January 2003

The complete text of the headlines above follows.

January 24th 2003

FLOWER POWER’S BACK IN MAYBOLE: CHURCH volunteers stepped into the PAST to raise cash for what they hope will be a bold new FUTURE in Maybole. A 60s themed disco was held by the Maybole New Church Project Committee, which aims to provide a town centre facility for all. The estimated £750,000 church would replace the historic Old and West kirks, which the committee hope will be saved as homes projects. Ministers and members of both congregations turned out for Friday night’s bash in the Memorial Park bowling clubhouse. DJ George Wallace provided some classic songs from an era that some claimed they were too young to remember! Others, meanwhile, came kitted out in Flower Power gladrags they would never have dared to wear in the summer of 1967! Not Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — it’s Maybole New Church Project Committee!

No wonder Captain Kirk is beaming The colourful ladies in our picture have certainly captured the spirit of the 1960s at a themed disco in Maybole. But the chap in between Carnaby Street gals Sandra Mellor and Deb Creedy has been equally inventive. Bill Miller is dressed in a uniform from Star Trek - a TV series which began in the 1960s. And since the 60s disco was held by kirk volunteers, Bill happily announced he was Captain Kirk! Very apt, since Bill serves on the Maybole New Church Project Committee which aims to unite the Old and West kirks in a multi-purpose building in the centre of town.

Legion elects new officials MAYBOLE Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland held its annual general meeting in the Welltrees Inn. Office bearers elected were: president — Col John Dalrymple Hamilton OBE, chairman — David Hunter, vice chairman — William Milligan, treasurer — Jack Robertson, secretary — George Taylor. Members and friends are reminded the branch will be commemorating Holocaust Day by laying a wreath in Greenside on Monday (January 27, 2pm).

IT was a cosy morning at Cairn Nursery when the wee ones went along in their pyjamas. There was even a teddy bear or two at a specially themed morning which featured bedtime stories. Kids being kids, they loved the crazy irony of being in their bed clothes in the morning. And no-one came close to dozing off — they were all having too much fun!

Everyone a winner at the chess contest A TOTAL of 16 players took part in Carrick Chess Club’s festive competition, and everyone won a prize. Top honours in the adult section, for the Queen Trophy, were shared by John Bryden and Siegrun Macgilchrist. The junior section spoils, for the Rook, were also shared — between Gregor Steven and Daniel Wallace. Carrick was in second place after four fixtures in the Ayrshire League’s third division. The latest points totals are: Irvine 11 points; Carrick 10; Bishops 4.5; Knights 4; Troon 2.5. Carrick is very much a mixed aged group club, with all ages welcome to the Town Hall on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.

FEELING sluggish after the festivities? Maybole Men’s Forum has arranged three ‘taster’ nights which could see you on your way to a healthier 2003. They are: Tuesday, January 28 at Gardenrose Primary; Wednesday, January 29 at Cairn Primary; and Thursday, January 30 at Carrick Academy. All males, regardless of age and physical ability, are welcome to attend at 7pm at any of these venues. The evenings will include some modest exercise plus a health talk. A keep fit instructor will be present, and professionals from the health board will be there with advice on male issues. It is hoped to have a dietician, a smoking cessation officer, and staff from Ayrshire & Arran Health Board’s Cardiac Unit. Other treats to come include golf lessons in February, a visit to Ayr’s Citadel gym in March, golf at Maybole in April and Girvan in May. Members can also use facilities at The Ranch leisure centre.

LOOKING BACK 100 YEARS AGO: Maybole’s streets are in a filthy state, say members of the Burgh Council, and Provost Ramsay tells Surveyor Mr Glass that his men are not sweeping up properly. The Provost says: “There are more men now than there used to be, and the work is being done more slovenly. Mr Glass should go round in the morning and see how the work is done, and if not to his satisfaction, get other men to do it.”

£25 FINES TO TACKLE A TOWN’S PROBLEM POLICE and Carrick Academy are working together to combat a litter problem in Maybole town centre. Talks have been given at the school by South Ayrshire Council environmental liaison officer Kirsten Cassidy and PC Ian Thornton. These have spelled out environmental and criminal issues arising from the problem. And the initiative is now in a follow-up ‘enforcement’ phase. PC Thornton and a litter warden are patrolling identified hot spots in Maybole, and anyone caught discarding litter will be issued with a £25 fixed penalty fine. PC Thornton pointed out: “I certainly hope the pupils have taken the initiative on board, and that no fixed penalties will be issued. “The whole idea is to make Maybole a cleaner, and indeed safer, place to live and work.” A competition is also taking place at the school, with pupils asked to design an anti-litter poster to reflect the initiative. Winners from each year group will see their designs transferred on to new litter bins to be sited around the school. And there will be prizes from South Ayrshire Council and Carrick Crime Prevention Panel. Bin it: pupils of Carrick Academy who are endorsing the anti-litter message spelled out in school by PC Ian Thornton

FIRE station closures are NOT on South Ayrshire Council’s agenda, council leader Andy Hill has pledged. He told the Post: “We in the council have NEVER discussed the issue of closing fire stations in Girvan, Maybole, Colmonell or Troon.” He blasted MSP Phil Gallie for speculating that Maybole could be a council target, saying: “Mr Gallie is spreading fear and alarm in the community over this. “You have my assurance it has never been discussed.” Mr Gallie said he feared Maybole could be at risk, following reports that Strathclyde Fire Brigade may seek closure of a number of stations.

PRESSURE He said: “Given the rural scenario and relative remoteness, it is unthinkable that services at Girvan or Colmonell will come under threat. “But, in an effort to appease Scottish Executive pressure, it may be that the local authority would sacrifice Maybole.” He added: “I have written to Andy Hill seeking his assurances that there will be no diminution of fire service cover in Carrick, and that any fears I have over Maybole are groundless.” Mr Gallie voted against a move by the Scottish Executive in the Scottish Parliament to pass powers to shut fire stations over to local fire boards. He commented: “It was a disgraceful attempt by the Executive to force through a measure which would have significant impact on the fire service — without proper scrutiny. “Refusal to amend their approach demonstrated arrogance by the Lab/Lib Executive who deserved their parliamentary humiliation.”

CARRICK schools don’t feature on a list of 11 named by South Ayrshire Council in a £51 million upgrade plan. But parents are RELIEVED that Maybole and Girvan schools are omitted from the package going to the Scottish Executive for approval. Many opposed the idea of shared campuses for Cairn and St Cuthbert’s in Maybole, and Girvan and Sacred Heart primaries. A parent told the Post: “There’s great relief all round. We have unique schools with their own individual character. “It’s not just a question of religious values, although I don’t deny that is a factor. But it’s equally important to give people a choice, and many people exercise this choice — no matter their religion. “There would have been a protest if the council had proceeded with the plan.”

January 17th 2003

BROTHER William G. Kelly has stepped up to the principal role at Lodge St John Maybole No 11. And he takes over as Right Worshipful Master after a sterling 17 years service as lodge treasurer.

Englishman William — better known by his middle name Gerry — came to Ayrshire from Bradford in 1980, joining the lodge three years later. And it was a proud moment for him when he was installed RWM by three past masters of the historic lodge. Office-bearers for 2003: RWM — William G. Kelly, IPM — Kenneth Brown PM, DM — Tony Barton PM, SM — A. McIntyre, WSW — Robert H. Green, WJW — Brian Stevenson, SD — David Anderson, JD — John Priest. Secretary — William Kenny PM, treasurer — John Hodge PM, almoner — Cooper Hay PM, chaplain — Joe McCulloch, jeweller — Frank Otta, architect — Joe Mulligan PM, marshall — James Russell PM, DOC — William Cuthbert PM. Librarian — Archie Jamieson PM, organist — Robin Geddes, sword bearer — J. Steele, Bible bearer — T. Steele, IG — Scott Kenny, tyler — Peter Ogg PM, senior steward — W. Cuthbert Jnr, 1st junior steward — G. Smith, 2nd junior steward — K. McConnell. Board of stewards — A. Cope, auditors — Adam Train PM 135 HM 11, William Milligan PM. The event’s Toast list: toast master — Alistair Hastings PM; The Queen — William Kelly RWM; The Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge — Robert H. Green, reply — James McCroskie PM St James 135, PGL Std Bearer. Installing masters — William Kelly, reply — installing masters; visiting brethren — John Graham PM, reply — John C. Steven. Lodge St John No 11 — John Wason PM 566, reply — Kenneth Brown IPM; absent brethren — Scott Kenny IG; artistes and stewards — Brian Stevenson; organist — R. Geddes.

On Friday 4th of January, members of Maybole’s Tackety Bit Hillwalking Club ascended Ben Lui, near Tyndrum, by its north-west shoulder in very clear conditions with soft snow underfoot. Some steep climbing took them to the top of Ben Lui (1130metres) with a biting wind but some stunning views. To the south they could see the Arrochar Alps & Ben Lomond, to the west Ben Cruachan, and as far as Mull. A steep descent then a short climb saw them at the top of Beinn a'Chleibh (916metres) then a nice walk back to the car in time for a spectacular sunset. On Saturday 11 of January things got a bit different, Kenny McKay, Alan McFadzean and Gordon Anderson were in the Galloway Hills ice climbing a frozen waterfall on the east facing slopes of Bennanbrack. After all the frost there has been the climb was in perfect condition and it was good to get this so close to home. The next club meeting is on 24th January at 8pm in the Welltrees Inn, Maybole. Photo shows Alan McFadzean climbing the frozen waterfall. Other one shows a robin them the whole way for one and a half hours. It obviously new what was in Gordon Anderson’s pack as the photo shows. It did leave some for him!

IT was a day to remember in Maybole for the wee ones of the Tiny Tots Playgroup. For they had TWO special guests at their festive party. Magic Malky came along to provide the entertainment — then Santa dropped in to say hello! There was great excitement, as you can imagine, and mums were there to share the happy occasion. The party was held in the community wing at Carrick Academy, where the playgroup meets on Mondays and Fridays (9.15 till 11.30am). New faces are always welcome, and the playgroup has youngsters from aged two upwards.

DAY care services for the elderly in Ballantrae and Maybole are set to improve, with local people becoming the main providers. BRICC (Ballantrae Rural Initiative for Care in the Community) is keen to develop the service in Ballantrae. And Fairknowe House in Maybole can also deliver provision for eight places, five days per week. A report in front of South Ayrshire Council today (Thursday) proposes paying start-up costs of £60,510 to BRICC. This will cover refurbishment of premises bought by the group, as well as recruitment and employee costs in the current financial year. A contract awarding BRICC £58,500 every year for three years is proposed, with an option to continue. Start-up costs of just £5,000 are needed at well-equipped Fairknowe, with the same three-year contract of £58,500 per year to follow. The council report says Fairknowe’s owners have run a successful service at Creggan Bahn in Ayr. And a number of Maybole people travel to that service. As with Ballantrae, the new provision will meet local needs and free up spaces elsewhere. Councillor Paul Torrance told the Post he expects the new contracts to go ahead. He said: “I’m delighted we are building on partnerships which already exist. And local jobs are an important spin-off to this development in day care.”

AWARD-WINNING Maybole website had 355,065 ‘hits’ in December. And although slightly less than November, the figure is still impressive. E-mails to the site always bring to light interesting topics, like one from Vicky Hayman who writes: “I wonder if you can help me? I am a scriptwriter and I am currently researching the methods of crime detection in Ayrshire in 1590-1610 — a strange request I'm sure. I'm keen to know who were the law men? What methods did they use to solve crimes? What was the general feeling towards the upholders of law and order? “I need to get as many specifics as possible and have found general social histories too broad to get to the very essence of the information I need. “It would be lovely if you could help me.

In replying, Maybole website master Rich Pettit referred to several articles on the Maybole site which have details that could help. These include Privy Council records for the years 1598 to 1610 for the surname McWhirter at: http://www.maybole.org/history/articles/mcwhrters.htm These were done by his cousin Dr. Edward Thompson. Another article about an event that took place in Ayrshire in 1608 that could be of help can be found on the top of the page at: http://www.maybole.org/history/Books/legends/burning.htm This concerns the burning of local witches. Another event in 1607 tells the story of a murder and how it was investigated. See http://www.maybole.org/history/Books/legends/bloodtest.htm This explains how murderers were executed by the Scottish equivalent of the guillotine also; known as The Maiden.

IT’S back to the future tomorrow (Friday) in Maybole to raise cash towards a new church.

For the committee in charge of the project is holding a 60s night in the Memorial Park Bowling Club, starting at 8pm. Music is by DJ George Wallace, and organisers hope many people will turn out in their best 60s-style gladrags! Tickets are £5 (that includes a buffet) and are available from Heather Wotherspoon or any member of the Maybole New Church Project committee.

NEXT surgeries in Carrick by local MSP Cathy Jamieson are at the McKechnie Institute in Girvan on Saturday, January 18, 10 till 10.30am; and at Maybole Town Hall on Friday, January 31, 10 till 10.30am. Ms Jamieson, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, says anyone unable to attend on these dates can call the MSP at her constituency office on 0845 458 1800.

A FRIDAY cafe held by the Baptist Church in Maybole is a great meeting place in the town. And customers are guaranteed a tasty snack or lunch at a bargain price. Teas, coffees, home baking and home-made soup are all available from 11.30am till 1.30pm in the Carrick Street church.

MAYBOLE branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland aims to mark the national commemoration of Holocaust Day.

And all are welcome to a special service at the town’s Greenside on Monday, January 27 at 2pm.

ELINOR Harvey and family in Maybole this week asked the Post to pass on thanks to everyone who helped stage the football match held to commemorate her husband Chris. She says the family is overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Maybole and District who made the match and fundraising in the High Society pub such a success.

LOOKING BACK: 25 years ago — Councillor Gibson Macdonald, chairman of Kyle and Carrick District Council’s planning committee, is advised to take ‘a column of the 5th Cavalry’ with him to a public meeting in Maybole. The comment comes from Conservative colleague Councillor Jack Douglas (North Carrick) and is an apparent reference to townspeople feeling there should have been greater consultation on the recently-published Local Plan.

100 years ago: A Maybole amateur group puts on what is described as the best concert of the season. The show is staged at the schoolroom in Fisherton. Cast members include tenor Mr W. Smith, bass Mr J. Gray, duettists the Misses Wright, soprano Miss Crawford, and hilarious comic Mr Davy Livingstone. A dance follows, with music provided by the trio of Messrs Gray, Watson and Hempkin.

January 10th 2003

Dorothy can do it ... with £5,000 from B&Q bosses. Dorothy Harding will be thinking about a new look for her house in Maybole, once the Christmas decorations come down. For Dorothy, who works in the B&Q store in Ayr, won a £5,000 home make-over in the firm’s ‘Big Thank You’ awards. B&Q announced the winners at a glittering awards ceremony in Bournemouth, which Dorothy was delighted to attend. A company spokesman said: “Staff nominated for a Big Thank You award are viewed as being the bedrock of the company’s success. “Dorothy really embodies this, and we are delighted to reward her for all her hard work.”

January 3rd 2003

HOLLY is just the thing to brighten up the festive season. And here’s a little Holly who would brighten up anyone’s Christmas. But mum Lynne (21) admits it was a bit of a surprise when Holly was born at 4.31am on Christmas Day — fully FIVE WEEKS before she was due to make her appearance. Fortunately, Lynne was in the right place — the maternity unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine. And both she and Holly — who weighed in at 5lbs 4ozs — are doing fine. Lynne, from Drumellan Street, Maybole, is a trained nursery nurse — something that is sure to stand her in good stead as Holly grows. Both she and partner Craig McCallum, who works at the Mecca bingo hall in Ayr, are delighted with their best Christmas present ever.

DANCING their way through Christmas were the members of the Carrick Stompers line-dancing club in Maybole. And it’s not a bad idea when it comes to burning off those extra calories! The Stompers were pictured at their festive bash in Carrick Sports Club.

LOOKING BACK:
50 years ago — Finnish cargo ship Margareta runs aground on Ailsa Craig in a southerly gale, and is abandoned by the captain and crew 13 hours later, after the cargo of iron ore is removed by a tug.

100 years ago — farm implement makers Alexander Jack and Sons celebrate their 50th anniversary with a dinner for 320 in Maybole Town Hall. Ex-Provost Marshall, sole partner, reminds everyone how the firm was launched by his father-in-law, the late Mr Jack.