CARRICK CLUSTER DANCE DAY, 20TH MARCH 2007 Six primary schools from the Carrick Academy cluster took part in a special dance event in Maybole Town Hall last week. South Ayrshire Council was keen to seek a partnership in delivering a programme of dance activity, with funding from the New Opportunities for PE and Sport Fund (NOPES). The Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust was delighted to be chosen to provide a Scottish Fusion dance programme for P.7 – S.1 over two years. The first block of these sessions began in May 2006 in 13 primary schools within the Girvan and Carrick clusters. From August 2006, the tutors followed the P7s when they moved to high school, developing the programme of dance they had enjoyed at primary school. The latest 6-week block of dance in January – March of this year took place in Cairn, Crosshill, Straiton, Kirkmichael, Maidens, Minishant, Fisherton and Gardenrose Primary Schools, culminating in a Day of Dance in Maybole Town Hall on March 20. more

March 2007. The complete text of the headlines above and more articles follow below.

Two very ambitious heritage projects were launched in Maybole last week. 

Attending the launch were South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan, Angus Middleton, President of the Robert Burns World Federation and the Ayrshire association of Burns Clubs, and Annabel Bath, from the Heritage Lottery Fund which is funding the two projects to a total of £71,600.

Both awards were made to May-Tag Ltd in partnership with Maybole Community Council, Maybole Community Association and Maybole Historical Society for a Burns project and the same groups with Carrick Academy for the other one to investigate the history behind the school badge.

After a welcome by David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community Council and May-Tag Ltd, the Three Schools Choir of pupils from Cairn, Gardenrose and St Cuthbert’s Primaries entertained the audience with two Burns’ songs.

Provost Sloan congratulated everyone involved in the projects and added that it was good to see such initiative.

Mr Middleton also congratulated everyone and pledged the full support of the organisations he is involved with.

Denis Reid, in full period costume, then hilariously acted out what he claimed was the true story of Tam O’Shanter.

Gillian Anderson, of May-Tag, talked everyone through the projects using a PowerPoint presentation.

In 2009 the birth of Robert Burns will be celebrated locally and across the globe. However, a few people wanted to see Maybole included on the Burns Trail as they believe that Maybole played a key role in the story of Scotland’s National Poet.

Gillian’s presentation explained how the story of Robert Burns started in the capital of Carrick with Agnes Broun, who was living in the town, meeting William Burnes at a market fair in the High Street, becoming engaged and eventually getting married in a church at the foot of the Kirkwynd in December 1757.

“It is the 250^th anniversary of that wedding that we are going to celebrate this year,” Gillian said, “and the stories contemporaries of Robert who have added to our local history.”

She added, “We would also like to see the bust of Burns back in the town but that is a separate project for the Historical Society.”

During the year there will be displays, exhibitions, and archives to view. These will involve historical and heritage groups, South Ayrshire Council, Cassillis and Culzean estate, and the National Trust for Scotland.

Gillian then explained that the second project followed on from discussions with senior staff and pupils at Carrick Academy as well as other local young people and clubs.

It was agreed have pupils investigate the heritage behind their school badge. Topics were wide and varied as to what should be investigated and led to discussions on Maybole’s, and the area of Ayrshire called Carrick’s, huge involvement in history nationally and internationally.

Gillian said, “After an initial meeting to gauge interest, the captains then took the lead by meeting with pupils across the age ranges. The project will be led by the school captains and it will allow those taking part to develop their own research, organisational, creative and technical skills, and enjoy working as a team, while increasing their awareness of their heritage. Pupils from Queen Margaret Academy, living locally, will join in appropriate parts of the heritage project.

“There will be assistance from Maybole Historical Society, experts at Culzean Castle, Ayrshire Archives, Ayrshire Libraries and other local volunteers who have expert knowledge.”

In her presentation Gillian outlined some of the town’s history which the young people had expressed interest in looking at.

Maybole Concert Party recreated the meeting of William and Agnes in a humorous speech before Annabel bath presented cheques to finance the two projects.

The “Robert Burns –where it began” project was awarded £46,800 and The Carrick Badge project received £24,600.

Carrick captains Sam Fleming and Kirsty Wilson thanked Ms Bath for the funds and David Kiltie thanked her on behalf of the Burns project.

Photos and other articles - Burns Project   |   Photos and article - Young Roots

Last week a party of French pupils arrived at Carrick Academy for several days visit.

Depute Head Teache, Jonathan Rusk welcomed them to the first French exchange for at Carrick in seven years.

“The nice thing about this exchange,” he said, “is that we have twinned with a school in Crosne – Maybole’s French twin town – south east of Paris.

“Last June, Mrs Cannon and I led a group of pupils there where we had a wonderful welcome from our hosts at College Bellevue.”

Mr Rusk added, “We made some good friendships and we hope to build on them this week. We have had to call on help and advice from a range of people in the planning and delivery of this complex event. So a big thank you to all who have contributed to this. A special thank you to Maybole Town Twinning who are hosting this welcome reception tonight.

“On behalf of pupils and staff at Carrick Academy, I welcome our French friends to Scotland and especially to Maybole. We hope you enjoy your stay and will come back again to see us.”

The French pupils were accompanied by their teachers and Daniel Robin, president of Crosne Town Twinning committee and his wife.

Monsieur Robin said a few words in reply to Mr Rusk adding how pleased they were that the exchange had gone ahead.

William Grant, chairman of Maybole Town Twinning Assocation, also welcome everyone saying that they were delighted to host the reception and this visit was especially welcome as 2007 is the 25^th anniversary of Maybole formally twinning with Crosne.

The group arrived on Monday  March 12 and activities later in the week included a local tour  of Ayr, Alloway and Dunure, a historical tour of Maybole, a day trip to Stirling, a visit to Culzean , time in school, time with ‘host’ families, and a farewell hosted by Carrick’s PTA and seniors pupils.

They left for home on the morning of Friday March 16.

Parishioners of Our Lady & St. Cuthbert’s Church in Maybole are preparing for the May elections by finding out about various, sometimes controversial, Bills and proposals of the Scottish Executive and Westminster Parliament.

Last Thursday evening, March 22, Fr. Stephen McGrattan introduced them to John Deighan, Parliamentary Officer of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, who began by giving a short resume of his personal  background and the work he now does for the Church.

In an attempt to answer the question which many people, especially parents and grandparents, are asking “Why are things going wrong?” John   delivered a very interesting and detailed account of what he described as “the currents of secularism in modern culture which support and lead to many negative attitudes within our society to the dignity of  human life.”

He said that the previous night before had been a crucial one for Christians when the Sexual Orientation  legislation had passed through the Lords. “The enforcement of this legislation,” he said, “ could have a very negative effect on Catholic Adoption Agencies as well as other areas such as education and the provision of services. The right of Christians of any denomination to have freedom of conscience is seriously under threat because lack of compliance can lead to prosecution.”

Tracing similar legislation passed by the Government over the last few years, he maintained that not only religious freedom was being violated but that the whole ethos of marriage and family values was being undermined.

“The current aggressive promotion of secularism leaves no  room for neutrality,” he continued. “There appears to be no quarter being given to Christian ethics and morality; and unless Christians become aware of what is happening and the consequences of letting it go on,” he added, “more and more objectively anti-Christian rules and regulations will be promulgated in the name of equality and gender recognition.”

Mr Deighan raised the question “While protection for, and tolerance of, minorities are essential, can it be right that 0.15% of the population dictates how we are to behave and think on basic issues?”

Afterwards he answered the many questions raised and Fr McGrattan thanked him for such an enlightening talk and a welcome cup of tea was enjoyed by all.

Maybole’s Carrick Amateur Football Club held their annual Race Night recently.

Chairing the evening was David Kiltie, standing in for Dennis MaCaffery who unable to attend this year. Steward and Bookmaker, as in past events, was Alex Meek.

The weather on the evening was particularly wet and windy, but this was not enough to deter as a large number who persevered the weather and turned up to support the club

The event was a great success, and a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment. The club is certain that this would not have been the case except for the help and assistance from a number of volunteers, who gave up their time to prepare sandwiches and niceties for the buffet, helped with the betting and handed in raffle prizes.

The club would like to thank David and Alex for managing the event; Glen Cuthbert, who once again prepared a very professional programme; plus volunteers, Greta Fitzsimons, Joan Cuthbert, Kate Corbett, Lorna Lennox, Katie Gracie, Annette Bryden, Stacey Bryden, Margaret Conkie, Marion McCulloch and Effie Logan.

Carrick Amateur’s committee would also like to extend a big thanks to all the businesses that sponsored a race by placing adverts in the programme; the club’s management team, George Logan and George McCulloch; the players and their partners for supporting the event on the night, and for their generous donations to the raffle draw.

CARRICK CLUSTER DANCE DAY, 20TH MARCH 2007

Six primary schools from the Carrick Academy cluster took part in a special dance event in Maybole Town Hall last week.

South Ayrshire Council was keen to seek a partnership in delivering a programme of dance activity, with funding from the New Opportunities for PE and Sport Fund (NOPES).  The Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust was delighted to be chosen to provide a Scottish Fusion dance programme for P.7 – S.1 over two years.

The first block of these sessions began in May 2006 in 13 primary schools within the Girvan and Carrick clusters.  From August 2006, the tutors followed the P7s when they moved to high school, developing the programme of dance they had enjoyed at primary school.

The latest 6-week block of dance in January – March of this year took place in Cairn, Crosshill, Straiton, Kirkmichael, Maidens, Minishant, Fisherton and Gardenrose Primary Schools, culminating in a Day of Dance in Maybole Town Hall on March 20.

The children had been learning some Scottish traditional dances, and how to “fuse” these dances with dance styles and music from around the world, eg Flamenco, Indian, African, Salsa and Hip-hop.

Each school then rehearsed a particular Fusion Dance which they performed for their peers at the Day of Dance. The idea was to teach traditional dance in a fun and interesting way and also to introduce the children to cross-cultural harmony.

The project continues in the primary schools of the Girvan cluster in April – June of this year, which will also end with a Day of Dance.

RESIDENTS SOCIAL FUND COMMITTEE

A new Residents Social Club Committee has been formed at Fairknowe Nursing Home in Maybole and it has been very busy. Members are Ina Speirs, Janet Warnes, Kelly Boddie, Carol Richardson, Lovina Galloway, Lynda McBirnie, Margaret Sturgeon, Linda Davidson, Donna Davidson, Elaine Sym, Isabell Toye, Pat Thorburn and Maureen Grant.

Office Bearers are :Chairperson – Margaret Sturgeon, Secretary - Isabell Toye, Treasurer - Lynda McBirnie, Assistant Treasurer – Carol Richardson.

The Christmas party they organised was a real success, with lots of fun for all ages. The stall at the Maybole Christmas Fayre raised the marvellous sum of £339; and Guess the Name of the Soft Toy – Elizabeth – raised another £117.

The committee also received a bumper donation of £500 from the High Society Bar and this money is to be used solely for the use of the residents. The Committee wanted to ensure each of the “able” and “ less able” residents was able to enjoy this wonderful gesture so it has been agreed that each month there will be entertainment and a fish tea for everyone. Flowers will be sent to residents who are in hospital for a time, and also to the family of bereaved residents.

The committee is also hoping to take an active part in the Maybole Gala Day, later in the year, involving some of the residents in the parade and having a stall.

Their next event is an Easter Fun Day on Wednesday April 11 at 2pm and everyone is welcome to go along. The committee hopes to make it a great day, and would like as many of the residents’ families and friends to be there.

There will be lots of entertainment, games, nibbles, drinks and laughter with Guess the Name of the Easter Toy, a raffle for the “Big Easter Egg” as well as some other surprises!

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt so take along your bag or basket to hold the eggs. You could paint a funny face on a boiled egg or make a fancy Easter bonnet and take it along with you; you never know – you may win a prize!

EASTER FUN DAY – PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

2 – 2.30pm………Mingle, enjoy a bite to eat, have a light refreshment

2.30………………Dab Hand Productions perform

3pm……………… Enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt

3.30pm……………Judging of Painted Eggs and Easter Bonnets

                                      Draw of raffle prizes

4pm……………….Kids Pass the Parcel

“A lovely lady, a lady in the true sense of the word, who always had a smile on her face.” That was how Rev Dave Whiteman described Sadie McCulloch at her funeral service last week.

Sara Broadfoot Mitchell was born in Girvan in 1918, the youngest of a family of nine. She took up golf at the age of 17, and she was a good golfer all her life, finally hanging up her clubs at the age of 70. Sadie was playing in a competition at Girvan, against Maybole, and met Sam McCulloch. They married in 1941, Sam was in the Air Force at the time and they lived with the family in Girvan, moving to Kirklandhill Path, Maybole in 1946. They moved into the prefab at 2 Whitefaulds when it was built, and Sadie only moved out of it when they knocked it down, moving to School Vennel in 1977.

Sadie worked as a Woman’s Auxiliary police officer during the war, then had a break bringing up the family. In 1964 She went to work at Butlin’s as a security guard  and a supervisor to the cashiers; then she moved to Jersey Kapwood as an examiner. After that she worked at Carrick Academy on school meals until her retirement in 1986. Sadie’s life was tinged with tragedy; Sam’s death in 1969, and Jim’s death in April last year left her shattered. Sadie put on a brave face but she was effected deeply.

Golf was a big part of her life from 17 to 70 and she was captain of the Maybole Ladies Golf Club, winning many competitions. She also took up bowling at the bottom green and indoor bowling in the town hall which she really enjoyed. Of course, she was one of the Tuesday night girls at the Speakers Club, and they enjoyed many a Tuesday night together. Sadie was actively involved in the club floats each year, making costumes. The club meant a lot to Sadie. The church also meant a lot to Sadie, Sam sang in the choir and they went together. Sadie had a heart attack at the age of 70 and she found going out difficult, but she never missed communion.

Every Saturday was spent in Girvan  and many happy holidays were spent there. Latterly, Sadie could be in Girvan three days a week - she loved Girvan. Lately, Sadie travelled overseas; to Malta, Gibraltar and Germany. Rev Whiteman added, “As I said at the beginning, Sadie was a lovely lady, tall and beautiful, she won a beauty pageant in her younger days. She was always so neat and tidy, a very organised person.

She was an avid Daily Express reader  and had a great command of the English language; a great command of grammar. Sadie actually went to night school to learn English. She loved her family, she was so interested in the grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved to talk about them - she was so very proud of her family. Sadie enjoyed life, she had a lot of good friends and she was so content with life

“I just want to finish,” said Mr Whiteman, “by saying  how much Sadie loved her carers, you meant a lot to her and the family are all so grateful for all you did for her, making her last years so dignified. We are so luck here in Maybole to have you. Sadie was very ill towards the end  but she still managed a smile. She slipped away peacefully to be with her Sam. I know Sadie will be very sadly missed by us all.”