March 2010
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March 2010


Maybole Community Council will not need to hold an election his year as only 14 local residents had put their names forward for the 15 seats available by the closing date for nominations. Elected to serve from 1 April 2010 until 31 March 2013 are: Roy Birnie, 12 Kildoon Drive; Margaret Boyd, 2E Whitefaulds Crescent; Gillian Durrant, 38 The Loaning; Mark Fletcher, 4 McAdam Way; William Grant 19 Coral Glen; Gavin Hamilton, 55 Ashgrove Avenue; Alexander Kelly, 31 Crossraguel View; David Kiltie, 4 Gallowhill Avenue; Peter Lynn, 'Alva', Kirkoswald Road; Marianne McCreadie, 6 Ladyland Roa; Peter Mason 21 Dunlop Terrace; Jim Paterson, 12 Hutchison Street; Anne Walker, 55 McAdam Way; and Helen Whitefield, 14 Whitefaulds Crescent. more


Local organisations met in Maybole Town Hall on Monday March 22 to hear the results of the local consultation on the Pathfinder project. Creation Ltd were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study into the potential for transferring sport, leisure and social facilities from South Ayrshire Council to being managed by the community. more


Left to right: Gus Collins and Roddy MacDonald, South Ayrshire Council, Alan Murray, May-Tag Ltd, Alex Kelly, Maybole Community Council, Councillor Brian Connolly, Sarah Baird, Leader, Ian Hughes, Creation Ltd more about pathfinder

Theresa Malone celebrated her 70th birthday at the weekend. Some of her many great nieces and great nephews helped her to cut the cake.


The response to a proposal to build a 6 bed residential home for children in the Queen’s Terrace area of Maybole was a definite “no” at a public meeting in Maybole Town Hall last Wednesday, March 3. Hugh Carswell, Head of Children’s Services for South Ayrshire Council, told those who attended that this proposal was still at the stage of engaging with the community and the results of the consultation would be taken back to the council. more


Margaret Davidson 5th from left (second from right) with visitors from Maybole’s French twin town Crosne

At last week’s AGM of Maybole Town Twinning Association former chairman Margaret Davidson once again took over the top spot. Other officebearers are David Kiltie, Vice Chairman; Maureen Craig, Secretary; and Ian Hewitt, Treasurer. Committee members are Craig McNair, Eleanor Turner, Roy Birnie and Alex Davidson. Membership will be free this year and all former members will be contacted to invite them to get involved again. more


Lodge St John Maybole No. 11 held its annual Burns Supper last Saturday evening, March 13 to mark the 251st anniversary of the poet. Jim Cartner, of Tarbolton (Kilwinning) St James No.135, the Lodge of Robert Burns, piped in the top table who were introduced to the company by Tony Barton who was MC for the evening. Chairman was William Cuthbert RWM who welcomed everyone and then gave the Address to the Haggis. Alistair Hastings said the Selkirk Grace before an excellent meal. Photo by Tony Kerrigan.  more


At the recent Association of Burns Clubs schools competition held on the 6th march at Alloway, brother and sister Scott and Caitlin Barrie of Maybole were very successful. Scott was first in bagpiping for year S 1/2, and Caitlin was second in singing for year P 6/7.. They both now go on to represent Ayrshire in the Robert Burns World Federation national schools’ final at Coatbridge later in the year. Scott is 13 and in his second year at Carrick Academy, and Caitlin is 10 and is in P 6 at Gardenrose Primary.


The branch AGM is to be held on Tuesday 30th March in Maybole Town Hall and they would like to welcome any supporters to go along and join them so they can say a big "thank you' for their continued support during the last year. They are always happy to meet new volunteers who might join the committee in arranging a variety of fundraising events locally. Photo at right: a crowd on the dance floor enjoying the sounds of Rumor Has It. Photo at left: a group of guests enjoying their meal, Becky Fleming, chair of committee, in centre.


Last Tuesday, March 2, Dr John Cairney, actor, writer, lecturer and painter, visited the parish of Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s in Maybole and spoke eloquently on “Having a Faith in Art”. He was welcomed by Fr Stephen McGrattan and his overview of art in the life of the Church was peppered with witty anecdotes from his young life growing up, his career, and moments when his Catholic faith was stirred. After the talk, he spent some time with the audience and talked about the Last Supper triptych he painted a few years ago and answered questions. Fr McGrattan said later, “Through donations collected on the evening of the talk and a generous benefaction of a parishioner, the parish is now proud to own the paintings. No parish funds were spent on the acquisition. Thank you to Dr Cairney for his visit and for sharing his faith and knowledge.”


Fr Stephen McGrattan, parish priest of Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s Church in Maybole will be leaving for pastures new after the Easter Sunday service on April 4 2010. Parishioners learned last week of the recent clergy changes Bishop John Cunningham has made following the death of Canon John Walls, parish priest of St Teresa's, Dumfries and St Conal's, Kirkconnel, on Sunday February 28. Fr Stephen McGrattan, who has charge currently of Maybole and Mossblown parishes will be moving to be priest at Cumnock, Auchinleck and Muirkirk. more


Some parishioners of Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s Church in Maybole met their new priest for the first time on Sunday afternoon. Fr Philip Kitchen will take up his new post after Easter and met with members of the Parish Pastoral Council and the Finance Committee to get a short briefing on current matters. Fr Stephen McGrattan, who will celebrate Mass for his last time in Maybole on Easter Sunday, introduced Fr Kitchen and then members of the PPC outlined their roles in the parish. The current state of finances and the fundraising required for essential repairs were discussed as well as ecumenical activity in Maybole with other churches. Afterwards, Fr Kitchen said he was looking forward immensely to coming to the parish which was highly organised and committed.


Maybole’s Emma Eaglesham recently became the new Under 16 Champion Freestyle Solo winner at a Diva/Divo weekend competition in Bridlington. Emma, 15, beat 40 other dancers to win the title Diva under 16 Solo Champion and has now become a Premier champ dancer. She Just passed her annual dancing exams in Jazz, Freestyle and Slow dance; and attends the Dawn Turnbull School of Dance. Dawn has recently opened her own dance studio in Wellington Square in Ayr.


Carrick RFC Under 16s completed another successful season by winning the West South League with a 45-14 win over Newton Stewart. Sunday also saw another win for the team in a friendly match against Paisley/Whitecraigs 22-12, a team currently sitting second in the West North League. Next season sees a move into the Under 18s League (players born 1993 onwards) - if any new players are interested in playing next season - please contact Willie Wyllie on 01655 883013


Under 16s Ayrshire cup final report.... The build up to the night of the final was a very professional experience, as the coaches of the team organised for us to have food etc together before the game so we were all kept together as a team. It was very nerve racking and there seemed to be a lot of tension between us as we got closer to the time of leaving on the team bus. We left Carrick on the team bus at half 5 along with our 40 odd supporters, arrived at Dam Park in Ayr at around 10 minutes to 6. Walking into the changing rooms began to make the experience finally seem real. more


Maybole Juniors would like to thank their main sponsor JD Cameron for their continuing support. Fans arriving at Ladywell Stadium are now welcomed by this banner Pic shows Stuart Peacock left as well as committee members David Kirkwood and Robert Balfour.

Pontoon Golf Club Winners List


On Sunday last three members of Maybole Men's Health Forum completed the 5K event at Blairquahan to raise money for Chest Heart and Stroke. As well as doing themselves some good they managed to raise some money for CHSS as well. Tom Cuthill came 3rd overall for the 5K event itself which was a fantastic result. Brian Robertson finished 23rd and Derek Robb 28th. (Left to right in photo) Anyone interested in taking some exercise why not go along to Carrick Academy any Thursday at 7.30 or meet members for a pint in the Maybole Arms afterwards!


Carroty Characters at Cairn! Last year Cairn Primary’s Eco Warriors planted carrots in their allotment, and got a bumper harvest.

We were told, “Our fabulous cook, Tracy, made a delicious carrot cake with the last of them this week, and everyone got a share! It was delicious! We hope to grow even more fruit and vegetables this coming year- We just can’t wait!” The picture of the children beside the Eco Board is the one of the Eco Warriors- the others are some of the classes when we took the cake round to show it!


World Book Day 4th March 2010 Photos show P 1, 2 and 3; P 4, 5, 6 and 7 As part of World Book Day 2010, the pupils of St Cuthbert’s Primary school took part in lots of fun activities which began with them watching a live broadcast by the famous child’s poet, Michael Rosen. The children then went on to take part in other National Book Day activities such as The World Book Day Children’s Literature Quiz, Draw your favourite book character competition, and a sponsored Read-a-thon. more


Back Row L to R Ann Clark, Agnes Fisher, Senga McBride, Jenny Dalziel, Margaret Corbett, Nessie Tweedie, Wilma Hunter, Christine Jackson, Mary McLeish, Eileen Kiltie, Margaret Taylor. Second Back Row L to R Leonard Boughen, Robert McDowall??, Billy Cowan, Robert Dickson, Robert Dalziel, Willie Hicks, ??, ??, Dennis?. Second Front Row L to R Jeannie McEwan, Wilma McLanaghan, Eileen Cairns, Catherine McDill, Elizabeth Blair, Margaret Jones, Jean McClure, Jean Sands, Sally Hearton, Marion Wilson, Hazel Bratten,. Front Row L to R Sam Milby, James Slaven, Donald Harvey, Jim Waggitt, Ronnie Tweedie, John McDowall, Willie Murray, John Whiteford, Jim Wilson.

Cairn Primary School Primary 2A – 1957

Photo sent by Margaret Hutchison (Née Corbett) who is in the back row 5th from left


 

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Maybole Community Council will not need to hold an election his year as only 14 local residents had put their names forward for the 15 seats available by the closing date for nominations. Elected to serve from 1 April 2010 until 31 March 2013 are: Roy Birnie, 12 Kildoon Drive; Margaret Boyd, 2E Whitefaulds Crescent; Gillian Durrant, 38 The Loaning; Mark Fletcher, 4 McAdam Way; William Grant 19 Coral Glen; Gavin Hamilton, 55 Ashgrove Avenue; Alexander Kelly, 31 Crossraguel View; David Kiltie, 4 Gallowhill Avenue; Peter Lynn, 'Alva', Kirkoswald Road; Marianne McCreadie, 6 Ladyland Roa; Peter Mason 21 Dunlop Terrace; Jim Paterson, 12 Hutchison Street; Anne Walker, 55 McAdam Way; and Helen Whitefield, 14 Whitefaulds Crescent. The first meeting of the new Maybole Community Council will be held on Tuesday, April 6 at 7.30pm in Maybole Town Hal when new office bearers will be elected. The Annual General Meeting will take place in May. As there was a vacant seat on the community council, the Returning Officer for the Community Council elections was willing to accept nomination forms on a ‘first come first served’ basis to help in filling the vacancy. This resulted in Senga Fergusson being elected to the community council.


Lodge St John Maybole No. 11 held its annual Burns Supper last Saturday evening, March 13 to mark the 251st anniversary of the poet. Jim Cartner, of Tarbolton (Kilwinning) St James No.135, the Lodge of Robert Burns, piped in the top table who were introduced to the company by Tony Barton who was MC for the evening. Chairman was William Cuthbert RWM who welcomed everyone and then gave the Address to the Haggis. Alistair Hastings said the Selkirk Grace before an excellent meal.

The Immortal Memory was proposed by Alistair Scobie, the Toast to the Lassies was proposed by David Fullerton and David Kiltie toasted Auld Maybole. Alistair Hastings recited “Tam o’Shanter”, Dr Brian Scobie recited “Willie Wastle” and “Holy Willie’s Prayer”, and Robin (Gus) Geddes recited “Willie brewed a peck o’ maut”. Other entertainment was provided by Tony Barton, John Porter, Davie Anderson, Jim Cartner, Paul Gray and David (Maxi) McIntyre. Chairman William Cuthbert proposed the Toast to the Artists before the company sang “The Star o’ Rabbie Burns” and “Auld Lang Syne”.


At last week’s AGM of Maybole Town Twinning Association former chairman Margaret Davidson once again took over the top spot. Other officebearers are David Kiltie, Vice Chairman; Maureen Craig, Secretary; and Ian Hewitt, Treasurer. Committee members are Craig McNair, Eleanor Turner, Roy Birnie and Alex Davidson. Membership will be free this year and all former members will be contacted to invite them to get involved again.

William Grant, retiring Vice Chairman, who chaired the first part of the meeting paid tribute to Hugh Anderson who was not standing again for chairman. He continued, “I would like to take this opportunity of thanking not only Hugh, but also the office bearers and committee over the past few years for the positives they carried out for Maybole Town Twinning.

“We should be proud that in that period we organised a very successful cycle tour at Auchencruive where we welcomed a very large contingency from our European twin towns. “Two years ago we organised the joint meeting (first time for Maybole). These events not only required great effort to make them the successes they were, but through these the committee remained committed to trying to keep the town twinning in the news.

“To create interest we also held a cheese and wine at the castle and a walking quiz of Maybole, sadly these also did not seem to meet the interest of old and new members alike. “Many other events were suggested to keep members involved and to try and introduce new members to twinning, but sadly there was a total lack of interest from all concerned. “I hope that the new committee will have more success.


World Book Day 4th March 2010 Photos show P 1, 2 and 3; P 4, 5, 6 and 7 As part of World Book Day 2010, the pupils of St Cuthbert’s Primary school took part in lots of fun activities which began with them watching a live broadcast by the famous child’s poet, Michael Rosen. The children then went on to take part in other National Book Day activities such as The World Book Day Children’s Literature Quiz, Draw your favourite book character competition, and a sponsored Read-a-thon. Here’s what some of the children had say about it: It was fantastic! Toni P4 I enjoyed the whole day but the best bit was the book quiz because I got to work as part of team. Josh P4 I really enjoyed the quiz, it was fun. Jack P5


Maybole and District Young Arts are having their first full season his year. The group operates under the NADFAS scheme and is supported by Ayr Decorative and Fine Arts Society. Children aged 6 to 12 are welcome, regardless of artistic ability, as the workshops are mainly about having a great time, encouraging creativity and imagination. Workshops and outings are planned over Easter and Summer holidays, including making a beach sculpture, and an outing to Ayr Racecourse. Membership costs £10 per family, per year, and workshops are £2 per child. The group are looking for parents who would be interested in leading workshops. Contact Robert on 01655 882090 or Carrie on 01655 882170.


The response to a proposal to build a 6 bed residential home for children in the Queen’s Terrace area of Maybole was a definite “no” at a public meeting in Maybole Town Hall last Wednesday, March 3. Hugh Carswell, Head of Children’s Services for South Ayrshire Council, told those who attended that this proposal was still at the stage of engaging with the community and the results of the consultation would be taken back to the council.

He went on to explain that the council wanted to improve outcomes for young people; that too many of them were placed outwith South Ayrshire; that costs of external placements are higher than local placements; and existing units are dated. He added that the age range would be 12 to 16 years of age and outlined why they were placed in residential care; most for their own safety and wellbeing and some as a result of their behaviour.

The plan is to replace the current facilities in Coylton and Ayr with three new six bed residential units and so far the council has identified two possible locations; Queen’s Terrace in Maybole and Dunlop Terrace in Ayr. Mr Carswell said the Queen’s Terrace is part of the community with the infrastructure to support access to the rest of South Ayrshire, ensuring and family links can be maintained. The site is also owned by the council, there is good site access and the size of the site is good.

He said that if the unit was built there would be 18 staff employed and there would be staff 24 hours a day; 60% of the existing residential child care staff live in South Ayrshire and the project would generate local employment. As far as the consultation process had gone so far, a meeting had been held with Maybole Community Council, there had been liaison with the police, there had been notification of the process given, plans and a comments box had been put in the library, feedback forms were attached to leaflets distributed, and plans can be accessed as well as opinions expressed via the council’s web site.

The consultation is due to end on March 31 which caused a bit of a row with many people annoyed that so little time was being given. Mr Carswell said he would take this back for consideration. He continued saying that after the feedback from the consultation had been gathered he would advise councillors of the findings, then the community would be told about the decisions reached.

Sgt John Hamilton attended the meeting and he was asked how many calls were made to the unit in Coylton and he replied that there had been139 callouts. There were many negative comments on the proposals but there was one member of the audience who said he had first hand knowledge as he had lived near the unit in Coylton and his experience led to him leaving there and coming to Maybole. There was also criticism on how leaflets had been distributed, how people were informed about the meeting, the length of time available for consultation and the claim that, in fact, people had not been consulted properly.

Mr Carswell said he was happy to speak to more meetings and stressed that no planning permission had been sought, no work had been done on the site, and nothing would happen till after the consultation results had been given to councillors. There was a lot of scepticism that this was not already a done deal as past consultations were not real consultation but simply ticking of boxes to claim that the community had been consulted. Councillor Ann Galbraith said she had concerns about the project and at the moment she would not vote in favour of it. Councillor Brian Connolly said he, too, had concerns and said he knew how he would vote. He went on to say that their ward would have two units in it was not corporately fair and there was a need to look at sites everywhere, for example Ayr and Troon.

Those present also queried the logistics of building at Queen’s Terrace and access to the site via adjoining streets as well as the condition of the ground which was liable to flooding. Mr Carswell was asked if he had considered demolishing the unit in Coylton and rebuilding it. This seemed to mean the children in care would have no where to go so the new unit had to be built first. However, one person suggested that the residents could be cared for elsewhere in the short term so it was really quite simple. Eventually, a vote was called for with only a couple of people who were not for or against the proposal. There were a few who did not vote but the vast majority were totally against the proposal.


Local organisations met in Maybole Town Hall on Monday March 22 to hear the results of the local consultation on the Pathfinder project. Creation Ltd were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study into the potential for transferring sport, leisure and social facilities from South Ayrshire Council to being managed by the community.

The project is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Ayrshire Leader 2007-2013 programme. Funding was provided by the Council and Ian Hughes, Managing Director of Creation Ltd attended the meeting to present his interim report. David Kiltie, chairman of May-Tag Ltd who are the lead body, introduced him and recounted the various stages to reach this point.

Assets discussed included Maybole Town Hall; Maybole Swimming Pool; all football and rugby pitches at Carrick Academy (including the all-weather pitches; Maybole 9 hole golf course and clubhouse; Maybole Memorial Park bowling green and clubhouse; football pitches and changing facility at Glebe Park; Ladywell Stadium; and the local skate board park.

Thirty face to face meetings with key community stakeholders and representatives from South Ayrshire Council were carried out and those consulted were asked to provide information about usage, financial performance, and the condition of the assets. Creation also asked for opinions on the concept of asset transfer; any reservations they may have; should a further stage 2 process proceed; what further consultation was required; and their opinion about any future organisational structure.

Mr Hughes said that 95% thought community asset ownership and management would be a positive move. In relation to reservations, the strongest reservation (90%) related to financial viability. There was strong opinion that any community company which may evolve from this process would require significant assistance in its early years in terms of financial support and organisational capacity and capability training. In relation to the need for a Stage 2 study, there was 95% consensus that this should proceed, with a clear emphasis on answering many of the issues which have been raised to date.

In terms of further consultation, there was a strong feeling amongst some 75% of those interviewed that a ‘full town’ consultation should be designed and rolled out as part of any Stage 2 process. He added that 90% of those who expressed an opinion would wish to see a democratically elected and representative community company which had community representation as a majority, as opposed to Council/external majority ownership.

The majority of those who expressed an opinion stated that any future organisation would need to have a strong business focus in order to add value to the assets; access investment; develop a co-ordinated marketing strategy to increase usage; and decrease the existing income and expenditure revenue gap. There was a strong feeling amongst those interviewed, who expressed an opinion, that moving all assets from the Council immediately into a new governing Trust would be the wrong approach.

Instead, there was strong opinion that any new asset company should concentrate on development; guidance; accessing investment; and strategic direction. If assets had to be transferred at all, they should move to the individual community groups themselves so long as there was clear viability proven and the individual community groups wished this.There was a realisation, however, that where the new Trust was the only viable option in terms of title ownership or leasing of assets, this would be acceptable and appropriate.

Individual community groups wanted to keep their independence although none of those interviewed were against being represented on a new sports body, so long as their existing roles were not diluted. There was strong opinion that any new governing body should add value to their existing operations through support and guidance, as well as co-ordinating marketing and accessing inward capital and revenue finance.

A common statement made was that stakeholders need to be realistic in terms of time scales and expectations. It was stated often that this should be seen as a long term process, phased over five year intervals, with key targets and milestones identified.Organisations were given details of the condition as well as income and expenditure for the assets being looked at and will now go back to their members to discuss these before the next meeting which will be held on Monday April 26 in the Town Hall.


Under 16s Ayrshire cup final report.... The build up to the night of the final was a very professional experience, as the coaches of the team organised for us to have food etc together before the game so we were all kept together as a team. It was very nerve racking and there seemed to be a lot of tension between us as we got closer to the time of leaving on the team bus. We left Carrick on the team bus at half 5 along with our 40 odd supporters, arrived at Dam Park in Ayr at around 10 minutes to 6. Walking into the changing rooms began to make the experience finally seem real.

After a quick change it was time for the warm up. Even though it was not even the start of the game yet the small crowd were shouting and screaming and sounding like 400 people never mind only 40. The warm up was finished and it was time to go inside complete our final preparations for the game ahead. Mr Brown gave the speech and it was now time for me to lead the team out, as soon I stepped on the pitch the nerves disappeared and I was full of determination and pride. Team pictures were taken before the game. This made not just me but the full team feel like what we have always aspired to be. Superstars. As soon as the game kicked off it was a fiery encounter with tackles fly in dangerously from every player on the park, as this fixture was earlier in the year.

Within 5 minutes of the game Prestwick led. Defensive mix ups cost us dearly throughout the season. We were able to claw it back to 1 each, but then bang we scored again just before half time. The second half was pretty much the same as the first except from the weather. It began to really heavily snow and made it difficult for both teams to play. But Prestwick were able to capitalise and score another two goals through their star player Matt Kennedy, the under 16 Scotland star was on fire. He made a darting run into our box late on and I made a silly tackle and gave away a penalty kick. The kick was converted and they were now 2 goals up.

We gave everything we had as a team and as individuals and got a goal back late on but it was not enough, the tie was won by our opponents. It was heart breaking, the team was gutted with many of our important players in tears, me included. As the captain of the team I felt that I had to try and pull everyone through but I couldn’t pull myself through never mind my team mates and best friends. For many of the team this may have been the first and last time they reach a final of a competition so it would be very hard for them to take. I would like to thank on behalf of the team Mr Brown, Mr Wilson and Mr Dunsmuir for getting us to this stage as it looked very unlikely at some points.
Written by Aiden McCartney, the captain of the team.


Pontoon Golf Club Winners List 2009

March medal

 

1st

RICKY SCOTT

 

Bogey comp

TIED

1st

W.WESTCOTT

 

April medal

 

1st

R.SCOTT

 

Spring outing

 

1st

K.McSORLEY

 

May medal

 

1st

M.THOMSON

 

Stableford comp

 

1st

D.STRANG

 

V.CAPTAINS

 

1st

K.McSORLEY

 

Hannah trophy

 

1st

P.CONWAY

 

Summer outing

 

1st

M THOMSON

 

June medal

 

1st

R. SCOTT

 

C. Milligan trophy

 

1st

P.CONWAY

 

July medal

 

1st

P.CONWAY

 

S. Davidson trophy

 

1st

K.McSORLEY

 

Five club trophy

 

1st

A.CAMPBELL

 

August medal

 

1st

CMILLIGAN

 

Founder’s trophy

 

1st

P.CONWAY

 

Millennium trophy

 

1st

P.CONWAY

 

Winter outing

 

1st

R.SCOTT

 

Seniors’ trophy

 

1st

R.SCOTT 

 

Medal winners

 

1st

R.SCOTT

 

CALLUM’S TROPTHY

 

1st

D.STRANG

 

Club championship

 

1st

R Eccles

 


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