November 29th 2002

November 22nd 2002

November 15th 2002

November 8th 2002

November 1st 2002

MAYBOLE Pipe Band is set to follow in the footsteps of superstars like Tom Jones and Dionne Warwick. For the band could soon be booked to play in a Christmas concert at the Vatican in Rome! more

The complete text of the headlines above follows.

November 29th 2002

CARING folk in Maybole and district put on a day (and night!) to remember on Sunday — to commemorate one of their own. Chris Harvey’s death in September at the age of 35 shocked the whole community. And many rallied round his widow Eleanor and their three children — with another one on the way. Fellow workers at SAS International, and the firm itself, have already made handsome donations. But football pals wanted to do their bit too, as Chris was a keen player with both Maybole Amateurs and Crosshill Thistle. Matt Davey picked a select from the two amateur clubs to play Maybole Juniors at Ladywell Stadium. A crowd of more than 200 turned up, and Maybole Pipe Band entertained. The game was kicked off by Chris’ son David, with the amateur select winning a highly competitive game 2-1. Later, there was more fundraising in the High Society pub, with music, auctions and quizzes. Matt Davey raised £300 by having his trademark moustache shaved off. And that set the ball rolling for others to have their heads shaved! Chris was a Celtic fan, and an autographed ball donated by the club was auctioned for £200. Rangers also donated a ball which went for £120, a tie which sold for £60 and a piece of boardroom carpet which is being auctioned this week. Not to be outdone, an Ayr United ball went for £130, and a Crosshill Thistle tie was snapped up for £40! Matt reported: “It was incredible. I must thank my staff, musicians and entertainers who worked for nothing, and everyone who handed in donations and prizes. “There was massive support from the villages of Crosshill, Dalrymple, Kirkmichael and Dailly, as well as from Maybole.” Matt added: “The moment that best sums up the night was when diehard Rangers fan Tommy Steele sang You’ll Never Walk Alone in honour of Chris. “There was hardly a dry eye in the pub, I can tell you.”

IT was a great day for Maybole when the town was named runner-up in a national website competition. Community council chairman David Kiltie and treasurer Jim McDermott collected a cheque for £250 and a framed certificate to mark the achievement. The presentations were made in Edinburgh by veteran TV star Magnus Magnusson, who also handed over a signed copy of his recent book Scotland — the story of a nation. David Kiltie commented: “Jim and I had an excellent day out. “We enjoyed an excellent lunch in the Balmoral Hotel, Princes Street, prior to the awards ceremony. “And we were naturally delighted that www.maybole.org was highly commended — effectively making it runner-up for the Calor Scottish Community Website of the Year Award.” But David admitted: “We couldn’t understand what was happening when Edderton (a small Dornoch Firth town) was named as the winner . . . we didn’t even know they were competing against us! “We had been told only about our South of Scotland opponents — Girvan, St Abbs and Annan, who were all commended by  the judges. “But there were six more towns we didn’t even know were in the final!” However, Maybole was ultimately named second best of the 10 finalists, and David paid tribute to web master Rich Pettit of Clearwater, Florida, USA, who traces his roots to Carrick’s capital. He also thanked everyone who has contributed photographs, articles and memories to the wonderful website. Calor Scotland communications manager Gavin Tomlinson enthused: “The richness of the content on the Maybole site is exceptional.

A SPORTSMAN’S dinner organised by Maybole Juniors was rated the best yet held by the club. Top-class guest speakers provided a sparkling evening’s entertainment at the Carrick Sports Club in Maybole. Speakers included former Motherwell FC winger John Gahagan, junior football pundit Davie Paterson, Jim Robertson QC and comedian Jim ‘Buller’ Reid. Maybole Juniors secretary Alex Meek, who is also chairman of Carrick Sports Club, also welcomed South Ayrshire Council Leader Councillor Andy Hill to the popular function.

A MAN who was told he was ‘living on borrowed time’ 28 years ago used his 80th birthday to raise cash for a school for handicapped kids. Matt Dunnachie was a prisoner of war for two years and nine months during the Korean War. And he’s had no fewer than  NINE heart attacks since a doctor first told him the outlook was bleak. His wife May said: “Matt served as a Royal Artillery gunner in the Second World War, and saw action again in Korea. “Poor health forced him to retire from his job as a welder, and to be honest, we never thought he’d see his 70th birthday, never mind his 80th.” She added: “We had a lovely family party in the Carrick Sports Club, with around 50 guests, and Matt asked folk if they would consider making donations for the school, rather than buying him presents. “Our eight-year-old grandson Graeme has muscular dystrophy and attends the Beatlie School in Livingston, where our son Edgar works as an electronics engineer.” A total of £470 was gifted, and a family friend of the Dunnachies, who live in Ladywell Road in Maybole, made it up to £500. Matt and May were invited to Beatlie School to present the cheque, which is set to buy a special tricycle and trailer for the pupils. May pointed out: “Youngsters who are able to can pedal the trike, and it will be good exercise. Others who can’t, like Graeme, can sit in the trailer.”

YOUNGSTERS showed their speed and skill in the pool at a gala held by Maybole Amateur Swimming Club. And after a busy programme of competitive races, trophies were presented to these club members: Girls: 8 and under — Ebony Skilling; 10 and under — Jade Douglas; 11 years — Amy Carlyle; 12/13 years — Allison MacGregor; 14/15 years — Elizabeth Ferguson; 16 and over — Lynne Donnachie. 10 and under individual medley — Jade Douglas; 11 years IM — Amy Carlyle; 12/13 years IM — Allison MacGregor; 14/15 years IM — Elizabeth Ferguson; 16 and over IM — Lynne Donnachie; 14/15 years butterfly — Elizabeth Ferguson; 400 metres front crawl — Lynne Donnachie; merit — Emma Fulton. Boys: 8 and under (shared) — Gordon Gregor, Christopher Rae, Brad Mellor, Connor Wyllie; 10 and under — Cameron Chape; 11 years — Ross Knight; 12/13 years — Sam Fleming; 16 and over — Blair McCulloch. 10 and under IM — Cameron Chape; 11 years IM — Ross Knight; 12/13 years IM — Sam Fleming; 14/15 years IM — Jamie Hamilton; 400 metres front crawl — Sam Fleming; merit — Blair McCulloch.

THE big switch-on of Maybole’s Christmas lights takes place tomorrow (Friday) evening — but the family disco planned for the Town Hall is in doubt. For if the firefighters’ strike is still on, then the disco will be OFF. It’s due to be held from 5 till 7pm, with a break for the switch-on at 5.45pm. Maybole Pipe Band will provide a fanfare for Santa’s Sleigh, with local celebrities on board, for a procession up the High Street between the Carnegie Library and the Town Hall.  The town’s Christmas Bazaar is due to be held on Saturday, December 7, but will only go ahead on that date if the firefighters’ strike is resolved. If not, it will be held a week later, on the 14th.  The panto Sleeping Beauty is also on the 14th, and will go ahead as planned. Tickets (£3) are on sale from June Dunlop’s shop, the Town Hall, and committee members of Maybole Community Association.

MAYBOLE Men’s Health Forum is moving forward, helped by a lottery grant of £4,433 under the Awards for All scheme. The cheque presentation came on the same night as free health checks — to ensure prospective members were fit to exercise. Qualified fitness instructors did the tests on blood pressure and mobility in the gym at Carrick Academy. The checks will continue, along with a varied programme including swimming, golf and ten-pin bowling sessions. The forum is forming partnerships with South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire and Arran Health Board and other agencies. Councillor Alan Murray commented: “I congratulate all the men involved in this initiative, and I’m very pleased that this group has grown so much since I first visited it around six months ago. “The health of all sections of the community is important, and men must take greater care to promote good health rather than waiting till illness strikes, then treating it.” Councillor Murray added: “Maybole, once again, has taken action to be positive, with a ‘can-do’ approach. “This initiative is aimed at promoting health, not dealing with illness, and should be an example to other sections of the community and other communities.”

EUROPEAN cash could finance an upgrade of the killer southern stretch of the A77. Local and national politicians joined forces this week to demand urgent action to improve vital transport links between south west Scotland and Northern Ireland. South Carrick councillor Paul Torrance revealed that the campaign for improvements to the A77 and A75 has gathered support from across the UK. He said: “There is a very strong lobby now for change. This is no longer just a local issue. There is support for substantial investment on this route from Scotland, Northern Ireland and even England. It’s amazing how big this issue has become.” The North Channel Partnership seminar was held in Ayr on Monday and hosted by leader of South Ayrshire Council Andy Hill. Councillor Torrance explained how the partnership agreed to investigate European transport funding as a possible source of cash to finance upgrades to the roads. He added: “Of course the safety aspect was a key part of the discussions on the day, it is something that is of great concern to everyone. But there are also economic implications for Ayrshire and for Scotland.” Ayr MSP John Scott was amongst around 50 people to take part in the day long event at Ayr’s County Buildings. He explained: “Everyone recognises that the A77 is of the worst killer roads in Scotland. By European standards the A77 and the A75 are nothing better than goat tracks.  “There are a number of projects for inclusion in the proposals, including a Maybole by-pass, climber lanes and overtaking opportunities in the Glenapp, Ballantrae and Turnberry areas but it is a question of funding. “It came out quite clearly that Europe could be a source of that funding and that is something that the partnership have resolved to look into.” Representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council and politicians from Northern Ireland, including Larne Borough Council also attended the seminar along with Ayrshire MSPs and MPs.

MAYBOLE Historical Society’s next meeting, the St Andrew’s evening at lovely Drumellan House on Monday, December 2, is a sell-out. The first meeting of 2003 will be on Monday, February 3 when Dane Love speaks on the Covenanters. The society is to take advantage of an offer from Maybole Access point, which has offices in the High Street. A permanent display of photos and prints of Old Maybole will go up on a wall, for viewing during MAP opening hours.

A TOWER house on the Ayrshire coast became the ‘Magnificent Castle’ of Culzean. And a major new book tells the history of the most visited property of the National Trust for Scotland. Lavishly illustrated, the book is aptly named The ‘Magnificent Castle’ of Culzean and the Kennedy Family. Author Michael Moss has carried out extensive research — as you would expect from a research professor of Archival Studies at the University of Glasgow. He has drawn on estate records, original plans, and Kennedy family correspondence to create this beautifully produced book. Professor Moss tells how the castle developed from a tower on the edge of a cliff, and became a centre for smuggling, thanks to a network of caves below. Sir Thomas Kennedy, 9th Earl of Cassillis, was thus able to take an extended ‘grand tour’ of Europe in the 1750s, returning home full of ideas. These were brought to fruition by his brother David, the 10th Earl, who engaged Robert Adam to create a stately home. However, the masterpiece produced by Adam led to bankruptcy, and the estate was rescued by wealthy American cousins when both Adam and the 10th Earl died in 1792. Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa, completed the house and lavished even more money on the property.

Professor Moss tells the family history in an easy-to-read manner, with family trees. He reveals, for instance, that when wicked Sir Archibald Kennedy died in 1710, and his soul was taken by the ‘muckle devil’ to hell, his son Sir John felt it unwise to publicise his Jacobite allegiance. Instead, he became a wine and spirit merchant — and a smuggler! — using caves beneath Culzean to hide his contraband. Jacobitism and smuggling went hand-in-hand, as it was a good way of getting back at the Hanoverians without the same risks as rebellion. The trade was continued by Sir John’s sons after his death in 1742. Sir Thomas, who inherited the estate in 1744, was in the Hanoverian army, but after Culloden returned to his Jacobite roots. He went to Paris to learn to play the viol (an early form of violin), as his father and grandfather had done, and then to Italy, where he flirted with Catholicism. In his absence, the smuggling trade was left in the hands of his factor, Archibald Kennedy before dying out by the late 1760s. The book, featuring many new pictures, is published by Edinburgh University Press in association with the National Trust for Scotland, and costs £35 in hardback and £19.99 in paperback.

IN about 1710 Archibald Kennedy, a cousin of Sir Archibald, went to New York with Governor Hunter of the Hunterston family of West Kilbride. He prospered and became receiver general of customs for New York, buying No.2 Broadway as his home and No.3 to be converted into a customs warehouse. His third son, also Archibald, joined the navy and became a very successful frigate captain, earning some £250,000 in prize money during the Seven Years War. The captain was posted to New York just before the outbreak of the American War of Independence, and took command of transports. Now his father’s heir as well as having his own fortune, Captain Archibald Kennedy built for himself what was reputed to be finest house in the colonial city at No.1 Broadway. The house served as British HQ during the war, but later became General George Washington’s home. Captain Archibald’s children became close friends of the Duke of Clarence — later King William IV — who was stationed in New York as a midshipman. The captain and his family returned to Britain in 1781, and he got to know his cousin, the childless 10th Earl of Cassillis, who was busy rebuilding Culzean. When the Earl died in 1792, the captain succeeded him as Earl of Cassillis. But being a Whig and an American, his other Scottish cousins were not best pleased. A protracted lawsuit followed, and wasn’t settled till around 1815, by which time the captain was dead. But his son succeeded, used his father’s fortune to complete the castle and gardens. And he was created Marquess of Ailsa by his friend King William IV in 1831.

LOOKING BACK: 25 YEARS AGO — There seems little chance of a change of mind over a plan to introduce a ‘no parking’ ban in Maybole High Street. For in a letter to Maybole Community Council chairman David Kiltie, the Scottish Development Department knocks back alternative schemes, including ‘sleeping policemen’ bumps which they say are not envisaged on trunk roads.

November 22nd 2002

MAYBOLE was this week judged to have the second best website of any town in Scotland. And community council chairman David Kiltie collected an award in Edinburgh from veteran TV star Magnus Magnusson. The Maybole website — www.maybole.org — was highly commended in the Calor Scottish Community Website of the Year Award. It beat off the opposition of south of Scotland finalists, Girvan, Annan and St Abbs, who were all commended. Maybole was ultimately edged out by the Dornoch Firth town of Edderton in Sutherland. But Carrick’s capital collects £250 in prize money. “Maybole’s site is an excellent example of a community utilising the Internet to communicate both locally and to anyone interested in the town,” said Gavin Tomlinson, Calor Scotland communications manager. “The site successfully combines a vast range of information with simple, intuitive navigation. “It provides more than 1,000 pages of information on local issues, people, events, amenities, attractions, businesses, clubs and services, along with descriptions of the town and its history. “The richness of the content on the Maybole site is exceptional,” added Mr Tomlinson. “Anyone in the community who has access to a computer can find out just about anything about what is happening in the town today and what has happened in the past. “It is a real credit to Maybole Community Council, and a resource which everyone with an interest in the community should use.”

THE road outside Maybole Town Hall WON’T be closed for the official switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights, authorities have said. And the decision was made despite the fact that massive crowds CLOSED the road at last year’s switch-on — by sheer weight of numbers. Maybole Community Council asked the police and A77 managers Amey Highways to consider closing the road, even for a few minutes. But they were told it wouldn’t be done, due to poor alternative routes and other complications. And barriers are to be used in a bid to keep people OFF the road. The big switch-on is planned for 6pm on Friday, November 29, with Santa and Gaiety panto star Tony Roper. A family disco is held first in the hall from 4.30pm, and parents are invited to stay and join in the fun with youngsters. The disco will stop at 5.45pm to give everyone time to get in place for the switch-on. And Maybole Pipe Band will lead local dignitaries up the High Street, from the library. Tony Roper, who stars as Wishee Washee in the Ayr Gaiety panto, will be on board Santa’s sleigh with the great man himself. Mike Robin, route manager for Amey Highways in Ayr, said: “Representatives of Maybole Community Council approached Strathclyde Police for assistance in slowing down the traffic travelling through the town of Maybole during the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony. “After consultation with Amey Highways, it was agreed among all parties concerned that the local community council would provide pedestrian barriers during the ceremony to keep pedestrians safely on the footpaths, and that a police escort would be provided for the Christmas procession.” Mr Robin added: “It is expected that the procession will take no longer than 10 minutes, therefore traffic, although slowed down only for the duration, will be able to travel freely afterwards. Police will be on hand monitoring traffic flow.”

A FREE fitness check is on offer at the Men’s Health Forum in Maybole tonight (Thursday). A limited number of places is available for this first night, in the Carrick Academy gym from 7pm. And if you’re interested in going along, call Peter Mason on (01655) 882660. He said: “The checks are free, and there is no requirement on anyone to join. “The checks will be carried out by qualified South Ayrshire fitness instructors and will include blood pressure, mobility, fitness and other tests.” The Men’s Health Forum also plans an aqua aerobics session at Maybole Baths on Sunday from 11am till 12 noon. And there will be another one in December. Events planned for the new year include games nights at Carrick Sports Club, golf lessons at Brunston Castle, ten-pin bowling, and a visit to Ayr’s Citadel gym. Mr Mason also revealed: “We have signed a deal for members to use the facilities of ‘The Ranch’ near Maybole, on production of one of our forum ID cards, which will be issued soon.”

CARRICK Chess Club began its new league season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Greenwood White Knights. Results (Carrick names first): Siegrun Macgilchrist 1, Alain MacDonald 0; Steell McFadzean 0, Gordon Wallace 1; John Bryden 1, Scott Greenwood 0; Athol Macgilchrist 1, Scott MacPherson 0. The club is back in full swing, with 10 adult members — at least eight playing regularly most Wednesday evenings in Maybole Town Hall (7pm if you’d like to join them!). A junior section is thriving too, with between 10 and 15 turning up every week. Siegrun Macgilchrist won the adult Queen trophy in the October blitz competition, with eight out of eight. Runner-up John Bryden had five out of eight. The juniors’ Rook trophy was won by Daniel Wallace with nine out of nine. Runner-up Ali Roy had eight out of nine

TRAFFIC calming measures are being considered for Cargill Road and Cargill Avenue in Maybole, the community council has heard. South Ayrshire Council says the measures are aimed at easing concerns over the speed and volume of traffic to and from new houses in Cargill Avenue. Proposals feature three chicanes to slow traffic to 20mph or less, in the absence of other traffic. And the chicanes will enforce alternate single file working, for opposing traffic. The chicanes will also incorporate ‘overrun’ areas to allow passage for larger vehicles, when necessary. As well as slowing traffic on Cargill Road, the chicane next to Gardenrose Path is aimed at further improving safety at that junction. For traffic coming from the Cargill Avenue direction will be forced to the side of the road away from the ‘Give Way’ line at Gardenrose Path. South Ayrshire Council is carrying out statutory consultations with emergency services and local representatives, before finalising the design. The proposals are also the subject of a road safety audit, and may require minor amendments. Funding for the work is available in the current financial year, the community council has been told. In addition to traffic calming, a footpath will be established on the outside of the bend at Cargill Avenue This will be done by the house builder, as it was a condition of the development.

There are also plans to introduce a 20mph limit at Gardenrose Primary School. But the community council is anxious to know why the limit WON’T be introduced outside other schools in the town — especially as Gardenrose is the only school which has a crossing patrol. The road outside Carrick Academy is notorious for drivers exceeding the 30mph limit, yet the community council have been told a 20mph limit can’t be introduced because it is part of the A77 trunk route. However, community councillors understand there is to be a 20mph limit outside Coylton Primary School, on the A70 trunk route. There is also concern that are no plans to have 20mph limits outside Cairn Primary and St Cuthbert’s Primary, in Kirkland Street near the A77 trunk route.

November 15th 2002

Carrick remembered its war dead in poignant services and tributes held across the area. Royal British Legion Scotland branches in Maybole and Girvan led the homage in the two main towns. But many groups and individuals in the community joined with the ex-servicemen to pay their respects. Remembrance in Maybole began with with a Sunday service in the West Kirk, conducted by Rev Tom Bogle. Maybole Pipe Band then led a parade to the war memorial where wreaths were laid, and the service was led by Mr Bogle and Fr Jim Hayes. Pipe Major Gavin Nicol played the lament, and George Taylor recited Binyon's immortal lines of remembrance "They shall not grow old..." There was a further service at Maybole's Greenside on Monday, when the traditional Armistice Day homage was observed at the eleventh hour.

A CHARITY cheque for £176 was raised through a karaoke competition in Maybole Town Hall. The event was organised by Maybole South Tenants and Residents Association for the Barbara McGill Trust. Most of the cash was raised through a bumper raffle, with prizes gifted by local businesses. Graham Haywood of Equinox disco and karaoke gave his services free for a competition which attracted nearly 20 youngsters.

AN operation to remove 1,500 tons of granite from Ailsa Craig has been successfully completed. And the six-week enterprise sparked poignant memories for retired bank manager Hew Girvan — who went back to the rocky crag for the first time in more than 40 years. It was Mr Girvan’s great grandfather Andrew Girvan who first started quarrying Ailsa Craig granite for use as curling stones. That was back in the 1880s, and successive generations of the Girvan family carried on the business — until Hew’s father James retired in 1952. The Girvan family’s link was always with a curling stone factory in Mauchline — formerly Andrew Kay & Co, now known as Kays of Scotland. Chief executive Donald Macrae welcomed a number of VIPs on visits to the island during the recent collection of granite — Mr Girvan among them. And it brought back childhood memories for Hew — short for Matthew — who helped in the family business during the school holidays. He said: “My mother ran a tearoom on the island, and my brother Jim and I spent our summer holidays at our family cottage nearby.

KEEPERS
“Sadly the tearoom has gone and most of the man-made things on the island are now rather dilapidated through the lack of human care. “The lighthouse is automated these days, so there are no keepers on the island either.” However, Mr Girvan was delighted to learn that Ailsa Craig granite is still greatly sought after. And Kays of Scotland are busier than ever in the wake of Scottish curling successes on the world stage. He was also impressed with the hi-tech lifting gear the firm took to the island to collect the granite. No blasting was carried out, and boulders were simply gathered from quarries once operated by the Girvan family. Donald Macrae of Kays said: “We have the best interests of the island at heart, and we extracted granite with the minimum of disruption to the island and its wildlife.” Mr Macrae said a small stockpile of boulders has been left behind, and these will be collected next summer. He hopes Mr Girvan will soon visit the factory at Mauchline to see how modern curling stones are cut and polished. And he is keen to highlight the granite link between Girvan and Mauchline — two Ayrshire towns 30 miles apart, but with a special bond. Report by: EDWIN LAWRENCE

SOUTH Ayrshire Council has launched a registration and bereavement section within the Council website. It makes it easy for people to access information required, at a time and a place convenient to them. Vice Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Community Safety Committee, Councillor David Duncan, said: “Many people are unaware of the legal requirements for registering births and deaths, and regulations about funerals. “The first time someone is directly involved in registration matters, or arranging a funeral, they can be at a loss as to how to proceed. “The information on registration and bereavement is simple to access and guides the user easily to the information they require.” “I am confident that the new service will be of great value to residents of South Ayrshire. It will compliment the high standard of caring service already given by staff within our Registration and Bereavement Services section.” The following is contained within the new web pages:

Births — information on registration

Bereavement — services available to assist during this difficult period

Genealogy — records dating back to 1855

Crematorium — service information, memorials, books of remembrance

Cemeteries — list/maps of locations, frequently asked questions, management rules

Home burials — advice on alternative types of funerals

Forms — correct forms for each situation

South Ayrshire Council’s website is at www.south-ayrshire. gov.uk. For more assistance or information, contact local offices at: 43 Sandgate, Ayr 01292 284988, 2-6 The Cross, Prestwick 01292 671666, 22 Dalrymple Street, Girvan 01465 712894, 64 High Street, Maybole 01655 882124, 8 South Beach, Troon 01292 313555, Masonhill Crematorium, by Ayr 01292 266051.

CLONCAIRD FOR SALE AT £2.5m
A SOUTH Ayrshire castle once used as a convalescent home is on the market for offers over £2.5 million. Cloncaird Castle, near Kirkmichael, has been beautifully refurbished by a Canadian family over a 30-year period. And the three-storey castle comes with 90 acres of land, plus fishing rights for a stretch of the River Girvan. Cloncaird dates from the 15th century, but the old tower house was substantially redeveloped into today’s castle, around 1814. The castle has five reception rooms, a billiard room, 14 bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Two cottages and an extensive stable block with a house also come with it. The castle was generously bequeathed by a former owner to the old Ayr County Council, and for a time became the Dubbs Memorial convalescent home. But it later went back to private ownership, and Canadian family the McGregors are widely recognised as being excellent custodians. A daily newspaper carried a story earlier this year that Queen guitar legend Brian May and former Eastenders star Anita Dobson — famed as Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts — were interested in Cloncaird. But there appears to have been no truth in the story, as the castle is still being marketed by Knight Frank in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Bargany Mansion, near Dailly, remains on the market at offers over £1 million. Bargany is recognised as one of the first unfortified houses built in Scotland. It was built in 1681 with materials from a castle which stood on the banks of the River Girvan. Bargany is being marketed by the Edinburgh company of F.P.D. Savills. It has been owned since 1985 by author Axel Aylwen whose house guests have included comedian Barry Humphries of Dame Edna Everage fame.

MAYBOLE Council of Churches is presenting a St Andrew’s Night in aid of Shelter. Entertainment will be provided by the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, the Aileen Robertson Dancers, and folk duo Sandy and Fiona. The concert is in the town hall on Saturday, November 30, at 7.30pm, and tickets (£3) are available from local churches.

November 8th 2002

MAYBOLE and Girvan are in competition for the same award at a plush Edinburgh ceremony later this month. The two Carrick towns also face opposition from Annan and St Abbs for an award to be presented by veteran TV host Magnus Magnusson. The four towns are in the final of the Community Enhancement Through Internet section of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards. “Our awards attract hundreds of entries, so just reaching the final is something these communities should be immensely proud of,” said Gavin Tomlinson, Calor Scotland communications manager. The awards are organised in conjunction with the Association of Scottish Community Councils. The Maybole website www.maybole.org was set up in 1999 by Florida banker Rich Pettit and Maybole Community Council chairman David Kiltie. Rich traces his ancestry to Maybole, and all the work on the site is undertaken voluntarily. Their site regularly attracts more than 300,000 hits a month. And it has proved to be a global meeting place for ex-pats keen to hear about the town. The Girvan site (www.girvan-online.net) was launched only this year, and benefits from the work of a professional website developer, appointed through the Girvan and South Carrick Social Inclusion Partnership.

KARAOKE kids in Maybole sang their hearts out to help raise £176 for local charity the Barbara McGill Trust. A contest in the town hall, aimed at 10 to 17-year-olds attracted nearly 20 entries, and judges had a tough time picking winners. Eventually they chose Libby Sloan from Dailly as girls’ winner and Graham Beveridge from Girvan as top boy. The event was organised by Maybole South Tenants and Residents Association. And karaoke equipment was kindly provided free of charge by Graham Haywood’s Equinox Disco. Cash was raised through a super raffle, and prizes were gifted by local shops, restaurants, pubs and businesses. Karaoke judges were Councillors Andy Hill and Alan Murray, Rev Dave Whiteman, Jean Clarke, June Dunlop, and Mr and Mrs Mortimer from RGM music store in Kilmarnock.

Family history group’s capital archive visit. THE next meeting of the Alloway and Southern Ayrshire Family History Society will be on Thursday, November 21, at 7.30pm in Doonfoot Primary School. Local historian Alistair Hendry will be there to give a talk on ‘The House of Fail’. As usual, there will be a workshop session between 6.30pm and 7.30pm when the Society’s research facilities and library will be available. At this month’s meeting members will be able to hear about the Society’s very successful visit to New Register House in Edinburgh. The programme of activities for 2002/3 includes a varied selection of talks, workshops and projects. Members of the public are very welcome to attend the meetings.

DAILLY’S Home and Away Club held a celebration bash to mark the end of a successful season. But the party went on without stalwart member Davie Hunter — who was in a bash of his own! Davie, who was to compère the evening, was rushed to hospital earlier that day with a nose-bleed that wouldn’t stop. But the ambulance in which he was travelling overturned in a freak accident, caused by frozen hailstones.  Davie was badly shaken, as was the ambulance driver. And a paramedic in the back with Davie sustained a head injury. Said Davie: “There was nothing the driver could have done — it was freak weather at 4.30am. Another two cars went off the road at the very same spot.” Davie is now back home in Dailly recovering from the double shock. And wife Susan told him all about the club’s end-of-season party. The Home and Away Club takes elderly and infirm villagers on Monday afternoon car runs, followed by tea in the church hall. Davie Hunter suggested the idea to Dailly Parish minister the Rev Ian McLachlan, and the church took the lead in organising a pool of volunteer drivers. Mr McLachlan stepped into Davie’s role of compèring the party which closed the season. He introduced Highland dancers Leah Davidson and Amanda Rennie, and there was music from accordionist Andy Jones, and from vocalists David and Margaret Hunter — Davie’s son and daughter-in-law. A basket of flowers was presented to Mrs Susan Hunter, who takes charge of the club’s kitchen.

November 1st 2002

HERE’S a duo you don’t see every day — even in Maybole! But Carrick Sports Club held an early Hallowe’en Party. And there was no shortage of regulars willing to dress up to make the party go with a swing! Linda and Tony Large came up with these wonderful guises. But they clearly couldn’t agree on a joint theme. After all, when did you last see a refined Japanese lady in the company of uncouth Homer Simpson! They certainly know how to enjoy themselves at the Carrick Sports Club in Maybole. And an early Hallowe’en party gave members the opportunity to go right over the top! There were some weird and wonderful sights, and everyone had a great time at a crazy fancy dress parade. DJ David Kiltie spun some appropriately wacky tunes from his decks, and it was a bizarre looking dance floor at times! But if we can’t laugh at ourselves where would we be? Not in Maybole, that’s for sure! Strange brew: bar staff joined in the fun. They are Ian Hewitt, Elaine Anderson and Frances Campbell. Wolf in sheep’s clothing? You’ll have to ask Colin Thomson. Bewitched and bedevilled: but Janetta Thomson and Denise McDermott came smiling through for the Hallowe’en party. What’s new pussycat? Patsy Meek may have the answer!

A NEW garden at Gardenrose Primary School in Maybole has been named after head teacher Mrs Pat Forrest. And she attended a party held to thank everyone who helped with ‘The Forrest Garden’ project. Mrs Forrest has been off school since Easter, through illness, and she retires in December, after 11 years at the helm. “So many people helped us with the garden,” said Parents’ Association chairman Becky Fleming. “And we wanted to thank them for a wonderful effort. “Pupils themselves were willing workers, and we had other volunteers who did heavier lifting,” added Mrs Fleming. Around £8,000 in cash was raised, and there was a special ’thank you’ to Councillor Alan Murray who obtained a generous grant from South Ayrshire Council. But the true cost of the garden is closer to £20,000, when all the volunteer labour and donated building materials are taken into account. Pupils are already enjoying it at playtimes — when the weather allows!

DRUGS dangers were spelled out at an awareness day in Maybole held by Carrick Crime Prevention Panel. The town hall event was aimed at Third Year pupils of Carrick Academy, who attended a series of workshops. It wasn’t just drugs under the spotlight, as the day featured warnings on the abuse of substances like alcohol and nicotine. Youngsters saw how easy it is for people to get hooked on substances that can blight their lives. And they heard of classic — and all too frequent — cases of people coming home under the influence of drugs or drink, then accidentally setting fire to the house. They were shocked to see the intense blaze fuelled by oil in a chip pan, as demonstrated by Strathclyde Fire Brigade experts. Carrick Crime Prevention Panel chairman Alex Kelly said: “I felt it was a highly successful day, bringing together a number of agencies to give young people the best information available.” The importance of the venture could be gauged by the VIPs who attended — Provost Liz Foulkes and Scottish Education minister Cathy Jamieson among them. Said Mrs Jamieson: “I believe that if we give young people the facts, they can then make positive life choices, rather than choose the destructive cycle of drug addiction.” Carrick Crime Prevention Panel will hold its next awareness day at Girvan Academy on Wednesday, November 6. The new Making U Aware campaign has kicked off — with the chance for young readers to win superb sports prizes.

THE work of the Scottish Parliament came under the spotlight in a Carrick Academy Modern Studies class. And special guest was Cathy Jamieson — MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, as well as being Scottish minister for Education. Ms Jamieson explained: “I was invited by two of the pupils, Rebecca Briggs and Eleanor Coulter, and I was delighted to accept. “I know Carrick Academy pupils have already visited the Scottish Parliament to see Question Time first hand. “Scottish politics is part of the Modern Studies course, and I hope I was able to give them a true taste of what life as an MSP is really like.”

MAYBOLE Pipe Band is set to follow in the footsteps of superstars like Tom Jones and Dionne Warwick. For the band could soon be booked to play in a Christmas concert at the Vatican in Rome! The band’s Bryce McCulloch received an e-mail from the concert director, with a view to a December date. Bryce said: “The concert attracts up to 5,000 people, and stars like Bryan Adams, Jennifer Page and Randy Crawford have featured, as well as Tom Jones and Dionne Warwick. “We are now awaiting word to see if our booking is confirmed.” The band has just completed a week’s fundraising in the Maybole High Street charity shop, and thanks everyone who supported them. Bryce admitted: “Without this kind of help we would struggle to maintain the band at its present standards.” The band has enjoyed a successful summer season, performing at events both at home and in Sicily and Northern Spain. Said Bryce: “The introduction of the Aileen Robertson Dance School has been an instant hit, and we find ourselves in demand for other festivals around Europe. “These trips give us the opportunity to meet other musicians and dancers, and learn more about the cultures of other areas. “We are proud to share these incredibly rewarding experiences with younger members of the band and the dance school. “We hope that we in turn promote our own traditions, as well as those of Maybole and Scotland.” Through its travels, the band also has close links — going back almost a decade — with the town of Urmitz in Gemany. Bryce said: “In November we will be attending the birthday of the town’s Burgermeister, Manfred Kohn and we have an invitation to play at a Scots festival in Schotten, in Belgium next July.”

POLICE in Maybole are probing disturbing attacks on cars in the High Street supermarket car park. Fuel pipes were cut on two vehicles — one around 5am and one around 12.15pm on Saturday. Maybole police are also investigating a bizarre break-in to a High Street home, where nothing was stolen, but an attempt was made to set fire to the premises. Fortunately, there was little damage in an incident which occurred sometime between 6.30pm on Friday, October 25, and 2am on Saturday, October 26. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01655 882122.