May 10th 2002

CHURCH of Scotland trustees have awarded £200,000 towards building a new, modern church in the centre of Maybole. And now the search is on for a site that would best suit the project. more

CARRICK Crime Prevention Panel was hailed for 20 years of work in the community - although it could be more!   more

May 3rd 2002

Cindy McEwan hit the drive which launched a new season for Maybole Ladies Golf Club. Club captain Cindy was delighted to welcome a good turnout for opening day. And newcomers are always welcome to join the friendly bunch.

Maybole golfers prove they're up to Par 5 more

Pupils who contested the annual primary school gala at Maybole Bathe.

May 10th 2002

ROGER Mullin returned to his hometown of Maybole with an important message on life-long learning. He told a meeting: "Scotland is very good at educating society's elite at universities. "But we're poor at ensuring everyone else has an adequate education. And too many are left with low skills." Mr Mullin is managing director of Inter-ed Ltd, an international consultancy firm. And he is advisor to a Scottish Executive committee compiling a report on life-long learning. Mr Mullin was invited to Maybole Castle for a meeting with officials of training firm May-Tag. Representatives from South Ayrshire Council's Community Education, Ayr  College and Carrick Academy also attended. Mr Mullin maintained: "The Scottish Parliament's inquiry is an effort to put us in the right direction on life-long learning. "Organisations like May-Tag are in the front line of trying to help the low skilled in our community. "But they are not helped at the moment by rigid programmes which prevent them providing the type of education which is both needed and wanted." Mr Mullin concluded: "By introducing an entitlement to learning for everyone, and ensuring choice, the parliamentary committee hopes the May-Tags of this world will flourish in the interest of our communities."

Talent has to be nurtured if you want a youngster to develop into a sports star of the future. And 13-year-old James Gibson is Ayr United's latest S-form signing. James has impressed all season in a Carrick Academy 12s team which reached the Ayrshire Cup final. And his performances in midfield came to the attention of United youth coach Campbell Money. Campbell is himself a former pupil of Carrick Academy, and he headed back to the Maybole scholl to sign James. Also pictured are rector Rodger Stewart (left), who has a sporting background with the famed Cumnock Curries basketball team. James's parents, Jim and Jane Gibson, were also present at the signing.

BOTH Carrick and Girvan academies are currently producing their best football teams in years. And the rest of Ayrshire is having to sit up and take notice as the teams take some impressive scalps. Pride of place at the moment goes to Girvan Academy 12s who lifted the Ayrshire Post-sponsored Ayrshire Cup in that age group. And who did they narrowly beat in an exciting final at Ayr's Dam Park? Why, none other than Carrick of course! Carrick 12s had beaten Girvan in the schools league, and a tight final was anticipated. So it turned out, with Girvan edging it 4-3. Graeme Eaglesham (2), David McVittie and David Ross were the Girvan scorers, with Robert Kirk (2) and James Gibson replying for Carrick. Girvan had closely-contested games right through the tournament, beating Mainholm Academy 3-2, Auchinleck Academy 5-4, then Belmont Academy 4-3 in their semi-final. Carrick also had a tight semi, but came through 4-2 at Stevenston against Auchenharvie Academy. Carrick 15s also reached their Ayrshire Cup age-group final, sponsored by North Ayrshire solicitors Taylor and Henderson. They went down 2-1 to Stewarton, with Steven Warnock netting for Carrick at Dam Park. There were pictures of the three teams.

FRIENDS of Turnberry caddie Willie Hill, who died a year ago, held a memorial golf tournament in his honour. And the event, played over Maybole golf course, brought in proceeds of £262.70p. The cash has been presented to Crosshouse Hospital's renal unit, which serves the whole of Ayrshire. The William Hill Memorial Cup was won by namesake - though no relative - Andy Hill junior. And George Imrie won a shield for the best handicap score. Willie's son Tom was third in the event, closely followed by Jimmy Fleming and Bobby Green. Sandy and Alice Abbot of The Carrick Hotel in Maybole provided an after-tournament buffet. And Willie's partner Ann McClure thanked the couple and everyone else who helped stage the event. Cash came from donations and raffles as well as the tournament itself. And two nurses came from Crosshouse Hospital to collect the cheque.

CHURCH of Scotland trustees have awarded £200,000 towards building a new, modern church in the centre of Maybole.

And now the search is on for a site that would best suit the project. A favoured location where St Cuthbert's shoe factory once stood is earmarked for town centre flats. But other possible sites include the former Co-op in Whitehall and the former Community Education site in Ladyland Road. Congregations of Maybole Old and Maybole West voted to unite a year ago. And they submitted a `new build' project to a special Church of Scotland Millennium Fund. Now they have been awarded £200,000 which they hope will lead to `match funding' from other bodies. The Rev Dave Whiteman of Maybole Old said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the church right to the heart of the community - to put a new heart in the community." A joint committee has been formed from members of both churches, to take the project forward. Press officer Bill Miller believes Maybole is making history, and he said: "We see this as a turning point in the life of the church. "We're ready to move into the 21st century and compete once again for people's minds and souls." Mr Miller explained: "It is now the job of the committee to specify the design and the location of the building in the town. "And we must raise the remaining funds from the many sources who see this as an exciting step in modernising the church. This is a community project, which is relevant to everyone in Maybole and the surrounding parishes. "The committee will be seeking advice and opinions not only from their own congregations but also from the wider community. "We are already delighted with the encouragement we have received from people of all denominations. "It is hoped his project will bring the church back into the heart of the town as it was in the days of the Collegiate Church." Mr Miller said his committee would do all it could to find uses for the two historic churches currently in use. It is understood that both the Old Church and the West Kirk need hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on them.

A MULTI-MILLION pound `underspend' in the Scottish roads budget should be used to build a Maybole bypass, says Conservative MSP Phil Gallie. And there would still be cash left to fund other improvements to the southern stretch of the A77. Mr Gallie aired his view in the wake of an announcement by Scottish Transport minister Lewis Macdonald. And he has written to Mr Macdonald, urging him to release cash from the budget surplus. The Tory MSP claimed: "Some £32 million that should have been invested in Scottish transport projects during the financial year has not in fact been spent. "It's incredible at a time when Scotland's roads are crying out for investment." Mr Gallie added: "While a bypass for Maybole is clearly an expensive project, it could be easily funded from the £32 million underspend from last year. "And there would still be money left over to tackle some of the other road improvements desperately needed on the A77 between Ayr and Stranraer."

GROUPS in Maybole and district are taking advantage of £100 awards from the Community Association to help towards Gala Day costs. And if your group wishes to take part, either in the parade or at Glebe Park, contact Derek Walker at the Town Hall as soon as possible. Here is the list of organisations which have already pledged to take part in the parade: Cairn Primary School, Gardenrose PS, St Cuthbert's PS, Tiny Tots Playgroup, Tiddlers and Tadpoles Playgroup, Maybole Brownies, Maybole Youth Action Group, Maybole Youth Club, Town Twinners, Maybole Stompers (line dancers), Maybole Community Development Group, Maybole South Residents and Tenants Association, Girvan and District Lifeboat, Cariba Stargazers (steel band), Majorettes, Highland Dancers, Karate Group. Maybole Pipe Band will lead the parade, followed by the town's `royals' in a horse-drawn carriage. The arena at Glebe Park will feature performances by the Pipe Band, Cariba Star­gazers, Carrick 800, The Haze pop band, children's entertainer The Singing Chef, majorettes, Highland dancers, and the karate club. The park will also have funfair rides, stalls and pony rides. Maybole Gala Day is on Saturday, June 15.

STEELL McFadzean was elected president of Carrick Chess Club at the AGM after the May `blitz' session. Other office-bearers are: secretary - Athol Macgilchrist; treasurer - George Norris; team captain - John Bryden; junior trainer - Siegrun Macgilchrist. Siegrun earlier won the senior blitz, with Amy Strang the victor in the junior event. Steell took the honours in the April blitz, with Ali Roy the junior winner. Athol Macgilchrist is Carrick's best league player of 2002, following Vincenzo Tedeschi's success in 2001. Carrrick had a disappointing end to their league season, going down 3-1 to the Troon C-siders. Results (Carrick names first): V. Tedeschi 0, Tom Mitchell 1; A. Macgilchrist 0, Peter Stevens 1; John Bryden 1, Chris King 0; Marie Bryden 0, A. Welch 1. The club championship is played over the next eight weeks, on Wednesday nights (6.30 - 10pm).

CARRICK Crime Prevention Panel was hailed for 20 years of work in the community - although it could be more! South Ayrshire Council hosted a civic reception in Maybole Town Hall to mark the panel's efforts. But chairman Alex Kelly revealed: "No-one is sure exactly when the panel was first launched - but we've been around at least 20 years." Provost Liz Foulkes paid tribute to what she called `an exceptional panel'. And she thanked members past and present for a range of initiatives over the years. The Carrick panel is among the most active in the Strathclyde Police area. And Provost Foulkes saluted chairman Alex Kelly as `truly a remarkable man'. Mr Kelly thanked the Provost and South Ayrshire Council for providing the civic reception. And in tracing panel initiatives, he thanked council leader Councillor Andy Hill for help dating back to when Councillor Hill served on Strathclyde Region. Mr Kelly also paid tribute to the police for their help and co-operation. And he thanked his panel for their hard work - and their spouses for understanding. Carrick Academy Youth Band provided musical entertainment at the civic reception.

A FULL-TIME administrator has been appointed to the Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre. Maybole historian James Brown has taken on the task of coordinating initiatives for developing the historic attraction. And James pointed out: "I am full of admiration for the achievements of the many friends and supporters of Dundonald Castle. "The sensitively-designed visitor centre is a testament to their vision and industry. I will find it an exciting challenge to bring in new visitors as well as encouraging repeat visits to the centre." A particular target will be to encourage more visits by school groups, as well as securing bookings for weddings and other functions. The drama­tic lower hall of the castle is a spectacular setting for weddings and parties. Commenting on the appointment, John Hunter-Paterson, chairman of the Friends of Royal Dundonald Castle, said: "This new  position reflects the growing popularity of Dundonald Castle and its Visitor Centre Museum. "Over the last few years the number of weddings held in the castle has almost doubled and Dundonald Castle is one of the few visitor attractions in Scotland that has shown a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers. "The castle is rated by some historians as the third most impor­tant in Scotland after Edinburgh and Stirling. "As the birthplace of the Stewart dynasty, it attracts visitors from all over the world. "The museum will shortly receive and put on permanent dis­play a large number of artefacts uncovered by recent archaeologi­cal digs."

May 3rd 2002

MAYBOLE is ready to play its part in national History Week 2002. And Maybole Historical Society has organised a range of interesting events. Here's a run-down on what's on offer to folk keen to delve into the background of the area: An exhibition by Ayrshire Archives and South Ayrshire Museums features in the Town Hall council chambers. It can be viewed on Wednesday and Thursday, May 8 and 9, from 2 to 4pm, and from 7 to 9pm. And it can also be seen on Friday, May 10, from 2 to 5pm. A display of old and new photos of Maybole will feature in the Lesser Town Hall, and can also be viewed at those times. Fred Westcott presents an audio-visual show there on `The Natural History of Carrick' on Wednesday, May 8 at 2pm and again at 7pm. Family history workshops are held in the Lesser Town Hall on Thu­rsday, May 9, from 2 to 4pm; and on Friday, May 10, from 2 to 5pm. Accessing history and family history on the Internet features in Your Digital Ancestors on Thursday, May 9, from 7 to 9pm. Displays and activities are being held by South Ayrshire Council in the Carnegie Library. These include `The Roundheads in Ayrshire' presented by Tom Barclay on Thursday, May 9, at 2.30pm. History Fair in Maybole Town Hall on Saturday, May 11, from 10am to 4pm. This promises to be the showpiece event of the week, with displays by: Archives and Museums service; historical societies, family history societies and local churches. There will also be refreshments, book sales and craft demonstrations. Guided tours of Old Maybole on Sunday, May 12, from 2 to 4pm, start­ing from Maybole Castle. It's an ambitious collection of events by Maybole Historical Society but, judging by the interest generated by their regular lectures, members look set to have a hit on their hands.

SIX primary schools took part in a swimming gala hosted by Maybole Amateur Swimming Club. Carrick Round Table sponsored the event, involving Cairn, Crosshill, Gardenrose, Kirkmichael, St Cuthbert's and Straiton. Gardenrose won the MASC Trophy, with Crosshill taking the village shield. Gardenrose also won the boys and girls relay races, and full results were: P5 breast: Boys - 1, Duncan Sturgeon; 2, Callum Dunlop; 3, Blair Jardine; 4, Calum Smith. Girls - 1, Claire Houston; 2, Danielle Horton; 3, Kirsty Ireland; 4, Emily Callan. P6 breast: Boys - 1, Ross Knight; 2, Marc Barr; 3, Evan Thom; 4, Liam Ireland. Girls - 1, Amy Carlyle; 2, Jenna McFadzean; 3, Louise Hunter; 4, Carol Cairns. P7 breast: Boys - 1, Fraser Thomson; 2, Ross Baird; 3, Blair Sloan; 4, Liam Parker. Girls - 1, Gayle Barr; 2, Louise Currie; 3, Kirsty Walker; 4, Leigh Jardine. P5 back: Boys - 1, Iain Coleman; 2, Duncan Sturgeon; 3, Callum Smith; 4, Robert McGougan. Girls - 1, Alison Baird; 2, Lauren McFadzean; 3, Shannon Baillie; 4, Emily Callan. P6 back: Boys - 1, Lyle Cairns; 2, Greg Montgomery; 3, Liam Ireland; 4, Evan Thom. Girls - 1, Iona Haston; 2, Amy Carlyle; 3, Megan Hood; 4, Emma Hamilton. P7 back: Boys - 1, Ross Knight; 2, Colin Sturgeon; 3, Jonathon Kitchen; 4, Callum Campbell. Girls - 1, Claire Strang; 2 equal, Emma Houston and Hayley Jamieson; 3, Kirsty Walker. P5 free: Boys - 1, Iain Coleman; 2, Duncan Sturgeon; 3, Robert McGougan; 4, Blair Jardine. Girls - 1, Claire Houston; 2, Alison Baird; 3, Kirsty Ireland; 4, Kerry McKeown. P6 free: Boys - 1, Kyle Faulds; 2, Lewis Cairns; 3, Karl McClure; 4, Evan Thom. Girls - 1, Jade Douglas; 2, Lesley McGregor; 3, Ashley Keegan; 4, Louise Hunter. P7 free: Boys - 1, Craig McKay; 2, Lyle Cairns; 3, Blair Sloan; 4, Colin Sturgeon. Girls - 1, Gayle Barr; 2, Alison MacGregor; 3, Lynsey McGregor; 4, Leigh Jardine. Boys relay - 1, Gardenrose; 2, Crosshill; 3, Cairn; 4, Kirkmichael. Girls relay - 1, Gardenrose; 2, Cairn; 3, St Cuthbert's; 4, Straiton.

SILVERWARE from last season was handed over at Maybole-based Par 5 Gowf Club's prize night. Now club members are battling it out again for a host of trophies. The 2001 trophy winners were: C Wilson Trophy - J White. I Feldman Trophy - J Watson. N Brown Trophy - G Wallace. R Malone Trophy - T Thomson. S Brown Trophy - G Wallace. M A Watt Trophy - T Kirkwood. Dunabie Shield - J White. Lynn Ross Trophy - T Kirkwood. J A Patterson Trophy - J Scobie. W Wallace Trophy - G Wallace. E McGarry Trophy - J White. C Reid Trophy - P Sym. G Watt Trophy - A Batton. Reid Trophy - P Sym & J Watson. McGarry Shield - A Finn. J Clark Trophy - W Giffen. Maeve & Niall Trophy - A McCartney. W Wallace Cup - P Sym. Georgia Shield - W Wallace. Kirkwood Trophy - A Findlay. Sommerville  Trophy - J White. T Caldwell Trophy - S Wallace. I Brown Shield - A Finn. Meek Trophy - T Kirkwood. R Bissett Trophy - P Sym. Lorna Shield - A McCartney. D Wallace Trophy - A Reid. A Wallace Shield - A Finn. A Batton Shield - I Thomson. Turner Trophy - A Reid & M Thomson. Mannie & Libus Trophy - A Reid. S Caldwell Trophy - S Wallace. Ramsay Trophy - A Hill. T Dorrian Trophy - J Watson & T Anderson. Wilson Shield - S Wallace. K Porte Shield - A Findlay. Swan Shield - A Hill. S Wallace Jnr Trophy - A Hill. Caldwell Shield - J Thomson. McDonald Salver - P Sym. D Farrell Medal - G Wallace. Gemmell & McNair Trophy - A Hill. Chimes Cup - T Kirkwood. D McVie Shield - I Thomson. D Wilson Shield - P Sym. J McVie Shield - A Batton. Landsborough Cup - I Thomson. McKellar Cup - J Watson & P Sym. Mordav Shield - S Wallace & F Reid. Carmichael Trophy - A Hill. S Wallace Shield - A Findlay. P Batton Cup - S Wallace. Feldman Cup - S Wallace. Mandy Trophy - T Kirkwood. Louise Trophy - A Findlay. W Caldwell Trophy - A Hill. Brown Trophy - C Reid. T & E Wallace Silver Salver - P Sym. McVie Salver R.U. - A Hill & S Wallace. McVie Salver Winners - P Sym & B Taylor. Club Champion runner-up - M Foster. Club Champion - B Taylor. There was a picture of the award winners.

LOOKING BACK: 25 years ago - Maybole produces one of the shock results of the Kyle and Carrick District Council elections when Bill McCubbin takes the seat for the SNP. He polls 569, beating the town's Citizen of the Year and Labour candidate Agnes Bennett on 439, with A. McDowall close behind for the Conservatives on 427, and J. Campbell of the SLP polling 180.