October 2005
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A letter from Rev Dave Whiteman to Maybole Community Council last week sparked off quite a discussion. The local minister was scathing about the new bridge being built at the town’s railway station and was described by him as a “carbuncle”. In addition to his comments on the bridge he was also annoyed about the alterations to the car park and to Culzean Road which are major. In his letter, Rev Whiteman said, “In my visits around the parish many people have raised this matter in conversation and there is great concern that this is a very ugly bridge and a very expensive skateboard ramp.” more

West Church, closed after more than 160 years, has been sold to help finance a new community church in the town. Also known locally as the Glen Kirk, the West Church was built in 1842. The pipe organ, pews and other items have also been sold as shown in the photos here. Pictured at right are Rev Dave Whiteman, Hugh Paterson and Bobby Paul with the last pew of the West Church sold. In the first photo below is Rev Dave Whiteman with one of the pipes from the organ sold to L. Sikkema from Holland who came to collect them. Mrs Sikkema is on the right in the second photos below. Click the images to view them full size. West Church.

 Rev Dave Whiteman, Hugh Paterson and Bobby Paul with the last pew sold

Ali Roy of Carrick Chess Club made an impressive debut in the world chess championship in Belfort, France recently when she won her first three games in the girls under ten section. Her excellent game against Irana Bareva from Russia was published in Scotland on Sunday. It was the first time that a Scottish girl was joint leader going into round four. Ali was oblivious to the fact she was causing much interest back home in Scotland via the internet, and good luck messages each day were very much appreciated by her mum and dad who accompanied her for the two weeks along with her little brother Zak. more
After a roaring success throughout South Ayrshire, Thorpe Karate Schools have started a new class at Maybole Town Hall. more

Maybole Resource Centre has appointed Gillian Anderson to work in Minishant, Kirkmichael, Crosshill, Straiton, Kirkoswald, Maidens and Dunure on a new rural outreach project.  Gillian aims to contact all voluntary groups in each village and produce a database and information sheets on every group in the village.  “If any group, club, association or committee needs help,” Gillian said, “I would urge them to  contact me.” more

Gardenrose Primary School held its Harvest Assembly last Thursday when their special guest was Rev Dave Whiteman. The school also had a harvest appeal earlier in the week when pupils collected a variety of items to fill backpacks to send to Malawi.  more

Last week over 55 year olds in Maybole were invited to restart a Seniors Forum. The meeting in the Town Hall was called by West of Scotland Seniors Forum, formerly Strathclyde Elderly Forum, which is Scotland's foremost seniors grassroots representative organisation. It chairperson, Agnes McGroarty, told those who attended, “We represent the interests of 400,000 seniors in the 12 local authority areas in the West of Scotland and we are the umbrella body for 85 local Senior Forums.” more

Every cloud has a silver lining. Maybole South Tenant’s and Resident’s Association has recently folded and the committee decided that the money they had left should be given to the local school Cairn Primary. Last week Irene and Ronnie Wilson visited the school and presented a cheque for almost £160 to representatives of the Parent Teachers Association. more

Maybole Bowling Club’s annual dance and presentation of prizes was held in the Crosshill Arms last week. The president welcomed everyone and thanked them for their hard work throughout the season. A special presentation was made to Jack Conkie on his retiral as Gents match secretary. Maybole Bowling Club 2005 prizewinners – more

Photo of Maybole Ladies Golf Club Prize Winners taken at their Presentation Lunch at Malin Court recently. The names are (left to right): Laura McSorley, Vera Lothian, Ruth Donnan, Anne McDill (Club Champion), Mary Connelly, Heather McCormick, Cath Ramsay. Malin Court give the club £100 every year that goes along with the Malin Court Cup. First Prize Vera Lothian and Mary Connelly; Second Prize Laura McSorley and Lynne Rodgers; Third Prize Ruth Donnan and Cath Ramsay.

At the Autumn Fayre and Car Boot Sale held in St Cuthbert's Primary School on Saturday there were lots of prizes, lots of bottles, lots of people, and lots of fun. A grand total of £650.30 was raised for school funds and the committee would like to thank everyone who helped out in any way.

A few months ago a young Australian boy contacted David Kiltie with a request to help him find information about his great grandfather. Young Logan McNally wrote. “I am wanting to find out my family history. I am 10 years old and was born in Australia. My Granddad, William Anderson Gordon, was born of Peter McMahon Burns Gordon about 1939. My Great Granddad Peter Gordon was killed in Sicily in WWII. We do not know who he was serving with at the time or his history in the village. more

On Friday 7th October Cairn primary pupils (and all the staff!) celebrated Jeans For Genes day by donning their jeans, and having BIG HAIR for the day! Everyone looked amazing! The school children were treated to an super play by the P7s at assembly - a spoof hospital drama, based on the TV programme Casualty. All the children thought it was very funny. At the assembly the children and staff also had fun singing 'Jeans On' by David Dundas - a hit from the 70s the staff knew only too well! Everyone had to bring a donation to the Jeans for Genes fund to take part and wear their jeans, so plenty of money will soon be winging its way to help people affected by genetic disorders. Everyone had a great day!

The complete text of the headlines above and more articles follows.

October 2005

A letter from Rev Dave Whiteman to Maybole Community Council last week sparked off quite a discussion. The local minister was scathing about the new bridge being built at the town’s railway station and was described by him as a “carbuncle”. In addition to his comments on the bridge he was also annoyed about the alterations to the car park and to Culzean Road which are major. In his letter, Rev Whiteman said, “In my visits around the parish many people have raised this matter in conversation and there is great concern that this is a very ugly bridge and a very expensive skateboard ramp.”

He went on to express his own concerns. “Firstly, I would argue that there was no public consultation on this current design. Several years ago the public were consulted about a new bridge but that plan bore no similarities to what is now being built. “Secondly, I understand that there has been no planning permission granted for any of this work. “Thirdly, I am concerned that this bridge is being built with public money. I am told that the Scottish executive are funding this work and I personally object very strongly to my money being wasted in this way, especially when it appears that proper procedures have not been followed.

 

“I would also argue that this Bridge is unnecessary, disabled access is available from the station to Cargill Road via the footpath and therefore this bridge is no more than a short cut. The disability legislation is clear that only reasonable steps need be taken to facilitate disabled access and I can not see how providing a shortcut can be described as necessary. “Finally there is much discussion in the town about the cost of this carbuncle, rumours of half a million pounds are rife, a huge amount of money if this is correct. “I am looking for answers to some very serious questions; how was it possible to build this carbuncle without proper public consultation? How was it possible to build it without planning permission? How much has it cost and why was public money used?

 

“And finally, I have been asked if is there a plan to replace the much needed bus shelter for the elderly which disappeared several weeks ago? Members of the community council agreed that what is there now is an eyesore and were perturbed at the changes being made to the car park, the narrowing of what is a busy road, and the movement of the bus stops on either side of Culzean Road. South Ayrshire Council will be written to asking why there was no proper consultation, or even information provided, on major changes and on why no planning permission seems to be required. There was a feeling that if this is what happens when no planning permission is required then it is about time that this was revoked.

 

Story and photos of the old 125 footbridge.

Ali Roy of Carrick Chess Club made an impressive debut in the world chess championship in Belfort, France recently when she won her first three games in the girls under ten section. Her excellent game against Irana Bareva from Russia was published in Scotland on Sunday. It was the first time that a Scottish girl was joint leader going into round four. Ali was oblivious to the fact she was causing much interest back home in Scotland via the internet, and good luck messages each day were very much appreciated by her mum and dad who accompanied her for the two weeks along with her little brother Zak.

 

1200 hundred children took part representing 82 federations and Ali proudly carried the saltire into the arena being the youngest girl, along with Steven Tweedie from Glasgow who was the oldest boy. Before the start of each game the girls exchanged small gifts from their country. Ali’s teachers and classmates from St Cuthbert’s primary school helped her make beautiful Scottish good luck cards with tartan ribbon and lucky heather which all the children admired. Ali played against girls from France, Italy, Bulgaria, Turkmenistan, Equador and other countries around the globe gaining 6 points out of 11 which was an excellent performance for her first ever cap for Scotland. Ali and her family had a great time and hope she will be selected to play for Scotland next year when the competition will be held in Russia.

Siegrun Macgilchrist of Carrick Chess Club tells us that the chess world is agog. After years of different people claiming to be world champions there is a new one: Veselin Topalov, 30,from Bulgaria. Everyone agrees that he is worthy of the title. He played against most of the best in San Luis, Argentine and won 1.5 ahead of the rest last Friday. As luck would have it, the reigning female champion is Antoaneta Stefanova, 26, also from Bulgaria. This country never had a world chess champion and now, suddenly, there are two. According to Siegrun, though, she is not the best woman player. The best is Judit Polgar who was playing in San Luis.

Thanks to her, many female players are competing on equal terms with boys. Maybole’s Ali Roy, 10, for example, is the best of boys and girls in her age group in Scotland. Carrick Chess Club is open from 7 – 10pm every Wednesday night in the Town Hall, Maybole. If you want to catch up with Ali, join the club and study the game! Even their adults are making waves: Charlie Roy, and both Athol and Siegrun Macgilchrist have all won prizes at various weekend competitions in September.

After a roaring success throughout South Ayrshire, Thorpe Karate Schools have started a new class at Maybole Town Hall. The interest has been very exciting with new students arriving at each lesson. All the children have great fun with the chief Instructor Sensei David Thorpe and his 14 year old son Luke. The school's teaching includes important lessons like anti bullying, stranger danger and all important life skills such as respect for others, focus and positive behaviour. Lessons are held on a Tuesday evening at 5.45pm in the lesser Hall and the first two lessons free so you have nothing to lose! For more information please call Corinne on 01655 889977

Maybole Resource Centre has appointed Gillian Anderson to work in Minishant, Kirkmichael, Crosshill, Straiton, Kirkoswald, Maidens and Dunure on a new rural outreach project.  Gillian aims to contact all voluntary groups in each village and produce a database and information sheets on every group in the village.  “If any group, club, association or committee needs help,” Gillian said, “I would urge them to  contact me.” She added, “Assistance is available on a whole range of matters including how to apply for funding, setting up a group, training and managing a committee. Please get in touch to find out how we can help you.” Gillian can be contacted at Maybole Resource Centre, 48/50 High Street, MAYBOLE, Tel: 01655 884022 or email her at gillian.anderson@may-tag.com .

Maybole Resource Centre is holding two events to find out what the local voluntary community groups and the community of Maybole require for the future. These events will be on Thursday 13th October from 7pm to 9 pm and on Saturday 15th October from 9 am to mid-day. There will be a raffle with a prize of £150 of Thomas Cook holiday vouchers which can be won by a group attending the events. The prize can then be used for a fundraising event to boost the group’s funds. The aim of the meeting is to find out what local voluntary community groups need in the future to develop and sustain community activity in Maybole.  The idea of the events is to find out what local organizations need and how the Resource Centre can meet that need. There will also be discussion on what will replace the Resource Centre project finishes in less than 18 months time. Do group’s need advice, networking, sustainability, funding, equipment, facilities, volunteers, paid staff, training, computers? Are there new voluntary groups needed in Maybole?  Groups have been contacted and any who would like to attend should contact the Resource Centre staff at their office in the High Street or telephone 884022.

Gardenrose Primary School held its Harvest Assembly last Thursday when their special guest was Rev Dave Whiteman. The nursery pupils sang “I’m a Dingle Dangle Scarecrow”; P1-3 “Sing Hosanna” and P4-7 “Harvest Samba”. The school also had a harvest appeal earlier in the week when pupils collected a variety of items to fill backpacks to send to Malawi as part of the Scottish International Relief (SIR) Back Pack Project. In Malawi children often find themselves helping their families in their struggle to survive rather than be in the classroom. Girls are at particular risk of missing out on education. Pencils, jotters and even clothes are beyond the means of many families. However all studies show that even a basic education is the best way of escaping from the poverty trap in later life. Crosshill pupils had been asked by SIR to collect jotters, notepads, pencils, pens, crayons, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, pencil cases, clothes, towels, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap and spoons to fill back packs to send out to Milawi. In total the Crosshill schoolchildren managed to fill over 34 back packs.

Last week over 55 year olds in Maybole were invited to restart a Seniors Forum. The meeting in the Town Hall was called by West of Scotland Seniors Forum, formerly Strathclyde Elderly Forum, which is Scotland's foremost seniors grassroots representative organisation. It chairperson, Agnes McGroarty, told those who attended, “We represent the interests of 400,000 seniors in the 12 local authority areas in the West of Scotland and we are the umbrella body for 85 local Senior Forums.”

She continued, “West of Scotland Seniors Forum believes that every older person is entitled to a secure, dignified and independent retirement. We work towards raising awareness of issues affecting older people and ensuring that decision-makers and service providers are informed about older people’s needs and views on service provision and other matters affecting them. “We provide information, training, support and advice, for new and established local senior forums and we act as a consultative body, giving statutory agencies such as Health Boards or Social Work Departments older people’s views on current and proposed service provision. We have joined together with other Scottish grassroots Older People’s groups and organised meetings with Scottish Executive Ministers to put across the older person’s viewpoint.”

She then went on to outline the group’s aims. She said, “West of Scotland Seniors Forum seeks to advance the education, relieve the needs and promote the health and welfare of older people. WSSF is committed to promoting the interests of all older people and ensuring that every older person has the secure, dignified, respectful and independent retirement they deserve.” “Local Senior Forums,” she added, “ are very different to many other older people’s organisations in that they are advocacy groups, not social clubs.

“Local Senior Forums advocate for better rights, services and facilities for local older people. They tackle many issues such as, transport, road crossings, conditions of roads and pavements, street lighting and services provided by local social work departments. “Local Senior Forums are made up of individuals and representatives from each of the older people’s groups in their area. In this way the forum can identify what problems older people are facing. “Local Senior Forums exist to represent the views and interests of all older people in their local area.”

Also speaking was David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community Council, who urged everyone to form such a forum to be able to let local authorities and other public bodies what it is that older people want. “A strong united voice,” he said, “should get results.” Agnes McGroarty paid tribute to those who had run the local forum in the past for their hard work but there was now a need for new officebearers and a willingness to adopt a new constitution. It was agreed to call the next meeting for Wednesday November 2 at 2pm in the Carnegie Building. This meeting would formalise a new Seniors Forum in the town.

Every cloud has a silver lining. Maybole South Tenant’s and Resident’s Association has recently folded and the committee decided that the money they had left should be given to the local school Cairn Primary. Last week Irene and Ronnie Wilson visited the school and presented a cheque for almost £160 to representatives of the Parent Teachers Association. Christine McNeish, chair of the PTA was accompanied by Alison Davidson, vice-chair; Jackie Barr, secretary; and William Wallace, treasurer, were delighted to accept the cheque and thanked Irene and Ronnie for the funds. Afterwards two young pupils presented Irene with some flowers.

The closing date for nominations for Maybole Community Council’s “Scrolls of Appreciation” is October 28. Local groups have been written to inviting nominations and there are forms in Maybole Resource Centre that members of the public can use to put forward names of individuals that it is felt should be recognised in this way. In 1999 twenty-nine scrolls were presented and the following year seventeen were presented. Categories were People who had brought recognition to Maybole through their achievements; Service to the Community; and People nominated by local organisations. Early in November the nominations will be looked at by a local panel and the community council will be making the presentation in the Town Hall on Thursday, December 1.

Is Carrick Speakers Club about to re-appear? We’re not talking about the social club which changed its name to Carrick Sports Club but the original Speakers Club as in Toastmasters making speeches. Bill McCubbin tells us, “Interest has been expressed by some members regarding re-forming the Carrick Speakers Club, and the idea would be to meet during the winter months within the Sports Club.” “The Speakers Club was the organisation that was responsible for the existence of the Sports Club,” he went on, “and the club constitution allows for the use of the premises by the Speakers Club. “Membership of the Speakers Club would not be restricted to members of the Sports Club.” To follow up the idea preliminary meeting has been arranged for Thursday October 20 at 8.30 pm in the Sports Club and if there is enough interest then a format for future meetings could be discussed on that night.

Maybole Community Association AGM. “From the community association’s point of view the year did not get off to a good start,” said retiring chairman Susan Whitefield at Maybole Community Association’s recent AGM. She continued, “This was due to the fact that we could not get a committee but from the community point of view groups stepped forward and organised the Bazaar and the Christmas  Light Switch on disco. It was good to see that groups felt these events were too important to be missed out of the town calendar.” Mrs Whiteman then went on to comment on what happened after these events.

 

“In January  a committee was formed,” she added, “and started planning for the Gala - 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. “The Service at Crossraguel Abbey was a lovely service; we even managed to arrange the weather. I would like to express my thanks to the Council of Churches for their help in planning the service. “We then had our quiz night that was very successful with several teams entering. It was unfortunate that this event clashed with the Tsunami Concert.

 

The pet show was as popular as ever; and our Best Kept Garden Competition was popular again this year. " I was delighted with the amount of groups that took part in the procession on Gala day and on the field and I think the good weather certainly helped with the good turn out. The helicopter from HMS Gannet rounded off the day. I have heard a lot of good reports about the Gala, most people seemed to enjoy it – certainly the committee were very pleased with the way things turned out.

“Over the summer the Association have been involved with the Home Front celebrations. The drum head service went well and so did the big day at Culzean. Unfortunately our vegetable competition was not well supported.” Mrs Whiteman concluded, “I would like to thank the committee for all their support over the past few months - they have worked tirelessly and have been very supportive.  I hope the committee can now go from strength to strength for 2006. After her report, the election of office bearers was held and Mrs Whiteman was returned unopposed as was secretary Dave Killicoat.

Maybole Bowling Club’s annual dance and presentation of prizes was held in the Crosshill Arms last week. The president welcomed everyone and thanked them for their hard work throughout the season. A special presentation was made to Jack Conkie on his retiral as Gents match secretary.

 

Maybole Bowling Club 2005 prizewinners –

Gents Club Championship:  Allan Aitken; runner up:  Ross Murchie;   Presidents Cup: Lee McCulloch; runner up: Graeme Boyle;   Vice Presidents Cup;  Allan Aitken; runner up: William Kennedy;   Novice:  Lee McCulloch;  runner up: James Kerr;  Senior:  John Carlyle;  runner up:  David Boyd;  Junior (-25):  Allan Aitken;  runner up:  Ross Hill;  Junior (-16): Lee McCulloch;  SBA Rink: Ross Murchie, Allan Aitken, Jim McGarrie, Gavin Campbell; runners up:   Peter Ogg, William Young, Hugh Paterson, William Kennedy:  SBA Triples:  James Kerr, Allan Aitken, Gavin Campbell;  runners up: Alex Wotherspoon, Hugh Anderson, William Grant;  SBA Pairs: Ross Hill, Ross Murchie;  runners up:  Allan Aitken, Gavin Campbell;

 Nominated Mixed Pairs:  Janetta Rodger, William Kennedy;  runners up:  Cathy Kerr, John Kerr;   Mixed Two Bowl Pairs:  Isabel Johnstone, Graeme Boyle;  runners up:  Stewart Mackie, William Young;  Mixed Pairs;  Betty Hannah, Jim McGarrie;  runners up:  Avril Reid, Geoff Smith;  Mixed Triples; Bette Coulter, Janet Blyth, Jim McGarrie;  runners up Robert Mattless, Isabel Johnstone, William Johnstone;  Peter McEwan Shield:  Christine Malone, Peter Ogg, Jim McGarrie;  runners up:  Helen Sloan, Walter Chapman, Sally Anderson;  Senior Nominated Mixed Pairs:  Una Carlyle, John Carlyle;  runners up:  Avril Reid, Peter McCulloch;

 

Ladies Club Championship:  Elspeth Wotherspoon;  runner up:  Sarah Chapman;  Presidents Cup: Sally Anderson;  runner up:  Sarah Chapman;  Vice Presidents Cup: Sarah Chapman;  runner up:  Sally Anderson;  Ladies Pairs:  Sarah Chapman, Nancy Fleming:  runners up:  Ann Goodall, Sally Anderson;  Senior Ladies Pairs:  Christine Malone, Helen Sloan;  runners up:  Bette Coulter, Ann Goodall.

 

Tom Hind Memorial Cup: Sally Anderson;  runner up:  Hugh Anderson;  William Bulloch Trophy: John Carlyle;  runner up:  David Boyd;  Marble Bowl:  William Young; runner up: Lee McCulloch;  Memorial Park Cup: William Young; runner up:  William Johnstone;  League Trophy: Lee McCulloch.

A few months ago a young Australian boy contacted David Kiltie with a request to help him find information about his great grandfather. Young Logan McNally wrote. “I am wanting to find out my family history. I am 10 years old and was born in Australia. My Granddad, William Anderson Gordon, was born of Peter McMahon Burns Gordon about 1939. My Great Granddad Peter Gordon was killed in Sicily in WWII. We do not know who he was serving with at the time or his history in the village. My Great Grandmother’s maiden name was Sarah Cooper but they called her Sally. I have followed her ancestry back to James Hunter Cooper (who was a Carter) and his wife Lindsay Sarah Lindsay. Peter McMahon Burns Gordon was born to William Gordon (Grave Digger) And Margaret Burns. My Granddad has died (1997) and we didn't have the chance to see if we have cousins still in this area.

We do know that Peter McMahon Burns Gordon was married to Sarah Cooper in the Kings Arms Hotel in Maybole on the 9th of  September 1938 and that she lived in 27 Welltrees Street. If you could shed any light onto any of my requests or if my Great Granddad’s name is on a monument for serving in WWII I would be grateful. It means a lot to me as I would like my family when I grow up to know my Mum’s history.

My Mum and Dad were both born in the UK and met each other in the Royal Navy. Dad served in the Falklands War. He transferred from the Royal Navy to the Australian Navy in 1990. He is Scottish and I am proud of my Scottish heritage. Our family are looking at returning to Maybole in October this year (Travel plans permitting). We are also tracing our war serving family in school. Thank you for your help, Logan . telmc@optusnet.com.au   (May 2005)”

With the help of the Maybole webmaster Rich Pettit, quite a few facts were discovered. Peter McMahon Burns Gordon is, in fact, on Maybole War Memorial as Gordon, Peter B. The grave of Peter Burns Gordon was found on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site with the following information. -

In Memory of Private PETER BURNS GORDON 2884984, 1st Battalion The London Scottish, Gordon Highlanders, who died age 28 on 17 July 1943. Son of William Anderson Gordon and Margaret Burns Gordon; husband of Sarah Gordon, of Maybole, Ayrshire. Remembered with honour. CATANIA WAR CEMETERY, SICILY.

On 10 July 1943, following the successful conclusion of the north African campaign in mid May, a combined allied force of 160,000 Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily as a prelude to the assault on mainland Italy. The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little determined resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn. The campaign in Sicily came to an end on 17 August when the two allied forces came together at Messina, but failed to cut off the retreating Axis lines.

Catania War Cemetery contains burials from the later stages of the campaign, from Lentini northwards. Many died in the heavy fighting just short of Catania (the town was taken on 5 August) and in the battle for the Simeto river bridgehead The cemetery contains 2,135 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 113 of them unidentified.

Last week Logan and his family visited Maybole where they laid a wreath at the war memorial and met up with family relatives for a meal in the Welltrees Inn. By coincidence it was the night of the monthly meeting of Maybole branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland and members took the opportunity to present young Logan, now 11, with an RBLS badge.  More photos.

HANS OTTO ZIMMERMANN, Mayor of Schotten, Maybole’s German twin town, has been in touch to let local twinners know the result of the recent elections. Hans Otto was standing down after 36 years of active local-politics which included 18 years as mayor by the end of his term of office on 15th March 2006.

In the election, there were two candidates: Mrs. Susanne SCHAAB-MADEISKY, (SPD), 40, who is a lawyer and has been in the city-parliament since 1997, and since 2001 chairperson of the SPD-parliamentary party; and Mr. Ernst BÜNZEL, (CDU), 46, who is leader of the finance-department in the city-administration, and previously 18 years as a deputy in the city-parliament.  Susanne SCHAAB-MADEISKY won with 52.9% of the vote and will therefore become mayor from 16th March 2006. There will be a special session of the city-parliament in the first week of March next year when Hans Otto will be given a farewell from his position as mayor and when the new mayor will introduced. Hans Otto says he would be very happy if a representative from each twin town could be present for the occasion.

The Scottish Community Foundation is looking for people who live or work in the Maybole area to join its Fair Share Trust local panel and help determine how £374,477 of lottery money should be spent in the surrounding area. The money comes from the Big Lottery Fund Fair Share Trust, and will be used by the Scottish Community Foundation to make grants supporting regeneration, social developments and environmental projects in this part of South Ayrshire over the next 3 years.

Fair Share is a scheme for those parts of the UK, which have missed out on previous lottery funding, and the area around Maybole has been selected as one of 77 districts in the UK to receive money through the scheme. The selected area is centred on Maybole and also includes the communities of Crosshill, Dailly, Dunure, Fisherton, Kirkmichael, Kirkoswald, Minishant, Maidens, Straiton and Turnberry. Groups and organisations running projects that will benefit people living in this area are able to apply for grants of between £5,000 and £250,000 from the Fair Share Trust to help them in their work. Grants will be made to support projects that contribute to the overall aims of the Big Lottery Fund Fair Share Trust programme, which are to:

§         Build capacity and sustainability in local communities, including support for community assets and planning and involvement in local regeneration.

§         Build social capital, which means offering funding for local social developments, supporting job creation, skills development, social networks and community engagement in local organisations, activities and initiatives.

§         Improve the local environment, enabling communities to make it safer, healthier, greener, cleaner, better designed and more welcoming and accessible to all groups.

To ensure that the Big Lottery Fund Fair Share Trust money is used in the most appropriate way, the Scottish Community Foundation set up a Local Panel which met and identified local needs and set specific priorities for the Maybole area. The Local Panel has an ongoing role in commenting on applications for funding for Fair Share projects in the area. The intention is for the panel membership to reflect the needs and interests of the local community and no special expertise or experience is required. The Fair Share Trust Fund for Maybole area was originally £450,00 and has already made the following two grants in the area:

Maidens Bowling Club has been awarded £14,819.70. This grant will be used to pay for the enhancement of the existing facility by improving access, increase usage by other local organisations and to encourage local youths to try bowling as a sport.

May-Tag Ltd in Maybole has been awarded £60,704. This grant will be used to employ a Rural Community Development worker for 2 years to support and build the capacity of voluntary organisations in 8 Villages within the Fair Share area, which takes in Maybole and the surrounding district.  The project will also develop a database of local groups and activities and organise and manage a rural community funding and advice conference

Carrick Community Transport has been awarded £24,881 to employ a part time Transport Coordinator to oversee the day to day running of the transport project and improve systems for the maintenance of the minibus fleet. The worker will also be responsible for the provision of MIDAS training to volunteer drivers thereby improving the safety and comfort of passengers using the service.

Maybole Resource Centre has been awarded £44,402 to provide a weekly access point and services to the rural communities in the eights villages in the vicinity of Maybole, and to facilitate transport to other services where necessary or desirable

If you or someone from a group or organisation you’re involved with would be interested in joining the Fair Share Trust local panel for the Maybole area and you’d like more information, then please contact Helen Leah at the Scottish Community Foundation on 0141 225 6670 or email helen@scottishcf.org

Carrick Academy had a House Launch Day on Friday 14th October to mark the introduction of their new houses: Arran, Bute and Cumbrae.

This was celebrated with a balloon launch, sponsored by with the Parents Association. Every pupil collected a balloon and these were then released in the school playground.

On the same day, pupils marked Genes for Jeans Day 10th anniversary and they were allowed to wear their jeans for the occasion for a donation of £1. There was also a 5th year versus 6th year football match played to raise money and hopefully lots of it.

Other news

The first practice expedition for Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students took place in the first weekend of October. Everyone survived the trip with only a few wrong turns here and there!

The School Disco is taking place on Thursday 27th October in the Town Hall and there will be fancy dress prizes available so everyone is invited to get ready for a spooktacular night!

A Substance Abuse Awareness Day took place on the 30th September involving all S3 pupils. Representatives from the Police, Health Board (Smoking cessation, Alcohol abuse, Sexual Health) and Fire Service attended and gave talks on making the correct choices. At the end of the day, as a grand finale, the Fire Brigade exhibited the dangers of a chip pan fire by showing the pupils a controlled display.  Calum McGill in 3rd year was there on the day. He said it was good and that he learned how to get out in the case of a house fire. He learned that you should never smoke, all the different types of drugs and what they can do to you.

S1 Study Skills- Mary Pirie, a consultant from Locus Learning worked with the S1 pupils in ‘zones’. These zones (red, blue and green) were each teaching the pupils sensory skills, team building skills and investigative skills.

S1/S2 Enterprise – a wide range of S1 and S2 pupils participated in this years enterprise challenge to design a mobile for 11-16 year olds. They had to do a presentation on advertisement of the phone.

Football results

Under 16s Scottish Cup Carrick 0 v Auchinleck 6

Under 15s League Carrick 2 v Cumnock 4

Under 13s Scottish Cup St Josephs (Dumfries) 3 v Carrick 0

Carrick Academy Association is holding its AGM place on Monday November 14 at 7pm in the school.

"Can¹t Cook, Won¹t Cook - An evening with The Pampered Chef" is the title for the next fund raiser being organised by St Oswald’s church members to sponsor children through secondary school in their companion diocese of Byumba, Rwanda for six years. The event will be held on Friday 21st October at 7pm in the church hall and will take the form of a cookery demonstration. The Pampered Chef is a company who sell all sorts of kitchen gadgets and cookware and display these in their demonstration. Tickets are £3 and it should be a delicious evening with a bit of fun, and help in the fundraising for the Sunday School project. St Oswald’s was delighted with the support they had for their Harvest Praise – the service was very uplifting for the children and adults involved, and enough was raised for seven children now to go to school for six years each. The new target is ten.