September 27th 2002

September 20th 2002

September 13th 2002

September 6th 2002

The complete text of the headlines above follows.

September 27th 2002

MAYBOLE Internet Club has moved to a new web address. This is not the main Maybole web site which is at www.maybole.org but a separate group set up to allow Maybole folk to contact each other a bit more directly. The site is maintained by Ann Williams who said: "Unfortunately, I didn't keep a record of all the members’ e-mail addresses but I've started again. “This time I've started it in MSN which everyone tells me is a lot better anyway. There are no adverts and it’s supposed to be easier to get it." Visit http://groups.msn.com/MayboleCapitalofCarrick

CULZEAN and Numismatics is the subject of the illustrated talk at Maybole Historical Society’s next meeting, in the Town Hall on Monday, October 7. Numismatics is the study and collection of money and medals. Ronald Breingan is the speaker and everyone is welcome to go for what promises to be a fascinating look at a former age. Looking ahead, November’s guest speaker will be Bob McSporran, who will talk about Dunaskin Heritage Centre. And, rather than arrange the usual Christmas get-together and members’ night the following month, the committee is considering a St Andrew’s night celebration. David Killicoat, vice chairman of the Society, said the Family and Local History Centre in Maybole Community Development Group’s High Street offices has been a great success. He added: "At present the Centre is very well used but this is putting considerable strain on the resources of MDCG. “We would like volunteers from the Historical Society who can spare some time – even half a day a fortnight – and would be willing to help visitors with the equipment, their queries and researches. “Training will be given and this could also help anyone in their own research." If you can help in any way contact any member of the committee or Dave Killicoat (07713 309450 or e-mail maybole@scotsfamilies.co.uk). Members who last paid before April 1 this year are reminded that their subscriptions are now due for renewal. Membership is £10 and covers individuals or couples staying in the same household. Anyone in full-time education can join the society free of charge. Membership applications should be sent with payment to honorary treasurer Jack Boyd, Maybole Historical Society, 9 Kincraig Court, Maybole KA19 8AQ

MAYBOLE Community Association wants suggestions for future attractions after another good year of well supported events. Presenting her annual report at last week’s annual general meeting, chairman Susan Whiteman reflected on a successful year since last September. She recalled: "Our first event after the AGM was the fireworks display and I couldn’t believe the number of people who turned out. It was a fantastic night and, of course, the weather helped to make it a success. “Our thanks to the pipe band who led the parade, the fire service who were on hand in case of an emergency, the Round Table for their donation and for the hot soup, and the people who set off the fireworks. "The evening that the Christmas lights were switched on was a big success. We were involved in selling juice and crisps at the disco and it was very encouraging to see so many young people getting involved. "The day after that we had our Christmas bazaar which was as popular as ever. We have noticed that visiting Santa can take a long time and are considering ways to avoid this so if you have any suggestions then please let us know." Mrs Whiteman went on: "The Pantomime, in December, was enjoyed by all and we would like to thank all the businesses that supported the association with raffle prizes. "After Christmas, unfortunately our chairperson Jim Shields resigned so, as vice chair, I took over as acting chairperson. I would like to thank Jim for all the work he did with the association over the years. "In January the committee started planning for the Jubilee Gala, and I am sure most of you are aware of the huge amount of effort involved in organising such a big event — the committee all worked very hard.

"We were disappointed that the service planned for Crossraguel in June had to take place in the Town Hall due to inclement weather. It was a lovely service but it is a pity not many people made it” She went on: "One of our new ventures this year was the quiz night which was quite successful and we are looking to develop this next year. The pet show was also as popular as ever. “On gala day in June I was delighted with the number of groups that took part in the procession and on the field. At 8am down on the field it was touch and go whether the event was going ahead or not but we went for it and we were rewarded with a lovely afternoon till the rain came later. I have heard a lot of good reports about the gala. Everyone seemed to enjoy it — certainly the committee were very pleased with the way things turned out."

Concluding, she thanked her committee. ”They have worked tirelessly and have been very supportive to me as I took over the chair,” she said. And she added: "We would love to have your suggestions and comments about previous events and future events. “Our next event will be the firework display on November 13; we look forward to seeing you there." Office bearers elected for the coming year are Susan Whiteman, chairman; Bill McCubbin, vice chairman; Deb Creedy, secretary; and Derek Walker, treasurer. Committee members are Glenis Tuck, June Dunlop, William Wallace and David Kiltie.

PENSIONERS in the Maybole area realised it’s never too late to learn when they attended a safety awareness day run by Carrick Crime Prevention Panel. About 80 senior citizens attended the event at Maybole Town Hall, hearing speakers from Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire Brigade, Environmental Health, Road Safety, Ayrshire and Arran Health Board and Energy Efficiency. Talks covered topics ranging from safety in the home to bogus callers. Said Alex Kelly, chairman of Carrick Crime Prevention Panel: “The Panel is constantly looking at safety issues in the Maybole and Girvan areas. “This activity day provided a useful insight into everyday safety issues for all those people who attended the workshops. Throughout the year the Panel will be tackling issues of local concern in an effort to improve our community.” The event was arranged in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, and the council’s community safety unit provided a free safety pack for each participant at the end of the day. In it was a vacuum flask, foil blanket, personal attack alarm, and literature on various aspects of safety at home.

 LOOKING BACK: 25 years ago — Maybole’s two public toilets are in ‘a disgusting state’ says the town’s community council, whose members ask Kyle and Carrick District Council to upgrade the toilets to ‘a tolerable standard’. Community council chairman David Kiltie says the toilets are ‘a poor advert for Maybole’.

September 20th 2002

A COMPANY of 100 former Carrick Academy pupils took a nostalgic trip down memory lane at the weekend. They relived their schooldays at a reunion in Maybole Town Hall. Students from 1954 up to the present day enjoyed renewing acquaintances with people they had not met for 30 years and more. Co-organiser Janice McKellar reported: “It was great — a super night. “Everyone I spoke to said we should do it again soon.” And for four members of the party, there was tangible evidence of their time in the Maybole school’s classrooms. A flag they designed and stitched, bearing the school crest, was on display for the evening. The seamstresses, all in class 3A in 1954, were Helen Smith (formerly Kelly), Jess Reid (Campbell), Betty Challis (Heath) and Jean Wilson (McFadzean). Five teachers bravely turned up to meet again youngsters they had taught: Hugh Brown (English), Raymond Bramwell (music), Margaret Hogg (geography) and husband and wife Roy and Jenny Alexander who both taught in the PE department. Guests at the function paid a fiver for the privilege of meeting old buddies, and any proceeds left after expenses will be donated to the Ayrshire branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. There was dancing to the music of West Coast, and Carrick Round Table members laid on a barbecue. A raffle offered a host of prizes gifted by generous local businesses, and Janice passed on the thanks to the organisers to donors.

FUN was the name of the game in an area of Maybole the other day. The town’s South Tenants and Residents Association laid on a super fun day for the children in their community. Staged in the Old Church hall, the event featured a bouncy castle and zany children’s entertainment from Uncle Billy. Hamburgers and hot dogs were laid on, and the day finished on a musical note with a disco and karaoke. An association spokesperson said the day was well attended and everyone seemed to have a good time . . . even the organisers!

CARRICK Academy pupils have been praised for a project that puts the spotlight on domestic abuse. In fact, their work was so professional it will be used as an educational tool in other schools. The Scottish Executive applauded the Maybole youngsters’ efforts, and South Ayrshire Council honoured them by staging a civic reception in their honour. Speaking at the function, Councillor Andy Hill, South Ayrshire Council leader and councillor for North Carrick and Maybole East, said: “These pupils have worked hard over the past months learning about domestic abuse and how young people can be affected. “They have used this knowledge to produce interesting material for use in schools. “The fact that the Scottish Executive were so impressed that they invited the pupils to give a presentation in Edinburgh is a magnificent achievement. “A presentation was also given to South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee and it was most informative. “The pupils have worked hard and produced excellent work, for which I would congratulate them and thank them on behalf of the council”. The Carrick pupils volunteered to be involved in developing ideas for future materials for use in schools to educate people about domestic abuse. The youngsters created a video, which relates accounts of both mental and physical abuse suffered by women and children from various backgrounds. And they designed the art work for the video and chose accompanying music. Their video highlights help available and endeavours to put across a message that many have come through the experience and gone on to build a new and much happier life.

MAYBOLE web site www.maybole.org continues to be very successful, and in August, there were 307,384 page hits from all over the world. One person at least was surprised when learning that these figures were a monthly total. They had thought they were cumulative from when the site started three years ago! There is no doubt that the quality of contributions from both locals and those abroad are what makes the site so popular. And it has been successful in bringing some families and friends together. One example of that is the recent reunion of former pupils who were at Carrick Academy in the early 1960s. Dot Murchie, who now lives in Australia, had asked some months ago if anyone remembered her. A photograph of Dot and her classmates was found and put on the website, leading to the idea of them getting together. The site recently carried photographs of that reunion and they were then published on the Maybole site. This is Dot’s reaction to seeing them: "Just saw the pictures of the reunion and it brought a wee tear to my eye. “I wondered if you would pass on a message to them all for me, just to say how much I really regretted not being there, and how lovely it was to see them. “I am trying to place them all with the school photo, but a few I am having difficulties with. “Janey (Reid) will fill me in when she returns. Regards from Oz. Dot" "PS: I wonder if you could find out for me if Ruth Donachie has a emailaddress. I went to Dalrymple Primary School with her (sorry to be a pest)" You’re not being a pest, Dot; this is exactly what websites are about.

THE Tackety Bit Hillwalkers Club headed south on Saturday, September 7, to Carsphairn, where they passed Garryhorn and the disused mines, en route to Knockower and over on to Corran of Portmark. Conditions were dreary and damp, giving poor views of the surrounding hills. As the weather deteriorated, they continued on over Bow, Meaul and Cairnsgarroch, before returning to the start without any more breaks in the cloud. The next club meeting is today, Thursday September 19, at 8pm in the Welltrees Inn, Maybole.

MAYBOLE’S Apprentice Boys of Derry would like to thank everyone who helped make their recent Walker Club parade in the town such a success. They would specially like to thank the bands who turned up: the West End Loyalists, Glasgow; Pride of the North, Glasgow; Abbey Star, Kilwinning; Ayr Protestant Boys; and Carn Castle, Larne.Clubs from Ayr, Larne, Kilwinning, Irvine, Dalry, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston also make a valued contribution.The Boys’ thanks are also extended to South Ayrshire Council for giving consent for the parade; Strathclyde Police; the people of Maybole who turned out to watch the parade; and all those who attended the social event afterwards.Current office bearers are: William Hutchison, president; Andrew Jess snr, vice president; William Galloway, secretary; Michael Galloway, treasurer; and Andrew HilljJnr, chaplain.A spokesman stressed that the wreath-laying ceremony was not a one-off for the rally.The Apprentice Boys have laid a wreath every year for the past three years and they want to continue the tradition.

BANNED MAYBOLE AMATEURS CAN PLAY ON UNDER APPEAL BANNED. Maybole Amateurs are back in business after they slapped in an appeal to the Scottish Amateur Football Assocaiton. Ayrshire beaks had suspended the Carrick club to the end of their season after one of their players allegedly punched a referee, kncocking him out in cold, in an Ayrshire Cup tie at Hurlford. However, Maybole immediately appealed the decision and can now play on until their case is heard, probably in mid October.

A NETWORK of suspected Carrick drug dealers have been cleaned from the streets after a series of police raids. The four well-timed drugs squad busts caught the alleged evil dealers in Girvan and Maybole by surprise. After the planned operation by plain clothed and local Carrick community cops last Thursday, seven suspected dealers were arrested. Three of the people arrested for various drug-related offences were women, one was aged 41. During the raids police seized quantities of heroin, amphetemine (speed), cannabis resin and herbal cannabis with a street value believed to be between £5,000 and £10,000. Inspector Stuart Gaudin, of Girvan Police, was delighted with the results of operation which involved his local officers. Inspector Gaudin said: “This was a very good result, after a well prepared operation which involved the use of several officers. “Search warrants had to be obtained, and we were following up on the back of previous operations. “Several suspected dealers’ houses were targeted in the two towns, and the results speak for themselves. “For the last month we have carefully observed, and carried out enquiries, and hopefully this will keep some more drugs off our streets for a time at least.” The first raid at 8.05am in Maybole’s Dailly Road saw a 29-year-old man arrested and reported to the Fiscal for obstruction under the Misuse of Drugs Act. A 27-year-old Maybole woman was also arrested at the same house at the same time for possessing and supplying drugs. She was also reported to the Fiscal. Later that morning, about 10.40am, an 18-year-old Maybole man, of Allan’s Hill, was the next to be arrested for drug dealing offences and reported to the Fiscal. The next three arrests were made about 1.10pm in Girvan’s Kirkwood Place, where two men aged 32 and 37 were arrested on possession and dealing charges.  A 41-year-old woman was arrested at the same address on a charge of possessing illegal drugs. The final raid was made about 5.40pm in Girvan’s Montgomerie Street, when a 29-year-old woman was arrested and reported for drug possession and dealing offences.

September 13th 2002

SHELL-SHOCKED Maybole Amateurs have appealed to Scottish beaks after being thrown out of Ayrshire amateur football until the end of the season. Ayrshire chiefs threw the book at Maybole after one of their players allegedly punched a referee, knocking him out cold. The Ayrshire Cup tie against Hurlford Thistle was immediately abandoned and later awarded to the home side. Referee Hugh Howie was taken to Crosshouse Hospital where he was detained overnight. Maybole claim they are staggered by the severity of the sentence and have vowed to fight it all the way. Secretary Glen Cuthbert hit out: “We certainly don’t condone the incident which took place but there was nothing we, as a club, could have done to prevent it. INVOLVED “We now have 20 players and ten to 12 committee who are not involved in Ayrshire football as a result of this decision and I can’t see how that is to the benefit of Ayrshire amateur football.” Explaining their decision, the AAFA stated: “This is the third attack on a referee in 18 months and the second in six months. “This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and must be eradicated before it destroys amateur football. “Under our rules, clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players and officials. “All of our clubs have been warned in the past that drastic action would be taken if they failed to curb violence at their matches. “The last thing the Ayrshire AFA wants to do is stop clubs playing football but we cannot tolerate referees or anyone else being physically assaulted and ending up in hospital. “Everyone involved in amateur football in Ayrshire must understand that violence has no place in football. “If we don’t stamp it out, a sport which gives pleasure to a vast number of people will suffer permanent if not terminal damage”. Police were called to the park and took statements from club officials who witnessed the incident. Police say a report has been sent to the fiscal. Disciplinary action against players involved in an assault on a referee is dealt with by the SAFA and a report has been forwarded to that body by the Ayrshire AFA. Maybole hope they will able to resume playing before their appeal is heard.

CON MEN ROB WOMAN (80) POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman was duped in her own home. The 80-year-old gave access to two men who claimed they needed to come inside to turn off her water. But while one man spoke to the old woman, the other made his way to a part of the house where he stole a three-figure sum of money. The incident occurred in Maybole, and police are warning householders in South Ayrshire to be on their guard against this type of crime. PC Stewart McLellan said: “This is a particularly heartless crime towards a vulnerable victim. “And we advise householders not to let people in their homes without first asking to see formal identification.” The old lady was robbed in her home at Kirkwynd, Maybole, around 10am on Wednesday of last week (September 4). Police issued these descriptions: First man — white male, early 20s, about 5ft 10ins tall, short light-brown hair, clean-shaven, wearing a grey-coloured short-sleeved top, dark trousers and possibly a blue baseball cap. He was well spoken, with an Irish accent. Second man — white male, early 20s, about 5ft tall, short dark hair, clean-shaven, in dark clothes. PC McLellan can be contacted at Maybole (01655 882122) or Girvan (01465 713587) police offices. Alternatively, information can be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers (0800 555111) where calls are free.

A BUNCH of outlaws rode in to Maybole last week — and astonishingly gave money away! The In-step Outlaws Line Dancing Club organised a special night out, hiring award-winning group The Deans. John Dean and John Pettifer are well known on the line dancing circuit, and sacrificed a week in Tenerife to be in Maybole! For they could have been soaking up the sun for a fortnight, but cut their island engagements to a week, because of the big bash in Maybole.  The duo are from Harrogate and John’s brother Jim was formerly in the group when it was known as the Dean Brothers. More than 140 line dancers from all over the south-west of Scotland gathered in Maybole Town Hall — from the Isle of Whithorn, Newton Stewart, Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Ayr and of course Maybole and district, Rae Collins, dance instructor with the In-step outlaws, said the night was a brilliant success and thanked the club members for their help. She presented cheques for £1,000 to Barbara McAndrew, Breast Cancer, and Anne McGill, of Children’s Hospice Association Scotland. And Rae announced that £100 would go towards a local appeal to buy special apparatus for severely disabled Maybole tot Ellie Robinson.

CATHIE Barr’s line dancing class starts up again this week in Maybole Town Hall. The classes begin tonight (Thursday, September 12) at 7.30pm and Cathie says old and new members will be made every welcome at the sessions.

HUNDREDS of members of the Apprentice Boys of Derry came to Maybole for only the second Walker Club parade held in Scotland. But it was local members who launched the day by laying a wreath at the Covenanters’ Memorial just outside the town.  History records an open-air communion on Craigdow in 1678. And the militant Covenanters of Carrick, destined to fight at Bothwell Bridge, collected at Muster Lea near Gardenrose the following year. Then, in 1681, Donald Cargill preached to a secret and unauthorised gathering, known as a Conventicle, in a field near Maybole. And to mark this event, a memorial containing fragments of the original white boulder which served as a pulpit was erected at the side of the field. On it are inscribed the names of the six Carrick men who were taken prisoner at Bothwell Bridge, imprisoned in Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh, and drowned off the Moul Head of Deerness in Orkney. The Maybole Apprentice Boys laid their wreath at 10am, then joined a parade of around 300, featuring five bands, which left from the Greenside, just after noon. The route was via Ladyland Road, Coral Glen, Dailly Road, Ladywell Road, Abbot Street, Kirkland Street, Cassillis Road, High Street, Millar Street, back on to Ladyland Road and then back to the Greenside. The Apprentice Boys commemorate the two principle events of the siege of Derry, which began in 1688 — the closing of the Gates by the Apprentice Boys in December and the relief of the city in August. The Siege of Derry is regarded as a very important event not just in Irish and British history, but as a key turning point in European history. The period before 1688-9 is often known the War of Three Kings — King Louis XIV of France, Prince William Prince of Orange, and King James II of Britain. Walker clubs are named after the Rev George Walker, Governor of Derry from April 19, 1689, till the end of the siege. The wreath-laying ceremony at the Covenanters’ Memorial and a bird’s eye view of the the Apprentice Boys’ parade from Maybole Castle.

LOOKING BACK — 25 YEARS AGO: Moves are under way to attract new industry to Maybole, and there are hopes a ‘nest’ factory can be set up on the site of the former builder’s yard of Myles J. Callaghan, the local firm which collapsed a year ago. Kyle and Carrick District Council hopes to interest the Scottish Development Agency in the idea.

MAYBOLE Men’s Forum is growing weekly, with membership now standing at 24. Officebearers elected last week are: chairman – Peter Mason; vice-chair – Derek Walker; secretary – Brian Pluthero; treasurer – Dave Whiteman. They meet currently at Carrick Academy on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9pm. Any one interested in getting more information should contact Maybole Community Development Group on 884022. Exercise mats and bands have been donated by Alan Bell of The Academy Fitness Suite and other activities planned are five a side football, aqua aerobics, walking, tenpin bowling, golf, table tennis, and the use of a fitness suite.

CARRICK Academy had a visit from the Royal Navy, and pupils saw a range of excellent careers available in the ‘senior service’. These include nursing and engineering, as well as perhaps more glamorous roles like Royal Marine Commandos. There was rain, rain, and more rain for 16 pupils on a 30 kilometre walk from Muirkirk to Wanlockhead — and most were still smiling at the end! They were on a bronze expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and many have completed all four parts of the challenge and will get their badge soon. Seniors who attended a careers convention at Irvine’s Magnum Centre found it a valuable experience. They saw a huge variety of displays and met plenty of enthusiastic people, all eager to impress pupils with options in careers and further education.  Next week’s news bulletin from Carrick will spotlight pupils honoured at a civic reception in Ayr.

JUSTIFIABLY pleased with themselves are award-winning members of Carrick Chess Club. They accepted the prizes when the club held its annual presentation ceremony recently. The roll of honour is: Champion for 2002 – Siegrun Macgilchist. League winner – Athol Macgilchrist. Quick Play – John Brydon. Junior 2002 Champion – Ali Roy. Junior Quick Play – Daniel Wallace. The new season starts in Maybole Town Hall on Wednesday, September 13, from 7 to 10pm, when old and new members will be welcome.

THE annual general meeting of Maybole Community Association will be held next Wednesday (September 18) in Maybole Town Hall at 7pm. Association secretary Deb Creedy wrote to local groups last week saying: “Come and join us for a glass of wine and refreshments and hear all about what we have planned over the coming months for the community of Maybole.” She added: “We would also love to have any feedback that groups have on Jubilee Gala 2002.” As there are arrangements to be made for catering, Deb would appreciate groups letting her know at 889560 if they are able to attend. She added: “We hope as many groups as possible will be represented.”

THERE was a healthy turnout of competitors for the Par 5 Gowf Club’s annual Open competition played over Maybole golf course at the weekend. And at the end of a successful day, the club committee thanked their main sponsor, Prestwick Driving Range, and everyone who donated prizes for the popular tournament. Special thanks were extended to staff at South Ayrshire Council parks department for their help and co-operation in preparing the course, and Maybole Memorial Park Bowling Club for the use of their premises. The tournament’s trophy winners, pictured above, were: R. Milligan – Stanley Trophy. M. Hoggitt – Courtesy Cup. J. McGregor – Glebe Cup. P. Sym – W, Wallace sen. Cup.

TINY Tots Playgroup has re-started in Maybole after the summer break, and places are available for new faces. The playgroup meets in Carrick Academy's community wing on Mondays and Fridays (9.30 - 11.00am). Qualified playleaders Rosemary and Arlene are in charge, and there are stories and puzzles, as well as fun in the sandpit and with the toys to keep the toddlers entertained and busy. Mums can stay for a coffee and chat or leave to get on with other things. The charge is £2 per child per day, and you can call the playgroup mobile at 07732134413 for more information.

SCOTT Crawford carries the good wishes of Maybole when he leaves soon to study at Oxford University. And he was presented with a pen by the Maybole branch of the Bank of Scotland, where he has been a customer since starting school. Scott is reckoned to be the first former Carrick Academy pupil in 40 years to land a place at Oxford. He will take a BA course in Biological Sciences at St Peter’s College over the next three years. Scott, who received his pen from Angela Fleming, a customer services officer with the Maybole branch, thanked the bank for the kind thought, which comes not long after he won £20 in a Visa promotion.

MAYBOLE Youth Club has restarted for the winter with two main weekly sessions in the community wing at Carrick Academy. Monday nights from 7 to 9.30pm are for young people from S3 upwards, and Wednesday nights from 6.30 to 9pm are for S1 and S2 year pupils. Activities include football, basketball, badminton, tennis, arts and crafts, table football, pool, board games, music, drama, quizzes, karaokes and, as they say, much, much more! There will also be special Sunday activity days, once a month starting on September 29, to a sailing centre, the Magnum, a climbing centre and other places of interest. Members of the club enjoyed a five-week programme of activities such as sailing, climbing, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking during the summer holidays.  They took part in trips to Galloway Sailing Centre at Loch Ken, Glasgow Climbing Wall at Ibrox, the Shanter Riding School at Maidens, and Springwater Fisheries. They also benefited from a ‘drop in’ programme on Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings when activities included treasure hunts, quizzes, karaokes, and barbecues. One young member reported: “The programme allowed us to go on adventure activities that we couldn’t afford normally.” The youth club was awarded £500 from Ayrshire and Arran Health Board.

WERE you at Carrick Academy in the 1960s or 1970s? If so, you might be interested in going to a reunion bash planned soon for Maybole Town Hall. Organiser Janice McKellar (nee Hastings) was an academy first year in 1968, while husband Gilmour started two years earlier. Janice originally envisaged a reunion for former pupils of those two years, but has opened it out to a wider era. She explained: “Around 100 people have been in touch, but the town hall can take 175, so I’d like to spread the net a bit further, “A bar, band and barbecue are all booked, and any profits from the £5 cover charge will go to Multiple Sclerosis.” If you fancy going to the big bash, contact Janice as soon as possible on Maybole (01655) 882736 or gilmour-mck@msn.com by e-mail.

September 6th 2002

All our yesterdays: some of those who started ‘the big school’ together in the early 1960s AMAZING how the memories can flood back when you hear an old record. And even more startling when you’re sharing the experience with old school-mates. But first you have to recognise your old pals! And some former Carrick Academy pupils admitted they were struggling to identify each other at a reunion bash. More than 40 who were in junior classes in the early 1960s (born 1949-50) attended the Saturday night bash in Carrick Sports Club. The event was prompted by the return of Janie Reid from Australia to Maybole for a holiday. And some of her old pals organised the party. DJ David Kiltie had no difficulty providing music from an era that is practically his specialist subject. And he came up with classic songs to evoke the memories. The evening was so successful that a Christmas night out is now being planned by some of the organisers.

Meanwhile, another Carrick Academy reunion will be held in the town hall on September 14. And organiser Janice McKellar has opened it up to anyone who was at the school in the 1960s or 70s. The night will feature a band, bar and barbecue and admission is £5, with profits for Multiple Sclerosis. For tickets, contact Janice on Maybole (01655) 882736  or  e-mail  gilmour-mck@msn.com

IT was a rough day for noble Maybole Castle on Friday, when a section of roughcast fell off the north side of the landmark building. But when you’ve been standing guard over a town for more than 400 hundred years, a bit of wear and tear is hardly surprising. Especially when you’re near a crossroads that sees traffic from no fewer than SIX directions. And to think that once upon a time NOTHING went past your baronial tower. For your grounds and gardens included what is today’s A77. And Maybole High Street was no more than a humble cul-de-sac heading uphill from outside your perimeter walls. In those far off days, you were a proud town house for the Earls of Cassillis. But you still have a proud role in the capital of Carrick — as base for go-ahead local training agency May-Tag Ltd. And the public can enter your rooms on days like Sunday’s ‘Open Doors’ when visitors were taken on guided tours by members of Maybole Historical Society. You still impressed your guests, even though you might have felt embarrassed about that pile of rubble on your lawn. But ironically, it made people notice your lovely gardens — beautifully kept by the May-Tag people. And many stayed on to relax in them, after the tour inside. You’ll soon look your old self again, auld yin. For your owners at Cassillis Estate say your roughcast will be replaced ‘like for like’ in due course.

THE 107 new First Year pupils at Carrick Academy are settling in well — the school’s news and publicity team report. Comments from the newcomers show they find secondary education a major change from primary. But they are enjoying making new friends with pupils who have come from the many primaries in the Carrick Academy cluster. 4 Other new faces at the school this session include new staff members. They are: Miss Connor in Modern Languages, Miss Happell in History, Ms Robertson in Art, Miss Donnelly in Business Studies, and Mr McGinnis and Mr Hopkins in the Technical department. 4 School captains this session are Fiona Galbraith and Heather Gilmour, who aim for ‘a wider range of house activities to cater for all pupils’. And the girls also say they want to ‘encourage participation by praising pupils for individual achievements’. Fiona and Heather also intend to ‘promote the school within the community’ and ‘make the school more environmentally friendly’. Helping the girls with their plans are vice-captains Katie Barker and Peter McTaggart.

These recently-elected house representatives also carry added responsibility: Blue House: captains — Gordon Munro, Jemma Wells; vice-captains — Sarah McInnes, Jody McQuiston; senior house rep (events) — Fiona Hay. Green House: captains — Craig MacMillan, Debbie Cuthill; vice-captains — Gavin Kean, Lois Cowie; senior house rep (publicity) —Laura Brown. Red House: captains — Colin McRae, Jennifer Hutchison; vice-captains — Robert Hutton, Charli-Anne Horton; senior house rep (events) — Rebecca Briggs. Yellow House: captains — Ian Stuart, Morven Gourlay; vice-captains —Lyndsay McBride, Fiona Wilkinson; senior house rep (publicity) — Sarah Hamilton.

Sports co-ordinator is Craig Forson, and Junior Club co-ordinators are Sarah Jane Wood and Victoria Boughen. Pupils were saying ‘cheese’ for school photographers last week, with the option of family and friend photos.  Fourth Year pupils are about to sample work experience, to give them the opportunity to assess future careers. Thanks go to parents and local businesses for their help with the venture.  This report was brought to you by the school’s publicity team: Miss Cree, David Baillie, Morven Gourlay, Corene Knight, Laura McGregor, Fiona Hearton and Debbie Campbell. Thanks also to others with specialist knowledge.

AN amateur football match had to be abandoned after one of the players punched the referee — knocking him out cold. Maybole Amateurs’ sweeper Brian Boyd had been shown a red card for swearing, then another for arguing with referee Hugh Howie’s decision. The player reacted by swinging a punch which knocked Mr Howie unconscious for more than 10 minutes. And Boyd seems certain to face an assault charge, as well as a ban which will effectively end his career in amateur football. The incident occurred just 15 minutes into an Ayrshire Cup first round tie between home side Hurlford Thistle and Maybole. One stunned spectator said: “I have never seen a punch like it. It would have put Tyson down.” Eye-witnesses said Boyd continued to swear as he left the field after being red-carded. And at that point he was shown a second red card. Boyd then appears to have burst between two players and hit the referee with a powerful right hook to the face. Hurlford Thistle boss Colin Harkness said: “We were really beginning to fear for him as he was out for a good 10 to 12 minutes. “The Maybole first aid man and our Hugh McMichael tended to Mr Howie. Once they had managed to revive him he was taken to Crosshouse Hospital. The referee was kept at the hospital overnight for observation, before being allowed home. The Thistle boss added: “The officials from Maybole could not have apologised any more than they did for what happened.” Maybole are current Ayrshire Cup holders, and they have a reputation as fair opponents. The manager of another local club commented: “This is not the kind of incident you expect Maybole to be involved in.”

LOOKING BACK: 25 years ago — Oldest member of Maybole Pipe Band Rab ‘Kit’ Carson has an unusual souvenir — the brass plate from his coffin. It reminds him of his ‘death’ in India 48 years ago when he contracted Yellow Fever while serving with the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Rab was thought to have died from the disease, and was about to be buried, as bodies weren’t allowed to lie long in the tropics. But he came to when he heard an army band play Flowers of the Forest — a tune they only played as a lament for the dead.

Hundreds to march in Apprentice Boys parade in Maybole SEVEN bands will accompany around 350 Apprentice Boys of Derry in a parade in Maybole on Saturday. The parade begins from Greenside at noon, and returns there via Ladyland Road, Coral Glen, Dailly Road, Ladywell Road, Abbot Street, Kirkland Street, Cassillis Road, High Street, Miller Street and Ladyland Road. Earlier in the day, at 10am, members of the Maybole Apprentice Boys of Derry will lay a wreath at the Covenanters’ Memorial.

The organisation commemorates the two main events of the siege of Derry, which began in 1688 — the closing of the city gates by the apprentice boys in December, and the relief of the city the following August. The Apprentice Boys have an estimated 12,000 members, and the organisation is centred around eight parent clubs, six of which are named after leaders of the besieged city. The Maybole parade is the second Walker Club parade in Scotland. The club is named after the Rev George Walker, Governor of Derry from April 19, 1689, till the end of the siege.

MAYBOLE training agency May-Tag has gained a year’s funding for a project with South Ayrshire’s Adult Basic Learning Strategy Group. The cash will support a project to help adults with limited reading and writing skills but who have good practical skills. A horticultural training scheme will be developed, and students will help improve and maintain sites such as Ladywell Gardens and the garden at Kirkwynd. Literacy and numeracy skills won’t be neglected, and there will be ongoing training in problem-solving and building teamwork. May-Tag is now looking for the right person to work 20 hours per week delivering the course. And May-Tag manager Ellen Hawkes commented: “Ideally, I would like someone who has had experience of working with excluded or disadvantaged groups, and is committed to removing the barriers which exclude people from employment.”