March 28th 2003

CULZEAN Castle will have a totally transformed interior when it re-opens in April. Experts have been at work since the castle closed in December — re-hanging almost every picture and moving furniture and artefacts.Now visitors will be able to see the castle more like it would have appeared 100 years ago. more

March 21st 2003

MAYBOLE West Church members held a special evening to say farewell to minister the Rev Tom Bogle and his wife Pat. Health problems have seen Borders man Mr Bogle retire around 16 months earlier than he anticipated. But both he and Pat have become well respected in the area, in just six-and-a-half years in Maybole. Session clerk William Fielding told Mr Bogle: “You can look back on your time here with a great measure of satisfaction.” ...more

March 14th 2003

March 7th 2003

The complete text of the headlines above follows.

March 28th 2003

THE Rev Gordon Reid, minister at Maybole Old Parish Church from 1982 until 1989, made a return visit to the town recently. And the minister, well known in Maybole for his ecumenical approach, spoke at ‘A Day of Renewal’ at Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s Church. Mr Reid returned at the invitation of the Galloway Prayer Group Service Team, whose theme for the day was ‘Embracing the Future’. Both the Kirk and the Catholic Church are facing the problem of fewer ordained clergy, and thus having to train lay people to give support in pastoral duties. In the Catholic Church, Bishop Maurice Taylor has introduced a period of consultation between people and clergy under the title ‘Embracing the Future’. And this ‘Day of Renewal’ hoped to learn from the experience of other denominations. Mr Reid is now minister at Gillespie Memorial Church, Dunfermline, which is a growing and effective Christian community.

Several years ago, recognising the need for pastoral support, he introduced a system of training for members of his congregation. They had to be people who were willing to give a year’s commitment to personal growth and learning how to minister to others in faith. Training supported individuals in their personal faith and knowledge to allow them to take over some duties in preaching, taking funerals, counselling, and pastoral visiting. Mr Reid called his system P12 because he had 12 people starting off. The training has been very successful and has led to further P12 groups and discipleship groups springing up from them, led by P12 trained people. To date he has about 90 people supporting his central role as minister! Mr Reid has since been asked to contribute to the Church of Scotland’s programme ‘Church without Walls’, exploring avenues to deal with the current situation. Fr. Jim Hayes of Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s said the Catholic Church is facing a similar situation in training lay people to undertake some of the pastoral work traditionally perceived as the remit of the priest. Both ordained clergy were positive about the current situation as there is a wealth of gifts within the congregations of each. And the day was an excellent experience in sharing good practice.

MAYBOLE is one parish again — after more than 160 years. But a name has yet to be decided for the new united congregation. A service of union was held in Maybole West Church on Tuesday, March 18, to link its congregation with Maybole Old. And the Rev Dave Whiteman of the Old Church was formally introduced as minister of the new parish. The union was hastened by the retirement, through ill health, of West Kirk minister the Rev Tom Bogle. Officiating at the service were Mrs Isabell Montgomerie, Moderator of the Presbytery of Ayr; the Rev John Banks, immediate past-Moderator; and the Rev James Crichton, clerk to the Presbytery.  Mr Banks gave a stirring sermon, which was both humorous and thought-provoking. And he highlighted the relevance of the Gospel to a troubled 21st century. Mrs Montgomerie brought the best wishes and encouragement of the Presbytery of Ayr to the new congregation and its minister. And she spoke of the very exciting times which lie ahead as the congregation looks to a bright new future. Mr Whiteman said he was touched by the tremendous turn-out from both Presbytery and the joint congregation. He pointed out: “This union brings much-needed financial and ministerial security to the Church of Scotland in Maybole. “And I am looking forward to a very bright and exciting future.” Office-bearers will consult the congregation to gauge opinions on times of services and a new name for the united charge.

A GIRVAN man travelled 12,000 miles for his 70th birthday bash — in Maybole! For Bill Rae emigrated to Australia — the home of Ruth Hoppen, the girl he married in St Andrews Church 46 years ago. The couple are back in Scotland for a holiday, and Bill’s cousins from Maybole organised a birthday party in the Carrick Sports Club. Jim Campbell was Bill’s best man all those years ago, and Jim’s brother Sam and sisters Margaret and Jessie also joined the party.

THE intriguing topic for Maybole Historical Society’s next meeting is ‘How I Got Involved with Enid Blyton’ Author and architectural historian Rob Close will give the talk in the town hall on Monday, April 7, at 7.30pm, and all are welcome. The society holds its annual general meeting at the following month’s meeting, on Monday, May 5. But the business formalities won’t take long, and will be followed by a display of material on Old Maybole, with a talk and guided tour of Maybole Castle. This will give members the opportunity to have a preview of public openings in May. For Maybole Historical Society is one of the organisers of a North Carrick Local and Family History Roadshow, which will be on tour throughout the month. Ayrshire Archives and South Ayrshire Museums and Galleries Service are also backing the show, which will feature a collection of fascinating old photographs and maps. It will also offer computer resources and help with any local or family history queries.

The complete roadshow programme is as follows:

Saturday, May 3 — McCandlish Hall, Straiton, demonstration and display, 1.30-4.30pm.

Sunday, May 4 — Maybole, castle tours and exhibition, 2-4pm.

Saturday, May 10 — Maybole, castle tours and exhibition, 2-4pm.

Sunday, May 11 — Richmond Hall, Kirkoswald, demonstration and display, 1.30-4.30pm

Saturday, May 17 —McCosh Hall, Kirkmichael, demonstration and display, 1.30-4.30pm

Tuesday, May 20 — Maybole, castle tours and exhibition, 6-8pm.

Saturday, May 24 — Kennedy Hall, Dunure, demonstration and display, 1.30-4.30pm.

Sunday, May 25 — Maybole, castle tours and exhibition, 2-4pm.

Saturday,May 31 — Crosshill, demonstration and display, 1.30- 4.30pm, to coincide with the village’s annual gala.

WORK has started on the creation of a new £36,000 rural paths network based on Maybole. Paths will lead into surrounding countryside, as well as providing links to Dailly, Dunure, and Kirkoswald. The Maybole network is considered a logical new stage in rural access development work carried out in South Ayrshire, under the guidance of the South Ayrshire Paths Partnership.  This semi-formal partnership, comprising South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and Scottish Natural Heritage, was established in 1996 to foster ready public access to the countryside, particularly round rural settlements. So far, it has proved highly successful, having developed and promoted four popular path networks focused on rural towns and villages over the past six years — at Annbank/Mossblown, Barr, Girvan and Straiton. A fifth network, radiating from Dailly, and incorporating various unique public art works, is scheduled for completion soon.

Further networks under construction at Dundonald and the Stinchar Valley are being co-funded by the council.

Promotional leaflets/guides have been published for each of the SAPP networks. The networks feature on an Internet website — www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk — of Ayrshire paths and cycle routes, part-funded by the council and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire. The Maybole project involves the sign-posting, way-marking and upgrading — including the installation of route furniture and surface improvements — of existing routes These comprise rights of way, permissive paths and minor public roads, and will form three circular routes to the south of the town and a linear, long-distance route to the north, over the Carrick Hills to Dunure. Total cost of implementing the whole network is being estimated around £36,000. But for financial management reasons, the project has been split into two phases. The first section, to be completed before the end of the current financial year (weather permitting) will be the linear link to Dunure and the circular path from Maybole southwards over Kildoon Hill and along the Black Cock Inn road.

The cost of approximately £15,300 will be funded jointly by South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and Scottish Natural Heritage in the amounts of £5,000, £8,300 and £2000 respectively. It is hoped the second phase may be implemented in the next financial year.

Work is being monitored by South Ayrshire Council’s planning, building control and licensing service, with project management under the guidance of David Gray, an independent access consultant. The new network was launched at an informal ceremony involving South Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Andy Hill, fellow local Councillor Alan Murray and representatives of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Councillor Hill said: “The start of work on this project is a demonstration of South Ayrshire Council’s continuing commitment to the development and promotion of public access to the countryside in South Ayrshire, in line with the aims of the soon-to-be-enacted Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. “The concept of a sixth network based around Maybole originated from the local community and has been taken forward and readily supported by Councillor Murray and myself.” Preparatory work began when the council agreed in March, 2001, to fund a detailed feasibility study of a Maybole paths network.

The initial stages of the study involved meetings with the local councillors and interested members of the local community, to gather baseline information on existing or potential routes, plus informal negotiations with landowners. The conclusions of the study report were presented in mid-December, 2002, to the planning convener’s sub-committee, which approved work on the first phase of the project once necessary external funding had been secured. Councillor Murray, convener of the commercial and business committee, pointed out: “The network should accrue economic, health, social inclusion and tourism benefits for the town of Maybole, by attracting local residents and visitors alike to participate in walking routes into the countryside that link places of local cultural and historical interest and, in so doing, to spend money in local businesses.”

AYR United manager Campbell Money returned to his old school to support its anti-litter drive. And he praised Carrick Academy’s initiative in working with police and South Ayrshire Council to try and solve a problem in Maybole. The initiative included a competition for First and Second Year pupils to design a poster to discourage littering. The winners from each year are: first year —1, Holli Swan 1R1; 2, Susan Foster 1B1; 3, Linda Wyllie1B1; 4, Kirsty McCrorie 1B1. Second year — 1, Linzi Scobie 2Y1; 2, Amy McCrindle 2Y2; 3, Laura Dorans 2Y2; 4, David Harvey 2Y1. Prizes were donated by the Virgin record store, Ayr; Ottakars book store, Ayr; LA Bowl, Ayr; Turnberry Hotel, Bank of Scotland, Maybole; South Ayrshire Council; Ayr United FC; and Carrick Academy. PE teacher Robert Dunsmuir co-ordinated the venture, along with the school’s Ethos group, council environmental liaison officer Kirsten Cassidy, local police and Carrick Crime Prevention Panel.

CULZEAN Castle will have a totally transformed interior when it re-opens in April. Experts have been at work since the castle closed in December — re-hanging almost every picture and moving furniture and artefacts. Now visitors will be able to see the castle more like it would have appeared 100 years ago, when it was one of Scotland’s grandest family homes. The project has been masterminded by experts from the National Trust for Scotland.

March 21st 2003

MAYBOLE West Church members held a special evening to say farewell to minister the Rev Tom Bogle and his wife Pat. Health problems have seen Borders man Mr Bogle retire around 16 months earlier than he anticipated. But both he and Pat have become well respected in the area, in just six-and-a-half years in Maybole. Session clerk William Fielding told Mr Bogle: “You can look back on your time here with a great measure of satisfaction. “You have seen major work such as redecoration and rewiring completed in the church, and you have been a popular minister and man.” Maybole-born Mr Fielding said the minister made a point of getting to know people, and could claim to know people in the town that he didn’t! “We wish you all the best and God’s blessing in your retirement,” said Mr Fielding before presenting Mr Bogle with a cheque from the congregation. As senior lady member of the Kirk Session, Mrs Jean Boyd then presented another cheque to Mrs Bogle. Mrs Boyd expressed appreciation for all Mrs Bogle had done, adding: “For all the planning and organisation you have put in to this ministry on our behalf — but most of all just simply for being you.” In reply, Mr Bogle said: “Thank you very much for your kindness over the years and especially with these gifts. Since the day we first came here, there has been nothing but great kindness shown to me and mine“. Fred Westcott also presented the couple with two of his superb photographs, beautifully mounted and framed.

PUPILS and staff of Maybole’s Gardenrose Primary School threw themselves wholeheartedly into Comic Relief fundraising. The youngsters contributed 50p each to to turn up at school out of uniform, while staff took the opposite approach — they appeared dressed as pupils! Special theme for the day was ‘Big Hair-Do’, and there were some wonderful creations on display, to go with the red noses. Gardenrose has been a sad school recently, with the death of respected head teacher Mrs Pat Forrest. But pupils and staff were reminded that Mrs Forrest herself was a great supporter of previous efforts on behalf of Comic Relief. And everyone was determined to put on a day worthy of a lady who led the school for 11 years. The fundraising at Gardenrose reached a total of more than £300, and a cheque will be sent to the national campaign. Acting head Mrs Jessie Caldow told the Post: “Everyone entered into the spirit of the day.”

FOUR members of Carrick Chess Club travelled to Troon, and came away with a 4–0 victory over the hosts’ C team. The games were mostly good competitive struggles which could have gone either way. Only Stuart Lampard had an easy time in his debut. After six rounds, Irvine B sit on top of the 3rd Division on 18 points, with Carrick hard on their heels with 16.5. Carrick’s February blitz was won by John Bryden with five out of six. The junior trophy was shared by three players who collected seven points — Ali Roy, Amy Strang and Gregor Steven.

CARRICK Academy is actively promoting healthy living . . . to pupils and staff. And the Home Economics department is focusing on healthy eating within its courses, says principal teacher Mrs Elma Watson. The school has taken advantage of health packs available from the ‘Healthy Living Scotland’ website — www.healthylivingscotland.gov.uk — with health tips, dietary advice and recipes for different age groups. All pupils in S1 and S2 at Carrick logged on to this site and ordered their own health pack. Mrs Watson says pupils’ comments include ‘brilliant’, ‘great recipes’, and ‘mum was really impressed with me!’ Staff in the department, including Mrs Ainsley Stewart, Mrs Fiona Baird and Mrs Elaine Wilson, are working hard to promote health issues. And activities being organised include fruit tastings, visits from chefs and talks from dieticians. Curriculum contribution is vital, says Mrs Watson, and there is evidence of increasing links in Scotland between curriculum initiatives in healthy eating and the provision of food in schools.

She said: ”This occurs in secondary schools mainly through home economics where young people develop knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, but also develop important skills in food handling and preparation. “Home Economics in schools has been highlighted as one of the ways forward by the Scottish Executive, to promote a healthier Scotland — a move which Home Economics teachers welcome.” Mrs Watson also pointed to First Minister Jack McConnell’s recent statement that ‘A healthy diet will make Scotland more prosperous’. Depute head Mrs Isabel Johnstone said the school is working in partnership with all concerned to review current practice in establishing links between learning and teaching on healthy eating in the curriculum and food provision in school. The key to success will be the ability of the partnership to recognise the challenge and to translate it into a coherent curriculum. She added: “A successful partnership will improve children’s diet and will make a major impact on the health of children with beneficial outcomes for educational attainment and improved health in later life.” Mrs Johnstone said a breakfast club will soon be set up to provide a facility for pupils to have breakfast before going to classes each day. Current research indicates that pupils who eat a healthy breakfast regularly perform much better in school.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO — Lumsden House at Maybole may become a refuge for the homeless. But Kyle and Carrick District Council wants to know the cost of purchase and alterations before deciding. Councillor Dr James Boyle believes it could be ideal, saying: “It’s too far off the beaten track to be suitable for old folk, but just far enough away to suit the type of person we are talking about — problem families.”

March 14th 2003

THE death has occurred after a long illness of respected head teacher Pat Forrest, who was 56. She was head for 11 years at Gardenrose Primary in Maybole, a school where she first worked as a student teacher. And Mrs Forrest impressed the community with her dedication to the role, and her commitment to the pupils. A daughter of eminent plastic surgeon Jack Mustardé and his wife Maisie, who live in Alloway, Pat did her teacher-training at Craigie College in Ayr. She taught at Kincaidston Primary in Ayr and at the former Redburn Primary in Irvine. She was also an assistant head at Glebe Primary in Irvine, immediately before taking up her post at Gardenrose. So highly was she regarded at the Maybole school, that a new playground garden was last year named ‘The Forrest Garden’ in her honour. Minishant Primary head teacher Val Freeman was Mrs Forrest’s depute during her whole time at Gardenrose. Mrs Freeman said: “Pat Forrest was a very dedicated lady, and I’m extremely sad at the loss of someone who was a good friend and a totally committed colleague.” South Ayrshire Council’s director of educational services, Mike McCabe, said: “Pat Forrest was a very sensitive, caring and effective head teacher who devoted her life to the children under her care. “She will be sadly missed by everyone in the educational community.” Mrs Forrest’s funeral service was held yesterday (Wednesday) at Ayr Crematorium. And it was conducted by Rev Dave Whiteman of Maybole Old Parish Church, who himself has two children at Gardenrose Primary. Mrs Forrest lived in the countryside near Hollybush, and she is survived husband David, son Nick and daughter Lara, as well as three grand-daughters.

HEALTH problems have forced the early retirement of the Rev Tom Bogle of Maybole West and Fisherton churches. Mr Bogle (pictured right) underwent heart surgery last year, and this, together with other health concerns, have led him to leave his joint charge around 16 months early. Maybole West and Maybole Old have been in talks for some time now about uniting, as well as possibly building a new church in the town. And Mr Bogle’s departure — which is effective from tomorrow (Friday) — could see matters move on a little faster now. The service on Sunday at the West, known locally as the Glen Kirk, will be led by session clerk William Fielding. And there will be a service of union of the Old and the West in the West Church on Tuesday (March 18, 7pm). The first service of the new joint congregation will be in the West on Sunday, March 23. Services will continue in the West till the end of April, then change to the Old for May and continue to alternate between the churches month about. There will a service linking Fisherton and Kirkoswald churches on Tuesday, March 25 at 7pm at Fisherton Church. Tom Bogle was inducted to the West on Wednesday, August 21,1996, having previously worked in Dumfries for 10 years and Selkirk for more than three years. Before studying for the ministry, he had been head teacher at a small school in Shetland. He is a Borders man from Hawick and was teaching in Easterhouse when he met wife Pat. Maybole’s West Church was built in Coral Glen in 1842, the cost being mainly met by Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran. Mr Bogle sees the union with the Old as a rebuilding of Maybole as one parish, and hopes everything goes well in the future. He and Pat will remain in the West manse for the next six weeks or so before moving to a new house at Mossblown.

A SPECIALLY designed outdoor play area is taking shape for nursery class pupils at Cairn Primary in Maybole. And it will allow youngsters to enjoy fun and freedom in their own secure area, with a facility to keep them under constant observation. South Ayrshire Council leader, Councillor Andy Hill, visited the school to see how work is going on. And he commented: “I am sure the children will make great use of the area when it is completed.” Councillor Hill explained: “Special soft flooring is being put down, and an additional door has been created, together with a special access ramp, to ensure that all necessary safety regulations are met.” Cairn head teacher Barbara Anderson added: “The children have had great fun keeping an eye on the work that is being done. “They are all looking forward to enjoying the outdoor facility — especially when the better weather comes along.”

AN ILLUSTRATED talk on ‘2000 Years of Maybole’ will be given at Alloway and South Ayrshire Family History Society. The ancient capital of Carrick comes under the spotlight at Doonfoot Primary School on Thursday, March 20 at 7.30pm, and visitors are welcome to attend. Giving the talk is renowned local historian Murray Cook, who is president of Maybole Historical Society. And before it starts, there is the usual workshop session for people interested in family roots research. This takes place from 6.30 till 7.30pm, and again all are welcome. Members who wish to book a place on the outing to the Weaver’s Cottage at Kilbarchan on April 10 should make a point of attending this meeting.

MAYBOLE Amateurs won the Eric White Memorial Trophy, beating Knockentiber 2-0 in the final at Dam Park on Monday evening. Maybole, last season’s Ayrshire Cup winners, went ahead in 20 minutes when Michael McCann ran on to a Neil Paton through pass and rounded the keeper before firing home. ‘Bole keeper Steven Espie then made several fine saves as Premier League champions ‘Tiber fought back. But the Super Cup final was settled with 17 minutes left when McCann squared the ball across goal and with the ‘Tiber keeper off his line, Alan Brownlee slotted into the empty net. The goals gave Maybole their second win in three years. The triumphant Maybole team was: Steven Espie; Tommy McKenna, David Brown, Jim Carmichael, Ian Brown; Scott Whalen, Peter McGrouther, Michael McCann, Neil Paton; Danny McAdam, Matt Mullan. Subs: Alan Brownlee, Andy Conkie, Steven McBirnie, Ross Murchie, Duncan McMurdo. Knockentiber - James Strain; Jordan Campbell, Gary Toye; Jason Stewart, Michael Woods, Graham Neil; Steven Nutt, Graham Tait, Danny Chilton, Mick McCabe, Michael Kennedy. Subs: Danny Kemp, Duncan Smith, Neil Smith, Murray Black. Meanwhile, three Ayrshire teams will line up in the quarter-finals of The Famous Grouse Scottish Amateur Cup on Saturday. And they could be joined by a fourth with Hurlford Thistle still in the running. Galston United head to Balmore from Carluke, Newmilns Vesuvius go to Glasgow Harp while Knockentiber face Sunnybank at Aberdeen. In the seventh round, Hurlford Thistle entertain either Milton of Campsie (Lennoxtown) or St Johns (Perth), a tie that was being decided by the Scottish Amateur FA on Wednesday night after it was abandoned due to crowd trouble. If Hurlford come through that one, they will head to Harestanes of Kirkintilloch in the quarter-finals.

CARRICK Chess Club won its February match against Greenwood White Knights by 2.5 points to 1.5. Individual results were (Carrick names first): Siegrun Macgilchrist halved with Alain Macdonald; John Bryden beat Scott Greenwood; Athol Macgilchrist beat Kris McLaughlan; Peter Mirtitsch lost to Ross Campell. This was Peter’s first competition game, so he needn’t feel too downhearted, and his colleagues on the team believe he can only improve with experience. Carrick’s monthly blitz was won by John Bryden with five out of six. Meanwhile, the junior rook was shared by the trio of Ali Roy, Ami Strang and Gregor Steven.

EVEN with only 28 days, February was a new record for hits on the award-winning Maybole website — an incredible total of 431,359! And if the normal monthly average continues, the overall total at the end of March will reach a mind- boggling four million on the www.maybole.org site over the past year.

LOOKING BACK: 50 YEARS AGO — Scottish Country dancers from Carrick step out to success at the Ayrshire Music Festival in Ayr Town Hall. Carrick Academy is top out of 16 entries in the section for schoolgirls’ teams aged between 13 and 18, and Girvan Youth Service is best of 10 entries in the section for girls’ teams under 15, from youth organisations. 100 YEARS AGO — Saturday night concerts are packing out the Evangelistic Hall in Maybole, featuring the best local talent, and others artistes travelling from as far away as Glasgow.

March 7th 2003

HUGH and Mary Mackie were VIPs for a day when they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary And another VIP turned up with a special card from Her Majesty the Queen. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Captain Jonathan Cardale visited the couple at their home in Maybole's Manse Street last Tuesday (February 25) to pass on the Queen's best wishes. The card, which was signed by Her Majesty, read: "It gives me great pleasure to send my best wishes to you for your sixty-fifth wedding anniversary on 25th February, 2003. "I hope your day will be filled with happy memories." The special message was signed Elizabeth R.

Hugh and Mary were married in the West Parish Church by the Rev Alex Williamson in 1938. Best man was Philip Broadley and bridesmaid was Rachel Kerr. Mary was born in Edinburgh but her mother died when she was just six weeks old, and she was brought to Maybole to live with her grandmother. Mary went to school locally and worked at Ayr County Hospital as a cleaner, as well as doing farm work in her time. Hugh was born in the mining village of Chryston just outside Glasgow.  He moved to Maybole when he was a few years old, leaving the town when he was six and a half, but returning later to live in Welltrees Square. He worked on an estate at Troon and was in the Merchant Navy during peacetime. He was called up for the army but was eventually transferred back to the Merchant Navy, seeing service in France, Italy and North Africa. Hugh (87) and Mary (84) had seven children, 18 grandchildren and 29 great grand children. Both of them say they love Maybole and in particular the area of the  town in which they live. They added that their special day certainly was filled with happy memories as family gathered round to help them celebrate a remarkable achievement. As Hugh said there can't be many couples who reach their 65th anniversary!

A SPECIAL presentation was made to Jenny Graham to mark an incredible 60 years as organist at Maybole West Parish Church. The presentation was made at a joint service between the congregations of the West and Fisherton Church. The two have been linked for the past 25 years, but this link will be broken when the West joins with Maybole Old. Miss Graham has served with seven West Kirk ministers, from the Rev Alex Williamson's time to the present day. She is also choir mistress and plays for church organisations as well as Sunday morning worship in the West and at Fisherton. She was presented with a framed photograph of the church interior and flowers from the Guild and choir. But these were certainly NOT retirement presentations, and Jenny - who played the organ at Crosshill before coming to the West - aims to carry on at the keyboard.

SCIENCE took on a new fascination for first and second year pupils of Carrick Academy at a 'Sci-Fun' day. Pupils enjoyed a range of 'hands-on' activities, which proved important scientific principles. A team from Edinburgh University brought the Scottish Science Technology Roadshow to Maybole Town Hall. The event enthralled pupils who were already keen on science. And it won over others who thought science had little or no relevance in their daily lives. It is hoped that days like these will help motivate young people to consider careers in science and engineering. The day also gave a group of senior pupils who are studying science the opportunity to become involved as helpers. Normal cost of arranging an event like this would be close to 2,000, but with support from the Scottish Executive, Science Year in Scotland and Motorola, the school was able to stage it for much less.

CARRICK ACADEMY NEWS: brain power of the school's S1 pupils came under scrutiny in the Learning Game project. Pupils were generally enthusiastic about a scheme which explained the functions of the brain, and how the two sides control different aspects of thought, memory and emotion. Pupils had to lie on the floor while soothing music was played, to help create a positive attitude. They made small items like books and calculators, which are related to brain functions. And they had to imagine a river, and how they could be at their 'special place' on the other side. Colours also played an important part in 'accentuating the positive', and pupils found the whole experience helpful with techniques for study.
GOOD luck to the S2 girls at Carrick Academy who go head-to-head with Belmont Academy at Ayr Rotary in the 'Youth Speaks' competition. The Carrick girls will also speak at Alloway Rotary, and are aiming to do well in the regional finals at Glasgow.
SIX new classroom assistants joined the Carrick staff on February's in-service day, and are undergoing further training from South Ayrshire Council.
THE 'water in schools' project is progressing, and Carrick Academy will soon have three units installed at appropriate locations.
THE Ethos Working Group is busy with an anti-litter drive and dining hall area improvements. This coincides with the introduction of a new 'cashless' system due to be launched on March 17.

TWO pupils from Maybole's smallest school have been chosen to carry out regal roles this summer. They will be formally crowned King and Queen of Carrick at the gala celebrations on Saturday afternoon, June 21. Elections were held at St Cuthbert's Primary School, and head teacher Mrs Val Bannerman took the opportunity to explain to all her pupils about the responsibility they had. Then the candidates had the chance to address their fellow pupils to seek their support, before voting took place. There were only two candidates for the role of this year's king - Hugh Henderson and Craig Lucas. But five girls stepped forward as contenders to wear the crown of queen - Nicole Currie, Natasha Green, Ashley Keegan, Alice Mackie and Gillian Thomson. After a closely-contested election, it was announced that Hugh and Nicole were winners. And now the young pair will become King and Queen of Carrick at their coronation on what will be an unforgettable gala day for them.

A NEW Social Work office was opened in Maybole by South Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Andy Hill. The High Street office is located in a building which housed the library until it moved back into the Carnegie Building. Now completely refurbished, the Social Work office is next door to the Housing office, and the two share a reception area. Councillor Hill pointed out: "Anyone who looks at the new set-up will, I am sure, clearly recognise that South Ayrshire Council has facilitated a more co-ordinated approach to offering its services here in Maybole." The council leader thanked staff who helped develop the project. And he praised the 'excellent joint work' carried out by members of staff in the Social Work and Housing departments, in conjunction with their colleagues in the town's Health Centre. Councillor Hill added: "I am confident that the people of Maybole and surrounding area will receive - and I am sure will appreciate - a warm welcome when coming into the new Social Work office."

MAYBOLE Council of Churches has announced a variety of themes for its Lenten programme. David Whiteman focuses on The Last Supper at Our Lady and St Cuthbert's Parish Hall on Wednesday, March 12 (7.30pm). Bertie Collie's topic is Gethsemane for a talk in the Baptist Church Hall on Wednesday, March 19 (7.30pm). Ellen Hawkes will give an address on Peter's Denial in St Oswald's Church Hall on Wednesday, March 26 (7.30pm). Richard Martin puts the spotlight on Pontius Pilate in a Church of Scotland hall (venue to be fixed) on Wednesday, April 2 (7.30pm). And David Jones speaks on The Crucifixion, again in a Church of Scotland hall (venue to be fixed) on Wednesday, April 9 (7.30pm). There's a Candle-lit service for peace at the Greenside on Sunday, April 13 (6.30pm). A Church of Scotland Holy Week service will be held on Wednesday, April 16 (7.30pm). And there will be services in St Oswald s Church on Holy Thursday, April 17 (7.30pm), and in Our Lady and St Cuthbert's Parish Hall on Friday, April 18 (7.30pm). An Easter Sunday service will be held at dawn in the Memorial Park on April 20.

MURRAY Cook traced Maybole's development over the past couple of centuries in a talk to the Trefoil Guild. The town was at the centre of an agricultural area until the boot factories changed the working pattern, said Mr Cook. And there was fairly extensive emigration to Canada when the industry went into decline. A range of slides showing Maybole from the 1890s to the present day made fascinating viewing. And in a lively discussion afterwards, Mr Cook answered questions. He said the biggest change during his own lifetime was a huge improvement in the standard of living. Trefoil president Marjorie Orr welcomed everyone and introduced respected historian Mr Cook, who was thanked by May Paterson.

WORLD Day of Prayer 2003 will be marked in Maybole by an ecumenical service in St Oswald's Church in Cargill Road tomorrow (Friday, March 7, 2pm). People in more than 180 countries will take part in worship, prayer and commitment to prayerful action. Services will be held in churches, hospitals, eventide homes, hospices, schools and universities, prisons and individual homes. Christian women of Lebanon have prepared the service on the theme 'Holy Spirit, Fill Us'. And a warm invitation goes out to all who want to join in.