April 2004

April 30th 2004

A new skateboard park was opened in Maybole last Saturday morning by Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council. Initial reaction to the park from the young people who attended the opening is that it is “Brilliant” and will be well used. Before officially opening the park Councillor Hill paid tribute to everyone who had worked with him “to achieve the transformation of what was a somewhat derelict area”. He said, “Full credit to the Maybole Youth Action Group who brought the idea of creating a skatepark to me. I was delighted to give my own personal support to the project.” “The theory was good,” he added, “but of course we needed funding.” Councillor Hill continued, “I am delighted to say that South Ayrshire Council’s Rural Affairs Committee supported the scheme with a grant of £10,000. And I successfully sought, and obtained, funding of a further £10,000 from the Council’s Community Enhancement fund.” “Full credit to all who have been involved in the physical side of creating the facilities that are now here,” he said. He continued, “I mentioned that the Maybole Youth Action Group had inspired me to champion the case for a skatepark. Can I say that the Group has also been heavily involved in both the design and planning of the project. And I would like to acknowledge that the Group has donated £672 for the provision of what I am told is called a ‘grind rail’ for the skate park - well done but you’ll never get me on it!” He also reminded everyone there that the Youth Action Groupwas staging a night of music in the Town Hall that evening in celebration of the completion of the skatepark. “It will also serve as a fundraiser towards the second stage of the Skateboard project which is to install improved lighting around the park,” he added. “Good luck in your endeavours,” he concluded, “I do hope that many of you derive great pleasure in making use of the facilities which have been created. And now I am delighted to formally declare the Boag Skatepark open.” Afterwards everyone adjourned to St Cuthbert’s church hall for some refreshments.

Following a successful bid to the Youth Awards, Maybole Bowling Club President Jim Harper and Vice President Elspeth Wotherspoon were presented with 4 sets of bowls by William Grant who was representing the Youth awards committee. Mr Grant said, "With these bowls now being available for young people they can now come along and try the sport without having to initially purchase bowls."

On a gloriously sunny and warm 25th April, 153 competitors took to Girvan golf course for the Carrick Speakers Open. At the end of a long but successful day two very worthy winners emerged. The Carrick Sports Club Trophy for the best handicap score was won by John Clewley from the Kent coast, reflecting the "international" appeal of the Open, but only after a count-back, just pipping L McClunie from Ravenspark. The Scratch Trophy was won in spectacular style by Billy McCulloch from Brunston Castle Golf Club with a scratch 63. “Carrick Speakers Golf Club would like to thank all sponsors both corporate and individual,” said club captain Les Newlands, “with special thanks to Carrick Sports Club for its very generous support once again.” He continued, “We would also like to thank South Ayrshire Council for allowing us to have the courtesy of the course for the day and we are very grateful for the support we receive from everyone at Girvan golf course. The committee and all the members who contribute to the smooth running of the event would like to thank all those who took part and for their favourable comments; we appreciate their continuing support.” Other prize winners : handicap Third G Brown, Turnberry Fourth D Hollingsworth, Belleisle Fifth M O'Brien, Annanhill Sixth C Gerrish, St Cuthberts

At the weekend the Tackety Bit Club went to Kirriereoch on what was a perfect day, from there it was across the top of Carmaddie Braes to Tarfessock and back to Cross Burn. Other members were at Ullapool where they climbed Cona Mheall and Beinn Dearg in the mist.

The next meeting of Maybole Historical Society will be held in Rozelle House, Monument Road, Ayr on Monday 10th May. This is the annual general meeting and will be followed by a look at the collections and the work done by our the Museums and Galleries Service in South Ayrshire with Liz Kwasnik, (Museums and Galleries Officer) and her staff. A bus leaves Maybole Station 7.10 p.m. returning at 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend – there’s no charge. The Society’s summer outing will be on Saturday, 3rd July - NOT 12th July as stated in the March Newsletter. The outing will start from Maybole Station 08.30 - returning at approx. 5 p.m. The trip is to Hamilton Museum at Low Park (including Mining exhibition and the Cameronians Regimental Museum), then to Chatelherault for lunch (picnic or restaurant) and Cadzow Castle archaeological dig. Cost for passengers £4.00 to cover drivers’ petrol expenses – Entry to the museums is free. Anyone interested please is asked to let the committee know at the May Meeting or contact Helen McAdam or Dave Killicoat before 19th June. In the current issue of the Society’s newsletter, Dave Killicoat highlights a problem with a map of Maybole from centuries ago. “Once again,” says Mr Killicoat, “Mrs Isobel Seymour has allowed us to copy an item from her collection, but this is of a slightly different type. The article in question is a map published according to an Act of Parliament on 16th December 1775 showing the route of the road from Edinburgh via Ayr to Stranraer. Apart from the detail on the whole of the map, what is also interesting is the difference in the alignment and number of roads through Maybole compared to those shown on the Armstrong map of the same period. It has always been a puzzle that the Armstrong map quite clearly shows a road right up the High Street in Maybole when contemporary descriptions locate the Kennedy of Bargany house blocking the street where the present Town Hall and Tollbooth now stand, and the Castle and its out-buildings blocking the other end with four streets leading off it. This is actually shown quite clearly on the Parliamentary Act map. If this latter map is to be believed then how much more “artistic licence” was used by Captain Armstrong?”

Silver lining for Kenny and his pals. Kenny Crawford from Maybole has kept some interesting company since his days in the town. He had a spell as stadium manager at Ibrox, home of Rangers FC, and you may recognise some of these faces. That's Kenny holding the silver-ware, and Donald Findlay OC grabbing him from behind in case Kenny decides to keep the CIS Cup! Also pictured (from left) are: TV soccer pundit Chick Young, ex-Rangers stars Ian Durrant, Richard Gough and Dave MacPher-son, former assistant manager Archie Knox, German star Jorg Albertz, Rangers legend Ally McCoist, and former manager Walter Smith.

“Spring Strings and Pipes” is the theme of a concert which will be held in Maybole Town Hall on Saturday May 8th at 7.30pm. The concert will feature the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra and Maybole Pipe Band and tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for primary school-aged children/concessions. They are available at the door, from The Florist, High Street, Maybole or call 01465 710169. There will also be refreshments and a raffle. The money raised will go to the Maybole Branch of Save the Children.

April 23rd 2004

The 9th Robin Speirs Memorial golf competition was held on Easter Sunday 11th April at Maybole golf course and the weather conditions were fair. There was a good turn out of competitors (18 in total) and everyone went on to the Maybole Arms for the prize giving ceremony. The winner was Kevin McCrorie who retained his title from last year with a net 59, 2nd was Graham Lester with 61 and 3rd was Brian Jamieson with 65. Robin’s family and friends would like to thank people for turning out and keeping this annual competition going both regular players and new alike. They would also like to thank the Maybole Arms for providing a venue for the 19th hole and for supplying the food. A raffle was also drawn in the Pub and £48 was raised and will be sent to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

The Tackety Bit Walkers went up Cairnsmore of Carsphairn last weekend on what started off a bit misty but just got worse with wind and rain. One member had an early bath when they fell in the burn on the way down. Some other members were at Traprain in East Lothian where they did some rock climbing.

Carrick Speakers Golf Club’s annual Open competition is being played this Sunday April 25. Entry costs £7 and the handicap allowance maximum is 18. All eighteen holes are sponsored and there will be Scratch and Handicap trophies. Anyone who would like to take part should contact Hugh McKay 74 Culzean Road Maybole Tel 01655 889692.

The Boag Skatepark will be officially opened in Maybole this Saturday April 24. The skatepark, in Ladywell Terrace, will be opened by Councillor Andy Hill, leader of South Ayrshire Council, at 10am and there will be light refreshments afterwards in St Cuthbert’s church hall. In the evening Maybole Youth Action Group is holding a Band Night as a celebration of the completion of the Skatepark and as a fundraiser towards stage 2 of the project which is to install improved lighting around the park. It is also a chance to showcase local talent in that all five of the bands featured are from Maybole. The venue is Maybole Town Hall and the bands will play from 7.00pm - 11.00pm. Bands include Two feet Deep, Achilles Pilots, The Fusion, The Critics, and Trinity Marquis.

A night of nostalgia is in store for members and guests of Carrick Sports Club this coming Saturday April 24. The theme is the music hits of the 1950s with all the No. 1s available for listening to and members are invited to take along their own personal favourite – as long as it is on 45 or 33 vinyl or CD and not on 78! Equally, if anyone has any memorabilia of the 50s members will be delighted to take a look and reminisce. On Saturday May 1 the group “Solid Gold” will be playing, followed by a disco on May 8 and “Just Like Eddie” on May 15.

There will be a meeting in Maybole Castle on Tuesday May 4 at 3pm to formally dissolve Maybole Community Development Group which stopped business last year. All member groups have been contacted and invited to attend and also to hear about the new project which will be run by May-Tag to develop the Resource Centre.

A horse was freed from its paddock at Maybole Castle — to wander the streets, including the busy A77 trunk road. Police and community leaders are furious that anyone was stupid and reckless enough to open the gates to allow the horse to escape. Inspector John McClafferty admitted: “This could have had disastrous consequences. The A77 is definitely not the place for a horse to go walk-about.” Inspector McClafferty said the culprit would have had to climb the paddock wall to open the gates from the inside. And he said it wasn’t just a foolish prank, but a truly reckless act. Carrick Crime Prevention Panel chairman Alex Kelly said: “I’m shocked that someone would do this — there could have been a tragedy.” Mr Kelly added: “Horses have been kept in the castle paddock for years. It’s a nice green space in the middle of the town. “And countless passers-by have enjoyed seeing the horse in such a nice setting. “Now we appear to have a moron in our midst who could do something as despicable as this.” Horse owner Jim Gray said his last check on 11-year-old chestnut Robbie was at 6.30pm last Sunday evening. But his wife found the paddock gates wide open at 8am on Monday morning — and no sign of Robbie. Mr Gray said: “My first thought was that he’d been stolen. But then we heard a horse had been roaming the streets through the night. “And when I went to his grazing field just outside the town, Robbie was there.” Mr Gray said Robbie was traumatised and covered in dried sweat, and was also off his food. He said: ”I’ve heard he was spotted on the main road to Ayr, which must have been very frightening for him when you think of some of the juggernauts which go through Maybole at night. “Other people have apparently seen or heard him outside their houses, but fortunately he’s made it to his grazing field and jumped in.” Mr Gray (56) said he’s had horses virtually all his life, starting with a pony when he was just seven, and all have been safe in the castle paddock — up till now. He revealed: “Whoever released Robbie would have had to undertake FOUR separate operations to get those gates open.” Robbie was released sometime during the night between April 11 and 12, and anyone who can help the police should call them on Maybole (01655) 882122.

April 16th 2004

Two former Carrick Academy pupils who had not seen each other for almost fifty years met up again last week, and it all happened thanks to Maybole’s web site www.maybole.org . Bill Davidson has lived in New York since 1959 while George McEwan lived for a time in Orkney and is now living in Glasgow. They had not seen each other since Bill left school in 1954 and there was a lot to catch up on when they met in the Welltrees Inn. Bill had logged on to the web site and reading through the visitor comments he was struck by a message from Bob Little who mentioned the Greenside and the School Vennel. Bob’s comments reminded Bill of a poem he had written several years before and that was added to the site along with several others, including one called “School Mates” which mentions some of Bill’s classmates. George, who was in the same class, recognised his own name and many others in the poem and got in touch with Bill. George is a poet, too, and Billy Connolly made one of his songs famous - "The Welly Boot Song. They have exchanged several poems and ideas, one of which was a possible reunion of their class. Bill said, “With the exception of David Gray, George and I have no idea where all those people are, or how many are still alive and if they would be interested in such an endeavour.” Bill retired several years back as Vice President of Marriott Food Service Division in New York and George retired last month from a school in Glasgow. He says that all of this has resulted in him starting to write again. Bill’s poems can be seen at http://www.maybole.org/guides/poems/of_maybole_and_carrick.htm Titles are I DREAM OF JOURNEY'S END, SCHOOL MATES, THE CAPITAL OF CARRICK, I LOVE YOU CALEDONIA, SCOTTISH BARDS, TAKE ME HOME, KILHENZIE GLEN, THE BONNIE RIVER STINCHAR, BALLANTRAE, LAND OF MIRTH, THE GARPIN, AULD HARRY, MOCHRUM SHADOWS, THE GIRVAN, EPISTLE TO GEORGE MACMILLAN DAVIDSON, PEDEN'S THORN, WHERE THE STINCHAR FLOWS.

Nine year old Ali Roy, of Carrick Chess Club, has been successful in recent competitions. She was awarded the best girl trophy in Ayrshire for under 12s and, in another competition. the best Scottish girl trophy for under 10s. She also won 2nd prize in the Edinburgh mixed Primary 5 & under. Dr. Kenny Brooksbank of Girvan won the blitz competition for the first time. He's also the chess club’s best league player. He won 7/7 - 100%! Siegrun Macgilchrist has achieved a Fide (International) grade of 1875. She is one of only four players in Ayrshire and the first in Carrick Chess Club. The others are Steven Brown (Ardrossan), 2089; John Shaw (Kilmarnock), International Master, 2444 and Johnny Rowson (Troon), Grandmaster, 2547. There are only 81 players in Scotland with a Fide grade out of a total of 3000. The lower grading limit for Fide is 1800, but will drop to 1600 in July and it will get easier to achieve a Fide grade over the years. The lowest limit will be 1000 eventually, so that everyone in the whole world can play anywhere and compare their grades to anyone else. At the moment the national grades are quite different depending on the standards adopted. For South Ayrshire children (up to age 16) there is a chess competition in Maybole library on Thursday, 15th starting at 10 am.

The first meeting of the new three year term of office for Maybole Community Council was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday April 6.Ronnie Sinclair, community education officer, chaired the meeting deputising for Carol George who is South Ayrshire Council’s link officer to the community council. Maybole is split into two wards and community councillors elected to serve till March 31, 2007 are:
Maybole West
Margaret Boyd, Alex Kelly, David Kiltie, Anne Walker and Helen Whitefield
Maybole East
Moira Auld, Gillian Durrant, William Grant, Peter Lynn, Peter Mason, Marianne McCreadie, Jim McDermott and William Torbett.

There was one invalid nomination and there are two vacancies on the community council, one in each ward. After these formalities were dealt with Mr Sinclair moved on to chair the election of new officebearers. These are:

Chairman - David Kiltie
Vice chairman - Peter Mason
Secretary – Anne Walker
Treasurer – Gillian Durrant.

The reason for the invalid nomination was that the person was not registered on the electoral role although well known to community councillors. They decided, therefore, to ask the person whose nomination was not accepted if he was willing to be co-opted for the West ward to the new council. Anyone who lives in the East ward, the area to the east of the railway line through the town, to let the secretary know of their interest.

The Tackety Bit Walkers recently had a walk in Glen Trool, where they went onto Craiglee on what was a beautiful day giving great views all round. On the way back by the Rig of the Jarkness two eagles were spotted soaring high above. The club AGM is at the next meeting in the Welltrees Inn, Maybole on Thursday, April 15 at 8pm, new members will be welcome.

PIPE BAND RETURNS TO DROGHEDA
Maybole Pipe Band had a successful trip to Ireland for Saint Patrick’s Day for the second year running. After winning first prize in Drogheda parade last year, the band was invited back to defend their title. With a lot of help from Rose Downes, a member of the traditional Irish music group Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri Eireann, seven band members flew to Dublin on the Monday night. They were welcomed by Rose and two other members of Comhaltas, Paddy Brannigan and Dick Murphy, who made sure there was a stop at the Conyngham Arms in Slane to sample the black stuff. Then, it was on to Slane Farm Hostel, to be looked after by hostel owner Joanne Macken and her family. On Tuesday, the sailing section of the band arrived and met up with the fliers in the Village Inn Slane just in time to marvel at Maggie’s “diver’s mobile phone” which should’ve been good for two fathoms but the depth of the toilet was too much for it. The it was time to enjoy some fine Irish cooking before going to Tom Matthews’ Pub in Collon to take part in a session (music session that is) with Comhaltas. There was a distinct international feel with songs from German and American travellers in addition to the expected Scottish and Irish music. The title the band had to defend on Saint Patrick’s Day was at the parade in Drogheda. With the crowds gathered and the sun shining, the participants marched from the banks of the Boyne and through the towns main streets, stopping briefly at the viewing stand to play a set for the gathered crowd. Once again the band was invited to the West Court Hotel for a good feed and to meet, and of course play for, the dignitaries, who included Parade Grand Marshall and European and World champion boxer Damien McKenna, Drogheda Parade Committee Director Isobel Sanroma and Chairman Mat Nolan amongst others. Unfortunately the band did not win this year, but were beaten by the stunning local entry from the historical society.

Thanks to the efforts of Mickey Flannigan, the bus driver for the day, the band arrived in perfect time for the second parade of the day in Slane. Once again the streets were lined with locals, young and old, excited to see the band return. The Scottish and Irish flags were carried in front by local youngsters Aofe Downes and Orla Brannigan, and followed up by banner carriers Davie Anderson, John Brown, Aine Downes and Kevin McGourk. Afterwards there was time for a quick stop in the Poets Rest before being collected by Mickey and taken to ‘Franks Cottage’ near Donore. Frank Godfrey, a local politician and well-known character, had invited the band to join one his famous parties in his historic and fascinating thatched cottage. Then it was on to Daly’s, also in Donore, for the best Steak Sandwiches in the Boyne. Last stop for the night was the Comhaltas Ceili Mor, or Big Ceilidh, the tickets for which had sold out in days once it was announced that Maybole Pipe Band would be playing. The night consisted of song, dance and story telling from Comhaltas, Lolo Robinsons School of Irish Dance and Maybole's own Davie Anderson. Davie spent most of the night playing his music along with the Irish group and all agreed he was a very welcome addition. The locals were also eager to trip the light fantastic with a lad (or a lass) in a kilt! It was then announced at the ceilidh that the band had taken first place in the Slane parade.

The next day it was off to Dublin for most of the band to head home, and a day out for those who were staying a little longer. A visit to Kitty Kaboodle’s restaurant is another must, if not for the great food and atmosphere, then for the chance to draw on the table cloth and not get in trouble for it. The walls are covered in drawings done by the many diners who left a better effort than Ronnie McFadzeans “Wee Boat”. Friday was spent cycling round the local sights, including the site of the Battle of the Boyne and the megalithic tombs of Newgrange, Nouth and Douth. Due to a timely puncture, a rest stop had to be taken at the Starr Inn, Tullyallen, the oldest pub in County Louth - trust Tam Fulton to get a puncture there. That evening saw a good meal, good ‘craic’ and, of course, plenty of ‘Irish Coffee’ with Rose and her musical family. Rose’s husband, Joe made the best Irish coffee ever. The last night was spent at the home of Lolo and her ‘dancing’ family for another delicious meal and more good times. Then, it was onto another session at the Community Centre in Ballsgrove to have one last dance and say farewell to friends old and new. The band has already been invited back for St Patrick’s Day next year, and hope to see some members of Comhaltas and Lolos’ Dance School in Maybole soon.

April 9th 2004

EASTER BONNETS, EASTER GARDENS AND EASTER EGGS GALORE AT CAIRN. Children at Cairn Primary School, Maybole held an Easter competition to celebrate the end of term on Friday. Entries came from every class in the school and all the children made a great effort producing some fantastic Easter bonnets, Easter gardens and decorated eggs. The term ended with an Easter Service and prize giving in the gym hall. The pupils and teachers at Cairn would like to wish everyone a Very Happy Easter.

Maybole’s web site www.maybole.org continues to make records. In February the total number of page hits was 643,710 with 2,200 hours being spent viewing the site by people all over the world!

April 2nd 2004

The fourth joint annual camp between Maybole and Bo'ness Boys Brigade companies was held in the halls of Maybole Old Church building from the 26th to the 28th March. The boys enjoyed crafts and games on Friday evening, Saturday began with a walk to Straiton monument followed by a trip to Ayr Beach. Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated which meant a visit to Pirate Pete’s and then a quick return to Maybole for tea, games and crafts. On Sunday morning the two companies paraded at Maybole West Parish Church and the visitors left Maybole after lunch. Altogether there were twenty-one boys from Bo’ness and eight from Maybole. Leaders of the Bo’ness company were Captain David Sneddon, Officers Lilias Snedden, Andrew Farmer, and Jim McClean. Maybole Officers were Captain Willie Boyce and Jim Shields.