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Maybole Castle will
be open this Sunday 4th September from 10.00am until 4.00pm as
part of the European Doors Open Day programme. Maybole Historical Society
arranges visits to the castle and last year they had almost 400 during the
six hours it was open so this year we would like all the help they can get
on the day! The following two Sundays continues the events marking the
60th anniversary of the end of World War II.
These are:
DIG FOR VICTORY
- Take your prize
vegetables along to the castle on Sunday 11th September at 2.00pm. Prizes
will be awarded for the biggest and most unusual.
EATING ON A RATION
- How well could you eat on a week’s rations from 1945? Pick up an entry
form where you see the posters and give the Society your best recipe from
the list of rations. The best will be cooked and tasted on Sunday 11th
September in the Castle at 2pm and prizes awarded. The recipes will be
published in a booklet which will be available from local outlets. There
will also be a display of documents, photographs and artefacts from WWII.
THE 1945 DAY AT CULZEAN
- Sunday 18th September, 10.30am — 5pm. There will be 1940s
vehicles including jeeps & ambulances — Pathe newsreels —Fairground — a
British Army Field Kitchen — Jives performed by dance schools — George
Formby and Max Miller impersonators — ”It Ain’t Half Hot Mum” style
concert parties — Maybole Pipe Band—and lots, lots more . . . . . . . .
Tickets are limited so book in advance
on 01655 884455. FREE ENTRY for NTS Members and over 60s. IN
ADVANCE — £10 adult, £7 Concession, £25 Family; ON THE DAY — £12 adult, £8
Concession, £30 Family. Later in the year special concerts will be held in
the Town Hall and a book of WWII Maybole Memories will be published.
Note: 1945 Day, Culzean, Sunday 18
September 2005. Mike Schafer, Property Manager at Culzean, has
contacted us to say that The National Trust for Scotland would like
to say "a big thank you" to HMS Gannet, RNLI, Ayrshire Yeomanry,
Pete Scally, John Webster, Maybole Historical Society (Dave Killicoat),
Ayrshire Members Centre, Stranraer Museum, Maybole Pipe Band, Paul
Harper and Dickie, Rachel and Danny, Sheona, Gwen, Kelvin, Eric and
Ena, Leroc Jive School, and of course all the staff and friends of
Culzean. Mike added, "Their support made this a very special day."
Mrs Val Bannerman retired as
head teacher of St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Maybole last week and
on Sunday she was a special guest at Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s Church. Each
month the church holds a special Children’s Mass and at Sunday’s service
parishioners of the church and pupils of the school said goodbye to Mrs
Bannerman as she moves to pastures new on the other side of the country.
During the service Fr Stephen McGrattan paid tribute to Mrs Bannerman for
her achievements at the school and the giving of her time and talents.
Afterwards in the church hall, Ruth Collins thanked Mrs Bannerman for
being head teacher for the past 13 ½ years. “We’re really glad you
accepted our invitation to join us today,” she added, “because we couldn’t
let you leave without marking the occasion in some way.” Mrs Collins
continued, “We hope that over the 13 ½ years you have enjoyed your time
working at St Cuthbert’s and we hope that the children and the school
remain in your thoughts and prayers for many years to come – as you will
be in ours.” To make sure that it could be difficult to forget them Mrs
Bannerman was then presented with some mementoes of the school and pupils.
Fraser Watson presented her with a beautiful glass trophy etched with the
school badge and Kieran Porte gave her a framed photograph of the
schoolchildren. Jodie Brownlee then presented Mrs Bannerman with a basket
of flowers. On behalf of the parish Fr Stephen again paid tribute to the
former head teacher, wished her well for the future and presented her with
another basket of flowers and a gift. Mrs Bannerman thanked everyone for
their kindness and said that the school and pupils did hold a special
place in her heart adding that it was “a special school - a very special
school that you have here.” She then cut a cake and everyone enjoyed a cup
of tea, juice, scones, and baking. As well as current pupils of St
Cuthbert’s a number of former pupils of the school turned up to say
goodbye to a head teacher they obviously hold in high regard.
Fr Stephen McGrattan led a group
of young parishioners from Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s Church on a
pilgrimage to Whithorn recently. He told them, “St Ninian, a Bishop
who had learned about God and the Church in Rome, came back to this part
of Scotland in AD 397.” “Together with a group of monk,” he continued, “he
taught people about Jesus, and built a white house and church in Whithorn.
St Ninian and the other monks lived and prayed in this white house which
they called Candida Casa (Latin for ‘white house’).” The pilgrimage took
in the cave St Ninian occupied at special time and Fr Stephen told the
young pilgrims, “Sometimes St Ninian left the town of Whithorn to think
about God and pray, and when he did he went to a quiet place on the shore
outside Whithorn town. He would sit in a cave and talk to God. The view
from the cave was very beautiful and it helped him to think about how
wonderful God’s creation is.” Mass was concelebrated by Bishop John
Cunningham, the successor to St Ninian as Bishop Of Galloway, and a number
of priests from the diocese before the Maybole group visited the cave.
Afterwards, Fr Stephen said, “It was an enjoyable day out and a wonderful
way to remember where the church in this part of Scotland began.”
Last Friday local MSP Cathy
Jamieson organised a meeting the McKechnie Institute, Girvan to bring
together voluntary and charitable groups from across Carrick to hear more
about the Heritage Lottery Fund. Attending the meeting were
representatives of Girvan and Maybole Community Councils plus Girvan
Community Developments Ltd, Friends Of The McKechnie, Girvan Youth Trust,
May-tag, Girvan Horizons, Maybole Historical Society and Maybole Community
Association. Cathy Jamieson commented, "I am determined to ensure that
projects in Carrick receive their fair share of funding from the Heritage
Lottery Fund, and I am grateful that the Director, Colin McLean, made the
journey to Girvan to meet with local community activists. The amount of
money from the Heritage Lottery Fund invested in Carrick is well below the
Scottish average and it is important that local voluntary and community
groups work together with the Fund to remedy this situation.
The Heritage Lottery Fund is not just about buildings,
there are a whole range of different and innovative projects, many of
which involve young people, which they have supported over recent years.
The meeting in Girvan was aimed at urging local community groups to think
about taking forward projects which involve preserving local Carrick
heritage." Alec Clark, chairman of Girvan Community Council, added, “This
was a particularly positive meeting which generated useful information for
all groups concerned through a series of questions and answers. “Best of
all,” he continued, “will be the open days which all groups present agreed
should follow on from this meeting. These open days which will be attended
by representatives from Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.
They will be held both in Girvan and Maybole giving local
groups and individuals a chance to attend a one stop shop of information
and access to Lottery Funding. This can give local folk the chance to turn
Carrick from what is described as a lottery funded “cold spot” into an
area ready to embrace and accept funding for a wide range of projects
aimed at all age groups. Friday`s meeting not only provided a forum for
groups to talk to each other and to question possible funders, it will
provide a chance for eople to take funding ambitions forward and that is
something to welcome with open arms.”
Maybole played host to a party of
German visitors over the weekend. They had travelled from the area
around Schotten, Maybole’s German twin town, and arrived at Prestwick on
Thursday evening. On Friday they visited South Ayrshire’s HQ at the County
Buildings to meet Provost Gordon McKenzie, Councillors Andy Hill and Alan
Murray, and William Grant, chairman of Maybole Town Twinning Association.
On Friday evening there was a social evening in the Welltrees Inn, Maybole
which was hosted by Maybole Business Association and they were welcomed by
Alan Martin, chairman of the association and David Kiltie, chairman of
Maybole Community Council, and Councillor Murray. On Saturday morning they
had a tour of Maybole Castle conducted by Dave Killicoat of Maybole
Historical Society. Then it was on to Grant’s distillery, Dowhill Farm,
Culzean Castle and they were last seen heading for the Electric Brae. On
Sunday the visitors paid a quick visit to Edinburgh before heading back
home. There were nine visitors who included:
Mrs Puttrich, mayor of Nidda, a town close to Schotten; Mr
Puttrich, chairman of the regional-commission of the local Chamber of
Commerce; Mr. Weber, an engineer and the vice chairman of the Foerderkreis
Oberhessen, a society which is trying to develop their region;. Mrs Bieger,
chairman of the culural society of Gedern, another town close to Schotten;
Mr. Jung, an engineer who is involved in local politics, accompanied by
his wife; Mr. Erk, who owns a roofing firm and is involved in the
intrnational scholar exchange; Mrs. Wolf-Hartmann, who is a nurse and the
group leader Rolf Hartmann, who is an attorney and the chairman of the
Foerderkreis Oberhessen.
Mr Hartmann told us, “The Foerderkreis Oberhessn was
founded 15 years ago. Members are notable persons of our region which
includes the cities of Schotten, Nidda, Gedern Ortenberg and Buedingen.
The assignment is to develop the region and to find solutions for a closer
working together of the communities.” “As a result of our efforts,” he
continued, “the communities in our region founded a society, where they
worked together. We travel each year to a partner community of on of the
cities to learn more about their problems and the way they solve them. “We
are interested to meet people of this region, especially people who are
engaged in local politics and the economy. Of course, we are especially
interested in visiting the places of interest in Maybole and surroundings”
Ayr Figure Skating Club recently took
part in the Breast Cancer Campaign Challenge 2005. Pictured are the
skaters who took part in the Exhibition Skate at the recent Open
Competition. A cheque for £145 was donated from the Club, and change in
the collection cans raised the total to £200. The Club and B.C.C. would
like to thank everyone who helped make the challenge a success. Further
details on Ayr Figure Skating Club and its Learn to Skate classes can be
obtained from Fiona Scobie, Secretary, 01655 884448. Further details on
Breast Cancer Campaig can be obtained from Heather or Duncan Muir on 01655
884439.
Last Saturday little 3 year old
Holly MacDonald presented a cheque for £1,020 to Deborah Allison of Ronald
McDonald House at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill in
Glasgow. She also put a leaf with her name on it on their “tree of life”
and her granny Mrs Kathleen Murray, of Craigie Avenue, Maybole, added,
"With grateful thanks from family and friends". It was Mrs Murray who had
raised the money after Holly had taken ill earlier this year. On March 16,
four months short of her third birthday, Dr Sheward from Maybole Health
Centre had Holly rushed to Crosshouse Hospital and from there they sent
her to Yorkhill. The next day she was taken to theatre to clear the fluid
that had collapsed her lung and that was when she crashed and was on life
support for 8 days. Mrs Murray told us, “Holly had chicken pox, then she
had a plura effusion which had caused her lung to collapse and then took
the Step A virus on top of that.” “She was in intensive care on a
ventilator for eight days,” Mrs Murray added, “and in hospital for two and
a half weeks.
My daughter and son-in-law were housed in Ronald McDonald
house for the duration and without their support what was already an
ordeal would have been much more difficult to handle.” She decided to try
and raise some cash via a sponsored slim and had a target to lose one
stone over 8 weeks. “I lost 10lbs in that time,” she said, “but everyone
was so generous, giving me the full amount of money that I slogged on and
lost the further 4lbs in another 3 weeks.” Ronald McDonald House told her
that they didn't think they had had a sponsored slim before and there must
have been a lot of people doing it to raise that amount of money. “But it
was just me,” she added, “and very generous and supportive family, friends
and work colleagues.” Holly Alison MacDonald, to give her her full name,
celebrated her third birthday on July 8 and is thriving now. She has
started nursery and Highland Dancing classes which her granny says is
hilarious when she gives the family a demonstration.
Holly’s family would like to thank nurse Liz Edgar and Dr
Jonathon Sheward at the Health Centre for their prompt action and support
when Holly was taken so ill. Mrs Murray said, “Ronald McDonald House needs
all the help they can get to continue with the wonderful help they give to
the parents of critically ill children.” (Ronald McDonald House at
Yorkhill, opened in March 1996 and provides free accommodation for the
families of the long term and critically ill children who are patients at
the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. The hospital treats children form
all over Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland and family
stays in the House range from a few nights to many months. Although the
House works closely with the Hospital, Yorkhill Family House, as an
independent charity, relies totally on donations and fundraising
initiatives for all the House's running costs, which run to approximately
£200,000 per year.) Staff at Somerfields in Maybole have a collection
every Christmas and the funds go to RMDH.
There was a rare first for the
Maybole branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland last week when John
Kennedy, centre, attended the September meeting. He joined the branch
ten years ago and this was the first branch meeting he had attended so he
was given some kidding about not being a very good attender. John,
however, has a good excuse as he lives in the United States! He is also
chieftain of the Kennedy Clan Society in the States and a veteran of Pearl
Harbour. In fact, the Maybole branch thinks it is probably the only branch
in the UK with a pearl Harbour veteran as a member. John is a Fellow of
the Scottish Society of Antiquaries and is visiting here because of the
60th anniversary of the National Trust for Scotland taking over Culzean
from the Kennedy family and the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary
of World War II.
Every year,
parishioners from Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s Church in Maybole travel
together on pilgrimage. Last week they travelled to the National
Lourdes Shrine in Carfin where they joined in the celebration of Mass led
by Cardinal Keith O’Brien. Bishop John Cunningham of Galloway Diocese was
the preacher this year and the service was attended by Catholics from
across Scotland. Fr Stephen McGrattan, parish priest at St Cuthbert’s
said, “Our pilgrimage is more than just an excursion because it reminds
parishioners of the reasons why they are united as a Christian community.”
“The pilgrimage,” he added, “involves journeying together, praying
together and, of course, eating together.” The group and Fr Stephen took
opportunities to strengthen friendships, and returned tired but happy
after a day well spent.
Maybole Women’s Group got
back in to action last week after a successful week of fundraising in the
charity shop. Already an interesting programme has been put together
covering a range of activities from health and fitness, Christmas crafts
through to more serious issues such as the work of agencies such as Ayr
Rape Crisis Centre. For the first session of the programme the women
enjoyed a reflexology session conducted by Holistic Therapist Margaret Ann
Wright. Margaret Ann has recently started her own business from her home
near Kirkmichael and the group thoroughly recommend her skills in
reflexology, Indian head massage, and aromatherapy. If you would like a
couple of hours of interest and relaxation in your week. perhaps a chance
to make new friends, then contact Carol George on 01655 882105 or
Christine Kennedy on 01655 882111 to find out more. The group meets in the
Carrick Academy Community Wing at present and there is a range of toys
available for the pre-school children who come along with their mums.
Fabulous amount raised for Multiple
Sclerosis A group of friends formed a committee to fund raise for
Multiple Sclerosis and after several very good sociable meetings, with
a bottle or two of wine included, they decided to hold a Barn Dance at
Merkland Farm, Kirkoswald. They would like to thank all who turned up on
the cold miserable night at the end of May and along with Escapade helped
to make it a great night. Huge thanks they say must be given to their
sponsors, prize givers, Lesley McFadzean for his premises, Barr Ltd for
supplying the toilets, Carrick Round Table for bar, burgers and for
donating their profits.
All of these enabled them to raise the fantastic sum of
£4,779, to be split between MS Ayrshire Branch and MS Research. The icing
on the cake came when the Royal Bank of Scotland donated a further £2,000.
They said that they were able to support this cause as a representative
from the Bank was involved on the committee which allowed her to access
the Community Cashback Award due to being a member of staff and it was
also an added bonus for her, as Multiple Sclerosis is a cause close to her
heart. On Thursday 18th August £6,779 was handed over to Multiple
Sclerosis representatives from the Ayrshire Branch. They thanked the
committee and the Royal Bank of Scotland and said that it was wonderful
that there were so many nice, kind people.
Maybole and District Business Association held its
AGM in the Welltrees Inn last week. The meeting was opened by Alan Martin
who gave the Chairman’s report containing an overview of the activities of
the association through the year. He commented that a lack of involvement
of businesses had meant poor responses to communication, and attendance at
meetings was also very poor. He added that this could, in part, be due to
a lack of communication between the business association and other groups,
in particular the Community Association. Mr Martin also felt that the
reception for the delegation of German businessmen was poorly supported,
as was the level of response to the Tsunami correspondence. The meeting
then agreed that a questionnaire should be produced and forwarded to
businesses to find out what they would like from the association. This was
put to the vote and Robert McAffie proposed the motion and was seconded by
June Dunlop. Office bearers elected were Alan Martin, Chairman; Billy
Torbett, Treasure; Jane Martin, Secretary. It was agreed to co-opt Robert
McAffie and June Dunlop onto the committee. Peter Walker then gave a
“Maybole” update including: The ongoing project of unification of the
Church of Scotland onto one site from their existing two locations in the
town is going ahead. This ambitious project will also be the site of new
youth facilities in the town, something that, it was agreed, was badly
needed. Ayr Hospital A&E campaign: ongoing work with both press and
community to protest at the planned closure of A&E services at Ayr
Hospital. Copies of the petition being raised were handed out to
businesses present.
The next meeting of Maybole Historical Society will
be held this coming Monday, 5th September at 7.30 pm in Maybole Castle.
The speaker will be Dr Brian Moffat on “DISCOVERIES AT SOUTRA”- the
incredible story of the discoveries made at the site of the medieval
hospital at Soutra, near Edinburgh, which seems to have had 12th Century
monks with 21st Century knowledge. Evidence found at the ancient Soutra
Hospital site, in Scotland, suggests the medieval Augustine monks also
knew how to amputate limbs, make surgical instruments, induce birth, stop
scurvy and even create hangover cures. The excavations at Soutra have also
unearthed fragments of pottery vessels that were once used for storing
medicines such as an analgesic salve made from opium and grease and
treatment for parasitic and intestinal worms. Dressings have also been
found, some still with salves or human tissues attached and the scientists
have discovered a mixture of Quicklime (calcium oxide) which scientists
believe was used as a disinfectant and a deodorant. The hospital was
dedicated to looking after the poor, travellers and pilgrims as well as
the sick and infirm. Dr Brian Moffat archeo-ethno-pharmocologist and
director of investigations for the Soutra Project says, “We are in the
unprecedented position to evaluate this system of medicine recipe by
recipe - and ask, did all of it - or any of it - work?” Members of the
Society arranged a car outing to Soutra Medieval Hospital on 16th July.
Dave Killicoat said, “The situation of the original hospital, part of the
highest monastic buildings in Britain, really has to be seen to fully
appreciate the story behind the monastery. After giving us a picture of
life at Soutra in the 12th Century, Dr. Moffat then described some of the
amazing finds that have been made during the archaeological dig there.”
Other dates for those interested in the Society’s programme are:
Sunday 18th September 2005 – Culzean
Castle Special Day celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII.
The Society will have a display and stand
Monday 3rd October 2005 – Donald Reid
and Ian Shaw : Robert W. Service – Poet of the People
Monday 7th November 2005 – Margaret
Morrell : The History of Turnberry Airfield
Monday 5th December 2005 – Members
Christmas Night with cheese, wine, mince pies and various diversions
Saturday 10th December – Maybole
Christmas Bazaar, Maybole Town Hall.
Monday 6th February 2006 – Burns Supper
Monday 6th March 2006 – John Steele :
Secrets of Horse Island
Monday 3rd April – John Miller : The
Smugglers Who Saved the Language
Maybole Youth Club has a shortage of staff and is
looking people to help out. They would like to know if anyone is
interested in working with young people and enjoying activities such as
football, badminton, tennis, basketball, pool, arts & crafts and outdoor
adventure activities as well as ongoing opportunities for training. It is
a challenging and rewarding way to engage in your own community and its
young people. If interested please contact Yvonne Kiltie on 01655 882105
Folk in Maybole are used to large vehicles stopping
traffic movement in the High Street – last weekend was something
completely different! A real traffic stopper turned out to be the visit of
four vintage World War II vehicles to the Castle last Saturday. The scowls
of some of the drivers held up turned to looks of amazement and then
smiles as John Webster reversed his huge 1944 Royal Navy AEC Matedor in to
the Castle grounds and he effortlessly accomplished the manoeuvre with
barely an inch to spare on either side - and all without the aid of power
steering. John, along with wife Audrey, Peter Scally and Charlie McKenzie
brought their vehicles to the Castle for local people to see as part of
the series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of the
Second World War. As well as the Navy lorry, which occasionally appears
towing a large anti-aircraft gun. the group took along a 1944 Bedford QL
with the insignia of the Highland Division, a 1942 Wallys MB Jeep showing
the insignia of the K.O.S.B. and a 1943 American Dodge WC54 Panel Van
which was often used as an ambulance. The last two vehicles might be more
familiar to younger people as similar to many of those that appear in the
film M.A.S.H. although this film portrays the later Korean War.
Unfortunately a severe weather warning from the Met office meant that the
appearance of the vehicles on Sunday had to be cancelled but for those who
missed them they will be returning soon. PICS John Webster is in the dark
uniform of the Civil Defence, Peter Scally in the American Uniform, Audrey
Webster in the Women's Territorial Auxiliary and Charlie McKenzie in the
British Army uniform.
Carrick Chess Club is in full swing again, meeting
from 7 – 10pm in Maybole Town Hall every Wednesday. Four of the club’s new
members have played in the league and in the Ayrshire championship. Kenny
Brooksbank, Alice Lampard, Alastair Muirhead and Charlie Roy acquired
gradings for the first time. They now have nine graded members: K.
Brooksbank 1504 (very high for a new grade!); Alice Lampard 548; Stuart
Lampard 1119; Steell MacFadzean 1306; Athol Macgilchrist 998; Siegrun
Macgilchrist 1579; Alastair Muirhead 1089; Ali Roy 1030; Charlie Roy 897.
The average Scottish grade is 1208. Everyone's grade improved, except for
Siegrun's. It dropped by 50 points., but she made up for it by coming 2nd
in the Marymass under-1750 section in Irvine on 21st August. Ali was the
greatest improver in Scotland. Her grade jumped by 515 points. She was
also one of the most active players (110 games). During the year she won
three grading and giant – killer prizes of £25 each and book prizes in the
UK chess challenge. Although the club championship is not completed yet,
Dr. Kenneth Brooksbank is the new champion - he got 7/7 - congratulations.
Community Education courses for autumn will once
again be friendly and informal and provide the opportunity to learn
locally. The classes are all led by experienced tutors and the teaching
style is friendly and informal with an emphasis on learning at your on
pace. Classes will start from Tuesday 20th Sept (just after the holiday
weekend and will run for 12 weeks). All classes are free of charge. They
will be held in the Carnegie Building and include:
Computing for beginners
·
Mondays – 9.30am – 11.30am and
1.00pm – 3.00pm
·
Tuesdays – 6.30pm – 8.30pm
·
Thursdays – 9.30am – 11.30am
Silver Surfers club
Combine ICT skills
with finding out more about your hobbies and interests Thursdays 1pm – 3pm
Drop in session – Wednesdays 1pm –
3pm
This is not a class but a chance to drop in and brush up your skills, get
expert help to sort out problems, or to learn something new! (no need to
book for this session)
Family learning courses
Coffee, childcare and a chance to
relax whilst learning more about parenting skills, stress management,
assertiveness building and cooking for health
To find out more please contact
Carol George, Community Education office, Carnegie Building,
1 High Street Maybole or call 01655
882105
Once again Maybole Community Council is inviting
nominations to receive “Scrolls of Appreciation”. The community
council presented scrolls in 1999 and in 2000 and previous recipients
were:
1999
Mary Anderson, Shaun Anderson, Pearl
Barton, Leonard Boughen, William Boyce, Jean Boyd, Gavin Campbell, Graeme
Campbell, John Campbell, Jack Conkie, Murray Cook, Maureen Craig, Margaret
Davidson, James Drennan Snr, William J Grant, Cooper Hay, Alex Kelly, Jean
Laidlaw, Ria McCulloch, John McDowall, Margaret McGawn, Alex Meek, William
Paterson, Rich Pettit, Nell Samson. Frances Strachan, Jim Sym, Anne
Walker, and Derek Walker
2000
Jacqueline Boughen, Sam Coulter,
Rosemary Eccles, Senga Fergusson, Anne Findlay, Janet Graham, Ellen Hawkes,
Deborah Hearton, James Hearton, Christopher Jackson, Margaret Kenny,
William Kenny, Roger Martin, Agnes McCreadie, Janetta Rodger, Isobel
Seymour, and Denis Ward.
Everyone who has been presented with a Scroll of
Appreciation has been nominated by organisations or other people in the
community. David Kiltie, chairman of the community council, said, “We were
delighted to acknowledge the contribution they have made to the quality of
life in Maybole. Some are very well-known locally and others perhaps not
so well known ; others are known further afield; all have helped make
Maybole a better place or better known." In the past the awards were split
into three categories: People who had brought recognition to Maybole
through their achievements; Service to the Community; People nominated by
local organisations. Mr Kiltie that the community council was very happy
to accept nominations for the same categories which would be looked at by
three independent members of a panel. Local groups are being written to
and the last date for nominations is October 28.
The next meeting of Maybole Historical Society will
be held in the Castle on Monday October 3 at 7.30pm. Speakers will be
Donald Reid and Ian Shaw and their topic is “Robert W. Service - Poet of
the People. It will be a fascinating and humorous illustrated talk about
the Ayrshire poet most people remember for his character Dangerous Dan
McGrew. Maybole Castle was open once again as part of the European Doors
Open Day programme and this year the Society had in excess of 240 visitors
over the day. Rather than providing guided tours, this year saw the
introduction of a small printed guide which was given to each individual
and this allowed them to wander round the Castle at their own pace with
guides placed strategically about the Castle to answer specific questions.
The new arrangements proved to be a great success for both visitors and
volunteers. This year has seen a large increase in the overall number of
visitors to the castle and members of the Society have been pleased to
provide special tours for groups outwith the advertised opening hours.
These recently included a business delegation from Schotten in Germany and
a party over as guests of Lord Ailsa for the 1945 anniversary celebrations
at Culzean.
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