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August 2005

The two Church of Scotland buildings in Maybole have been sold. A closing service for the Old Church will take place on Sunday August 7 at 10.30am and one for the West Church on Sunday August 14 at 10.30am. Both services will be concluded with Communion. From then on the united congregation will be worshipping in the Baptist Church, on Carrick Street with worship commencing at 10am. Bill Miller added, “Now that the two Churches have been sold at prices well above those anticipated and that the site for the new Church has been secured, detailed planning is rapidly moving ahead for the New Church. As all regular members know we will be worshipping in the Baptist Church at 10.00 am on Sundays starting on Sunday August 21st and until the New Building is complete. The Parish Church is very appreciative of the generosity of all the other Churches in Maybole who have offered accommodation and support during this period of change. Everyone is welcome to worship with us and help with the exciting community work ahead!”

West Church has closed after more than 160 years. Like the Old Church, it 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, and was the gift principally of Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran. But minister/historian Rev Roderick Lawson, 1831-1907, tells us the endowment of the church was accomplished chiefly at the cost of his son, Sir James Fergusson. Rev Lawson was parish minister in Maybole from 1863 to 1897, and during his time produced pamphlets, books and monthly letters which build up into remarkable picture of a community during the latter half of the 19th century. Roderick Lawson was born at Girvan on March 15, 1831 and went to Newton-on-Ayr as assistant minister in 1861.

In 1863 the West Kirk at Maybole, still under the patronage of the Fergussons of Kilkerran, fell vacant, and Sir James Fergusson gave it to the young assistant at Newton-on-Ayr. Lawson was delighted to return to Carrick, where he was to spend the 34 remaining years of his ministry. He was inducted on Thursday, April 14, 1863 and this was followed by a dinner which Sir James Fergusson gave in the Buck's Head (now Chequers bar). Lawson's first Sunday in Maybole was a pouring wet day yet crowds came from Ayr, Girvan and the neighbouring parishes to hear him preach. Unconventional as always, he did not set out his aims and beg his parishioners help in achieving them. But just as Christ had told his disciples "Ye Are The Light of the World", he asked his congregation to be the best they could be and shine brightly in Maybole. For the children he produced question and answer booklets, or catechisms, on various subjects: Scripture knowledge, Bible antiquities, the Christian life, the Lord's Supper, Good Manners for Boys and Girls, and the Shorter Catechism which he had published. He estimated that in the first few years of its life his Catechism sold a quarter of a million copies.

When he arrived in Maybole he was disturbed to discover that about half of the people who came to him to be married were unable to sign their name, so he started Monday evening writing classes at Whitehall School. Soon he had 100 pupils, and by the end of the session many of them could write a letter fairly well. It gave him great happiness to later receive letters from these people. To help these same people to save he instituted a penny savings bank. Soon it was being used by the whole town and was receiving between 20 and 30 every week. By 1887 the bank held 1,140. Lawson was disappointed that his temperance efforts never brought the results he had hoped for, and he had a couple of other failures  trying to establish a Boys' Brigade and a working men's club.

When Maybole's best known fresh water spring, the Wee Spout in the Glen, fell into decay, he raised 32 to repair it and put over it the motto: "Ye may gang farther and fare waur". James Parlane, the Paisley publisher who had printed some of Lawson's writings in The Dayspring, heard about the minister's lectures and offered to publish his children's talk on wild flowers as a pamphlet in 1883. The same year he persuaded Lawson to expand another of his talks into a small book, and the result was titled Crossraguel Abbey. From then on a book followed every year until the end of the century. In April 1880 he began the West Parish Church Monthly Letter. And it gradually expanded into a kind of local Community News about the church, spiritual welfare, and a wide range of news of Maybole and its people, local and afar, as well as his own travels, and local history. Its circulation rose to 1,600 a month: 1,100 copies to local people and 500 posted all over the world. It was financed entirely by voluntary subscription and continued for 17 years. Lawson also donated 100 books to start a library for the town's Poor House.

He announced his decision to retire at the end of 1897 on the grounds that he could no longer sustain the high standard of his ministry, and he feared that to stay might damage the work he had already done. On November 14 he preached his last sermon, and at a reception in Maybole Town Hall the following day the townsfolk presented him with 250 sovereigns. He accepted the gift with some embarrassment, because he knew it was made up of shillings and coppers they could ill afford but had given willingly. But he would not accept an allowance from the Aged Ministers Fund ,and was determined not to be a financial burden on his successor. Lawson died on Monday, February 26, 1907, and was buried in Maybole. In his will he remembered the causes dearest to his heart: 400 to the poor of Maybole for their annual outing; 200 to the West Church Sabbath School; and 200 for the upkeep of his wayside seats. Today he is commemorated in the town by the street name of Roderick Lawson Terrace and there is a bust of him on the stairway in the Town Hall. Closed doors at church with a lot of history Aug 17 2005

July 2005

The Maybole Men’s Health Forum held its A.G.M. on Wednesday 29 June in Carrick Sports Club. Vice Chairperson Derek Walker welcomed everyone and detailed the club’s activities over the last year which included swimming and fitness classes as well as trying other sporting exercise activities. Derek said he had received a letter from the current chairperson Peter Mason who, due to work commitments, would not be able to continue as chairperson. He proposed a vote of thanks to Peter for all he had done for the club over the last two years. Peter was one of the founder members and he will continue to support the activities of the club when possible.

The new club office bearers are Peter Lynn, Chairperson; Derek Walker, Vice Chairperson; Dave Whiteman, Treasurer; Jim Paterson, Secretary; and Jim McDermott, Events Organiser. The new chairperson said that in September the Men’s Health Forum would be actively seeking new members by running taster sessions in Cairn Primary, Gardenrose Primary, and St Cuthbert’s Primary. The forum will also seek funding to work with Maybole Women’s Health Forum and Maybole Resource Centre for a Health Day in October or November. Maybole Men’s Health Forum meet every Thursday evening at Carrick Academy from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm and Peter Lynn says the members would welcome any males from 16 and over to go along for a FREE health check, and find out how easy simple exercise can improve your health and quality of life.

By popular demand, Maybole Resource Centre is running free courses for members of local voluntary groups. Members of the groups can learn basic skills in using computers to assist their groups with posters, leaflets, access to the Internet, funding requirements etc. The first two courses will run over a four week period starting on Tues July 5 from 7 - 9pm, and Thursday July 7 from 2 – 4pm. They will start with Microsoft Word documents as all systems are based from this and further courses on Publisher and Excel will be arranged in September.  A course on meeting what a funder requires will also be run in September. If your group is thinking of making a bid to lottery or others watch out for further details or put your group’s name down now with the resource centre’s staff. These are FREE to members of local voluntary groups and to book a place call into the Resource Centre 48/50 High Street, Maybole, or telephone them at 01655 884022.

Maybole Training Centre. Local people can claim £200 towards learning something new at Maybole Training Centre, which is situated in the Maybole Resource Centre at 48/50 High Street, Maybole. This is through ILA Scotland which offers a simple way for people to get up to £200.00 a year to learn something new. Maybole Training Centre can offer courses in basic IT skills, European Computer Driving Licence (full or advanced), Equal Skills, and an SVQ in Administration. School leavers can get £55.00 per week plus travel if applicable, on a Get Ready for Work course and there are places available to start now. The Centre also offer courses in IT through government funded New Deal, Get Ready for Work, Training for Work courses designed for returners to the labour market, unemployed school leavers. Grace Barrie would be pleased to meet anyone interested to discuss the options available. If you would like to gain new or increased computing skills drop in and talk to her, or telephone 01655 883765.

YOUNG MAYBOLE PUPILS SAY “NO” TO SECTARIANISM Pupils from Cairn, Gardenrose, and St Cuthbert’s primary schools in Maybole gathered together on the last day of the school term prior to the start of the summer holiday to demonstrate their support for the Scottish Executive’s anti-sectarianism campaign. Part of the campaign involves distributing green and blue wristbands with the message ‘Say No to Sectarianism’ to young people throughout Scotland. Recently pupils from Carrick Academy and Queen Margaret Academies received theirs and last Wednesday it was the turn of younger pupils in the Capital of Carrick. Four pupils from each of the primaries were at Gardenrose to collect their own and their schools’ wristbands. Attending the handover were Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council; CouncillorAlan Murray, convener of the council’s Lifelong Learning Committee; Alex Kelly, chairman of .Carrick Crime Prevention Panel; Rev Dave Whiteman and Fr Stephen McGrattan, representing local clergy; and the head teachers of the three schools. After the wristbands had been presented to the representatives from the primaries, Councillor Hill said, “The wristbands are part of an important campaign by the Scottish Executive to gain support for its anti-sectarianism campaign.” Councillor Hill continued, “Councillor Murray and I want to play our part in promoting the message that bigoted and sectarian behaviour is unacceptable in this day and age, and we want you to play your part. Simply by wearing the wristbands, you are showing support, and saying no to sectarianism.” Speaking to the pupils Councillor Murray explained that for most people there was no problem but there was a small minority who were a concern. He added, “This is a great initiative which should help to combat sectarianism.” Alex Kelly, chair of Carrick Crime Prevention Panel, was delighted that his group had been involved with the initiative. He said that the Panel, local clergy and head teachers had approached Cathy Jamieson and the Executive had funded 1500 wristbands for Carrick, Queen Margaret and the three Maybole primaries. He said he hoped to do the same in Girvan.

Although unable to be present, Cathy Jamieson MSP and Justice Minister had this message, “The Scottish Executive has been working with a wide range of voluntary and church organisations, community groups and public bodies to tackle the problem of sectarianism which has become a scar on Scotland for far too long. Wearing a wristband has become a fashionable way of indicating support for a particular cause or charity and the Executive has given its support to a new wristband which aims to highlight the problem of sectarianism and encourage the supporters of all teams to show their opposition to bigoted behaviour. Changing the attitudes of the minority of people who think that sectarianism is acceptable, and who often use football as an excuse to express their narrow-minded, prejudiced behaviour, will not be easy. This wristband is one way of getting the message across to young people that there is no place for sectarianism in 21st century Scotland.”

The Save the Children Summer Barbecue held at Maybole Castle recently was a great success and raised over £500 for the charity. It was a beautiful evening and the castle and gardens made a spectacular setting according to the organisers.The committee would like to thank everyone who gave their support by buying tickets or helping on the night. Particular thanks go to the Round Table for organising the BBQ itself, Dalduff Farm Shop, John Yuille for lending his gazebos for the night, Maybole Historical Society for showing people round the castle and Gerald Bacon for the entertainmen

Thanks a million! Over a million rupees have been raised in Maybole’s community tsunami appeal. At the last meeting of the local committee the total raised came to £5922.13. Pearl Barton then handed over a cheque for £50 from the Maybole OIR group and a further cheque of £50 from the Maybole OAP group, bringing the total to £6022.13. Peter Walker of Maybole Resource Centre then said they would round up the total to£6025 and David Kiltie, chairman of Maybole Community said that it was a tremendous effort by the town. He added that as far as could be determined earlier in the year over £8,000 had already been by local people and businesses.

The group then discussed what should happen to the money and Peter Walker distributed emails and maps about projects in Sri Lanka. It was agreed that two of these would be suitable and it was pointed out that the funds when converted into local currency came to over one million rupees. The appeal money will be split between two villages Mawella and Maruthamuni to assist local schools and Peter Walker was asked to contact both villages and find out what their greatest need is.

Groups involved in raising the money include Gardenrose primary school, Royal British Legion men’s section, Ecumenical Prayer group, Bill Torbett (Welltrees Inn), Carrick and District Homing Society, St Cuthbert’s women’s group. Maybole Amateur Swimming Club, Royal British Legion women’s section, Maybole charity shop, the Tuesday Club, Maybole Council of Churches, Cairn primary school, The Cabin, St Cuthbert’s primary school, Maybole OIR and Maybole OAP. In addition there was money raised by the schools concert and a raffle organised in the final week. The committee would like to thank everyone involved in any way in raising these funds.

Thanks to Scottish Executive Maybole Access Point has now had it’s funding extended to the end of March 2006. Christine Kennedy and Cathie Barr are delighted with the news and Christine said,”So for the time being please continue to drop into MAP and we will be able to help you with form filling, colour photocopying, free Internet services, advice on support on various issues, freephone to Jobcentre, Benefits Agency and other outside agencies. If there is something we can’t help you with we will certainly be able to direct you to the correct help and support needed.”

Since opening in the High Street in Maybole in July 2002, the project has helped deal with over 12,000 problems/enquiries and the need for MAP has not diminished and is still a busy office. In 2004 one of the people who went in to the MAP office achieved a Learndirect Champion Award for their success and the project won a National Training Award. The staff look forward to welcoming you as normal.

G8 SUMMIT PRESENTS CARRICK ACADEMY STUDENTS A group of seven South Ayrshire school pupils entertained some very important people recently within Glamis Castle – Mrs Blair, Mrs Bush, Mrs Putin, Mrs Martin, Mrs Berluscoin and Mrs Prodi. The pupils, from Carrick Academy, gave a presentation on waste recycling to the wives of the G8 Leaders during a special “away day” from Gleneagles. The team members were Colin McKellar S6, Amy Wallace S5, Kirsty Wilson S4, Sam Fleming S4, Gemma Scobie S3, Caroline Kennedy S3, and Eilidh Douglas, S2.

Earlier this year the students entered an inter-authority competition on the theme of “Our Earth Our Responsibility” in conjunction with Perth and Kinross Education Department. Following their success the team were invited to go to the Concert Hall in Perth to be part of a live audience for a BBC production of “Question Time” for young people. Two programmes were broadcast, one live on 29 June 2005 and one that was pre-recorded on 30 June 2005, with all of the issues being discussed relating directly to the G8 summit. The competition judges were so impressed with the presentation given during the competition that they invited them to repeat their presentation on recycling to the wives of the G8 Summit leaders.

Strict security surrounded the students visit to Glamis Castle, and on the morning of the presentation they travelled from Carrick Academy, accompanied by Val Adams, Principal Teacher Geography and Gordon Brown, Modern Studies Teacher to a special rendezvous point in Perth. Everyone was then transferred to other vehicles, and taken to Glamis Castle to meet the wives. The presentation they gave explained to their exclusive audience how important recycling is to limit damage to the environment, and to preserve it for future generations.

Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Alan Murray, met the pupils at Carrick Academy on the morning of their presentation, and after wishing them good luck he said: “I am very pleased with the performance of the Carrick Academy students. “To have done so well in the competition was excellent, but to have been selected to address such a high profile group of women was indeed an honour, and I am sure that it is an experience that none of them will ever forget.

“Recycling is important to everyone, and it is good to know that young people in South Ayrshire have such a great grasp of why everyone must join together and take a little time to recycle, which will make such a big difference to the environment.” The Council has introduced a new household waste recycling scheme across South Ayrshire so that householders can reduce, reuse and recycle their waste. Information has been provided to all householders on the best ways to recycle using the containers provided to them, and young people have also been learning about the importance of recycling at school.

The students talked eloquently about recycling in South Ayrshire, during their interesting talk they clearly demonstrated the benefits of recycling, and here are some of the things they talked about: ‘Trees take in carbon dioxide, from cars, industry and rotting rubbish. They are the lungs of the world yet an area of forest the size equal to 20 football fields is lost every minute. That’s 54,000 sq miles – more than the whole of England! We need to stop this.’ ‘Recycling used products takes less energy than making new ones. Recycling reduces the need for space to land fill. Recycling also reduces the amount of harmful gases such as methane, released into the atmosphere, which harm the ozone layer.’

‘From birth until being toilet trained a child will fill an average of 4,500 nappies. Millions of nappies each year go to landfill. However it can take from 200-500 years to decompose because our climate cannot facilitate the degradation, as temperatures are too low. I am sure you have experienced our changeable weather! Even if temperatures were higher burying our waste is not the answer. Isn’t this burying our head in the sand? Each disposable nappy needs one cup of crude oil to produce the plastics that stops those leaks! “It may seem like we have a mountain to climb with recycling but we all know that if we all do a little we can change a lot.’ ‘In some parts of the world many have no option but to live their life by recycling to survive. Some even have to make shoes out of old tyres or watering cans from discarded oil drums, even eco-toilets using human waste as fertiliser!’

On Wednesday of last week, a troop of fifteen Belgian Scouts arrived in Maybole after a long day’s walking from Dalmellington via Girvan. They were looking for a place to sleep in Maybole that night, and took refuge in Our Lady and St Cuthbert’s parish hall. In gratitude for the hospitality, they chose to stay there for most of the next day and give of their time to help with some maintenance around the church.

Fr Stephen McGrattan was delighted with all the work done and told us, “Work has begun on painting the church exterior and interior. Yet, the interior couldn’t be painted before the dreaded task of washing the walls down had taken place. The Scouts were only too happy to oblige and managed the task in one morning!” Refuelled with some lunch the boys continued in the garden clearing the weeds from the rockeries at the front of the parish house. Fr Stephen then drove them to their next destination, Waterside, where they spent Friday evening before returning to their base camp in Dalmellington.

MAYBOLE OPEN GOLF COMPETITION
SUNDAY 3rd JULY 2005

PRIZE WINNERS
VALSPAR TROPHY, Best Scratch 	Scott McCahill (Maybole) 68
KIDD CUP, Best Net		Ricky Scott (Maybole) 63
BEST NET 1st  CLASS	Scr-9	1st Bobby Green (Maybole) 66
			2nd Jack Boyd (Brunston) 67 (BIH
			3rd Weir McCulloch (Speakers) 67
BESTNET 2nd CLASS 10-18	1st Ricky Scott (Maybole) 63
			2nd Michael Thomson (Maybole) 66 (BIH)
			3rd Bert Jardine (Speakers) 66      
1st HOLE, SPONSORED BY Maybole Golf Club
LONGEST DRIVE ON 1st FAIRWAY 	Martin Hoggett (Brunston)
2nd HOLE. SPONSORED BY Ian Urquhart - Keystore Station Store
NEAREST PIN IN 2 SHOTS
a) 1st Class 	J. Sloan (Doon Valley)
b) 2nd Class	Michael Thomson (Maybole)
3rd HOLE, SPONSORED BY John Jamieson-Jamieson Plant Hire&Equipment
NEAREST PIN IN 1 SHOT
a)	1st Class	-
b)	2nd Class	-
4th HOLE, SPONSORED BY S.A.S
NEAREST PIN IN 2 SHOTS
a)	1st Class	Gary McCulloch (Maybole)
b)	2nd Class	J Brown Seafield)
5th HOLE, SPONSORED BY John Cuthbert Groundworks
NEAREST PIN IN 2 SHOTS
a)	1st Class	Colin Harvey (Maybole)
b)	2nd Class	M McNeillie (Seafield)
6th HOLE, SPONSORED BY Paul Ferguson (Timber Kit Erectors)
NEAREST PIN IN 1 SHOT
a ) 	1sl Class 	Scott McCahill (Maybole)
b) 	2nd Class	David Wallace (Maybole)
7th HOLE, SPONSORED BY Colin Hume
NEAREST PIN IN 2 SHOTS
a)	1st Class	Jack Boyd (Brunston)
b)	2nd Class	David McBride (Speakers)
8th HOLE, SPONSORED BY Sovern Homes
NEAREST PIN IN 2 SHOTS
a)	1st Class	Bobby Green (Maybole)
b)	2nd Class	 E Ferguson   Seafield)
9th HOLE, SPONSORED BY Eric Flanagan; Campbell Milligan, Alloway Road Motor Services
NEAREST PIN IN 1 SHOT
a)	1st Class	 Harry McEwan (Brunston)
b)	2nd Class 	Allan Campbell (Maybole)
LOWEST TOTAL, PAR 3s.
a ) 	1st Class 	Bobby Green (Maybole)
b) 	2nd Class 	Ricky Scott (Maybole)
BEST SCRATCH SCORE. 9 HOLES
a)	1st Class 	Scott McCahill (Maybole)
b)	2nd Class 	Michael Thomson (Maybole)

BEST NET SCORE, 9 HOLES
a)	1st 	Class Bobby Green (Maybole)
b)	2nd Class 	Michael Thomson (Maybole)

The committee would like to thank the following for their sponsorship or donations:
Ian Urquhart - Keystore Station Store
John Jamieson - Jamieson Plant Hire & Equipment
S.A.S.
John Cuthbert (Groundworks)
Paul Ferguson (Timber Kit Erectors)
Colin Hume
Soveren Homes
Eric Flanagan & Campbell Milligan - Alloway Road Motor Services
Brian Connolly - J D Cameron
Bryce McCulloch - Rosebank Fruiterers
Chick Graham - Graham Services
Colin Broun - Minishant Stores
Tony Crichton - Johnstone Bakery
Jim Thomson — J D Thomson & Son
Plus all club members and friends who donated prizes towards the raffle.
Special mention to the green staff who had the Golf Course in excellent condition,
South Ayrshire Council for the use of the Course on the day,
AH the Kitchen Staff who provided the teas during the day,
All committee and club members who participated in making the event a success.

The Banks Group has identified an area between Maybole and Dunure as a potential site for a wind farm and last week held local exhibitions to let residents see their plans and get feedback..

The area is located on Knoweside farm approximately 4km north west of Maybole and 3.5km south east of Dunure. The company is at the very early stages in the development process; having now prepared and submitted a scoping report to South Ayrshire Council. The scoping report identifies the issues that the Banks group need to address as part of any future planning application. It will be sent to statutory consultees and local community organisations as part of the consultation process.

The company was founded in 1976 in County Durham, with offices in Hamilton, Tow Law, Chorley and Chesterfield. Their in house development teams specialise in major projects in the renewable energy, property, mineral extraction and waste management sectors. They say their Development With Care approach ensures they develop sites in close consultation with the community, as well as carrying out extensive environmental assessments. Representatives from the group recently attended meetings of Maybole and Dunure Community Councils to present their proposals.

They are working in conjunction with Cassillis and Culzean Estates, who own the land, to provide a renewable source of energy and benefits to the local community. They are assessing a number of layout options for the site with a variety of different sized turbines and differing numbers of turbines on site. They expect the electricity capacity of the site to be 20 MW. The turbines would be a maximum of 90 metres to the tip of the blade, which are considerably smaller than those currently being installed at Hadyard Hill. The scheme will also include funding for community projects.

The company says the proposed wind farm would contribute to South Ayrshire's green electricity targets and those set by the Scottish Executive. It would provide enough electricity for around 12,000 homes with no production of greenhouse gases. The proposals will maximise the opportunities for community benefits by identifying tangible projects which will provide long term benefits to the communities closest to the development. They will also be exploring opportunities for improving footpaths and cycle ways on the site. A spokesman said, “We will be working with Cassillis and Culzean Estates to deliver a wind farm alongside the community, in line with our Development With Care approach and the Estates commitment to the local community. We will also be identifying potential educational opportunities for local schools in both renewable energy and climate change as well as energy efficiency.”

He added, “Wind is a renewable energy source which provides green electricity with no production of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions. It is freely available and supplies will not run out. Wind energy is the most proven form of renewable energy in the UK, and therefore provides the most immediate way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the electricity generation sector.” Following a review of renewable energy policy in Scotland, the Scottish Executive has set ambitious targets. In March 2003 the Executive raised the Scottish target from 18% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2010, to 40% by 2020. The need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is widely accepted due to the increasing changes in our climate and the impact it is already having on wildlife species, eco-systems, the weather and sea levels.

As part of the planning application the Banks Group will prepare a number of assessments which examine the possible environmental issues associated with our proposals.

These include background noise measurements as well as predicted noise levels of the turbines.; nearby houses as well as the landscape where the turbines would be set; and an ecological survey of the area will be carried out to identify any wildlife habitats on site. As well as this an ornithological survey will be undertaken to see how birds currently use the site.

The company would like to know what local people think of the proposals as well as any potential ideas for community projects that could benefit from the scheme.

They say they will analyse the feedback from the local community and responses received from statutory consultees on the scoping report. They will then prepare a detailed design and planning application taking into account these comments. It is likely that a planning application will be submitted to South Ayrshire Council by the end of 2005.

For further information or to make comments contact Project Manager Rob Williams or Community Liaison Manager Bob Swainson at The Banks Group 2nd Floor, Block C, Brandon Gate, Leechlee Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, MLS 6AU Tel: 01740 658500 E-mail: knoweside@hjbanks.com.

Maybole Historical’ Society’s programme for season 2005- 06 is as follows:

Monday 5th September – Dr. Brian Moffat : Discoveries at Soutra

Monday 3rd October – Donald Reid and Ian Shaw : Robert W. Service – Poet of the People

Monday 7th November – Margaret Morrell : The History of Turnberry Airfield

Monday 5th December – Members Christmas Night with Cheese, Wine & Mince Pies

Monday 6th February – Burns Supper

Monday 6th March – John Steele : Secrets of Horse Island

Monday 3rd April – still to be confirmed

Monday 8th May 2006 – AGM & Archie Scobie : Maybole Emigrants

Maybole Castle was scheduled to be open on 18th September, among various other open days, but it will now be closed on that date to allow the Society to take part participate in the major event planned for Culzean to celebrate the 60th anniversary of end of the Second World War.

Dave Killicoat says, “It is hoped that this will provide the finale to a series of events in and around Maybole starting with a Drumhead Service on Sunday 21st August. Other proposals include exhibitions of WWII material, publication of a book of local memories, a concert and a competition for the best recipe using only what was available at the height of rationing.” He added, “These events involve a large number of groups and individuals throughout the community and will be designed to be of special interest to schoolchildren.”