Hall at 7.15 pm on Tuesday, 7 October. There will be a presentation entitled, Almond Blossom, by the Florist, Neilston. All welcome.
BEITH JUDO CLUB
Beith Judo Club have had some encouraging results from their young competitors in recent events. Allan Harrison, 11, won the Scottish Junior Championships for the over 46 kg age band 2. Allan has been training with the club for over over three years. In past competitions he has been pipped at the post, but this year his hard work and dedication really paid off when he lifted the gold medal. His fellow club member, Johnathan Ramsey-Cousins has had the same level of dedication and he achieved the silver medal in the over 60 kg age band 3. Congratulations to Allan and Jonathan on their great achievements which should encourage other club members to strive for similar success. Beith Judo Club train every Tuesday evening in Beith Community Centre. The under 8 years meet from 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm whilst the over 8s meet from 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm. All visitors will be warmly welcomed.
CHOIR
The Cunninghame Choir has begun rehearsals for their winter concert. In December they will perform excerpts from Gilbert & Sullivan and various Christmas Carols. The date and place of this concert will be announced later. As ever, new members will be made most welcome. Contact Alan on 01505-504413 or come to rehearsals on Wednesday at 7.30 pm in Beith Community Centre.
TODDLERS
Trinity Church Toddler Group resumed on Thursday, 4 September from 9.30 am – 11.00 am in Trinity Church Hall. Vacancies are available for children from birth to three years and a warm and friendly welcome is assured. Drop in to the hall where you will be made welcome to have a chat with the play leaders and learn more about the Trinity toddler group.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Beith Historical Society got off to a flying start last week when they enrolled 25 members, of which 5 were new members. In addition they had 4 visitors, plus 3 guests accompanying the speaker, Pauline Megson of Historical Scotland. Pauline was very knowledgeable about Beith and advised there there are apparently some 80 listed buildings in the town area. She showed slides of the architectural features, on buildings which we recognised by an attentive audience. It was said that there is a strong possibly in the next few days many locals will be seen standing in Eglinton Sttreet and Wilson Street staring at the buildings! A vote of thanks was proposed by the president, Allan Richardson.
HENRY FAULDS
The Henry Faulds Society public consultation with regard to the proposed siting of a modest memorial to Dr Henry Faulds (1843 - 1930) in the town continues until 31 October. If anyone has views they are cordially invited to contact the secretary of the society in writing or leave correspondence in Beith Library where information about Dr Faulds are available to the public. It is strongly emphasised that no decision about the eventual siting of the memorial to Dr Faulds has been made and all views will be considered as part of the consultation. If the general feeling is that Janefield Square is not the favoured location, then it will definitely not be sited there. The society would also value suggestions of alternative sites in Beith. It really does beggar belief that someone should feel that they needed to site a large placard in the centre of Janefield Gardens fifty feet from the war memorial last Thursday with the words “Dr Faulds tribute – Not Here.” A simple letter outlining their objection would have sufficed. This was an unworthy act which any right thinking individual would find quite sad and was condemned by many locals. Last week the society received their first donation from India from Dr G S Sodhi, University of Delhi. Dr Faulds worked in India as a medical missionary for just over one year before serving in the same capacity in Japan. Donations were also gratefully received from Beith Christian Action Group; Garnock Valley Disability Forum; James T F Muir, Barrmill and from Billy Steel, Joyce A Walker and James G Cordiner of Beith. Any group or organisation wishing to learn more about Dr Henry Faulds or about this proposed project to honour a truly great Scot and giant original man of Beith should contact the secretary, Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith KA15 1BJ on 01505-503801 or email: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com or visit the web sites on: www.henryfaulds.org or www.arabicaonline.co.uk
GANG SHOW
Beith Scouts showed off their talents last Friday and Saturday when they put on a tremendously enjoyable Gang Show which filled Beith High Church Hall on both nights. The audience were delighted at the range and variety of talent on show involving the youngest and oldest member of the Scout Troop. Everyone at 102nd Ayrshire Beith Scouts are to be heartily congratulated on their outstanding 2003 Gang Show. Roll on the next!
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
The first meeting of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group was held in the High Church Hall last Sunday. There were eight new members in attendance with fifteen returning members present. After dealing with safety issues including a fire alarm test, time was spent on administrative matter. Thereafter an illustrated presentation on the philosophy of the award challenge which included highlights of the 2002 bronze and silver level expeditions was given by leader Donald L Reid. The group meet this Sunday at 7.00 pm in the High Church Hall for Duke of Edinburgh Award Activities.
CANCER SUPPORT
Billy Haining of the Beith branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, advises that he has received a cheque for £95 from Geilsland School which was the proceeds from the retiring offering at their summer church service. He was also delighted to receive a cheque for £100 from the recent well publicised Garnock Academy School reunion held in the Dalry Inn. In addition at £20 anonymous donation was handed in the Billy’s of Beith and a further anonymous donation was handed in to Billy’s home.
PLAYGROUP
Beith Community Centre playgroup provide excellent child care and education provision and they are currently taking registrations for the new session. The playgroup is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week from 9.30 am until 11.45 am. There is a full complement of trained staff including a fully qualified nursery nurse with 15 years experience and a capable nursery assistant with 5 years experience. Immediate funded places are available for children in North Ayrshire aged 3 years and limited places are available for children aged 2 ½ years. The emphasis of the playgroup is always on fun and enjoyment whilst learning in a happy and secure environment. Anyone interested in finding out more about the playgroup is invited to contact Helen on 506403.
COUNTRY & WESTERN
A Country and Western evening will be held in Longbar Community Centre tonight (Friday) from 8 pm till 11.30 pm. Tickets priced £3.50 which includes a light supper are available from Sandra at Brightsparks, Strand, Beith on 01505-503625 or Roberta on 01505-683309 or simply turn up on the evening. The music will be played by James on keyboard and there will be the ever popular line dancing sessions. All the proceeds from the evening will be donated to Beith Town Centre Initiative (BTCI) to help with their 2003 Lights and Laughter parade and late night shopping event scheduled for Friday, 5 December.
INFORMATION REQUESTED
Miss Joan Mary Burns Ramdsen of Kinka Beach, Queensland, Australia, has written to nine Beith families with the surnames Burns and Patttison. She is attempting to find out if there are any of her Scottish kin still residing in Beith. Joan is the grand daughter of the late John Ramsden and Helen Burns who were married in Head Street United Presbyterian Church (now the Boys Brigade Hall) in Beith on 31 December 1894. Her great grandfather, Robert Burns, was born in Dalry in 1853 to parents, James Steven Burns and Euphemia Proctor. Helen Burns had five siblings, the two youngest being boys, James born in Lochwinnoch in 1885 and Robert (known as Robin) born in Beith in 1888. It would appear from her research that James married Janet Anderson Crawford in 1909 and Robin wed Maggie Kennedy Johnston in 1910. It is from these two great uncles that Joan is hoping to trace the continuing Burns line. She visited Beith in October 2000 to carry out some genealogy research. An elderly lady, she declared whilst sitting in one of the Main Street Cafes that if at all possible and God willing, she would return and hopefully make contact with some of her Scottish kin. Between 1999 and 2003 she was written four volumes of family stories covering all individuals on an extensive family tree. The Scottish part included her Great grandfather, Robert Burns and his paternal and maternal ancestors together with her Great grandmother, Janet Pattison and her paternal and maternal line. Anyone who feels that they might be able to assist Joan Ramsden in her quest can obtain address details from the Beith correspondent. Unfortunately, she is not connected to the internet. It would be wonderful if someone was able to assist her in tracing her family line.
DOMINOES
Last Tuesday and Thursday the champion whist and domino players at Beith Community Centre were back in action. On Tuesday the domino champ was Mrs A Smith with Mrs M Kennedy and Mrs J Welsh second the third respectively. On Thursday the chapping champ was Mrs I McCauslane with Mrs M Kennedy second and Mrs E Carson third. On Tuesday the whist was won by Mrs S Brennan with Mrs J Reid second and Mrs J Smith third. On Thursday Mrs E McKennie was first with Mrs B Smith second and Mrs M Montgomery third.
NORTH AYSHIRE BAND
North Ayrshire Band are once again busy with rehearsals in the community wing at Garnock Academy from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm every Tuesday. They are on the lookout to recruit new members to the band as several key players have had to leave recently to take up degree courses at Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen Universities. Anyone who has previously played with the band will be made very welcome and anyone with experience of a brass instrument can also come along and enjoy a taster session. The band will be taking part in a joint concert with Kilbirnie Salvation Army Band in the Salvation Army Hall, Kilbirnie, on Tuesday, 25 October. This concert is interestingly different as both bands will feature the music of Eric Ball, one of the all-time great brass band composers. The centenary of his birth is being celebrated by brass bands all over the world during 2003 and this concert marks the contribution from two local bands. Followers of the band are asked to note that the annual concert of North Ayrshire Band will be held in St Margaret’s Church, Dalry, on Friday 5 December at 7.30 pm. The band will also be taking part in the Borders Brass Band Competition to be held in Selkirk on Saturday, 15 November. On the social side the band are holding a ceildh in Beith Community Centre on Friday, 31 October. There will be a first class ceildh band and a light supper with tickets costing £5 from any band member. So, a busy three month period lies ahead for the band. Hopefully they won’t run out of wind!
BEITH TOWN BOYS CLUB
Beith Town Boys Club under 14 squad are training hard and taking part in the West of Scotland league. This season the lads are doing very well in the league only losing one game so far. Sadly, the boys were recently knocked out of the Scottish Youth Cup by Caledonian Boys Club of Prestwick. The club are delighted to have been donated a new team strip by their sponsor Intelligent Move who are the financial services arm of Team Birrell, Estate Agents, who have offices throughout North Ayrshire. The manager and boys send their grateful thanks for this donation.
BEITH NOTES
Anyone with items for inclusion in the Beith column are reminded that the information should be with the correspondent as early as possible and by 10.00 pm each Sunday evening at the latest for inclusion in the Herald the following week. Any group or organisation who have planned events where they wish a photograph taken are also reminded that this should be arranged direct with the editorial department at the Herald. The Beith correspondent can, on occasions, oblige by taking a photograph at short notice, but in general requests should be made via the newspaper.
