Parishioners of Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s celebrated Sunday Mass with a difference on Sunday May 25, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.  It is a day of celebration of the Catholic belief that Jesus is truly present in the form of bread in Holy Communion. more

Pupils from St Cuthbert’s Primary were really disappointed (see photo) when their annual school trip was ruined recently. The whole school was on its way to Kelburn Country Park when, unfortunately, the bus they were in got stuck in traffic for almost four hours due to a power line that had fallen across the road. The bus was on the Irvine by-pass heading towards Kelburn at the time and the pupils never got to the park The Parent Council paid for the transport at a cost of £230, which may not seem alot but it amounts to half of its funds. Scottish Power Renewables, however, have stepped in and promised to reimburse the parents. This let them arrange for Magic Malky to visit the school to entertain the pupils and book fun time at Maybole Swimming Pool. The pupils and Parent Council members are grateful to Scottish Power Renewables for their kind gesture.

It was a teddy bears picnic day out to Belliesle park and Pets Corner and they are all registered childminders with the Scottish Care Commission and the Scottish Childminders Association. The Association had asked all childminders to organise a local event to promote and recognise childminders . Unfortunately, not all the childminders in Maybole could make the picnic but the ones who could are in the group photograph. Childminders left to right Debbie Grant, Ann Roy and Marcia Thomson.

On Saturday, June 7, two buses full of Maybole senior citizens – or recycled teenagers as Pearl Barton refers to them – left the town for the annual trip. This year they travelled to Stirling.

Maybole’s “Robert Burns…where it began” project officially came to an end last week with a special evening in Maybole Town Hall.

All the events last year were recorded for inclusion on a DVD and in a book of photographs and the organising committee had invited representatives from local voluntary groups, schools, and others who were involved or took part in the year long celebrations to be the first to see these.

Young piper Scott Barrie started the evening off by playing “A man’s a man for a’ that” and everyone was welcomed by Peter Mason, chair of Maybole Community Council. He had also chaired the organising committee for the many events held last year to mark the first meeting of Agnes Broun and William Burnes in Maybole and to commemorate what would have been the 250^th anniversary of their wedding in a Maybole church.

He handed over to David Kiltie who explained that two DVDs had been produced, a heritage edition and a souvenir edition. The 30 minute long heritage edition would be sent to the funders and local schools. The souvenir edition of the DVD contains extra footage which includes the two concerts in the town hall on the weekend of the wedding re-enactment and the closing service when hymns were sung to Burns’ tunes.

It was the shortened heritage version of the DVD which was shown last week with the main “star” Jean Dunn as Agnes just after her son Robert died in 1796. Agnes thinks on how death will affect his children, her grandchildren, and she realises that she cannot answer all the questions they will have for her.

One thing she can do, however, is tell them is “where it began” – Maybole – and she starts to reminisce on how she and the children’s grandfather met and married in the town. Agnes’ part in the DVD was played by Susan Whiteman and William by Donald Kay.

Denis Reid is the narrator and fills in the background to the re-enactment of the market fair when the couple first met in 1756, their attendance at an 18^th century Maybole Gala, and the re-enactment of the marriage of Agnes and William by Rev James MacKnight on December 15, 1757 in the parish church at the foot of the Kirkwynd.

After the DVD finished, South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan presented scrolls to over 50 people who had been involved in the events and congratulated everyone involved. Roses were also presented to the ladies by “William” aka Donald Kay. Provost Sloan said, ““It is very true that without William Burnes and Agnes Broun, our National Bard would not have existed, so celebrating the 250^th anniversary of their marriage was a superb idea.

“I would like to congratulate the people of Maybole on the outstanding way in which they promoted and celebrated the couple during 2007. They met at the bottom of Maybole High Street so it was only right that the launch of ‘Robert Burns…where it began’ took place in Maybole Town Hall.

“From the beginning of the project I was impressed with the enthusiasm and innovative ideas that the people of Maybole thought of, and more importantly, they brought to fruition. “People readily dressed in clothes that would have been worn around the time that the couple met and married and these costumes were worn at school presentations, at the market fair, during gala week, the enactment of the couples’ wedding, at concerts and many other events.

Provost Sloan continued, “I feel honoured to have been able to take part in many of the events during 2007 and they gave me memories that I will treasure for years to come. Creating a book and a DVD that capture the spirit and enthusiasm of the events was a superb idea and I would like to congratulate everyone who created these. 2007 may be over but I know that people will be talking about the celebrations for many years to come.

“I am sure that many people have found a new interest in Burns, or rekindled their previous interest thanks to the people of Maybole. This just shows what can be achieved and I am sure that there will be more celebrations in 2009, the Year of the Homecoming, that will see Scottish people the world over visit South Ayrshire to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the birth of Burns.”

Cathy Jamieson MSP said, " Everyone who was involved in the ‘Robert Burns…where it began’ events must be really delighted with the souvenir book and DVD. “Looking through the book, you can see how local people and visitors enjoyed themselves, and the DVD is a superb collection of historical information mixed with images from present day Maybole as the town celebrated 'where it all began'.

“There is an amazing amount of local talent showcased on the DVD, with material from all the major events, including concerts and the street fair - definitely not to be missed! I was delighted to join Peter Mason and David Kiltie at the Town Hall as commemorative scrolls were presented to all those who took part. The Community Council, Community Association and Historical Society worked together to make everything a real success.

“I'm already looking forward to what comes next....2009 is going to be a big year for everyone in Ayrshire, and I'm sure Maybole will once again be up there in the headlines." Angus Middleton, President of the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs and Immediate Past President of the Robert Burns World Federation, said, “I was delighted and honoured to have been part of Maybole’s ‘Robert Burns...where it began’.

“I wish to thank everyone for making me so welcome in the town, and to have played a part in the celebrations is a memory I will treasure forever. “It was an added pleasure to see the re-constitution of Maybole St Crispin Burns Club and I wish all concerned every success for the future. You can count on my continued support.

“The launch of the Souvenir DVD and book is a perfect ending to a memorable year, the atmosphere at the various events are captured and are a wonderful record of the town’s heritage. I heartily commend their purchase.” John Haining, President of the Robert Burns World Federation, said, “During the summer of 2007 I took part in the annual Gala Day celebrations at Maybole.

“What struck me instantly was the enthusiasm of the organisers whose organising efficiency was obvious. There were people of all ages present, many dressed in period costume, and there was a ‘buzz’ about the town. I had a wonderful day. “On 15 December, 2007 I was invited to take part in the weekend re-enactment wedding ceremony between William Burnes and Agnes Broun, a local lassie, whose actual wedding took place at Maybole on 15 December 1757.

“Again great effort had gone into the organising and many people again were dressed in period costumes which added to the ‘ambience’ of the town. “Friday 14 December 2007 evening was taken up with a children's concert and on Saturday 15 December 2007 the wedding ceremony took place followed in the evening in the Town Hall by a concert watched by an adult audience.

“These were wonderful events and sure to live long in the memories of the townspeople. “David Kiltie and his organising group have much to be thanked for, for all their imaginative and enthusiastic work in bringing their plans to fruition.

“The main planks of those events were education - educating the younger children, and I wager some adults, of the history of the town - and the enjoyment seen in the faces of the all participants. I look forward to learning what Maybole has planned for the Homecoming in 2009.” Peter Mason added, “It was a great experience being part of the group that led this from the start to the finish, and what a finish.

“The book is excellent, as is the DVD, which in my opinion will now be part of the history of Maybole. “Scrolls were given out to people who played a major part in the events, but every person who helped in the smallest way should have received one as they are the real stars of ‘Robert Burns…where it began’”. There was a surprise ending to the evening with the presentation of the Matt Dunnachie Award.

This is a trophy which was presented to Carrick Sports Club in memory of founder member Matt Dunnachie. Matt’s wife May and her family felt this would mark Matt’s long association with the club and the community. The trophy is to be awarded annually in recognition of service to the community of Maybole in any capacity and the Sports Club set up a sub committee to nominate the winner each year.

Club secretary Bill McCubbin announced this winner was June Dunlop and he presented her with the trophy and a certificate. As well as her many contributions to the community over a long number of years, June had played a key role in the Burns events in 2007 which made it appropriate to present the award that evening.

As one of the UK's top luxury trains rolled in to Maybole railway station last Wednesday evening, local residents were wondering if the clock had rolled back to a long forgotten era of grandeur. Just after tea time, work started on decorating the station with flowers, shrubs, plants and bunting - and eventually a five piece jazz band turned up!

Rumours started to spread – it was royalty, it was Brad Pitt, it was the Royal Scotsman, it was the Orient Express. In fact, it was the Northern Belle and Maybole is not normally on its schedule. The train had been privately chartered and was dropping off American visitors who were travelling on to stay at Turnberry Hotel. The group were from Northern Trust of Chicago, so perhaps Northern Belle was appropriate.

The Northern Belle is also known as "The Orient-Express of the North" and is regarded as the first classic luxury train of the millennium. Each carriage bears the name of a significant stately home or castle, and is furnished with commissioned designs, fabrics and marquetry celebrating British heritage and skills. Carriage names are Alnwick, Belvoir, Chatsworth, Glamis, Harlech and Warwick. The Northern Belle entered service in May 2000 as a sister to the highly successful British Pullman train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express..

Northern Trust is a global leader in investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions and affluent individuals. As of March 31, 2008, it had $77 billion in banking assets, $4 trillion in assets under custody and $778.6 billion in assets under management. The firm was created in August 1889 by Byron Laflin Smith, one of the most respected bankers in Chicago, Illinois.

The RAP (recreational access pass) card will be given to every primary and secondary school in South Ayrshire and can be used by any of the pupils at the school. The card can be used for a variety of things all of which are printed on the card, this includes things such as free swimming between given times at South Ayrshire swimming pools and reductions in entry prices into places such as Dam park in Ayr and Prestwick tennis centre.

There will also be 10% off at such places as Kentucky fried chicken, and Halfords just to name a couple. The card is for use during the Summer school holidays and will give pupils a chance to carry out leisure activities as well as getting money off at certain shop The card is for South Ayrshire pupils only and will be valid from 27th June until 17th August 2008 inclusive. The pupil will need to have their card with their name, date of birth and school on it to be able to use it. The card was launched at Gardenrose Primary School, Maybole on 6th June 2008.

Pictured in the photograph are pupils of Gardenrose primary school, Superintendent John Hazlett who is Sub Divisional Officer of South Ayshire Police , PC Ian Hilderley, PC Tom Graham, Councillor Ann Galbraith, Councillor Mairi Lowe, Councillor Brian Connolly, Head Teacher Mary Scott, Alex Kelly chairperson of Carrick crime prevention panel, Pat Robertson chairperson of Kyle crime prevention panel.

PC Chris Sewell, 23, who lives in Ayr but is originally from Girvan, has four years’ police service having previously worked on an operational group in Ayr. He has also been a member of various proactive plain clothes units targetting drug dealing, anti social behaviour and other issues.

He is delighted to take on the role of community officer previously held by PC Derek Gray.  His beat will be part of Maybole and the rural areas encompassing Kirkmichael, Crosshill and Straiton. He is keen to make himself known to the community and intends to take a robust approach to tackling issues causing concerns locally.

Sgt John Hamilton is 35 and has lived in Carrick for 34 of those years He has 14 years police service and his career to date has included: operational constable at Ayr, Prestwick, Troon community police officer for Ayr town centre for 3 years several terms spent in proactive crime units and within CID field intelligence officer for South Ayrshire and promoted to sergeant in 2006 and carried out uniform sergeant's duties at Girvan and Ayr before taking post as community sergeant for Carrick area earlier this year.

His post differs from previous sergeant who was section sergeant responsible for Maybole as Sgt Hamilton oversees day to day operations at Maybole but also has responsibility for 6 community constables based throughout the entire Carrick area including Girvan and the surrounding villages.

He tries to get out on patrol as much as possible and join the community officers on their patrols to target the criminals who disrupt the lives of the decent members of the community.  Off duty interests are motorcyling, particularly competing in various off road disciplines.

Maybole Golf Club recent results J Faulds trophy-club championship Handicap competition 1st Robbie Milligan-handicap 11- 203 2nd Gary Steele-handicap 8- 206 Scratch competition 1st Scott McCahill-handicap 1- 217 2nd Gary McCulloch-handicap 6-228

THE Jean Falconer Literary Competition again produced a high standard of writing among Maybole school pupils. The judges had a difficult task to pick winners in a competition which commemorates a founder member of Maybole Community Council. Jean was a respected journalist, and her community council colleagues felt a literary competition was an appropriate way to remember her. Jean's mother Nell Samson presented the trophies and certificates, and cut a special birthday cake as it is 20years since the competition started.

Peter Mason, chair of Maybole Community Council thanked every- one who helped make the annual competition a success. He added, “Maybole Community Council would like to congratulate all of this year's prize winners and to thank everyone who entered the Jean Falconer Literary Competition 2008. “The competition has been held annually for many years now and our judges have consistently praised the high standard of writing - even if this has made their decisions very difficult! “We are grateful for the continued support of all our local schools and delighted that the competition is now part of Carrick Academy's curriculum.

“The contributions from Cairn, Gardenrose and St Cuthbert's Primary Schools are also very much appreciated. Our thanks to all teachers who assist with this. “The late Jean Falconer was a founder member of Maybole Community Council in 1977, and played a key role in its formation over a number of years. When she sadly died, members wanted to remember her in some way and it was felt that a literary competition would be the most suitable way.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the first award and our 21st winners. Maybole Community Council would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this year's competition and assure them that the part they have played in it is very much appreciated. Special thanks are offered to our judges for their time and expertise.”

Primary School Award

1st        Nina Sweeney              St Cuthbert's Primary

2nd      Iona Barrie                   Cairn Primary

3rd       Taylor Alexander          Gardenrose Primary

Highlv Commended:

Cairn Primary - Anndii Clark, Georgia Wallace

Gardenrose Primary - Megan Conn, Kate Fleming

St Cuthbert's Primary - Kieran Porte, Paul Strang

Secondary School Award

1st        Ginny Collie                  Carrick Academy

2nd      Cameron White           Carrick Academy

LIST OF WINNERS OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS

            PRIMARY                                           SENIORS

1988    Andrew Kerrigan (SCP)                       Jason Johnstone           

1989    John Fox (SCP)                                   Caroline Woodburn

1990    John Fox (SCP)                                   -----------------

1991    Matthew Thomson (SCP)                     Richard Herne, Clare Ravenscroft

1992    Anna Clarke (SCP)                              Shona Hogg

1993    Miriam Thomson (SCP)                        Richard Frette

1994    Victoria Bannerman (SCP)                   Alison Harper

1995    Victoria Bannerman (SCP)                   Fiona Gilmour

1996    Marie Laure Laforge (SCP)                  Katherine Frette

1997    John Clancy (SCP)                               India Fullarton

1998    Fraser Boyce (SCP)                             Jennifer Dunlop

1999    Jarrid Nisbet (SCP)                              Dawn Kerr

2000    Lauren Kennedy (CP)                          Sarah Innes

2001    Nicola Docherty (CP)                           Karen Cuthbert

2002    Allison McGregor (SCP)                      Gavin Kean

2003    Gillian Thomson (SCP)             Kate Fulton

2004    Wallace Kennedy (CP)             Sarah Gourlay

2005    Paige Campbell (SCP)              Liam Ireland

2006    Stephen Sweeney (SCP)                      Angharad Barclay

2007    Stuart Alston (CP)                                --------------

2008    Nina Sweeney (SCP)                           Ginny Collie

SCP – St Cuthbert’s Primary       CP – Cairn Primary

Carrick Academy Rugby Awards

Carrick Academy held their first rugby prize-giving on Wednesday 18th June. We were delighted to have Mr and Mrs Goodwin, Mr and Mrs McComiskey, Lindsey Booth (SWRU) and Glen Tippett (Glasgow South Regional rugby manager) in attendance. Over 140 pupils were also at the event.

Head teacher Mr Stewart welcomed everybody to the prize-giving and thanked every boy and girl who had contributed to a very successful season. Miss Johnstone and the Lindsey Booth spoke of how much the Carrick Girls have improved in such a short space of time and that Carrick should be proud to have 6 girls taking part in the District trails in Perth on Saturday 28th June.

Mrs Johnstone (DHT) talked about the sports coaching programme that Carrick have developed this season and how this has tied into our schools of ambition programme. Mr Goodwin then presented citizenship awards to 10 senior boys who had taken part in the programme.

After this point Mr Brown gave his season's report. He spoke about the successes of the season both on and off the field. He thanked all the coaches and players for their efforts and Carrick RFC for their support. Mr Brown also made two major announcements. Colin Sturgeon will be Carrick's very first SVQ rugby student next season and that Carrick rugby now have a second pitch in Maybole thanks to the efforts of Carrick RFC.

Before presenting the trophies Glen Tippett spoke of how everybody at Carrick should be proud of what we have achieved. He informed the audience that Carrick were in the top 1% of state schools in terms of playing numbers and that this was simply outstanding in such a short space of time.

The vote of thanks was given by Robert Sykes and Captain Colin Sturgeon. They thanked all the sponsors and coaches for all their support throughout the season and presented a gift to Mr Brown for all his efforts over the past 5 years.

The event was a great success and it is hoped that is will now become an annual event on the school calendar.

Carrick Rugby Press Team

Rugby Awards   2007-2008

Rugby Award  -  Girls

Under 15 – Most improved player  --  Emma Alexander 3Y1

Under 18 -  Most improved player  --  Sharon Gemmell 5R2

Girls’ Rugby - Players’ Player  Mhairi Hughes 4B2

June results do far for Maybole Golf Club

Lifeboat medal Wednesday 4th of June

                                       handicap

1st       Robbie Milligan         (10)     nett 65

2^nd       Tom Anderson           (14)     nett 66

3^rd        Gregory Malone        ( 6 )     nett 70

4^th        Mark Gibson              ( 9)      nett 76

THE CARTER TROPHY, 9TH JUNE ( STABLEFORD COMPETITION )

SCORE          HANDICAP

1^st        Tom Foster                36 pts             18

2^nd       Robbie Milligan         35 pts             10

            Gareth Tait                 35 pts             11

3^rd        Gregory Malone           34 pts               6

4^th        John Wood                32 pts             10

David Wallace           32 pts             11

5^th        Alan Brownlee           31 pts             ..6

6^th        Michael Thomson      29 pts             ..9

Tom Anderson           29 pts             14

7^th        Scott Campbell         27 pts               .6

8^th        Mark Gibson              25 pts             ...9

9^th        Robert Green 23 pts             ...5

            Brian Boyd                 N/R                  12

Kevin Doyle               N/R                  12