June 27th 2003

MAYBOLE Gala Day was a real celebration in the town - and organisers are delighted. It was especially pleasing when the forecast of rain for Saturday proved wrong, allowing hundreds to enjoy the spectacle. Susan Whiteman, of the gala organising committee, hailed the day as 'fabulous'. And she said: "A lot of hard work and co-operation went into it. And we're so relieved the heavy rain happened on Friday - and not on Maybole's fantastic parade." more

MAYBOLE and District Committee for Cancer Research UK Scotland this week thanked everyone who contributed to their house to house collection in May, which raised 2,079.65. more

June 20th 2003

June 13th 2003

June 6th 2003

June 27th 2003

MAYBOLE Gala Day (more photos) was a real celebration in the town - and organisers are delighted. It was especially pleasing when the forecast of rain for Saturday proved wrong, allowing hundreds to enjoy the spectacle. Susan Whiteman, of the gala organising committee, hailed the day as 'fabulous'. And she said: "A lot of hard work and co-operation went into it. And we're so relieved the heavy rain happened on Friday - and not on Maybole's fantastic parade." There was a slight delay in the procession, due to the late arrival of steel band, Caribba Stargazers. But it finally moved off with Maybole Pipe Band leading the way from Carrick Academy to Glebe Park. Next came the carriage carrying the town s royal couple. Hugh Henderson was crowned King of Carrick by Cathy Jamieson MSP and Nicole Currie was crowned Queen by Councillor Alan Murray. Both are both pupils of St Cuthbert s Primary, and their attendants were Megan Hood of Cairn Primary, and Lindsay Nixon and Kyle Faulds of Gardenrose Primary. Councillor Andy Hill officially declared gala festivities under way. Cairn Primary was judged best float with St Cuthbert's Primary runner-up and SAS third. Best walking group was Gardenrose Primary, second were 1st Maybole Brownies, third were the Tiddlers and Tadpoles toddlers group, with the Tiny Tots playgroup highly commended.

Then came the most difficult part of the day - judging the fancy dress. And this was followed by a whole feast of entertainment which included Maybole Pipe Band, Carrick Stompers line-dancers, Maybole Majorette and Dance School, Aileen Robertson School of Highland Dancing, Caribba Stargazers steel band, plus pop groups Haze, Fusion and Split Peas. Children were well catered for by several performances by Uncle Billy, as well as races and a tug of war competition as well as side shows and slides. Susan Whiteman, who chairs Maybole Community Association, was pleased with the gala day turn-out, and how things went in the run-up to it. She said: "Our service at Crossraguel was a wonderful start to our gala week and we had great fun at our team quiz night. "The pet show was very successful too, with lots of people bringing along their pets and joining in the fun."

Susan thanked everyone who took part in making sure the gala ran smoothly with special thanks to local police, South Ayrshire Council, Carrick Round Table, Mitchell and Struthers employees, Jim Bryan for his PA expertise, Co-operative Funeralcare for their car, and Mr Shift It for all his help in moving equipment.

Fancy dress: Under-5s - 1,Mermaid, Kayley Campbell; 2, Zebras, Jordan Bell and Darra Murdoch; 3, Witches, Kieran Robb and Louisa Davidson. 5-12 years - 1, Dice Brownies; 2, Blue Girl, Sophie Milligan, Gardenrose Rainbow; 3, Moaning Myrtle, Caitlin Davidson. Adults - 1, Green Girl, Becky Fleming, Gardenrose Rainbow; highly commended, Harry Potter, Alison Davidson; highly commended, Rubik Cube, Laura Kiltie

Shops - 1, Rosebank; 2, Pickens; 3, McInnes. Group float - 1, Cairn Primary; 2, St Cuthbert's Primary; 3, SAS International. Walking group/car float - 1, Gardenrose Primary; 2, 1st Maybole Brownies; 3, Tiddlers and Tadpoles; highly commended, Tiny Tots Playgroup. Quiz night winners - Carrick Sports Club.

Guinea pig - 1, Carrie, Zoe and Brodie Wallace with Pepper, Pebbles and Pickles; 2, Alice, Simon and Robert Mackie with George.

Other caged pets - 1, Sam Matthews with Esrare (ferret); 2, Nathan Davidson with Widget (polecat); 3, Charlie Purvis with Rosie (mouse).

Cats - 1, Kerry McDowall with Bart; 2, Sharon Davey with Charlie; 3 equal, Elizabeth Heath with Snowy and Louise Wilson with Kero.

Dogs: Eight-legged race -1, Finlay Henderson with Hector; 2, Hugh Hendeerson with Kylie; 3, Janine Kerr with Bonnie.

Best condition - 1, Kirsty Torbet with Bonnie (Cocker Spaniel); 2, James Connell with Penny (Shitzu) 3, Ellis McDowall with Rocco (West Highland Terrier).

Owner most like dog - 1, Ryan Murray with Misty (Lhasa Apsu); 2, Aileen Henderson with Hector (Australian Terrier); 3, Shirley Tweedie with Cara (cross-breed).

Loudest bark - 1, Michelle McDowall with Alfie (Jack Russell); 2, Finlay Henderson with Kylie (Australian Terrier); 3, W. Young with Tigger (Cocker Spaniel).

Most worried - 1, Charlie Purvis with Jodie (cross-breed); 2, Louisa Davidson with Kizzie (Whippet); 3, Kirsty McDonald with Mac (cross-breed).

1, Mr Scott, 67 Murray Gardens; highly commended - Mr Paterson, 8 Roderick Lawson Terrace; Mr Stewart, 27 The Loaning; Mrs Findlay, 28 The Loaning; Mr Garrick, 11 Fine View; E. Taylor, Flat 2A Wellington Street.

Karate: best girl - Evan Eaglesham, best boy Conner Graham.

COUNCIL chiefs were expected to issue an order to demolish a block of homes because they're too dangerous to live in. The move comes more than a year after residents were forced to flee their homes when massive cracks appeared in the walls, floors and ceilings. Structural damage to the block of four houses in Manse Street, Maybole, is so extensive experts have predicted a 205,000 repair bill. Experts revealed that the houses had been built on top of huge pits left behind by an old tannery. They claim that timber boarding supporting one of the pits eventually rotted creating a huge void, causing the houses to subside. A report prepared for the council's social justice committee insists, however, that tests prove that neighbouring buildings are safe. It says: "Research has shown that the site was formerly a tannery and the location of several pits associated with this industry was identified from old ordnance survey maps.  "This block was built over one such pit. Other blocks in the immediate vicinity, although adjacent to the pits, show no signs of structural distress and will be subject to regular inspection in the future." A recommendation by planning officials to demolish the block and landscape the area was expected to be approved by the committee today (Thursday).

MAYBOLE and District Committee for Cancer Research UK Scotland this week thanked everyone who contributed to their house to house collection in May, which raised 2,079.65. Charity volunteers say they are delighted to have the public's continuing goodwill for their fundraising, which adheres to strict guidelines.

A NEW resource centre is to open in Maybole High Street, with funding from South Ayrshire Council. And it will operate from the office formerly occupied by the now-defunct Maybole Community Development Group. The centre, to be run by May-Tag, will provide support to voluntary organisations in and around the town. It will also provide opportunities for individuals from socially excluded backgrounds to develop various skills and experiences particularly in the IT and research areas. May-Tag is a well established organisation in Maybole, and has worked with the council on a variety of partnership projects over many years in the past. The council can provide funding for a short-term pilot project, to test the project's feasibility. And if proves successful, May-Tag will try to gain substantial funding from other bodies, in order to widen and develop the project. Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said he welcomed 'another exciting voluntary project into the town' He added: "Other areas in South Ayrshire comment on the strength of the relationship between the council and the voluntary sector in Maybole. "The work in the town is regarded as a model of good practice for the way that organisations should work together. "I like to think that I have contributed to all this work. "I wish the new project every success, and the council and I will do all we can to help with other funding applications from May-Tag.

FOUR former pupils of Carrick Academy are trying to organise a class reunion for their starting year at the school in 1964. It's planned for for Saturday, September 27, and anyone interested can call Catherine Hutchison on 01655 882594, or e-mail her on grumpysister@btopenworld.com Catherine has put plans for the reunion on to Maybole website www.maybole.org  and threatens to put early class pictures there too.

June 20th 2003

HISTORIC Crossraguel Abbey was the venue for a service to launch Maybole Gala Week - and the weather was equal to the superb setting. Worshippers from all the town's churches gathered in brilliant sunshine on Trinity Sunday, and were welcomed by Fr Jim Hayes, convener of Maybole Council of Churches. Clergy who conducted parts of the service were the Revs David Jones, Dave Whiteman, Julia Mason and Richard Martin. Hymns were introduced by Edna Collie, Marianne McCreadie, Maeve Murphy and Ann McPike. Musical accompaniment was by Kevin McDermott, Marion Hutchison and David Hardy. Maybole Council of Churches thanked Historic Scotland, Maybole Community Association, music group Fusion, local police and other officials for their help and support in organising the service. Hugh Henderson and Nicole Currie of St Cuthbert's Primary School - this year's King and Queen of Carrick - attended the service to gain their first taste of life in their royal roles. Now Hugh and Nicole are preparing for a more hectic time at the ever-popular gala on Saturday.

FIREFIGHTERS in Maybole dealt quickly with another blaze at the former Carrick Colts building in Crosshill Road. And a spokesman warned that the building is now extremely dangerous, and children should keep well away. The Maybole firefighter pointed out: "We have been called out several times to fires at this building. "And we are concerned that children tempted to play inside it could get hurt, either by falling or by being trapped in a fire."

CRAFTY pupils at Maybole's Cairn Primary came up with an imaginative idea to boost school funds. The P3 class formed an enterprise company called 'Cairn Crafts', and made a whole range of items to sell. These included cards, bookmarks, trinket boxes, door handles - and even painted self portraits! Then they held a sale in the school which raised an impressive total of more than 70. Our photographer managed to snap pupils at their various stalls just before parents and friends arrived.  And there was a real mad rush to buy these unique goods, we are happy to report.

IT'S Maybole Gala Day on Saturday (June 21), and everyone in the town hopes for good weather to make it another day to remember. Maybole Pipe Band leads off the parade from Carrick Academy at 1pm and the route to Glebe Park is via Kirkoswald Road, Whitehall, High Street, St Cuthbert's Road and Crosshill Road. The parade will feature a Royal coach carrying this year's King and Queen of Carrick, St. Cuthbert's P7 pupils Hugh Henderson and Nicole Currie. Their attendants will be Cairn Primary's Megan Hood and James Bowman and Gardenrose pupils Lindsay Nixon and Kyle Faulds. There is still time for groups to enter floats and there will be 50 available to help with costs. Contact Derek Walker at the town hall for details. It is not necessary to hire a lorry for a float as the organisers, Maybole Community Association, have been keen to encourage as many as possible to take part in the parade as walking groups and to decorate cars. There is still time for groups to join in - everybody in the town is invited to get dressed up and enter the fancy dress competitions! After the crowning ceremony at Glebe Park, the winners of the floats and fancy dress competitions will be announced, and then there will be performances by parade bands and dance groups. Pop groups Haze, Fusion, and the Split Peas, Carriba Stargazers Steel Band and Maybole Pipe Band will provide a musical background. Others displays include: Highland dancers, majorettes, karate, line dancing, along with Uncle Billy (children s entertainer), races and tug o' war contests. More tug o war teams are invited to compete. There will also be the usual side stalls including teas, baking, bottles, tombola, raffles, toys, lucky dip, hot dogs, bouncy castle, dino slide, burgers, and lots, lots more.

THE second phase of the Maybole Footpaths project has been given the go-ahead, at an expected cost of 21,000. The first phase ( 15,000) was launched in March, giving a link to Dunure, as well as southward over Kildoon Hill. Now more paths will follow, with three circular routes to the south of the town. Rural paths have proved popular development over the past decade, with four established at Annbank/Mossblown, Barr, Girvan and Straiton. A fifth is nearing completion at Dailly, and Maybole is number six in South Ayrshire. There could soon be eight, as community councils at Dundonald and the Stinchar Valley (Ballantrae-Colmonell-Pinwherry) are seeking funding too. South Ayrshire Council's planning committee convener Councillor Helen Moonie said: "Promotional leaflets and guides are widely distributed for the existing paths. "They also feature on an internet website of Ayrshire paths and cycle routes." Councillor Moonie added: "Rural paths networks bring significant economic development benefits for the host communities." Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and Scottish Natural Heritage are partners in paths projects with South Ayrshire Council and local community councils.

THREE active pensioners swam a mile at Maybole Swimming Pool to raise cash for the charity Childline. Archie Scobie, Helen Sloan and Jimmy Gerrish each had to complete an amazing 65 lengths to reach the distance. The trio, who are members of the town's OiR (Opportunities in Retirement) group raised a total of 285 in sponsorship through pooling their endeavours.

RICH Pettit and his family visited Maybole last week - and the town s 'webmaster' revealed May was another record month for 'hits' on www.maybole.org The site - which now has in excess of 3,000 images on over 1,000 pages - last month had almost 450,000 page hits from all over the world, including one from Eritrea in East Africa. Rich and his family are in Scotland for a reunion of the McWhirter clan, which has attracted people from all over the world. And they were keen to meet up again with Maybole friends, following a meal at the Welltrees Inn. Rich, from Clearwater, Florida, traces his McWhirter ancestors back to Maybole, and this spurred him to launch a website with a few old photographs of the town, back in 1999. When asked by townspeople if he would like to see the site expanded with more information, he readily agreed and his efforts on behalf of the town were recognised in 2001 when he was presented with the Citizen of the Year award during a visit here. This week, following the reunion, Rich and his family are touring Scotland before returning to Maybole for the town's annual gala day this Saturday. If you're in any doubt about page 'hits' as a means of judging a website, the clock noting the time spent by those logging on to www.maybole.org tallied 6,236,909 seconds! That is 1,732 hours in May spent by people from all over the world looking at a website about Maybole.

THE second William Hill Memorial golf competition at Maybole raised even more money than last year's inaugural event. This year's tourney brought in 303, and a cheque was presented to Crosshouse Hospital's Renal Unit (Ward 2F), which serves the whole of Ayrshire. The William Hill Memorial Cup was won by George Imrie from Cumnock, who last year won a shield for the best handicap score. Runner-up was Kevin McCrorie from Maybole. Willie's partner Ann McClure thanked everyone who played in the tourney, all who donated, and Sandy and Alice Abbot of The Carrick in Maybole for all their help. Sister Geraldine Oven came from Crosshouse Hospital to collect the cheque which was presented by Ann McClure and Sandy Abbot. The late Willie Hill was a popular Maybole man who was a well known and respected caddie at Turnberry.

DOCTORS have dubbed little Lee Milligan Miracle Baby after he beat off deadly meningitis. But the tot's doting grandfather believes he wouldn't be alive today if dedicated paediatric staff in Seafield Ward at Ayr Hospital had not been there to save his life. John Fergusson revealed that the little boy was just moments away from death when he was admitted to hospital in the middle of the night. Lee's veins had collapsed, and medics struggled to administer vital treatment as he clung to life. John said: "We were told that he only had minutes left. His veins had collapsed and he was near death. "The staff at Ayr were amazing. They really battled to save that wee boy. I'll be grateful to them for the rest of my life. "That's why I'm going to fight any proposal to close a children's ward. If expert care hadn't been at Ayr, my grandson wouldn't be here today." Lee was just 11 months old when he was struck down with potentially deadly meningococcal septicaemia. John recalled: "We were babysitting Lee overnight. He wasn't very well but we put it down to teething at first. "But he steadily got worse and worse and we took him to the hospital. At first doctors thought it was a virus and we went home. But he quickly went down hill and had to be admitted again. "It was one of the worst moments of my life. We were convinced he was going to die - and he nearly did." Lee was desperately ill for 48 hours as doctors struggled to keep his vital functions stable. John said: "The health board are talking about a short stay assessment unit. That wouldn't have been enough for Lee. He wouldn't have been fit enough to be transferred to Crosshouse. "The staff at Ayr are wonderful and they do a fantastic job. They saved my grandson's life. The people of this community need to know that this level of care is available when their children desperately need it." Little Lee - now a lively 19-month-old toddler - was eventually released from hospital 12 days later and was only recently given a clean bill of health. John, who owns and runs Croyburnfoot Leisure Park at Croy shore near Culzean, added: "The doctor calls him Miracle Baby and he is. He's the light of my life and every time I see him running around or he gives me a cuddle I'm grateful that I still have him."

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO - Tom Murray steps down after seven years as Ayr United chairman, to be replaced by another Maybole man, Myles Callaghan. Farmer John Ferguson takes over from Mr Callaghan as vice-chairman.

June 13th 2003

IT rained on Maybole's parade - but it was still a poignant commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation. Organised by the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the parade was led from Greenside to the West Church by Maybole Pipe Band. And in a very special service, the Rev Dave Whiteman spoke of four symbols given to the nation by the Queen: the Bible, anointing oil, a bowl and towel, and a bell. Mr Whiteman said the Queen takes the Bible very seriously and has made the scriptures a framework for her life. In her TV broadcast for Christmas 2000, she said the Christian message remained as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago.  The minister said the Queen was anointed with oil at her Coronation - to bless and consecrate her for this holy office. And he said the Queen had used this second symbol as an example of dedication: dedication to our nation, dedication to our local communities, dedication to one another, and dedication to God. The third symbol is the bowl and towel, and Mr Whiteman pointed out that the Queen made a vow of dedication to serve when she was 21-year-old Princess Elizabeth. He said: "Our Lord Jesus Christ washed the disciples' feet and told them to do as he had done. This bowl and towel are symbols of service." Mr Whiteman said the fourth and final symbol - the bell - was a symbol of community. And in her Christmas broadcast of 2001 the Queen said: "I believe that strong and open communities matter both in good times as well as bad; community provides a way of helping one another." The parade went back to Greenside after the service, with a salute taken by Col. John Dalrymple-Hamilton at the Town Hall. Among the Maybole Legion men who marched were two who took part as serving soldiers in the Coronation Parade in London in 1953. Branch chairman Davie Hunter and branch secretary George Taylor share that distinction. And they shared their memories with others at the civic reception held afterwards in the Town Hall by South Ayrshire Council

.BOWLING duos from all over South Ayrshire contested the annual Open Pairs at Maybole Memorial Park Bowling Club. Flo Henderson (left), the host club's vice-president, handed over trophy to John and Helen McConnell of Kirkmichael Bowling Club. Runners-up (right) were George Hodge and Margaret Miller of Maybole Memorial Park BC.

WILLIAM Fielding has given more than 60 years loyal service to Maybole West Church. And he was presented with a painting of the church that is so close to his heart. The 'Glen Kirk' now forms part of the recently-united Maybole Parish, and there are plans for a new church building. So it's an apt time to look back on Willie Fielding's remarkable service, said former West Kirk, and now Maybole Parish elder Peter McCulloch. He highlighted roles taken by Willie over the years: Sunday School superintendent, BB leader, elder, roll keeper, choir member, Session Clerk, lay preacher, Clerk to the Board, Presbytery elder, a second term as Session Clerk, convener of the vacancy committee, church officer at weddings and funerals, and coffee club leader! Mr McCulloch added: "Willie has served seven ministers, and has a very impressive track record over a period of 60 years." Mr Fielding had been an elder for 55 years, a lay preacher for about 35 years, and session clerk for a total of 26 years.  Mr McCulloch added: "Our thanks go to Nessie as well, because without her support and encouragement your outstanding service to the church would not have been possible." Mrs Fielding was presented with a basket of flowers, after her husband received his painting. Maybole Parish minister the Rev Dave Whiteman joked: "Willie had no idea this presentation was taking place - and it is the first time I have ever seen him lost for words!"

PRINCE Charles did a double take when he met Maybole twins Ashley and Natalie Rodger for a lunch date ...But he congratulated them individually - and as a double act - for their commitment to the tourist industry. The 21-year-olds were among invited guests who lunched with the Prince at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. They were chosen for the honour as model professionals in their jobs - joint restaurant managers at Malin Court, on the coast near Maidens. The girls got a taste for tourism as pupils of Carrick Academy, when they visited Malin Court under the 'Welcome Host' scheme. And when they left school four years ago, they applied for part-time jobs at Malin Court, which is a unique nursing home/hotel/restaurant. Later they became full-timers, and were restaurant supervisors together, before gaining promotion to restaurant managers.

AN operation to remove a sugar tanker from the A77 closed a section of the road for a time late on Tuesday afternoon. The Tate & Lyle vehicle went over on its side two miles south of Maybole earlier in the day, blocking the northbound carriageway. But traffic was able to continue, with a contra-flow set up until the removal operation.

MAYBOLE finished the amateur season on a high when they won the Donsport Trophy. And they did it with only ten men after Scott Whalen was sent off before the end of normal time. But 'Bole dug deep to beat holders Ardeer Rovers 2-1 after extra-time in the final at Hurlford's Blair Park. Maybole led at the break through Matt Mullen but were pulled level when Ardeer equalised through Mark Frew. When Whalen was dismissed with ten minutes to go, it looked ominous but 'Bole won it in the second period of extra-time when Steven McBirnie grabbed the winner. It was double disappointment for unlucky Ardeer Rovers who have missed out on the Premier League. They lost 4-2 to Dirrans Athletic in a play-off which means that Dirrans, who finished third bottom in th Premier, stay up. Ardeer had finished second in the North 1st. Meanwhile, Monkton Wheatsheaf and Tarbolton are set to return to amateur football next season. They are among four new clubs who will go before the league formation meeting on June 19.

50 YEARS AGO - 'A chapter in Maybole's history was colourfully written on Saturday afternoon when the citizens turned out in large numbers to watch what is believed to be the burgh's first pageant. The old grey town made a fine setting for the historical procession which wended its way from Carrick Academy to Sheep Park.'

June 6th 2003

ELLEN Hawkes has retired as manager of May-Tag, the Maybole based training agency. She was to have retired at the end of March, but stayed on in a part-time capacity until the end of May. Ellen stayed in post to help the company to negotiate new contracts and funding for new projects. Company directors surprised Ellen on Friday when they gathered to present her with a beautiful glass bowl with an engraving of Maybole Castle etched on it. The castle has been May-Tag's headquarters for more than a decade now, and chairman David Kiltie thanked Mrs Hawkes for all her work on the company's behalf. He traced her roles from first joining as a volunteer, then becoming an employee, moving up to depute manager and then manager. Mrs Hawkes thanked the board and her colleagues for the gift and also the help given to her over the years. She will continue to be May-Tag s company secretary and attend board meetings.

THE project known as MCDG (Maybole Community Development Group) has ended after three years funding through a grant from the National Lottery's Community Fund. Volunteer directors Ellen Hawkes and Pearl Barton on Friday morning - the project's final day - paid tribute to two ladies who have had key roles. Elizabeth Blair, who had been with the group since it started, and Eleanor Jamieson were presented with gifts as thanks in recognition of their work. Project leader Peter Walker was thanked and presented with a gift at an informal ceremony the previous evening.

MAYBOLE Historical Society's programme of summer outings began on Monday of this week (June 2), with a visit to Kirkoswald. Members explored both the old and new kirks, as well as Souter Johnnie's Cottage, and Mary Hendry proved an informative guide. Events still to come are: Bargany - ancient seat of the Kennedys, and home of the Dalrymple-Hamilton family, with guide David Hunter. Meet at Bargany at 1pm on Tuesday, June 17 (there will be an entrance charge of 2 per person). Dunean - and an introduction to the hill forts of North Carrick. A short drive then a walk led by Murray Cook. Meet at Maybole Station car park at 1pm on Sunday, July 20 (transport available if required). Arran Heritage Museum - minibus leaves Maybole Station car park at 8.15am on Saturday, August 9. Ferry to Brodick (9.45am), short walk or bus (price not included) to Arran Heritage Museum, return ferry from Brodick 4.40pm). There is a small restaurant at the heritage centre, or people can picnic in the riverside gardens. The Family History and Archives Centre will be open during the afternoon for society members. Bookings for this trip must be made before Friday, July 18, to Helen McAdam (tel. 01655 883235) or Dave Killicoat (tel. 07776 445033). The cost of 15 includes minibus to and from Ardrossan, ferry and museum entry.

A PARADE to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation will be held in Maybole on Sunday (June 8). It is organised by the Maybole branch of the Royal British Legion (Scotland), and groups involved in the town s Remembrance services have been invited to take part. Muster point is at the railway station at 9.45am, and the parade will proceed to the West Church, where the Rev Dave Whiteman, newly-appointed chaplain to the branch, will conduct the service. A minibus will be available for the elderly and infirm who are unable to walk.

MAYBOLE After School Care project is looking for staff for their 'bank', and for maternity cover. The project is based in Gardenrose Primary School, and hours are 2.45 to 6pm (Monday to Friday), although additional hours may be required. The work is mainly supervising children aged three years and older, and organising activities that are both safe and healthy. Anyone interested should contact secretary Marion McPherson on (01655) 883002.

MAYBOLE High Street is this week boosted by the opening of a new furniture shop. And it's a second branch for Akita in the town in less than a year. Young mum Alison Wild is the woman behind the business ventures - at 8 School Vennel and 35 High Street. She said: "The shop in School Vennel simply isn't big enough for everything we want to stock. "But it will continue as a bed and bedroom furniture centre, while the new shop features lounge and dining room furniture." Ms Wild added: "It's ironic that we're opening up as the Maybole Community Development Group closes its door, with a loss of jobs. "I just hope something positive comes of the closure, and someone sees a business opportunity in their premises." Ms Wild says Akita is attracting customers from as far away as Troon and Mauchline, as well as the local area. She has an honours degree in marketing, and says the shop's success is based on three key ingredients - quality, value and service. Ms Wild, who stood as an Independent candidate in the recent council elections, says she is also keen to put local artists' work on display in her shops.