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members of the Tackety Bit Hill Walkers Club in Maybole were in the
Cruachan Hills recently where they climbed Beinn Eunaich and Beinn
Chocuill. On what was a day with the odd shower, there were great
views out to Rum and down to Jura. more
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EARLY POOR RELIEF IN AYRSHIRE with Kevin Wilbraham - Archivist, Ayrshire Archives. Have you ever wondered how our ancestors dealt with poverty, how they managed in times of need or what it was like in the days before the Welfare State? more |
 In
a follow up to our story about Lochspouts, Dave Killicoat, vice-chairman
of the Historical Society, tells us that there has been a change in the
conditions at the loch. He says, "There was some concern that the
lack of water in Lochspouts might mean deterioration of any prehistoric
remains that exist below the surface of the exposed silt around the sight
of the crannog in Lochspouts. more |
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| Carrick Academy. This years Cross country was split into 8 races, four boys races and four girls races the results are as follows. S1 boys 1st Kyle Faulds S1 girls 1st Kayleigh Brown S2 boys 1st Colin Sturgeon S2 girls 1st Kirsty Walker S3 boys 1st Alan Murphy S3 girls 1st Elaine Montgomery S4/5/6 boys 1st John Gilmour S4/5/6 girls 1st Laura McCulloch There was a record number of participants, each pupil that took part gained house points and thankfully we experienced dry and bright weather throughout the day. Jed Boden is in the wheelchair, he helped by starting some of the races. | |||||
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Several weeks ago Murray Cook, President of Maybole Historical Society, was informed that Lochspouts had been drained and rumour had it that it was to be used for landfill. more |
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Recently, some members of the Tackety Bit Hillwalkers Club were in the Loch Carron area where they walked into Bendronaig Lodge from Auchintee. more | ||
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An era in Maybole's social history was brought further to an end with the death of Mrs Mary Crawford McLean on Thursday September 18 aged 96. Born in Glasgow on January 11, 1907, she was Mary McFadden, though she was always known as Nan. When she left school Nan became secretary for an organisation in Glasgow that catered for blind people producing books in Braille. more |
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Maybole Historical Society's next meeting will be held in Maybole Town Hall on Monday October 6 at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Major Shaw, Curator of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum, who will talk on "Sources for Military History. A few weeks ago we reported that Maybole Historical Society and Ayrshire Archives had made a combined unsuccessful bid ...more | |||||
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This year's presentation of prizes for Maybole Ladies Golf Club will have more than a hint of nostalgia. The presentation will be held at a lunch in Malin Court on Sunday October 12 and there will be a re-union of captains of the club dating back to 1949. So far twenty-six past captains have said they will attend. |
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Carrick Stompers Linedancing group is inviting former members to go along to the Carrick Sports Club on Tuesday October 14 and dance to some old favourite routines. The group meets from 7.30pm till 9pm and they will "bring back" some favourites such as One Step Forward, Black Coffee, Cotton Eye Reggae Cowboy and many more. | ||||||||
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October 31st 2003 |
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A (NOT SO) LITTLE TREASURE CLOSE
TO HOME Immediately we told them that we were interested and asked if it would be possible to take some photographs. The answer was more than we could have hoped for as we were told that if we were able to come down on the Sunday morning they would actually harness a horse and let us see the cart being drawn. It was therefore with some excitement that our wee party set off at the appointed time, but even we could not have foreseen the wonderful heritage that was to be shown to us that morning. We arrived at Glenluie to find ourselves very welcome guests of Brian and Susan Sutherland and their children Claire, Sara, Kimberley and Connor. Young Connor came out to meet us and ushered us in to one of the many stable boxes where the rest of the family were preparing a magnificent Clydesdale horse for a turn out. What was even more wonderful was that this was only one of the many beautiful horses, mainly Clydesdales, which they keep at the farm and show regularly under their Sans Peur Clydesdale banner. We had already noticed a cart sitting ready in the yard so the lumps in our throats were becoming bigger and bigger. Murray Cook, our indomitable President, was even found to be searching for words to describe what was being unveiled before his very eyes. At last Sonnie (Sans Peur Sonnie to give him his proper title - justly deserved as a participant in the Queen's Jubilee celebrations and one of the few invited to Stella McCartney's wedding) was led out and carefully backed in to position to be harnessed up to the cart. We were then privileged to witness a sight that cannot have been seen, or at least has not been reported to have been seen, around Maybole for many years. According to Murray, he had not seen anything like it for at least sixty years, as Claire and Sara with Connor on the cart for support posed in the yard for photographs. Brian then took over on the cart and off they went around the farm stopping briefly on one of the lanes to give us another photographic opportunity, this appeared to be too much for Sonnie's stablemate Bobby who to everyone's consternation made his own, short lived bid for the freedom of the open road. Our grateful thanks to Brian, Susan and family for helping to preserve a bit of our local heritage, providing a wonderful setting and home for their horses and making us feel so welcome while at the same time making us feel that it was really only the horses and heritage that mattered." Plans for a new astro-grass sports facility at Carrick Academy moved on to the next stage following a public meeting last week. South Ayrshire Council and Maybole Community Council Sports Association had made a joint bid for the project to the New Opportunities Fund for PE and Sport (NOPES) and successfully negotiated the preliminary stages. Torrance Dempsey chaired last week's meeting and brought representatives of local sports and leisure groups up to date with what had happened so far. He introduced Andy Robinson of South Ayrshire Council who is the lead officer working on the bid. Andy told the meeting that there was a short time scale for the next stage and a business plan had to be submitted by mid-November. This meant having plans prepared to the stage of applying for planning permission and also a structure for management had to be set out. The facility will be a pitch measuring 106 metres by 66 metres, be fully floodlit and will cost £4000,000. Torrance Dempsey added that he would like to see new changing accommodation as well but this would have to be subject to an additional funding bid later. Andy Robinson outlined three different models of management including changing the constitution of the Sports Association, a Trust or a company limited by guarantee. The steering group favoured this last format and those attending the meeting agreed that this would be the most appropriate way forward. Two members of the Tackety Bit Hill Walkers Club in Maybole were in the Cruachan Hills recently where they climbed Beinn Eunaich and Beinn Chocuill. On what was a day with the odd shower, there were great views out to Rum and down to Jura. Some other members went to the Cairngorms to Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe, better known as Ben Avon or Ben An. They went up by the track behind Invercauld House to Bealach Dearg, down and across the River Gairn and up the Alt an Eas Mh`oir to the top. Although very windy it was still clear, but as they moved onto Beinn a Bhuird the weather closed in and they were in mist for the rest of the day. |
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October 17th 2003 |
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Some former pupils of Carrick Academy held a reunion recently. They started at the Maybole school secondary section in 1964 and had a great time trying to guess who was who! The reunion was held in the Carrick Sports Club and the resident DJ added to the nostalgia by playing hit records from the 60s as well as more modern tunes. Ten town twinners from Maybole travelled to Germany two weeks ago to seal the official links with Schotten and to their surprise they were met with a sea of tartan. The German town was celebrating the 1225th anniversary of its creation by Scottish emigrants and the mayor, Hans Otto Zimmermann, and his council had organised a weekend of Scottish entertainment. There were 14 pipe bands, 12 German and 2 from Holland, Scottish country dancers and even a mini Highland Games. The Maybole visitors were astounded at how popular the Scottish culture is in Germany with hundreds of German people in tartan. Everyone had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of their hosts and their friends. The twinning ceremony was held on Saturday, October 4 and William Grant, chairman of Maybole Town Twinning ceremony signed the official documents with Burgermeister Zimmermann. The first stage of the link with Schotten was the signing in Maybole Town Hall in 2000 and this return trip completed the town's third town twinning with European towns. In 1982, the capital of Carrick linked with the French town of Crosne, near Paris and in 1998 with the Belgian community of Beloeil. Beloeil and Schotten have been linked with Crosne for 40 years and they celebrated this milestone at the same ceremony. More photos Carrick Academy. This years Cross country was split into 8 races, four boys races and four girls races the results are as follows. S1 boys 1st Kyle Faulds S1 girls 1st Kayleigh Brown S2 boys 1st Colin Sturgeon S2 girls 1st Kirsty Walker S3 boys 1st Alan Murphy S3 girls 1st Elaine Montgomery S4/5/6 boys 1st John Gilmour S4/5/6 girls 1st Laura McCulloch There was a record number of participants, each pupil that took part gained house points and thankfully we experienced dry and bright weather throughout the day. Jed Boden is in the wheelchair, he helped by starting some of the races. |
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October 10th 2003 |
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Maybole Tiny Tots Playgroup had a "Balloon Blast Off" last Friday, October 3. Each of the children each had a special number on their own balloon and the balloon which is reported to have travelled the furthest distance will win that child a prize. The helium balloons were donated by Paul Ferguson (Joiners) and so far sponsor money for this event alone totals more than £215 with more to come. The committee would like to thank all families and friends who donated. They have also raised £314 bag packing at Safeway and would like to thank all staff and customers for their generous donations. There will be a Virgin Vie evening at Maybole Memorial Golf Club on Thursday October 23. As well as the usual toiletries and cosmetics on sale, there will also be a wide range of Christmas items. Tickets can be purchased on the night or from any member of the committee. The playgroup is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at the Community Wing of Carrick Academy from 9:15 until 11:30, and is for children aged 2 years and over. LOCHSPOUTS –AS ONLY VERY FEW HAVE EVER SEEN IT! Several weeks ago Murray Cook, President of Maybole Historical Society, was informed that Lochspouts had been drained and rumour had it that it was to be used for landfill. Somewhat perturbed at this news, he and Dave Killicoat, Society vice chairman, immediately went to examine the scene and found only a small pool left in the middle of what had been the old loch. "This sight has only been seen once before in living memory - in 1935," said Dave, "and prior to that the loch had been full since 1888. At that time the dam was built to convert the loch into a reservoir for the Maybole water supply and a full excavation of the site was carried out with various artefacts being found around the sight of a crannog." "These artefacts are now all in the care of the National Museum of Scotland," he added, "but a good description of the site and the finds can be found in Smith’s 'Prehistoric Man in Ayrshire' which is available on the Maybole website at www.maybole.org/history/archives/prehistoric/man.htm " The society contacted the West of Scotland Archaeology Service and Stuart Jeffrey came down the next day to see the site for himself. It is their opinion that the loch had possibly been drained to remove any liability from flooding if there was a breach in the dam. Further investigations will be made by them as to the owner and the possible future plans for the site. In any case, now that the site is "in their conscience", nothing can be done without their approval. One interesting fact that came out of the visit is that this site is not in fact listed. The Historical Society has undertaken to gather all the information available from the original dig, and to keep an eye on the condition of the surface to prevent possible deterioration of the site should the dry conditions continue. If the surface remains wet, anything below should be preserved in the meantime. Recently, some members of the Tackety Bit Hillwalkers Club were in the Loch Carron area where they walked into Bendronaig Lodge from Auchintee. After an overnight stop in the bothy, it was up onto Lurg Mhor and its top, Meall Mor, then on to Bidean a` Choire Sheasgaich in good weather which meant excellent views in what is a splendid remote place. Two days later they were at Achnashellach Station to go round the horseshoe of Beinn Liath mhor, down to the Bealach Coire Lair and up steep ground to Sgorr Ruadh. After lunch they went over Fuar Tholl before dropping down to Loch Coire Lair and back to the station. The weather held for most of the day with only a shower in the morning. Last weekend they headed to Tyndrum to climb Beinn Mhanach. The group cycled up Auch Gleann crossing the river a few times. The sun was shining but there was a cold wind blowing at the top, with lovely views all round and snow on some of the higher hills. The cycle back out the glen was enjoyed by all as it was mainly downhill! The next meeting of the club is October 16 at the Welltrees Inn. |
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October 3rd 2003 |
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Lisa Summers interviews Margaret Kiltie, local grandmother Peter Mason, chairman of Maybole Bypass sub-committee of Maybole Community Council and Andy Hill leader of South Ayrshire for BBC Radio Scotland's Gary Robertson Show on Monday, September 22. They were speaking about their concerns for saftey and health on the A77 in Maybole In one of the pix Councillor could be looking round to make sure he is safe even as they are being interviewed! Staff at Fairknowe Nursing Home, Maybole helped raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland on Sunday. They held a tea party with the addition of a raffle and guess the dog's birthday. They would like to thank everyone who helped out especially local shops and the families of residents and staff.. Everyone had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. An era in Maybole's social history was brought further to an end with the death of Mrs Mary Crawford McLean on Thursday September 18 aged 96. Born in Glasgow on January 11, 1907, she was Mary McFadden, though she was always known as Nan. When she left school Nan became secretary for an organisation in Glasgow that catered for blind people producing books in Braille. She also sang in the choir of Blochairn Church where she met William McLean who was then a medical student and played the church organ to augment his funding. After graduating William spent a year at Bellshill and then worked in two assistantships in England. In 1937, when Dr William McLean bought the medical practice in Maybole from Dr. Ross, Nan came to join him as his bride. The practice was run from their home at 4 Whitehall with all surgeries held there. Nan took care of all the administrative work of the practice, right up until Dr. McLean retired. During the war years their service included taking care of a houseful of evacuees from Glasgow. For years Nan was a member of the Old Kirk Women's Guild, where she started the Women's Guild choir. She was also a founder member of the Maybole Townswomen's Guild where she started their choir. It was in the days of her Townswomen's Guild choir that Nan drove a wee Morris Minor - and the number of ladies she crammed into that car to attend rehearsals and concerts was a bit of a by-word. This notwithstanding her council work with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents! Nan was also elected to Maybole Town Council in 1957, becoming a Justice of the Peace, and latterly the Junior Bailie. In 1987, she became a member of Maybole Baptist Church where her funeral service was conducted last week by Rev Richard Martin. Mrs McLean's latter years were spent in the Ailsa Hospital, Ayr, where she died peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2003. She is survived by sons Alistair and Fergus, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Carrick Stompers Linedancing group is inviting former members to go along to the Carrick Sports Club on Tuesday October 14 and dance to some old favourite routines. The group meets from 7.30pm till 9pm and they will "bring back" some favourites such as One Step Forward, Black Coffee, Cotton Eye Reggae Cowboy and many more. This year's presentation of prizes for Maybole Ladies Golf Club will have more than a hint of nostalgia. The presentation will be held at a lunch in Malin Court on Sunday October 12 and there will be a re-union of captains of the club dating back to 1949. So far twenty-six past captains have said they will attend. Winners in the September draw for members of St Cuthbert's Church's "150 Club" are: £150 David Waugh No. 142 £15 Jim Drennan Snr No. 28 £10 Sarah McDermott No. 92 Maybole Historical Society's next meeting will be held in Maybole Town Hall on Monday October 6 at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Major Shaw, Curator of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum, who will talk on "Sources for Military History. A few weeks ago we reported that Maybole Historical Society and Ayrshire Archives had made a combined unsuccessful bid for what was thought to be the minutes (1897-1939) of Maybole Burns Club. The publicity which this produced also led to Society President, Murray Cook, receiving a telephone call from a Maybole resident telling him that the Maybole St. Crispin's Burns Club had in fact existed from 1897 until 1954 and that he had the original minute book! (St Crispin was the patron saint of shoemakers, apparently) It seems that the book sold at auction in Edinburgh was a collection of notes and programmes put together by one of the club members which is still a valuable record in its own right but not the real minutes. The original minutes have now been loaned to Murray Cook so that they can be copied. |