April 25th 2003

A DRAMATIC new feature has emerged on what was once an eyesore site in Maybole. The derelict former St Cuthbert’s shoe factory has become desirable town centre flats in a £1.7million development. Tenants will be moving into the 23 homes in the next month or two. They are being built by Hope Homes for Carrick Housing Association, now part of Ayrshire Housing. more

April 18th 2003

April 11th 2003

April 4th 2003

The complete text of the headlines above follows.

April 25th 2003

REDBRAE school could have a last minute reprieve if a rescue package can be found. Maybole councillor Alan Murray revealed this week that he’s working hand in hand with education chiefs to find an alternative to closing the school. He insists that alternatives to outright closure and the loss of more than 20 jobs are being considered - including the possibility of a council take-over. Councillor Murray - whose North Carrick and Maybole West ward includes the school for boys with serious educational and behavioural problems - insists he’s working flat out to find a solution before the school’s planned closure in July. He said: “I’ve been discussing possible alternatives behind the scenes. “At this point it is far too early to say if we can find an alternative, but no one wants to see the wealth of experience that is currently at Redbrae just disappear.” The school building and land are owned by South Ayrshire Council but it is currently operated privately by Dr Robin Dalrymple.  Councillor Murray added: “The possibility exists for the operation of the school to be taken under South Ayrshire control. “We will also look at absorbing the staff ourselves as a possible alternative. “The staff at Redbrae are a great team and it could be that their experience could be put to good use within South Ayrshire.  “Clearly, it really is far too early to say but we will do all we can to help the situation.” The vast majority of pupils at the school have criminal records and have already been expelled from mainstream schools. Redbrae was originally set up as a residential school 20 years ago. However, it changed to a day-only facility a few years ago as pupil numbers started to decline from a high of 32 to just 18 this term. Councillor Murray went on: “Ten of the pupils are due to leave this summer and there will be arrangements made for the remaining eight if the school closes. “I don’t believe there is any question of the pupils being absorbed into the mainstream environment.”

CARRICK Chess Club travelled to Irvine to play against the strongest Third Division team, and came back with only half a point!  Individual results (Carrick names first) were: John Bryden 0, Alan Birnie 1; Kenny Brooksbank 0, Stephen Clark1; Stuart Lampard 0, George Harkins1; Athol Macgilchrist halved with John McPhail.  At the same time, Carrick’s Siegrun Macgilchrist was battling it out against much stronger opposition in the Scottish Open in Edinburgh. Honours went jointly to Keti Arakhamia — a ‘first’ for females — and Paul Motwani, who has previous triumphs in the event. Meanwhile, in Carrick’s monthly blitz session, John Bryden won the senior trophy with 7½ out of 8, with Siegrun runner-up. Gregor Steven won the junior trophy with 9 out of 9, ahead of Ruth Wilson (the latest addition to the club) who had 6/8.

A DRAMATIC new feature has emerged on what was once an eyesore site in Maybole. The derelict former St Cuthbert’s shoe factory has become desirable town centre flats in a £1.7million development. Tenants will be moving into the 23 homes in the next month or two. They are being built by Hope Homes for Carrick Housing Association, now part of Ayrshire Housing.

MAYBOLE Bowling Club president Betty Hannah threw the first jack to open the season, as vice-president Jim Harper and other members looked on.

Maybole Indoor Bowling Club held its annual prize-giving ceremony in the Town Hall at the close of a very successful winter session which saw membership rise to 36. Two new trophies were presented, and the first winner of the Carrick Round Table league trophy is Charles Donnelly, who received it from the Tabler Jim Shields. First winner of the Provost Cup was Ladies Champion, Mrs Kay Cuthbert, who received the trophy from her husband, ex-Provost William Cuthbert. Mrs Sadie Scobie was runner-up to the Ladies Champion. Other winners were: Men’s Champion — Frank Potter, r-up — Charles Donnelly; Interpak Shield — Alex Davidson, r-up — Mrs Helen Sloan; Peter McEwan Cup — Thomas Lucas, r-up — Charles Donnelly; John Wallace Cup — Mrs Helen Sloan, r-up — Alex Davidson; David Knox Trophy — Mrs Kay Cuthbert, r-up — Peter Ogg.

PEOPLE of all denominations gathered for a service at Maybole’s Greenside, with prayers said for world peace. The Rev Dave Whiteman and Fr Jim Hayes led the praise at the open air service organised by Maybole Council of Churches.

THERE’S nothing like a chocolate Easter egg to bring a smile to someone’s face — especially when they have earned it! And pupils of St Cuthbert's Primary in Maybole are very much in that category, as they were winners in a school competition. Pupils had to decorate hard-boiled eggs, to make them into loveable pets, and winners were: P1 — Niall Murphy, P2 — Nina Sweeney, P3 — Paige Campbell, P4/5 — Ali Roy and Maeve Murphy,P6 — Kerry McKeown, P7 — Gillian Thomson.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO — Kyle and Carrick District Council pledges to spend £30,000 over the next three years to improve playing fields in Maybole. The decision follows pressure from Maybole Community Council, who have been complaining about the poor condition of the town’s three playing fields. Glebe Park is expected to be first to benefit from improvements.

100 YEARS AGO — new lamps are used for the first time to light an evening service at Kirkoswald Parish Church. The special service also features the new organ, gifted by Mr John McMaster of Canterbury — a native of the village. Miss Jack of Maybole is organist for the evening, and impresses both in solos and with accompaniments for praise.

April 18th 2003

ONE of Maybole’s best-known businessmen died recently after a period of illness. "Donald Henderson was a Minnieboler through and through", said Rev Dave Whiteman last week at the funeral service. He continued, "When paying tribute to him, it is difficult to know where to start, because he lived such a full and interesting life." Donald attended Cairn Primary and Carrick Academy before going to Glasgow Art School for a year, and then finished his education at Ayr Academy. He was a very talented artist, and made good use of this skill in his business. When the Second World War broke out, Donald joined the local Home Guard who, just like Dad’s Army, really did parade with broom shafts. He joined the Royal Air Force and served as an engineer in Palestine and Basra, a name much in the news recently. When he returned to Scotland, he was stationed at Errol Aerodrome in Perthshire and at a dance in Longforgan, he met Maimie who was serving in the Land Army. Soon after, he was posted to Turnberry, married Maimie and set up home back in Maybole. His father had businesses in the town, which Donald took over and developed. He teamed up with Tom Dalling and they worked together for a number of years. He was a man of great integrity in business and his private life, putting trustworthiness before profit. He was a keen golfer, and was one of four honorary members of Turnberry Golf Club along with Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, and in his younger days, he was a good swimmer and a member of Maybole Swimming Club. He was a member of Carrick Speakers Club, a member of Garpin Fishing Club, loved visiting museums, and holidaying abroad. He enjoyed his art and was an accomplished photographer whose postcards were famous around the world. Donald was very interested in his home town of Maybole, where he did a lot of behind-the-scenes work. He was keen to help councillors encourage new industry to set up, being instrumental in bringing Clyde Gravure (Wace Clyde) to the town. He was also session clerk at Cargill-Kincraig Church, and clerk to the board at the West Church, serving his church faithfully for many years. If he had any spare time, he liked nothing better that spending time at his caravan at Croy shore. He was a modest man who never liked a fuss, and there was no pretence about him. He was very proud of his family, and liked to encourage others and was very willing to help them. The last eighteen months were difficult for Donald and his family, but his determination kept him going despite his illness. A great family man, he is survived by his wife Maimie, daughter Dorothy, son Crawford, and his five grandchildren.

THERE was a sweet treat in store for the Rev Tom Bogle when he called in at Maybole’s Gardenrose primary School the other day. The popular minister, who is retiring from the pulpit at Maybole West Parish Church, has also been chaplain to the school for the past six years. And the youngsters couldn’t let him say farewell without giving him a presentation. And what else could it be but a giant Easter egg, along with a special gift. While at Gardenrose, Mr Bogle had the chance to congratulate the pupils on their colourful Easter competition entries.

REDBRAE School will close this summer. Staff have already been told of the plan to axe the Maybole school which teaches some of the most disruptive pupils in Ayrshire. The news was described as a major blow by the SNP’s Adam Ingram, who insists that more than 100 years of cumulative experience will be lost. He said: “The staff team at Redbrae represent a unique asset for Ayrshire, with more than 100 years of experience among them. “That team will be broken up and no doubt may well be a very great loss to the education services here.” Mr Ingram also expressed his concern for the future of the youths with serious educational and behavioural problems the school was set up to educate. He stressed: “This school has successfully helped some of Ayrshire’s most disruptive pupils to break out of their behaviour problems and lead productive lives. “We should be doing everything we can to ensure we hang on to a facility like this. “While I believe that classroom disruption needs to be tackled systematically within schools, there should always be room for special schools such as Redbrae to take on the problems of the most difficult cases.” The school was set up as a residential school around 20 years ago. Although the land and the building are owned by South Ayrshire Council, they are leased to Dr Robin Dalrymple who operates the school privately.

The school changed from residential to a day-only facility a few years ago. Around 20 staff are currently employed at the school but pupil numbers have shrunk from a high of 32 to around 18 today. One insider explained: “There has been a distinct feeling in the past few years that the place is being run down. “There are 18 boys just now and 10 of them will be ready to leave in the summer. “So it’s clear that the roll will go down significantly. “But what the plans are for the boys who are left and those who come along in the future really is anyone’s guess. “ Many of the boys educated at Redbrae have criminal records and have already been expelled from schools across Ayrshire.  The insider added: “There’s no other facility like it in the area that I’m aware of. These boys are not in mainstream schools for very good reasons. Other arrangements will have to be made for their education.” A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council agreed that an alternative to Redbrae will have to be found if the closure plan goes ahead. He said: “Should this be the case, there would be a requirement from South Ayrshire Council to seek an appropriate alternative solution to meet the pupils’ educational needs.”

MAYBOLE Historical Society is proposing to have several day or half-day outings over the summer months. Already planned are: Kirkoswald Walk led by Mary Hendry and taking in Souter Johnnie’s Cottage, the church with its Adam connections and the old Kirk and kirkyard (June/July). Bargeny Walk, ancient seat of a branch of the Kennedy family, led by David Hunter (June/July). Dunean Walk and an introduction to the hill forts of North Carrick led by Murray Cook (July). Day outing to the Arran Museum and Heritage Centre in Brodick (August - the new archive and family history centre will also be open for members of the society). A publication containing the monumental inscriptions from Kirkoswald Old Churchyard is at long last complete and is now with the printers. It will soon be available from the Society at a price of £3.50 (plus £0.50 p&p UK or £1.00 elsewhere).  This completes the series of monumental inscriptions from all the old kirkyards in North Carrick. Maybole and Kirkbride are available on the web site and other booklets of monumental inscriptions available to purchase are: KIRKMICHAEL, £3, STRAITON, £3.50 (Straiton includes Deaths/Burials in the Old Parish Registers); and the details in the Old Parochial Registers of Ayrshire £2.40 A small piece of the history of North Carrick has provided the Society with a real success story and a lesson in co-operation. Vice-chairman Dave Killicoat said: “Nearly three years ago, after prompting from one of our noted local historians Alastair Hendry some of our members carefully recorded and photographed the small kirkyard at Kirkbride with the remains of its 16th century church and remaining fifty-two gravestones. This was in effect, our millennium project”. At that time there were large gaps in the drystone dykes and cattle were able to wander about the kirkyard, damaging the stones and churning up the ground. Further research was done on the family histories of anyone whose inscription was still legible and Alastair Hendry wrote a short history of the kirkyard. Nearly a year later Rich Pettit, Maybole’s webmaster, was sent a copy of the results of the project and compiled all the information into a format which could then be placed on the web site at

www.maybole.org/history/Archives/kirkbride/kirkyard.htm

The information on the web site generated a large amount of world-wide interest from the descendants of families buried there and in particular those of James Ramsay and Isabella McCulloch. Bruce Ramsay from South Australia paid a visit to Ayrshire and had the family memorial re-erected by a local monumental mason in 2002. John Kinloch from Spain has also visited Ayrshire in search of his roots and was able to fill in some family detail from a bible that he inherited from his great-grandmother. Both Bruce and John are great-great-great-grandsons of the couple and John’s great-grandmother, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ramsay was a noted local poet, as was her son David Ramsay and grandson Allan Ramsay. Allan still lives in Ayr at the grand old age of 92. Other corresponding relatives are Joan Stenson from Sydney, Australia and Evelyn Ramsay from Canada. Maybole Community Council brought the condition of the kirkyard to the attention of the local councillor, Alan Murray. He argued the case for some protection, and South Ayrshire Council erected a substantial fence, with an opening gate, around the site.

MAYBOLE student Caroline Hamilton and two flatmates will be living rent-free for a year — after their success in a mobile phone competition. And Caroline this week thanked Ayrshire Post readers who cast website votes for her. She said: “It’s great — we made it into the final 10 of the Big Red House competition and we have won a rent-free year!” Former Carrick Academy pupil Caroline is studying at Strathclyde University, and lives in Glasgow with two flat-mates — Clair-Louise Spence from Antrim in Northern Ireland, and Claire Ironmonger from Kent in England. To reach the final of the Virgin competition, the girls had to find an original way of publicising the competition. And they managed to get former soap and teen idol Jason Donovan to hold up a picture of a big red house while he was on stage at the Strathclyde student union. The inspired stunt earned them a place in the final 20 — but they still had to make the top 10 in order to get their rent paid for a year. It was now down to votes on the www.thebigredhouse.co.uk  website, with each of the 20 finalists spelling out why it should be them! Voting was incredibly close, with Caroline grabbing eighth place out of the 10 who will live rent-free for a year. The top spot polled 5,614, with Caroline netting 5,161, and the person in 10th place taking 5,104. So you can see how tight it was in the final shake-up. But the important thing for Caroline and her pals was getting one of those 10 places — accomplished with the help of family and friends in Maybole, as well as Ayrshire Post readers.

A CARRICK Academy class of 1946 is meeting up again. And they reckon that a reunion after 56 years must be something of a record. This is not the first time the classmates have got together again. A similar reunion was held in 1992 when 27 pals attended. Organisers expect a similar number again at Ayr’s Carrick Lodge Hotel next Thursday (April 24). Sadly, nine of the former pupils who were at the ‘92 reunion have since died. A visit to the academy is planned before the party begins at the Ayr venue.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO — angry passengers watch open-mouthed as the train hurtles past their stop — with them still on it! The train was due to make a 5.06pm stop in Maybole, but it goes on to Girvan, where angry passengers besiege rail staff. An embarrassed British Rail spokesman at Ayr admits the Carlisle train has been scheduled to stop at Maybole since January 9.

April 11th 2003

MAYBOLE Parish minister the Rev Dave Whiteman came up with a novel way to raise cash for Cairn Primary School. For after a school assembly, he told pupils he was going to have his beard shaved off! And hairdresser Mrs Lynsay Jess halted the operation at different stages to let pupils decide if she should continue. The pupils obviously thought she should, and Mr Whiteman ended up clean-shaven! “Some people don’t recognise me now,” admits the Church of Scotland minister with the Geordie accent. For he hadn’t been without a beard since 1986, and even his own children hadn’t seen him clean-shaven. But Mr Whiteman confessed: “It was a lot of fun. “And I’m especially pleased when people tell me how young I look now!” Cairn Primary head teacher Mrs Barbara Anderson thanked school chaplain Mr Whiteman for his fundraising idea. And everyone is waiting to see how much cash comes back from sponsor sheets.

BEAUTIFUL Cloncaird Castle could emerge as South Ayrshire’s answer to luxurious Skibo. For speculation is rife that the castle, near Kirkmichael, will become a hideaway hotel for the rich and famous. Cloncaird’s new owner is Ephraim Belcher, boss of Belcher Food Products at Prestwick. Mr Belcher was in the USA on business as the Post went to press, and we were unable to get a comment from him on his plans. However, he is seen as being in the same flamboyant mould as Skibo tycoon Peter de Savary. And Mr de Savary hosted the ultimate celebrity wedding party at Skibo when pop icon Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie in Dornoch. A daily newspaper last year wrongly linked Cloncaird with Queen guitar legend Brian May and former Eastenders star Anita Dobson. But now the Post can reveal that Mr Belcher is the new owner, taking over from a Canadian family who have lived there for 30 years. Bob McGregor and his family have been excellent custodians of the three-storey castle, and have refurbished most of it. But they are now busy moving out. Cloncaird comes with 90 acres of land, plus fishing rights for a stretch of the River Girvan. The impressive castle boasts five reception rooms, a billiard room, 14 bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Two cottages and an extensive stable block with a house also come with it. Cloncaird was on the market last year for offers over £2.5 million. But it is believed Mr Belcher has no interest in its furniture and contents. And if this is indeed the case, the selling price would have been substantially lower. Cloncaird dates from the 15th century, but the old tower house was substantially redeveloped into today’s castle, around 1814. The castle was bequeathed by a former owner to the old Ayr County Council, and for a time became the Dubbs Memorial Convalescent Home.

MAYBOLE Pipe Band had a highly successful trip to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day. During their visit to the Asturies region of Spain last year, the band met Irish music group Bru Na Bonnie who invited them to take part in St. Patrick’s day parades in Drogheda and Slane. So, after a little help from Alex Kelly and Burns Country Leisure, a minibus load — including two of Aileen Robertson’s dancers and Davie Anderson complete with guitar and folk songs — set off for the village of Slane on the west of Southern Ireland. Slane is famous for the pop concerts held at its castle. First stop in the Emerald Isle was at Monasterboice Inn for a quick bite to eat and to sample some of that fine black Irish wine. It was here the band met Rose Downs, their guide for the weekend, who took them to the Slane farm hostel, their base for the weekend. The hostel is run by Joanne Macken and family and is a great place to stay and to meet other foreign visitors.

On Saturday, their first day, the lads and lassies of the band were treated to a sightseeing trip arranged by Rose and Mickey Flanagan, both members of Bru Na Bonnie. Places visited included Slane Hill Abbey and the megalithic tombs at Newgrange. In the evening, there was a ceilidh where friendships made in Spain were renewed. The first parade on St. Patrick’s day was in Drogheda, starting under control of parade grand master Jimmy Gradwell, on the north quay of the River Boyne. It continued for two miles through the main streets of the town and included a stop for the dancers to entertain at the viewing stand where dignitaries had gathered. After the parade ended, the band was invited to a grand reception in the Westcourt Hotel where they were introduced to parade committee president Matt Nolan and Deputy Mayor Frank Maher. After playing at the reception, they were thanked by Frank Maher who announced that the band had won first prize in the parade. The trophy was to be presented at another ceilidh that evening.

With a tight schedule, the band had to head for their second parade in Slane village, again about two miles long and stopping in the village square for the dancers to perform in front of an appreciative crowd.  Afterwards, it was tea and home baking in the village hall — ‘just like Crosshill gala’ according to Ronnie McFadzean. To complete the day, it was back to Drogheda for Ceili Mor a big ceilidh with singing, dancing, fiddling, piping, storytelling and Maybole’s own Davie Anderson folk singing — just what you would expect in Ireland for St. Patrick's Day! It was here that the parade committee and deputy mayor presented the trophy for first prize, a magnificent Newgrange crystal vase, to Andy Fulton who was Pipe Major for the weekend. Andy thanked the committee for the trophy and the group for their tremendous hospitality. Before leaving on the Tuesday, there was just one thing left to do: the band headed off to play at the Slane Castle, famed as a venue for Robbie Williams and U2 concerts. After half-a-dozen tunes at the castle it was reckoned that it was a good warm-up for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers who play there next month. After all the farewells and with invitations for next year ringing in their ears, it was back to the ferry home for a well-earned rest.

MAYBOLE Boys’ Brigade played host to their good friends from Bo’ness at the weekend. The BBs from the Firth of Forth arrived on Friday night for another annual camp in the Capital of Carrick — a tradition that started three years ago. Boys and their officers spent a hectic Saturday swimming and skating at the Magnum Centre in Irvine. And they found time to travel to Maidens to collect stones for painting at night! Both BB companies attended a church service at the West Kirk on Sunday. And the weekend proved another happy chapter in the camaraderie built between them. Maybole BBs are taking part in a sponsored walk at the end of April to raise funds to help them travel to Bo’ness for a return camp. Our picture shows BBs from Maybole welcoming their pals from Bo’ness for a weekend camp. Officers with them are: Mr J. Shields (Maybole); Mr D. Snedden, Mr A. Farmer, and Mrs L. Snedden (Bo’ness); and Mr C.Hannah (Bo’ness youth elder).

CARRICK Chess Club had a 3½ – ½ win over Greenwood Bishops. And only the Bishops’ trainer Stephen Taylor prevented a whitewash by drawing with Steell McFadzean on board one.  John Bryden, Stuart Lampard and Kenny Brooksbank had wins over Jordan Swanston, David Dawson and Aaron Smith respectively. This was Kenny’s first league game and he enjoyed making a winning start. Carrick’s monthly blitz was won by John Bryden for the seniors with 7½ out of 8, and Gregor Steven (9 out of 9!) for the juniors. Ruth Wilson was runner up (6 out of 8) in her first blitz tourney.

CARRICK pupils designed posters with a clear message — ‘Sick of Smoking’ The theme was chosen by organisers NHS Ayrshire and Arran as part of No Smoking Day. Overall winner for Carrick Academy’s cluster of primaries was Emily Hastings of Gardenrose in Maybole. She received cinema tickets for herself and her family — kindly donated by Michelle Hunt from South Ayrshire Schools Tobacco Awareness Project.  Other winners received gift vouchers courtesy of Maybole Health Centre’s Drs Scobie, Paton and Steele. They were: Ross Paxton, Maidens Primary; Kade McArthur, Gardenrose Primary; Jake Kewell, Fisherton Primary; and Kirsty Ireland, Cairn Primary. The Carrick competition was co-ordinated by Sina Currie, schools nurse for the Carrick cluster.What a lucky trio

A DAY in the country proved a perfect Spring tonic for the pupils of a Maybole school. And with a facility like Culzean Country Park on their doorstep, who can blame them? The parents’ association of St Cuthbert’s Primary organised a treasure hunt at the country park, with pupils dividing into teams. Each had a parent helper, and the top clue crackers turned out to be a team called ‘The Warriors’. But everyone had a great day out, and when the treasure hunt was over, pupils could enjoy the park’s many attractions.

PLANS for Maybole Gala Day will be discussed at the next meeting of Maybole Community Association — and all groups who want to take part are asked to come along. The meeting is in the town hall on Tuesday, April 29, at 7.30pm. Groups which are intending to enter a float, car or walking group will be able to collect their cheques for £50 to help with decoration. Association chairman Susan Whiteman told the Post: “We are working hard to ensure Gala 2003 will be a fantastic day for the town.” Anyone with any queries before the meeting can contact the secretary Deb Creedy on (01655) 889560. This year’s gala is on Saturday June 21.

MAYBOLE Gala Week has sprouted a new event. And organisers hope green-fingered townspeople will enter a ‘best dressed garden’ competition. But even if you don’t consider yourself a good gardener, you might still want to enter. For lay-out and tidiness will be taken into account too. Gala Week organisers are Maybole Community Association, and chairman Susan Whiteman said: “We are looking for neat and tidy gardens — not necessarily with lots of flowers.” Judging takes place during gala week (June 15 to 22) and entrants can pick up an entry form at the town hall, or phone Deb Creedy on 01655 889560. Meanwhile, bowlers should note the gala open pairs indoor bowling tourney is on Saturday, May 10. Anyone interested should contact Alex Davidson on 01655 882791 or Derek Walker at the town hall.

ONE school’s loss is another’s gain. And you can see how much the pupils of Struthers Primary think of Mrs Mary Scott. Mrs Scott has been nearly 13 years at the Troon school — the past six months as acting head teacher. But she is moving on to become head teacher at Gardenrose Primary School in Maybole. And Mrs Scott looks to be a popular choice for the role — although she will be greatly missed by pupils, staff and parents at Struthers.

MAYBOLE boss John Redmond has turned up the heat on Ayrshire league leaders Lugar and warned: “You can’t afford one slip.” Second top ‘Bole kept up the pressure with a 1-0 win over Saltcoats thanks to a clever lob from Andy Stevenson. And they reckon they were denied a second when Dale Beattie had a late goal ruled out. Redmond fired: “Lugar may still be eight points ahead with two games more played but they know that just one defeat puts us back in control.” On Saturday, Redmond returns to Portland Park for the first time since he was controversially axed at the end of last season. Maybole visit Troon in the Ayrshire Cup and Redmond revealed: “It’s one I am very much looking forward to. “I haven’t been back since Troon lost 1-0 to Kilbirnie in the Super Cup final and I was chopped the following day.” Maybole head to Cumnock on Wednesday in the second round of the District Cup but Monday’s scheduled league trip to Dalry has been called off.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO — A dispute over a production manager leads to 21 workers being sacked in Maybole. But Douglas Engineering say the men ‘sacked themselves’ when they walked out after management refused talks. The men claim the production manager was doing the job of a plater, and was asked to stop by union officials, but he refused to do so.

100 YEARS AGO — A 14-year-old girl comes up before Maybole Burgh Police Court, charged with stealing 36lbs of scrap from the works of Messrs Alex. Jack & Sons. She pleads guilty, but the court defers sentence on the first offender for six months to see if she can stay out of trouble. The girl’s mother is ordered to look after her child more carefully, and the police are also instructed to keep an eye on her.

April 4th 2003

Do local businesses want a business association’

That will be the topic at Maybole & District Business Association’s annual general meeting on Wednesday April 30 at 7.30 pm in Maybole Castle.

At a recent meeting of its executive committee officebearers decided to propose the dissolution of Maybole & District Business Association at the A.G.M. due to lack of attendance at meetings and no support from members for events.

They say that the work of the association has only been supported by a very few local business, despite the committee’s attempts of personal contact with local businesses to persuade them to support the association at meetings.

The association has achieved several notable successes in its short life a short résumé is enclosed.

A spokesman for the association said, "We urge local business people to come along to the AGM on Wednesday April 30 and speak for or against a local business association."

The association was formed to assist in the development of a viable business community in Maybole; to encourage existing and new business in the town in partnership with other organisations; to enhance the town; and to encourage more visitors into Maybole.

The officebearers feel they have succeeded in some of these but without the support and ideas of local businesses it is just left to a few to carry on.

If the association closes any funds left will be donated to local charities or community organisations in the town.

June Dunlop:, treasurer, said, "Apart from a few individuals, the current membership, unfortunately, have shown no interest in attending meetings to air their views, ideas, (or grievances) nor have they offered practical support to the committee to assist us with ongoing projects and without this we see no way forward at the present time."

Fiona Reid of Fringe Benefits who is the association’s secretary said " I am very disappointed that other local businesses have not supported the Association. We have tried hard to gain more members and encourage the local business community to attend meetings."

In the notice calling the AGM the committee lists what it sees as the main achievements of the Business Association.

These include

• Forming a partnership with the Community Council and the Community Association to organise the Christmas Lights Parade and switchon. This is now an established yearly event and well supported by the community.
• Enhancement of High Street with tubs and baskets for the past two years. This has proved a worthwhile project with many positive comments from local people and visitors. While the association lacks the money for new plants, this year the tubs & baskets are still available to enhance the town.
• Supported last year’s Gala parade with float, prizes and displays in local shops.
• Working in partnership work the Historical Society on name plaques. This is still ongoing and will happen as soon as funding is available.
• Produced an information booklet of members, delivered to all residents in Maybole.
• Worked with the Community Council, Carrick Crime Prevention Panel and M.C.D.G. to campaign for C.C.T.V. cameras to be installed in the town. This system has been welcomed by the community and local elderly residents have said they feel safer on the High Street at night now.
• Developing a themed signage for the entrance to Maybole.
• Nine members of the association have taken part in I.C.T. courses designed and run by community education for business people.