August 2002

Text of the headlines above follows.

August 30th 2002

MAYBOLE is rallying to help a two-year-old tot with cerebral palsy. And local people have pledged cash to buy little Ellie Robinson a hi-tech ‘sleep suit’ to ease her pain. Carrick Round Table, Maybole Fire Crew and Rev Tom Bogle of the West Kirk are all willing to donate to the fund, as is a generous Mr Hamilton from Mossblown. Last week we reported on four locals who will run the Glasgow Half-Marathon on Sunday, September 8, to raise cash. They are brother and sister Jim Hewitt and Caroline McIntosh, and brothers-in-law Frazer Davidson and Kevin McSorley. Ellie, who is blind and epileptic, as well as having cerebral palsy, has to endure the pain of having her legs stretched straight every morning at present. However, a special perspex sleep suit, costing around £800, would keep her limbs straight during the night.

MAYBOLE Community Association will have cheese and wine after their AGM in the Town Hall on Wednesday, September 18. “We are really keen to hear what local people think of what we have done,” said association chairman Susan Whiteman. “And the cheese and wine will allow us to discuss events in a more sociable setting.” The association organises fun events like the gala day, fireworks night, the Christmas bazaar and a pantomime. All local groups are invited to be represented at the AGM, to give their views.

GREEN tourism could help revolutionise Carrick’s flagging holiday trade. Council chiefs look set to approve a move to help promote the area as centre for outdoor pursuits. Rural affairs convener Councillor Paul Torrance revealed this week that he’s confident that the area can reclaim its place on the national and international tourist map.

But he warned that the days of beach holidays are over, and insisted that the industry must capitalise on the great outdoors if it is to succeed. Speaking to the Post this week, Councillor Torrance explained: “It’s about pulling together the different businesses that already exist, and promoting them together. “There are loads of businesses in the Carrick area that are activity and craft based. But they are dotted all around the area, and largely depend on self promotion. “They’ve never before been promoted in a strategic way.”

He went on: “We have to accept that people don’t go to the shore for a fortnight’s holiday anymore. But I do believe the Carrick area does have a real future in tourism, if it can concentrate on activity-based attractions.” Councillor Torrance also revealed how meetings with enterprise companies are being planned in a bid to sign them up to supporting new businesses. He added: “We want to discuss with the enterprise companies what we can do to try and encourage and support these kinds of businesses.

“I don’t think that this is impossible. There are other areas that will have to be addressed, like possible alternatives to traditional accommodation. “We are at the very early stages of this. What we want to do first is put together a plan of action.” The next meeting of South Ayrshire’s rural affairs committee is scheduled to discuss a report outlining problems and possible solutions next month. Potential beach improvements area also likely to be discussed. Councillor Torrance pointed out: “The report will include reference to green tourism, such as activity-based pursuits in the open air, and will also look at the value of the Carrick beaches as a tourism attraction.

“The beaches at Girvan, Turnberry, Croy and Maidens are vital elements in the tourism mix. Tourism in turn is a vital aspect of the economy of rural areas, and we will be looking at what improvements might be feasible, or affordable, for the Carrick beaches. “The towns of Girvan and Maybole, and the villages in Carrick, are reliant on a healthy number of people visiting them on the way to places such as Culzean Castle and the country park. “Once we are able to consider the outline report then more detailed proposals could be sought if appropriate.”

IT’S not every day you’re asked to join one of Maybole’s finest organisations on their trip to Spain.. MAYBOLE Pipe Band, led by Pipe Sergeant Kevin McDermott, were invited by the organisers — Asturias Pipe Band “Esbardu” — to represent Maybole, South Ayrshire and Scotland in the “VI Festival Inercelticu” held in Aviles, Northern Spain from July 25 to August 5. I was lucky enough to be asked along as an observer, and was nominated stand-in big drummer until the band’s infamous drummer arrived. The festival has grown in stature over the last six years, and now some of the best professional groups from Celtic regions all over the EU participate, each demonstrating their own musical styles, dances and costumes. full story and photos here

BEST Straiton Fun Day out of the nine held so far. That’s the verdict on Saturday’s event by the majority of those who were there. And many villagers were ‘dressed up to the nines’ for this year’s Fairy Tales theme! “We had an excellent day,” said Eoghan Baird of the organising committee. “The sun came out right on cue, and everyone really enjoyed themselves.” It was a particularly exciting day for Alison Shearlaw, who designed the publicity poster. And her excellent work earned her a £20 prize. Great credit also to Louisa Sinclair, who suggested the Fairy Tales theme when pupils of Straiton Primary were asked for ideas. And Louisa was rewarded with a £10 prize.

The day, as always began with the Craigengower Hill Race — all three miles and 700 feet of it! Kilmarnock runners took the honours, with David White first male in 18 minutes and 8 seconds, and Susan Ballantyne first female in 23.55. Colin Brash of Girvan was runner-up in 18.25 and Tom McCulloch of Ayr third in 19.45.

First villager home was plucky 11-year-old Kirsty Walker, in 24.05, in a race which attracted a record field of 30 runners. Fancy dress winners were sister and brother Daisy (4) and Thomas McClure (3) as Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. But it was a close thing with another sister and brother — Naomi and Cameron Prakash — as the Little Mermaid and Flounder. Third place went to Alison Shearlaw, dressed as a really fierce wolf. The ‘hurl the sheaf’ competition was won by John Briggs, with a new record height of 29 feet. Scott Dunlop was runner-up and Drew McMillan third. For the less energetic there were cream teas, a beer tent and stalls to enjoy throughout the day.

August 23rd 2002

IT may not have been the biggest tribute to the memory of Elvis Presley, but it was certainly one of the most entertaining. Carrick Sports Club in Maybole was as likely to burst at the seams as some of the drainpipe trousers dug out for the occasion. And the full house company of members and guests really got into the swing of things on Saturday as they commemorated the 25th anniversary of the death of The King of rock ‘n roll. Club steward Ian Hewitt led by example. Resplendent in red jump suit and Elvis wig, he looked the part. But Ian only took on the role of Elvis impersonator because resident DJ David Kiltie couldn't fit into the outfit. Just as well, perhaps for David was fully occupied at the turntable, playing a non-stop selection of Presley classics and a mixture of music by his contemporaries. And solo artiste Just Like Eddie swung through a routine of songs that had the crowd packing the dance floor. The night was such a success that one usually shy member made an unexpected confession — to being first on the floor for some dances! The general consensus was that The King would have been amused! more

VISITOR numbers are dwindling at some of Carrick’s top tourist attractions. The latest figures show Culzean Castle and Crossraguel Abbey have been badly affected by the nationwide fall in the number of visitors from across the Atlantic in the wake of the September 11 tragedy. Convener of South Ayrshire’s tourism committee, Councillor Bobby Campbell, warned that the area can’t afford to take the news lying down, insisting that new markets must be found in England and the Continent. Speaking to the Post this week, Councillor Campbell stressed: “Obviously it is disappointing but not unexpected after foot and mouth and September 11. “But we have to remember that this affects us all economically. “We have to accept that the American market is still very uncertain just now and this is reflected in the state of their airlines. “It’s not enough to just wait and see what happens; we have to do something now to recoup any losses we have made.”

Culzean’s park and castle attracted an average of six per cent fewer visitors in 2001 than it did the previous year. Worryingly, Crossraguel’s visitor numbers fell by a whopping 17.4 per cent over the same period. And numbers at Souter Johnnie’s Cottage are down for the second year in a row — to just 2,946 — according to the visitor attractions monitor. Councillor Campbell also pointed out that a review of tourist boards across the country by the Scottish Executive could influence future marketing strategies. He said: “We are already making the effort to attract tourists from other areas through the links we are forging. “With Prestwick Airport, we are very accessible to visitors from the South of England and Europe, so these are the markets we should be looking to develop. “We can’t just wait for this to happen on its own because the chances are people will go somewhere else. What we must do is make sure we market ourselves and our attractions here in South Ayrshire. “Obviously we have to wait and see what happens with the tourist board, but at the same time we have to make sure that we don’t wait so long that it’s too late.”

THE next committee meeting of Maybole Youth Action Group will be held in the Over The Rainbow offices in School Vennel on Wednesday September 4 at 7.30pm. Items on the agenda for the night include discussions on the rollerblade park and a youth cafe. It is also planned to talk about suggestions on how the group could help to bridge the gap between youth and elderly.

MEMBERS of Maybole Amateur Swimming Club are all set to take the plunge again. Their new session starts on Tuesday September 3 at 7pm, and club officials say they’ll be delighted to see old and new members there. There is an adult session from 9 to 10pm and new swimmers will be especially welcome for this group.

CHURCHES in Maybole once again joined forces to organise a summer holiday club. The theme this year was ‘The light factory’ stressing the point that Jesus is the light of the world. Thirty young people attended the club every day last week in the West Church hall. It was organised by a group of ladies from each of the congregations in the town. Leader Susan Whiteman pointed out: "It was great to have a good mix of ages this year, with a group of teenagers coming along to help as well." Each day the club would start with singing, then games, then a Bible story. The children then had work sheets to do, followed by juice and biscuits and crisps, then a laser challenge. Susan revealed: "The children had to do a messy challenge — sweeties on a plate covered in cream. They had to eat the sweeties without using their hands. “We put cream on the children’s faces and they had to knock it off using water pistols. “Or they had to take a carrot from a plate of syrup, dip it in flour and put it in a pan without using their hands." Susan added that the laser challenges were very popular. The youngsters also did crafts, music and drama and a quiz, and finished with singing. She said: "The children were very enthusiastic, and it was good to see helpers from almost all the churches in the town." The week finished with a service on Sunday evening, when about 15 children went along and dressed up to make it a memorable evening. The organisers thanked everyone who helped.

THE plight of Maybole lass Ellie Robinson has touched the hearts of four local people. And they have vowed to raise funds to help the two-year-old whose story was told in the Post several weeks ago. Jim Hewitt, Frazer Davidson, Caroline McIntosh and Kevin McSorley will run in the Glasgow Half Marathon on September 8 to help the little girl who wakes up every morning to face the pain of having her legs stretched straight. Ellie has cerebral palsy, as well as being blind and epileptic. She has never crawled or walked, and is fed through a tube in her nose. She sleeps on her back, and wakes up with her legs almost knotted which puts pressure on her hip joints, and parents Rob and JulieAnne have to stretch her legs straight. Ellie could be helped by a ’sleep suit‘ but it looks as if funding is not available through the National Health Service. The perspex system is aimed at keeping limbs straight in a variety of sleeping positions. It costs around £800, but the Robinsons would find it impossible to raise that kind of spare cash at the moment. Rob works for the Quarrier’s Home Life Project in Ayr and JulieAnne is with the South Ayrshire Befriending Project. The four kind-hearted runners are hoping to raise enough to make young Ellie’s life a bit easier.

LOOKING BACK — 25 YEARS AGO: Maybole traders are up in arms over a plan to extend a parking ban in the town’s High Street. And Councillor BIll McCubbin says the total ban, as proposed by the Scottish Development Department, will turn the High Street into a ‘freeway’. Councillor McCubbin argues that the odd parked car helps to slow traffic, making the street safer. He says: “The High Street is half-dead at the moment. This is enough to kill it.”

JANICE McKellar (née Hastings) would like to see a reunion of old Carrick Academy friends. She is especially hoping to meet up with former classmates, or anyone who started at the school in 1968 or her husband Gilmour’s first year, 1966. Particularly welcome will be any of their former teachers. She told us: "The plan is to meet in Maybole Town Hall on Saturday, 14 September, at 8pm for chat, drinks and a dance or two. “Please get in touch if you can come along." She needs to know as quickly as possible if anyone is interested. Janice can be contacted on 01655 882736, or gilmour-mck@msn.com , or at Homelea, Culzean Road, Maybole KA19 8AH.

August 16th 2002

A BABY was among the injured in a three-car accident near Minishant on Sunday evening. Traffic was diverted for up to three hours when a car carrying four members of the same family careered into the wrong lane on the notorious A77. Five people were injured — none seriously — when a Hyundai Accent travelling north veered on to the southbound lane and was in collision with a Honda heading in the opposite direction. A Volkswagen Polo travelling immediately behind the Hyundai was also involved in the accident, but the driver escaped unscathed. Traffic police investigating the accident revealed that the male Hyundi driver, his wife and his mother-in-law all received bone fractures as a direct result of the collision. His baby daughter suffered only a superficial injury. The woman driver of the Honda also suffered a fracture. The injured were all treated at Ayr Hospital. The accident happened at 6.40pm 500 metres north of the B7034 near Carcluie Toll. Police enquiries are continuing, and they are particularly anxious to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the collision. Anyone with information is urged to contact Constable Alistair Carswell at Ayr police office traffic department on 01292 664000.

THE tenth annual Straiton Fun Day takes place on Saturday, August 24. And theme for this year’s event is Fairy Tales! Villagers are encouraged to come to the Fun Day dressed as characters from stories which have spanned the centuries. And prizes will be given for the best. Children are sure to enjoy attractions like pony rides, target golf, ‘splat the rat’, a bouncy castle and five-a-side football. Grown-ups may prefer the beer tent or cream teas. But there’s also a ‘hurl the sheaf’ competition for the more energetic. And the day is launched (1.30pm) with the Craigengower Hill Race — all three miles and 700 feet of it! Entries (£5 for adults, £3 for children) can be lodged on the day, if registered before 1pm, and there are generous cash prizes. A family ceilidh is held the night before Fun Day, in the McCandlish Hall, from eight till late, with bars for adults and children. For further information on the hill race or other aspects of Fun Day — perhaps you would like to take a stall for your organisation? — contact Eoghan Baird at eoghan.baird @east-ayrshire.gov.uk

A MAJOR operation is under way to take 1,500 tons of granite from Ailsa Craig — to meet the demand for new curling stones. And Scottish women’s curling successes in Olympic and World championships have given a boost to the six-week enterprise. For it is envisaged the game will gain new popularity in the wake of the triumphs. And Ayrshire firm Kays of Scotland are ready to produce new stones to meet the anticipated demand. Mauchline-based Kays have exclusive rights for the unique Ailsa Craig granite, and the firm has ferried heavy lifting machinery from Girvan harbour on to the rock. A company spokesman said: “Weather held us back, but we finally got the machinery on to the island, and we’re now ferrying granite twice or three times each day.” Kays stress that the operation, originally scheduled for a year ago, has been planned in co-operation with the conservation watchdogs at Scottish Natural Heritage. And it is understood that no blasting or quarrying is taking place — large granite boulders being simply collected from former quarries. Most of the larger speckled ‘Common Ailsa’ boulders will come from the south end of the island, while the rarer ‘Blue Hone’ will be collected from the north. Ailsa Craig’s large gannet colony — boasting more than 20,000 pairs — is located on the west of the island, and should be unaffected by work which is now at the halfway stage. Kays are a small business employing around seven people at a factory in Mauchline’s Barskimming Road. And they admit the Scottish women’s curling successes have boosted interest in their products. For, as well as making regulation curling stones, the firm also makes a range of giftware, including miniature curling stones particularly popular with foreign visitors. Kays say the range will be promoted in a number of retail outlets including the Sweetie Shop in Girvan, the Turnberry golf pro shop, the Tam o’ Shanter Experience in Alloway, and the Scottish Craft Centre in Buchanan Street, Glasgow. Kays last took major shipments of granite from Ailsa Craig in 1989, although they have regularly collected smaller quantities as the need arose.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO: Regulars in the King’s Arms at Dailly can hardly believe their eyes when Tommy McMillan and Neil Dempsey come in with a giant puffball they picked while out walking. The pair noticed three in a field, and had never seen anything like them. They picked the largest, measuring 18“ in diameter and weighing in at 11lb, and it eventually goes to the West of Scotland Agricultural College for students to investigate.

August 2nd 2002

CREST-FALLEN! Report by EDWIN LAWRENCE
McWhirter clan warned not to use emblem at Ayrshire gathering McWHIRTER family members are planning their first-ever clan gathering — but could face criminal charges if they use their ancient family crest. “It’s complete nonsense,” said Ronald McWhirter, organiser of a gathering which will have events in Ayr and South Ayrshire villages. Mr McWhirter, who lives in Alloway, revealed: “I phoned the office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Edinburgh, and a woman there asked me if I was the clan chief. “I told her I wasn’t — and that the family doesn’t have a known clan chief. “She then asked if I was a member of the family which registered the crest, and again I told her I wasn’t. “She must have had a computer screen in front of her, as she went on to tell me the McWhirter crest was registered in 1672! “And it’s registered in batch number three — so it is clearly one of the earliest ever recorded. “But she made it quite clear that if we used the crest — and the Lord Lyon’s office found out — criminal charges could follow.” Around 180 McWhirters from all over the world are coming to Ayr next summer for the gathering. And Mr McWhirter planned that each should receive a plaque bearing the family coat of arms.

HARPIST
The retired knitwear factory boss ordered a sample, but the makers alerted him to check with the Lord Lyon before more were made. Now the rebuff means the family crest can’t be used on posters, letterheads or anything associated with the gathering. Mr McWhirter said: “We’re having to use the Buchanan crest on letterheads, as we are a sept or branch of that clan. “But it’s sad that we can’t use our own distinctive crest, with a harp — because the name McWhirter comes from the Gaelic McChruiter, meaning harpist.” A spokeswoman at the Lord Lyon’s office said copyright for a crest lies with the person who registers it, and his descendants. Any potential McWhirter chieftain would have to prove his or her descent, and could then allow other clan members to use it in support. She added: “Alternatively, the McWhirters could group together as a clan society, and register a coat of arms of their own. But that’s not something that could happen overnight.” Ronald McWhirter has already ruled that option out for next summer’s gathering, as he has been told the process can take years. Best known McWhirter today is Norris, who co-founded the Guinness Book of Records with his twin Ross, who was murdered by the IRA in 1975. And Norris is coming to Ayr next summer to meet namesakes from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and all over the UK.

The gathering begins on Friday, June 13, with registration at Ayr’s Savoy Park Hotel, followed by a coach trip for lunch at Blairquhan Castle, which traces its origins to ‘McWhurter’s Tower’, built in 1346.

A gala dinner in the evening will be at the Brig O’ Doon Hotel, with an address by VIP clan member Norris McWhirter. Connecticut lawyer Alan McWhirter, who has compiled a massive list of namesakes, gives a genealogy talk on Saturday, June 14, followed by lunch and civic reception from the Provost in Ayr Town Hall. A light-hearted Burns evening is held in the Tam O’ Shanter Inn in Ayr on Saturday evening, with entertainment by Tom Raffel and company. There is a bus trip to Colmonell — the heart of McWhirter country — on Sunday, June 15, for a service at the beautiful village kirk. And lunch will be provided by ladies of the kirk in the village hall. The route back to Ayr will be via Barr, Dailly, Maybole and Alloway, with visits to historic kirkyards. And the farewell dinner is in the Savoy Park Hotel. Interested in joining in the gathering? Then contact Ronald McWhirter at Lovat Lodge, 26 Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PG or at ronaldmcwhirter@hotmail.com by e-mail. Neither the McWhirter family EMBLEM (above) nor the family CREST can be used by the clan at next year’s gathering