February 28th 2003

100 YEARS AGO — ‘The inhabitants of the quiet, clean little village of Crosshill had the pleasure of listening to lively music by the Maybole Coronation Flute band, who paraded there on Saturday. On their return, they marched through the principal streets of the town.’ — verbatim report from Maybole correspondent.

February 21st 2003

February 14th 2003

February 7th 2003

CARRICK Academy’s Burns Supper was an entertaining affair, attended by pupils, staff, parents and friends of the school. more

February 28th 2003

A COMPANY of more than 100 senior citizens in Maybole enjoyed a tremendous day in the town hall on Saturday. The company savoured a lovely meal, and were later entertained by Maybole Concert Party. Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Cathy Jamieson and assistant Elaine Little were special guests at the function. And they provided the OAPs with a box of Scottish Parliament goodies, won in a draw by Jessie Campbell. Pearl Barton thanked her committee for their assistance in organising the day, and Mrs McCulloch and her staff for the meal. Pearl also expressed her gratitude to Cathy and Elaine, Maybole Concert Party, town hall caretaker Derek Walker, Mr Ward and his staff at Safeway, and Colin Broun for his donation.

LODGE St John Maybole No 11 held its annual Burns Supper on Saturday, with Tony Barton chairing the proceedings. RWM Gerry Kelly said Grace and the haggis was piped in by Bill Kenny and addressed by Alex McIntyre, better known locally as Maxie. Enoch Currie gave the keynote Immortal Memory toast, while Bill Kenny saluted the Lasses and David Kiltie gave a toast to ‘Toon and Trades’. There were recitations by John Borland (Holy Willie’s Prayer) and Jim McPheator (Tam o’ Shanter), and songs from John Porter and Davie Anderson. Tony Barton also sang, and invited several members to contribute poems and songs to the evening’s entertainment. Gerry Kelly provided a comprehensive vote of thanks to all who had made it such an excellent night in the Maybole lodge.

MAYBOLE Historical Society has named its first honorary life members in appreciation for their work. They are Rich Pettit, David Hunter, Peter Kewney and Patti Kewney. Society vice-chairman, said: “Rich is probably the least well-known face to members, but his work on the website, especially on the historical aspect, is appreciated by all our members and many thousands of others throughout the world. “Rich has done more to take the history of Carrick to the world than anyone else. “David has given freely of his knowledge and time to lead the society members on a number of walks and train a few to take over his tours of Maybole Castle and town. “Last, but certainly not least, Peter and Patti have opened their home at Drumellan to the society as a most spectacular and appropriate venue for talks and social nights.” The next meeting of the society will be ‘From Footsteps to Fingertips’ in Maybole Town Hall on Monday, March 3 at 7.30pm.

100 YEARS AGO — ‘The inhabitants of the quiet, clean little village of Crosshill had the pleasure of listening to lively music by the Maybole Coronation Flute band, who paraded there on Saturday. On their return, they marched through the principal streets of the town.’ — verbatim report from Maybole correspondent.

February 21st 2003

AN old soldier from Maybole was honoured by comrades in the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland. Matt Dunnachie (80) is a veteran of both the Second World War and the Korean War, serving as a gunner in the Royal Artillery. He was a prisoner in Korea for two years and nine months, before returning home to join the Legion in 1954. The Maybole branch folded for a time and Matt switched to the Ayr branch, but later went back to a re-launched Maybole branch. And comrades in Maybole presented him with a framed certificate honouring his long-service in both branches. The certificate also highlights the esteem in which Matt is held, and his colleagues’ appreciation for his work as a committee member over nearly half-a-century. The commemorative certificate is signed by the Legion’s Maybole branch president Col John Dalrymple Hamilton, chairman David Hunter and secretary George Taylor. It was handed over by Mr Hunter, who said Matt must have khaki blood. For Mr Hunter pointed out that Matt has four young relatives serving in uniform — one each in the Royal Highland Fusiliers, the Royal Artillery, the Army Air Corps . . . and the French Foreign Legion!

A BANK account in Maybole containing £4,710 won’t go unused much longer. For the Maybole Carnegie 21st Century Hall Committee met to decide what should happen to cash raised in their name. It was to have helped refurbish the library — proving townspeople cared enough to start fundraising. But there were shock knock-backs no fewer than three times, and it was left to South Ayrshire Council to carry through the project. The committee is made up of representatives from the community council, the community association, and members of the public. Some of the cash was gifted by local individuals and groups — and they will be asked if they would like their donations back. The rest was raised by a flag week, a door-to-door collection, tins in local shops and pubs, plus special events such as a concert, two pantomimes and by taking the charity shop. There was general agreement that these funds should be used for the general benefit of local people as a whole. And with this in mind, the first project to find favour with the committee was to add to Maybole’s excellent Christmas lights, which give pleasure to everyone.

Lights co-ordinator Alex Kelly will have discussions with South Ayrshire Council to see how feasible it would be to extend the lights further down the High Street, and more than £2,000 will be set aside for this.

Two other possible uses of the funds were tentatively approved — enhancements at the edge of the town and street furniture. But more discussions will take place before a final decision is made, and the committee meets again on Tuesday, March 11. The committee acknowledged the efforts of all who had worked hard raising the funds and in developing the plans for the building. They realised it would be difficult to return money to those who attended the concert or pantomime or donated in the door-to-door collection. Therefore, it was felt these would have to be handled in accordance with the constitution, and disbursed for the common good.

MAYBOLE Community Development Group could merge with training company May-Tag to create a ‘Social Firm’. And the partnership may be the best way of sustaining services in Maybole and the North Carrick villages, a meeting heard. Other groups might also come under the umbrella, as a way of building a powerful ‘social inclusion’ package for the area. And the support of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council would be vital, if the merger is to succeed.

MCDG’s own funding package ends in May, and the group is seeking a way to continue its services.

Development officer Peter Walker believes expansion is the best means to unlock National Lottery funding.

Dunure, Kirkoswald and Maidens have already joined MCDG. And Crosshill, Kirkmichael and Straiton have shown interest.

Mr Walker said: “One way to apply for funding is to split the project in two — a resource centre, and community development.” There would be two full-time administration people maintaining the existing and expanded services in the resource centre. And community development would require two new officers employed for the wider-ranging role. Dave Killicoat of Maybole Historical Society said the Government is spending £1.6 million to set up an Internet campus in Edinburgh. And it was vital to maintain a good family resource centre, community website and internet access for rural areas. Gerry Ferrara of Signposts asked what the bid held for groups like his who wanted to work in the villages but lacked resources. It was agreed there must be mutual benefit for partners, and this would be kept in mind in drafting the application, copies of which would be made available when ready.

Councillor Andy Hill said both he and Councillor Alan Murray were very positive about the merger, but obviously could not commit South Ayrshire Council without full consultations. Gerry Ferrara, seconded by Father Jim Hayes, moved MCDG and May-Tag informally progress the larger Social Firm vision. There were no objections. It was pointed out that a new set-up would require a new board of directors, with perhaps more input from the business sector, and a new constitution. May-Tag’s board would have to be consulted and a proper mechanism established for the new group to protect both MCDG and May-Tag’s existing contracts, commitments and vision.  Ellen Hawkes of May-Tag and Peter Walker of MCDG are to progress both the merger process and applications. And these will be further discussed tonight (Thursday) when the MCDG meets in Maybole Castle.

THERE was top quality entertainment on offer at the Carrick Speakers Club Burns Supper, chaired by Peter Simpson. The haggis was piped in by Tom Cook and addressed in style by club steward Ian Hewitt. The principal toast — to the Immortal Memory of Rabbie — was proposed by Pat Innes, and the toast to the Lasses was delivered by the chairman. Gordon Hennessy entertained the company with superb recitations of The Jolly Beggars and To a Louse, while Cameron Bell provided a unique interpretation of Burns’ classic poem Tam o’ Shanter. Singers for the evening were the Burns Cronies — Craig Stewart and Brian Hood — and John Strachan who was accompanied by Billy Tait. Charlie Reid offered the Selkirk Grace at the start of the function, and proposed a comprehensive vote of thanks to all who had contributed to an excellent evening. Our picture shows top table officials and guests at the tribute to Rabbie.

THE future of Maybole’s floral tubs and hanging baskets is uncertain — through a lack of funding. Maybole and District Business Association has identified the cash shortage for the town enhancement project supported by its members.  But due to reduced membership, it is uncertain if those remaining can sustain this popular feature in the High Street again this season. Members expressed disappointment at not being able to meet the cost, and alternative sources of funding or sponsorship for the project are being sought. Other issues covered at the meeting included a feasibility study on the potential of a Credit Union being set up for the Carrick area. And the association was given a presentation on the potential benefits to members and the local community of such a scheme. Members greeted with enthusiasm the news that CCTV cameras will be installed in Maybole. And the association was acknowledged as playing a vital part in bringing the system to the town. The next meeting of the association is on Wednesday, April 2, at Maybole Castle, and local businesses or interested parties are welcome to attend.

February 14th 2003

A PLEA in the Ayrshire Post to trace relatives of Sue Reid from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, has paid huge dividends. And it looks as if there could be quite a reunion when Sue visits Maybole in September this year — for she has now discovered the McDowall branch of her family. The only name she previously had was that of Nettie McDowall, who lived in Maybole in 1968 when Sue’s great aunt called on her. But within hours of the Post being printed last week, we had traced more of Sue’s relatives, and our Maybole correspondent David Kiltie e-mailed Sue the good news. She replied: “I am so excited that you have found relatives of Nettie! I can't begin to tell you how wonderful this is. “It is an entire branch of my family that has been lost to us for some time now. You have gone far beyond what I expected — speaking with the McDowalls for me and putting a note in the local paper. “If there is anything I can ever assist you with in Canada, please feel free to ask, I am in your debt. “My grandfather was born in Maybole, as were all of his brothers/sisters, and my great grandfather lived there before he married my great grandmother. “She is the one who came to Canada with her children after her husband died at 39 (in Maybole as well). “Now, with your help in finding the McDowalls, it seems that I have relatives there still. I spoke with my father and here is the story as he was told: “Sometime before 1922, my great uncle Robert Reid left Maybole for Canada. No-one in the family had heard from him, so my grandfather Charles Brady Reid was sent to find him. “My grandfather left Maybole for Canada in October of 1922 with the promise of a job at a farm equipment manufacturing company called Massey. Upon arriving, he found Massey on strike and ended up working at the shipyards in Collingwood, Ontario. “In 1926, he sent for his wife Ivy and his daughter Ivy jnr. Another of his brothers, James Reid, emigrated to Ontario some time between 1922 and 1930. “In 1930, my great grandmother Catherine and her remaining two children, Harry and Margaret, emigrated to Collingwood, Ontario, to be with the rest of her children. “As for ancestry prior to 1922, we know that Henry John Reid worked on road maintenance when he married my great grandmother Catherine in 1894 in Maybole. We also know that he died in Maybole in 1912 at the age of 39, although we do not know the cause. “My father remembered Catherine talking about her sister Julia, and two of Julia's daughters, who had also moved to Canada, visiting his home when he was younger. “The daughters who lived in Toronto were named Bette Sinclair and Mrs. Sheehan (we don't have her first name). When doing the family tree, I could find no trace of Julia or her children. More photos.

“Working on the family tree for a few years created a desire to see Maybole and try to find any relatives I may still have there. “The only piece of information I had was a receipt for a telegram sent to Nettie McDowall in 1968 when Margaret (Catherine Reid's daughter) was returning to Maybole to visit. “I found the Maybole website, and decided to e-mail you in hopes that there were still relatives of Nettie who would like to contact me. “What happened next was nothing short of miraculous! With one e-mail inquiry, you found an entire branch of our family that we thought lost since all ‘older’ generations here are now passed on. “The picture I have of my grandfather (Charles) is from about 1912-1914 when he worked on a farm near Maybole. “My father remembers him talking about checking the sheep herds before and after school. We also have pictures of Catherine and all of her children which I will get scanned and send on to you.”

INCREDIBLE research done by Mormons into family histories comes under the spotlight at a meeting next week in Doonfoot Primary School. Elizabeth McInnes from the Family History Centre, Kilmarnock, gives an illustrated talk on the Genealogical Society of Utah. Elizabeth gives her talk to Alloway and Southern Ayrshire Family History Society on Thursday, February 20, at 7.30pm. But first between 6.30 and 7.30pm there is a workshop session, with the society’s research facilities available to members and visitors. All are welcome to go along, and the society has a varied programme lined up for the second half of its 2002-3 syllabus.

BROTHER George Gray leads Lodge Royal Arch Maybole No 198 this year. And he was installed Right Worshipful Master with due ceremony in the town on Saturday. Installing masters at the event included Jim Russell from Lodge St John Maybole No 11, along with Andrew McCartney and John McMaster from Lodge Fergusson St James No 566 at Dailly. Among other VIP guests at the occasion was John Ralston, RWM of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire.

 NOT a surfboard in sight, but a group of Maybole people are all keen surfers — of the web! And you can join them at no charge on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings. The meetings are specially aimed at folk who fancy using a computer, but don’t like the idea of formal lessons. And the group — nicknamed ‘The Surf Babes’ — is made up of all ages. The ‘babes’ certainly know how to have fun, while at the same time learning new communication skills. You can join them, by popping in to the Maybole Community Development Group offices in the High Street.

THE whole school gathered to hear recitations at Gardenrose Primary School in Maybole on Friday. And teachers had a difficult task judging which pupils should receive the Burns Federation certificates in the annual competitions featuring the works of Rabbie. Finally, they settled on these class winners: P2 — Ainsley Clark, P3 — Aylie Walker, P4 — Kirsty Loch, P5 — Connor Graham, P6 — Chris McKay, P7 — Greg Montgomery.

JOB trainers May-Tag have adopted the Disability Symbol — showing they have signed up to adhere to five commitments. These all focus on being ‘positive about disabled people’, and the symbol will appear on May-Tag headed notepaper and job advertisements. Disability Employment Adviser Gordon Perrie presented May-Tag manager Ellen Hawkes with the official adoption certificate. Mr Perrie said: “May-Tag, like other employers around Ayrshire, have discovered that adopting the symbol helps them more easily in complying with the Disability Discrimination Act. “More and more employers are realising the potential of a diverse workforce, and adoption of the symbol goes hand in hand with this ethos.”

SAFETY zones of 20mph are being introduced around many South Ayrshire schools. And road humps within the zones will help ensure drivers keep to safe speeds. The move is financed by £240,000 of extra cash allocated by the Scottish Executive to South Ayrshire Council for road safety improvements.  Gardenrose Primary School in Maybole is one of the first school to benefit from a phased introduction of the 20mph speed limits. But it is anticipated that these schools will have safety zones before Easter: Glenburn Primary, Prestwick; St Ninian’s Primary, Prestwick; Dailly Primary; Girvan Primary; Forehill Primary, Ayr; Dalmilling Primary, Ayr.  Coylton Primary will also have a zone, but the 20mph limit will be variable — only applying at times when children are coming and going from the school, close to the busy A70 trunk route.  South Ayrshire Council leader, Councillor Andy Hill said: "The safety of our children is paramount, and these zones will create a safe environment for children and residents alike." He added: "It is hoped that more children will now be encouraged to walk to and from school." Councillor Alan Murray, whose North Carrick and Maybole West ward takes in Gardenrose Primary, said: "I would like to see 20mph eventually in place at all schools."

CARRICK Chess Club’s January Blitz proved highly competitive in both junior and senior sections. Nine juniors took part, and Marjorieann Kennedy won the Rook with an unbeaten 8/8. Ali Roy was runner-up, losing only to Marjorieann, who was best Ayrshire girl along with twin sister Natalie, at the age of 10 in 1996. Siegrun Macgilchrist won the senior title with 4/5, while runner-up was George Norris with 3/5. Steell MacFadzean couldn’t play, as lambing has begun at his farm near Crossraguel Abbey. Kenny Brooksbank played his first blitz, and said he would recommend the format to anyone. It’s the only time you can take the king if your opponent doesn't guard it.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO: Maybole builder Alaistair Johnstone returns from holiday to find his three-year-old firm has collapsed. The 37-year-old father-of-three says he has orders of £1 million, and needs just a £70,000 overdraft to keep going. But liquidators move in, and 70 people, many of them tradesmen, are paid off.

February 7th 2003

CARRICK Academy’s Burns Supper was an entertaining affair, attended by pupils, staff, parents and friends of the school. Craig Macmillan chaired the proceedings and Heather Gilmour gave the toast to the school. Ian Stuart saluted the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, and Robert Hutton gave a reply. Colin McKellar made an entertaining toast to the Lasses, and Samantha Cochrane didn’t let the girls down, with a witty reply. Kelly Taylor gave the Address to the Haggis, piped in by Iain Nelson, and Andrew Currie said the Selkirk Grace. The junior choir sang Wild Mountain Thyme, Jemma Wells sang By Yon Castle Wa’, and Fiona Galbraith gave a fiddle recital.  The school is taking an anti-litter initiative seriously, especially as one pupil has received a £25 fixed penalty fine. Community officer PC Ian Thornton and council environmental liaison officer Kirsten Cassidy have given talks at the school. Carrick Academy is running a litter poster competition as well as carefully monitoring litter dropping on the campus.  S5/6 prelim exams are underway, and pupils are studying hard as part of a revision timetable.  S4 report cards were issued recently, and parents with any queries should contact the school.

A WOMAN from Canada who plans to visit Maybole in September hopes to meet long-lost relatives. Sue Reid from Grand Prairie, Alberta, says her great aunt visited a Nettie McDowall in Maybole in 1968. Sue e-mails: “I would like to find her, or her children, but I don't know where to start.” If you can help, contact reporter Edwin Lawrence on (01292) 262200 or correspondent David Kiltie on (01655) 882644.

A VIDEO showing tremendous catches of salmon in Alaska featured at Carrick Angling Club’s annual prize night. Club treasurer Gilbert Browne, who has himself enjoyed angling there, introduced the video, made by a fellow visitor. Gilbert made all the arrangements for the prize night, held in the Hamilton Arms Hotel on Saturday. And he displayed a shield made by Paul Ross, which will be presented annually for the first salmon of the year. Paul is presently working on a second shield which will be presented to the captor of the biggest verified fish of the year. Trophy winners: Reservoir Competition (senior) — Kevin Jack, junior — Callum McKenzie; R. E. Browne Sea Trout Trophy — John Cook; Grants Cup — William McCluskey; McCreath Cup (senior) — William McCutcheon, junior — Brodie McCutcheon; Dalquharran Cup — Richard Rorison.  Club vice-president Bruce Hamilton was resolute in his efforts to relieve members and guests of cash in exchange for raffle tickets for a smashing array of prizes.

MAYBOLE Charity Shop organisers held their AGM in the Castle. And a report by chairperson Estella McEwan reflected good use of the shop for fundraising by local voluntary sector groups. This year already the High Street shop is fully booked up to May, but a few vacancies remain to rent it in the second half of the year. The shop itself is in excellent running order and new groups taking over each week ensure a healthy change of stock and a supply of volunteers to look after business. The interior of the shop was redecorated last year and this January the exterior was given a face lift by repainting grills and woodwork.  The AGM re-elected Mrs McEwan as chairperson, Mrs E. Hawkes as secretary and Mrs M. McCreadie as treasurer. Ms Gillian Wilcox was elected to the committee as a new member. Other committee members are: Mrs N. Connolly, Mrs M. Gallagher, Mrs P. Barton, Mr D. Kiltie and Mrs M. McGawn. Any voluntary sector group can lease the shop for a week and be in a good position to raise a considerable amount for their charity. Funds raised last year varied from around £500 to more than £1,000 in one week. And there is no doubt that in the three years of its existence the Maybole Charity Shop has contributed immensely to fundraising in the town, not to mention the fact that the quality of the goods being sold and the prices must make Maybole the best-dressed town in the west of Scotland!

WHAT should happen to £4,000 raised in Maybole five years ago? That’s what a meeting in the town will decide on Tuesday. The cash was raised by a group set up to look at proposals to redevelop the then derelict Carnegie Library building. The committee consisted of five community councillors, five from the community association, several members of the public, and Councillor Andy Hill who was the sole councillor for Maybole in those days. They applied three times to a national fund, in the knowledge that South Ayrshire Council would provide substantial match funding. But three times the bids were rejected. Many a long night was spent drawing up plans and timetables for activities, to try and meet all the criteria. And another test of the town’s commitment was a willingness to raise funds itself. The committee pointed out there could be a problem if funds were raised and no redevelopment went ahead. But the national funders insisted that, without proof in the form of fundraising, there was no chance of getting a grant. During 1998, more than £4,000 was raised through donations from individuals and groups plus special events such as a concert, two pantomimes, sales in the charity shop, a flag week, and a door-to-door collection. But following the lack of success with the bids, South Ayrshire Council itself took on the project, and a refurbished Carnegie Building was reopened by Councillor Hill in November 2001. Now the committee is meeting to dissolve itself and decide what should happen to the money left in its bank account.

POLICE in Maybole are investigating a fire at the building site of new town centre flats in St Cuthbert’s Road. Roof felt worth £350 was destroyed in the fire, which police believe was started deliberately. And they are following a number of lines of inquiry into the incident. Anyone with information which may help is asked to call police on Maybole (01655) 882122