ARDROSSAN & SALTCOATS HERALD
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
DONALD L REID
(Tel. 01505-503801 e-mail: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY 3 A|UGUST 2003
PHOTOS AS JPEG ATTACHMENTS
BEITH LOCAL NOTES
PHOTOS
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THE GRADUATE: Aaron Crawford Auld (21) of Beith’s Larch Terrace graduated BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering at Paisley University.
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SAFE AND SECURE: Members of Beith Community Association and friends gather to make up the safety packs for 150 people in Beith and District.
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DEGREE AHEAD: Lindsay McLean (220 of Beith’s Glebelands Way graduated BA (Hons) in a combined degree of Film and Media Studies and Sociology.
COMMUNITY POLICE UPDATE
Beith community police officers, constables Jim Dougall and Sandy Brown take this opportunity to remind all residents of Beith and district to review the security of their homes following recent break-ins to houses in the town. Significantly, In several but not all instances, the houses which were broken into were not alarmed. Any resident wishing the assistance of the crime prevention officer in respect of a free crime prevention review of their home security can contact the Community Safety Department at Irvine Police Office Tel. 01294-404420 or 404421 who will be happy to assist. The community officers have recently been responding to complaints regarding youths drinking/causing annoyance to residents in various areas of Beith. They ask parents to make sure that they know the whereabouts of their children at night as many of those involved are under 16 years with drink being a fairly constant factor. Jim and Sandy will continue to walk in the town as often as possible and are greatly encouraged by the response they receive from members of the public whom they meet on their rounds. They are continuing to deal with parking problems in the town as often as possible as they receive continual complaints about this issue from pedestrians. They remind the motoring public that any vehicle illegally parked will be dealt with by way of a £30 fixed penalty ticket. The officers would encourage motorists of use off-street parking facilities. Jim and Sandy can be contacted by telephone at Kilbirnie Police Office on 01505-682677.
ANGLING
Depite a good turn out of anglers of the Beith St Inans Club on the dam this
week there were only two fish recorded all week, and one of them was a brown
trout from Cuff reservoir. The traditional anglers excuse of July is now over,
so lets hope the fishing
improves. The old fisherman’s adage is true, though, if your fly is not in the
water it definitely won’t catch fish. Members are reminded that the next
competition, The Thermal Transfer Cup, will be fished on Saturday 16th August,
starting at 10.00 am.
SAFETY PACKS
Barrmill Community Association, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group and Garnock Valley Disability Forum have just completed an inter-generational project which has resulted in 150 local people in Beith and district benefiting from a first class package of safety items. The partnership groups were successful in a bid submitted in November 2003 to the North Ayrshire Council Community Safety Challenge Fund and their project received partial funding, half the amount applied for. The package consists of a personal alarm, night light, smoke alarm, torch and batteries, clock with night light, oven glove, blanket, pen, laminated local contact list and home safety and advice leaflets. The retail amount of the package is in excess of £30. The project was co-ordinated and delivered on behalf of the partner groups by Jean Gilbert and Donald L Reid. The assistance of a myriad of volunteers from Barrmill Community Association and others is gratefully acknowledged in putting the packages together and helping to deliver them. Support was also forthcoming from Beith and District Community Council and Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum provided bags for the packs. Assistance was also given with regard to the content of the pack and quality of items purchased by Strathclyde Fire Brigade and Strathclyde Police. Without exception, everyone who has received a pack has been absolutely delighted and there is no doubt that the benefits will be enormous to the recipients. The grant received was actually only half of what was applied for, so in future if a further grant is forthcoming, a wider distribution can be continued. The details of everyone who has received the benefit on this occasion is known to the organisers. In carrying out such a major project, there is always a danger that some folk will feel left out. The criteria for receiving the pack was based first of all on improving safety in the rural communities of Barrmill and Gateside with disabled people being given a high priority as well as those living on their own and those over age 70. Clearly a further 150 equally suitable recipients could have been selected. Inevitably there will always be a difficulty in making difficult choices, but the organisers are very confident that every recipient will benefit enormously. If future funding applications are successful the net will be stretched further to include others who fall into the category on which the grant was based. Feedback form were included in the packs and to date the returns and positive comments has been first class and will allow a full evaluation of the project to be undertaken. This safety project dovetails nicely with the Beith Safety Gazette magazine distributed to 3,200 homes in Beith and District in June. Any feedback on the value of that publication would also be greatly appreciated for evaluation purposes. Comments can be handed in to Beith Library.
RSPB
Fancy knowing a bit more about birds? Here's an ideal opportunity to get some tips on birdwatching and get shown some of the birdlife at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve. Tomrrow (Saturday) from 12-2pm there will be a guided walk for beginners to birdwatching. 'By coming along on one of these guided walks it allows you to get an insight into why so many people love watching birds!' said Jen Walker, Visitor and Publicity Officer. Advance booking is essential. Please telephone (01505) 842663 or e-mail Lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk. Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and it is advisable to wear stout footwear on guided walks and have waterproofs in the event of inclement weather.
GOING PLACES
North Ayrshire Young Musician of the Year and Saltire Composer of the Year Kenneth Blackburn (17) has yet another string to add to his bow. In Spring 2003, Kenneth sat Grade 8 Classical Piano, set by the prestigious Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, in St. Leonard’s Church, Ayr. Not only did he pass, but gained Distinction for a performance that the independent examiner noted as having “commitment to the mood and intensity of the music.” His chosen programme included extracts from Bach’s Italian Concerto, Beethoven’s Sonata in C minor and Samuel Barber’s Excursions. Much credit must go to Kenneth’s classical piano teacher, Gordon Mabbott Mus. Bac. L.R.A.M. A.R.C.M., formerly senior lecturer at Jordanhill College of Education’s Music Faculty. But does this mark the end of Kenneth’s keyboard education? Far from it! He is now commencing Organ tuition from his elder brother, Douglas, who also gained Grade 8 Classical Piano exactly eighteen years earlier! Kenneth hopes to one day sit the Dip A.B.R.S.M. but for the moment will focus his attentions on his Bachelor of Architecture course at Art School. Everyone will join in wishing Kenneth continuing success.
LONGBAR GALA
Today (Saturday) all roads lead to Longbar where between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm you can enjoy an amazing range of interesting events including kids rides, darts, dancing displays, a huge array of stalls and of course the compulsory beer tent. So, why not take a trip down the road to Longbar and support the annual gala. Word has it that the weather is going to be first class. What more do you want, folks! Indeed if you want to become involved by taking a stall, telephone 683882 for information.
GRADUATE
Aron Crawford Auld, 21, the son of Duncan and Pearl Auld of Beith’s Larch Terrace, recently graduated BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering at Paisley University. Aron is a former pupil of Beith Primary School and Garnock Academy and was involved in several of the High Drama productions several years ago. Aaron is a keen football supporter and plays golf at Beith Golf Club.
DEGREE AHEAD
Lindsay McLean, 22, the youngest daughter of Iain and Aileen McLean of Beith’s Glebelands Way, graduated BA (Hons) in a combined degree of Film and Media Studies and Sociology at Stirling University. Lindsay was a former pupil of Beith Primary and Garnock Academy. She was a member of the North Ayrshire Band for 10 years where she played baritone. She was a member of Comotion Theatre at the Valley Arc for several years and her very first acting experience was gained when she trod the boards with Beith High Drama whilst at Primary School. Lindsay’s degree has already seen her with small parts as an extra in several films, her most recent being Monarch of the Glen.
BEITH BOWLERS
The coaching session at Beith Bowling Club was last Friday with the enthusiastic youngsters taking part in a singles competition. On rink 3 Emma Johnstone won against Hannah Main, rink 4 Jordon Pettigrew won against Greig King, rink 5 Anthony Taggart won against John Simpson (coach), and on rink 6 Liam Shepherd won against Steven Warnock. This week's coaching session will be on Thursday, 7th August at 2pm.
The mixed wapinschaw last Friday was a five pairs game played over 12 ends, with Blair Michie and Ray Lewis winning the sweep and the five league points. In this years Cunningham Cup Competition played on last Saturday, the Gents versus Ladies was kindly sponsored by Alan Watson who owns Arabica Cafe at 47a Main Street Beith. The prizes were vouchers towards lunch and drinks in his restaurant for the highest up Gents rink and highest up Ladies rink. The highest up team for the Ladies side was the rink skipped by Jacqui Shanaghey with the rest of her team being Louie Young, Lena Paton, and Betty Brown. The Gents highest up team was skipped by Charlie Thomson, 3rd Bob Kerr, 2nd Hugh Barclay and lead Alan McFarlane. Over all the Gents beat the Ladies with a score of 110 points to the Ladies 89 Points. Lady President Ann McCorquodale handed over the cup to President Charlie Fairns, then thanked Greta Durkin for selling the raffle tickets which raised £118.50p for club funds. She also thanked the ladies who organised and served the lunch and Gill for doing a good job behind the bar.
CAN YOU HELP
Can you help with three queuries? A reader has enquired about a plaque which at one time was apparently displayed in the Townshouse until about 1956. This commemorated a Beith man, Fulton of Bottoms Farm, who was of note because he was apparently the first person to sail a Steam ship down the Hudson River. If anyone can help please help with further information about this plaque or the background to Fulton, contact the Beith correspondent who will let everyone know through this column. Another local raised a very interesting issue. Secondly, did you know thatpparently all the cherry trees in Beith seem to be dying. This problem was first identified last year. So, can anyone with green fingers enlighten us on the mystery of Beith’s dying Cheery Trees? Lastly, a very kind local lady handed in a large number of items to Beith Christian Action Thrift Shop in Main Street. Unfortuntely, she also handed in a video tape of I Claudius which she had borrowed. Needless to say she is keen to retrieve this tape. If you bought this tape among items from Beith Thrift Shop, this lady would be very relieved if it were to be returned. If you can help, contact the Thrift Shop.
FUN DAY
Barrmill Community Association held their annual family fun day at Barrmill Park on last Sunday afternoon. As you might expect, the day was a resounding success despite the weather being somewhat unkind. However, the kids managed to enjoy all the various facilities laid on for them and the rain was very much at the back of their minds. Everyone entered into the sprit of the event and the tea and coffees were particularly popular, especially when the rain made an unwelcome visit. Congratulations to Jean Gilbert and her hardworking committee on another great event.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
Any young person who is currently fourteen years of age or will be that age by 31 December 2003 is eligible to apply for registration with Beith High linked with Trinity Church Senior Youth Group to undertake activities leading to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at bronze and silver level. The numbers participating at bronze level will be limited to 20 young people, and those who may wish to join are invited to contact Donald L Reid (503801) or Janet Osborne (503505) in the first instance. There will be a registration fee of £25 which includes the appropriate award book and £1 is also payable at each meeting which are held in the High Church Hall on a Sunday evening. Those young people who have recently completed bronze and silver activities are reminded that they should have their log books completed and returned to the Award Group Leader as soon as possible. Those who have completed bronze and intend to continue with the silver level of the award are reminded that they need to register for silver as a new book needs to be issued. Activities cannot count until the new book is issued. Unfortunately, the group will no longer offer the gold level of the award because of difficulties in supervising gold level expeditions in wild country over five days. However, those young people who have just completed the silver level of the award may wish to register for gold and consider undertaking the expedition section in a variety of open golds offered via the Award Journal. It is emphasised that although registrations will be accepted at gold level, Beith Open Award Group will not be able to offer facilities to undertake the gold level expedition. The Beith Group are currently developing an award web site which can be visited on: http://awardgroup.beith.org where they can register and keep up to date with developments.
MAIN STREET
Locals will have noticed that two new bollards have been installed in Main Street to prevent cars parking illegally and blocking the entrance to Chatterbox Cafe. Unfortunately, the positioning of the bollards is such that determined motorists are holding up passing traffic as they manouvre back and forward endeavouring to park between the new bollards. Seems that nothing will deter the determined lazy and inconsiderate motorist. On previous occasions, patrons of the café have actually been unable to exit this shop with prams due to thoughtless motorists parking across the doorway on the double yellow lines. One local commented that it was just as well that shop doors were not wide enough, or some motorists would actually drive into the shops.
YOUNG FARMERS
Beith & District Young Farmers Club held their mock auction, valuation and stockjudging recently at Hoodsyard Farm, Beith by kind permission of the McConnell family. The results were as follows: Valuation, junior girls 3rd Claire Logan, 2nd Rachel Wilson, 1st Susan Logan; senior girls 3rd Anne Reid, 2nd Catriona Gilbert, 1st Joanne McCarter; junior boys 3rd Scott Wilson, 2nd William Smith, 1st Alistair Wylie; senior boys 3rd David Young, 2nd Robbie Nisbet, 1st Stuart Logan; associate 1st William Chalmers; ladies open 3rd Mhairi Blai, 2nd Joanne McCarter, 1st Catriona Gilbert; gents open 3rd Stuart Logan, 2nd Jim Scott, 1st William Chalmers. Stockjudging, junior girls 3rd Jennifer Mair, 2nd Margaret Smith, 1st Claire Logan; senior girls 2nd equal Joanne McCarter & Vickie Hood, 1st Anne Reid; junior boys 3rd Alex Wilson, 2nd William Smith, 1st Graeme McCarter; senior boys 2nd equal Gareth Scott & David Young, 1st Stuart Logan; associate 1st William Chalmers; open stockjudging 2nd equal Stuart Logan & Jim Scott, 1st Allan Blair. Mock auction, junior boys 3rd Alex Wilson, 2nd Scott Wilson, 1st Graeme McCarter; senior boys 3rd David Young, 2nd David Scott, 1st Ross Gilbert. Best hand-written cheque 3rd Alistair Wylie, 2nd Stuart Logan, 1st William Chalmers. Winner of the side competition was Scott Wilson. Girls stockjudging sweepstake Claire Logan, girls valuation sweepstake Joanne McCarter, boys stockjudging and valuation sweepstakes Stuart Logan. Winner of the Whitestanes trophy was Stuart Logan. The club is holding a ten pin bowling evening on Thursday 14th August at the Basebowl, Saltcoats at 7.30pm, if any member requires transport please contact your nearest committee member. The mixed hockey tournament is being held at Loudoun on Wednesday 20th August at 6.30pm, if any members would like to play please contact Anne Reid. For further information or transport to any of our events please don’t hesitate to call Gareth on 01294 832249 or Julie on 01294 832262.
HENRY FAULDS
This week a very generous donation was received by the Henry Faulds Society from an anonymous older citizen of Beith who simply writes: “I give this donation in memory of Dr Henry Faulds, from a former proud pupil of Beith Academy.” Anyone wishing to keep abreast of developments with the Beith based Henry Faulds Society can access the official site on: www.henryfaulds.org or contact the secretary, Donald L Reid on 01505-503801 or email: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com
EGLINTON PARK
Several interesting events are due to be held at Eglinton Park, only a short jaunt from Beith. Tomorrow (Saturday) dog lovers may be interested in what is billed as a Dog Agility Show which runs all day. Several remarkable dogs will be showing off their unique skills for all the family. Sounds fascinating. Every attending say, woof woof and a Scooby snack may be forthcoming! This Sunday between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm there will be a display at the park by the famous Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers. Meanwhile on Sunday 17 August, Kyle Vintage Car Club, are holding a car rally between 12 noon and 4.00 pm and the range and variety of vintage cars on display make this a must for car enthusiasts.
END TO END
The pedalling polis of Beith, Brian Smith, has indeed finally completed 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, finally reaching Land’s End on 23 July. He was met at journey’s end by wife, Margaret, and after a day of relaxation they set off on a relaxing holiday. 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. Well done, Brian!
WELL DONE
Well known Beithites, Ian and Tom Hamilton, were very busy in the run-up to the famous Beith Juniors versus Rangers game. The gold oldies went out and tidied up and weeded the entire length of Meadowbank Terrace which leads to Bellsdale Park. The local residents are absolutely delighted at the work carried out by Ian and Tom and the Terrace is now spick and span. Just shows what can be achieved by the willing efforts of a few dedicated volunteers. Well done Ian and Tom. And before anyone asks, they are not bidding for offers to tidy up other streets in Beith.
HEART START
Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran are on the lookout for volunteers. Can you help? No previous training or experience is necessary as full training will be given. Heart Start Ayrshire and Arran will train you in all aspects of first aid, particularly in relation to how you would treat a patient who suffers a heart attack. Those who have the necessary ability could be trained as trainers of others and this is a special way of giving service to the local community. The programme has so far trained 21,000 people in Ayrshire and Arran. If you are interested and want to know more contact Mike Rennie, co-ordinator, Heart Start Room 624, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine KA12 8SS tel. 01294-323478
RATS
RATS are beginning to emerge from their summer hibernation as they plan their next fund raising event. This takes the form of an auction to be held on Friday 22 August in Beith Community Centre beginning at 6 pm. RATS are keen to received donations of items which can be professionally and light-heartedly auctioned. Anyone wishing to help should contact Liz at B & A Travel, Main Street where items will be gratefully received. Interestingly, there will also be a kids auction at the start of the event at 6.00 pm and the range of variety of items on offer is sure to attract many charitable young folk. Doubtless the young citizens will bring along parents, with their dosh of course, to ensure that the canny kids can bid for some of the goodies on offer. An auction catalogue, priced £2.50 will shortly be available and will highlight the range and variety of items on auction. Make a note of this date in your diary now folks and if you have any items which can be offered for auction for either the kids event or the general auction, donations will be gratefully received. There is no further update as yet with regards to the progress of the planning application for a landfill site at Trearne. Needless to say, the Herald will keep readers up to date with developments as they unfold.
RANGERS SUPPORTERS
The local Rangers Saracen Supporters Club are just dying for the new season to kick-off tomorrow (Saturday) when they can once again enjoy the ever-so-delicious famous blue-nose pies, which is secondary only to seeing their heroes in action. There will be buses to most games and anyone wishing to use this service should intimate same to John on 01505-500264, Andy on 01505-503928 or Jim Reid on 01505-504548.
GOLD OLDIE BOWLERS
A team of golden-oldie bowlers from Beith did battle with their counterparts from Dalry last week in an annual challenge game. In the first leg at Dalry, the Beith lads were defeated. However, the return match is at Beith on 15 August when the Beith lads are hoping for a better result.
PLAY DAYS
Right kids, stand to attention and no nonsense. Cock your lugs back and listen carefully now! Have you ever fancied taking on Minotaur? How about rescuing a friend from the clutches of an evil fairy King. Are you willing to fight Hercules? Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden? If you answered yes to any of the above, then get yourself along to the Valley Arc, School Road, Kilbirnie. From Monday 11 – Friday 15 August from 10.00 am to 12 noon they are holding a session on story telling and drama where make belief comes to life. You need to be between 5 – 8 years of age and the cost is £10 for the week. During the same period from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm they are holding sessions on Greek Myths and legends and this is aimed at children aged 9 – 12 years. For further information contact Louise Allen at the Valley Arc on 01505-684225.
FORTHCOMING BOOK
A new limited edition book entitled, Beith Bygones – A Pictorial Journey Down Memory Lane, by Donald L Reid will be published on 20 August. The book is currently at print and may be delivered before this date. The book is dedicated to the memory of Sheila Pearson (1950 – 2002), a very popular Beithite. 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 and is sure to be of interest to anyone with connections to Beith and district. Anyone wishing to reserve a copy of the limited edition book 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 in the Garnock Valley, but from folk with Beith connections in England, Australia, Canada and USA. Most folk will be aware that Sheila Pearson literally sold several thousand of the previous books about Beith and the Garnock Valley from the former premises of Wilson’s Fishmongers in Main Street. This popular shop, so greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone, was the main outlet for best-selling local books including Reflections of Beith and District; Yesterday’s Beith – A Pictorial Guide; The Beith Supplement – The Story of Beith’s Newspaper and In the Valley of Garnock. In addition, Sheila sold tickets for just about every event happening in Beith. In short she was a wonderful, kind-hearted individual with an outstanding community spirit, greatly encouraging of groups and individuals. Sheila always did her very best for the community and this was at the forefront of all she did and stood for. All funds raised from royalties from the book, which honours and pays tribute to the memory of Sheila Pearson, will benefit the Henry Faulds Society with a donation to Beith and Gateside Primary Schools.
ART
Calling all art lovers. There is a display of paintings by well known artist, Keith Salmon, on display in the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine until 27 August. Perchance Beithites will find this worthy of a jaunt down to Irvine.
GARDENING
Great excitement in Barrmill as the gardeners continue beavering away making sure that their borders and grass are in pristine condition in the knowledge judging is ongoing in the annual Best Kept Garden Competition. The presentation to winners will take place in the community centre on 14 August at 7.30 pm. There is apparently no truth in the rumour that the one and only Charlie Dimmock, gardening Goddess of TV, will be doing the honours. Mind you, it might be nice if it was true, eh lads! Watch this space for he results in due course.
LITTER
Local landowners have indicated their very understandable disgust and annoyance at the amount of litter which has recently been left in the area around St. Inan’s Chair, Threepwood Road. This is a popular walk on the edge of the Bigholm Hills, but unfortunately some thoughtless individuals have deposited large amounts of litter consisting mainly of numerous beer cans, bottles and crisp bags. It would seem that the area is being used as a drinking den. Sheep and cattle graze in this area and the land owners are concerned that such litter may endanger these animals. So, those who are walking near St Inan’s Chair are asked to take their litter home with them and obey the countryside code at all times. Isn’t a lot to ask really, is it?
MARATHON
Nikla Jacobson of Beith, a nursery mum, has offered to raise sponsorship via the Glasgow half marathon, fondly known as the Great Scottish Run, to be held on 7 September. Nikla is to be seen pounding the streets as she builds up her fitness and stamina for the big day. 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. The Playpark Action Group are delighted to announced that Mrs Juliet Balloch, Lomond Crescent, Beith, has very kindly sponsored a Springer, a piece of playground equipment, in memory of her late husband. The group last week received a donation from Mrs Susan Irvine. Both donations are gratefully acknowledged by the Playpark Action Group.
CASTLE SEMPLE
Fancy a trip down to Castle Semple Loch to enjoy the scenery and wild life. You can even benefit from a half price boat trip if you are there between 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm. For those who are more energetic bikes can be hired at happy-hour half price between 12 noon and 7.30 pm. Jings, how can anyone resist this offer? The staff at Castle Semple are advised to be on stand-by as they may be inundated by Beithites next week keen to cycle and byways and go boating on the loch.
SCHOOL REUNION
Remember those happy school days of yesteryear. Do you recall the teachers you really liked and the ones you tried hard to avoid! Special memories, eh! 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 have been doing for the past 21 years? 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.
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.
THE INFORMER
The Informer is a community newspaper aimed at the voluntary section and general public in North Ayrshire. 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. This week President Norman M Henderson received a letter of congratulations from no less a person that Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, congratulating the club on their forthcoming diamond jubilee celebrations. Anyone who has particular memories about the club over the years or photographs is cordially invited to contact the secretary, Donald L Reid on 503801. A number of cronies have already submitted interesting short pieces reflecting personal recollections of happy memories of the club and its members of yesterday and today. Anyone who wishes to submit information is asked to do so as soon as possible as the booklet will be published in time for the annual St Andrew’s Dinner which will be held on Friday 28 November 2003 in Beith Bowling Club.The club are very grateful to North Ayrshire Council Local Grants committee for a grant, which will help in producing this publication.
BUTCHER IN THE SWIM
Beith’s best known flying flesher, Sandy Blackwood, travels extensively in Europe and USA in his role as a UK top-notch swimming coach. Last week Sandy stravaiged to France for five days where he was supervising Scott Houston, 15, of Dalry and Mark Branch, 16 of Irvine. Both youngsters were taking part in the European Youth Olympics as part of the Great Britain team. Remarkably, this was the best ever performance by a Great Britain team in this particular event. The team proudly returned home with the most medals ever as well as breaking several UK and European records. Scott and Mark were part of the Great Britain relay medley team which took the coveted gold medal at this prestigious Olympic event. Sandy Blackwood was there in his role as supervisor of Scott and Mark and as a coaching assistant learning new techniques and training methods from some of the world’s top coaches who were present at the event. The top teams in this particular event were the Hungarians and the Russians. Scott Houston excelled himself and brought back two bronze medals in addition to the gold relay team medal and was delighted to return some personal best performances.
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.
