BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

The Community Council would like to thank all of you who took the time to complete our recent Survey 2000. A total of ninety-nine surveys were returned and we are told by South Lanarkshire Council that this is an excellent response and is much better than would have been expected. Many people spent a lot of time adding extensive comments and we are grateful for these. As I think we all could have predicted, the main concern is the poor quality of our road system and we will continue to press for significant and adequate investment with the appropriate authorities. The second concern relates to the lack of suitable public transport. To this end, Mr Rosindale and I attended a meeting in Hamilton on the first of July about South Lanarkshire Council's "Transportation Strategy 2000". We were very keen to ensure that the lack of provision in our area was heard loud and clear and we feel we were successful in this. A more detailed analysis will be included inside the next edition of the Bugle.

Black Mount Community Council has joined with other rural Community Councils in our part of South Lanarkshire to form The Upper Clydesdale Community Alliance. This group hopes to raise issues that concern all rural areas in a collective way. Mr Barry Rosindale of Elsrickle was elected Chairperson of this group at its July meeting in Leadhills. It is intended that the meeting of this group will rotate around the area of membership. We were pleased that on Wednesday, 16th August, Black Mount hosted the latest meeting of the Alliance in Elsrickle Hall. We were fortunate that Mr Jim Cannon, and Mr Mike Lyke of Roads and Transportation Services for South Lanarkshire Council, were able to attend to inform us of the issues relating to roads and transport in rural South Lanarkshire.
As I am sure you are aware the Community Council is made up of 4 elected members, 2 co-opted members and 2 representatives of local organisations. While the two former members serve a three year term, the members from local organisations must be elected each year before the A.G.M. To this purpose I invite nominations from groups within the Black Mount area. I request that these nominations are sent to me in writing by Friday, 22nd September to 2 Oxengate Cottages, Elsrickle. If anyone requires more details or information please contact me.

Joan Highton

UPPER CLYDESDALE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

The reformed Community Council took an early decision to associate themselves with similar adjacent rural Community Councils. The Community Council believed that a combined voice was more likely to be noticed by government agencies. With the help and support of Councillor McAlpine the Community Council became a founder member of the Upper Clydesdale Community Alliance.
The Alliance has decided to begin by focusing on the three issues of Roads, Public Transport and Healthcare. Alliance members will initially, using local expertise where possible, research the relevant topics; including inviting expert speakers to come and address their meetings. Thereafter specific campaigns will be initiated. If you believe that you have any useful expertise in any of the three fields and wish to assist then please let the Community Council know.

Barry Rosindale

PLANNING

The Community Council has been consulted by SLC on a number of planning applications in the area, the most recent being that by Muir Homes for 14 houses, including 4 low cost houses, at Carmaben Brae. The Planning Sub-Committee has submitted a consultation response objecting to the plans on a number of points, based on similar reasons to the SLC planners refusal of the last planning application:-
i) the number of houses exceeds those approved in the Local Plan; and
ii) the proposal is contrary to new Government planning guidance on sustainability, to help meet our environmental commitments in combating climate change and global warming.

The Community Council has also been sent a copy of the final version of the Structure Plan for the area, the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan. This document sets out a common strategy for the long term planning of the old Strathclyde Region area. It is based on a vision which it is hoped will contribute to the renaissance of Scotland by providing a framework for growth and renewal based upon care for the environment. Any views on the document should be submitted to the Scottish Executive by 13 September.

Chris Miller

With the major damage of last winter at least temporarily repaired, the Community Council has become more concerned with the outstanding insurance claims against South Lanarkshire Council for damage to vehicles. Gallagher Bassett, the Claims Handling Agents for the Council are unlikely to agree a claim if they can show that :-

· Regular inspections of roads are carried out.
· And no defect was noted at the time of the last inspection.

Inspection intervals for unclassified roads are once a year. Therefore, it follows that if a road is inspected in the summer, suffers severe frost damage in the winter and your car is damaged, as a result, in the spring, then no claim will be allowed.

The solution is for individual residents to report road defects as they discover them. Once reported the Council has a duty to act and if they fail to do so then claims will be granted. The Community Council has asked for urgent defects to be marked with paint at the time of inspection so that all drivers will be aware that the Council has accepted that a defect exists. So far they have refused to do so. It is very important therefore, that we all act in our own best interests and report defects in a standard manner.

To repeat last quarters advice.

Do
· Ring 01555 673000 (office hours) and ask for ‘Roads’
· Make clear the nature of the defect and its exact location
· Obtain a Fault Reference Number
· Record the number and time and date of the telephone call
· Follow up if no action occurs

Barry Rosindale

A70 - LANG WHANG

SLC Roads and Transportation Services allocated £100,000 for repairs to the A70 Lang Whang from Carnwath to the Council boundary and have resurfaced a long section of road within the Community Council area.

ELSRICKLE WRI

The Elsrickle WRI group entry at Biggar Show entitled ‘Summer Fruits’ gained 3rd Prize. An entry has been sent off to Headquarters for the Vaughan Nash Medallion. Thanks are due to all who took part in these competitions. Next is the Flower Show on 26th August. This is now open at all competitors and hopefully the tables will be laden with entries. Do try and show a few items!
The first meeting of the new session in on Wednesday 13th September when Mrs Joan Orr will be giving a baking demonstration. The competitions on this night are a Single Butter Sponge (undecorated), a Table Mat and Flower of the Month. A warm welcome awaits all members and especially any new members.

Margaret Leiper

USE IT OR LOSE IT

Over the past ten years three churches have closed their doors for public worship within the Black Mount parish; the remaining church is poorly attended and is part of a triumvirate; what of the future?
Is our dependence on materialism so strong that we don’t need a spiritual life? Is life so good to us that there is nothing left to be saved from? Have we abandoned the ritualism of baptism, marriage and funerals in an ordained place of worship to God our creator?
Of course, when studying old testament prophesy one is taught that in the latter days there will be a "falling away from the church", we are also reminded that "many cry Lord, Lord, but few are chosen".
Is it not now time for a rethink of our values? We are at the start of a new millennium; a new pastoral change within the parish offering a spirit filled ministry.
We need to ask ourselves three questions as individuals AND as a parish church:
i) Where are we now?
ii) Where are we going?
iii) How are we going to get there?
Attending church is not just a visit week by week but rather a time of visitation; church is not about giving money but rather about giving oneself i.e. a personal commitment.
USE IT OR LOSE IT...

David J Taylor

SPONSORED WALK

Black Mount Social Group’s Sponsored Walk will take place this year on Sunday 3rd September, weather permitting (it couldn’t rain as much as it did last year, could it?). We will set off from Roberton Mains at 2p.m. and return there for refreshments approximately 2 hours later.
The money raised from this event goes towards the funding of the Bonfire, the Senior Citizen’s Christmas Dinner and the Sports Night.
Sponsor forms are available from Anne Hutchison, Jennifer Kerr, Joan Stephenson and Gary Ross.
So, if you are in need of a little gentle exercise (of course you are) and
If you would like to support community events (of course you would) and
If you enjoy a good blether with your neighbours (of course you do), or
If you need to take the dog for a walk anyway, then do come and join us.

SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER at 2 PM. ROBERTON MAINS

CARE & REPAIR IN SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

Care & Repair offers advice and assistance to the over-60s or disabled whose homes need repair, improvements or adaptations, allowing them to remain in their own homes in comfort in their own community. Jointly funded by South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Homes, it’s a free and confidential service available to owner-occupiers and private tenants. In addition, a Small Repairs Service is provided, where qualified tradesmen carry out minor domestic repairs e.g. replacing broken window cords, fitting door locks, putting up shelves and renewing tap washers. There’s no charge for labour, only for the materials needed for the job. More information from John Gold, Care & Repair, 6a Hope Street, Lanark ML11 7LZ, 01555 666200.

AGE CONCERN ADVOCACY

Age Concern Scotland has developed an advocacy service for older people. Priority is given to those who stay in or are in the process of moving into Residential or Nursing care, those receiving intensive home care support and elderly patients in Law Hospital. The advocacy service works to ensure that the views of older people are respected and considered in the decisions which affect their lives, by offering one-to-one support, listening to views and concerns and encouraging communication between the elderly and staff working with them. More details on 01698 360660 (Monday to Friday during office hours) or write to Age Concern Scotland Advocacy, Management Office, Law Hospital, Carluke ML8 5ER.

Mrs Caitriona Macdonald Lockhart 1916 - 2000

Caitriona Macdonald Lockhart died on 7th August 2000 aged 84. She played and important part in Dunsyre life and will be greatly missed.

A countrywoman to the core, having spent much of her childhood on the Isle of Skye (which her naturalist father, Seton Gordon, had chosen for its remoteness), the rural community meant a great deal to her. For years she delivered meals-on-wheels in Biggar, cheering the recipients by her presence, and in Dunsyre her acts of kindness were legion. Her garden was very near to her heart, as were her dogs.

It was characteristic of Caitriona and her husband Simon that the sight of children playing in the streets of Glasgow, as they drove home from holiday in Kintyre, inspired them to set up a camp for disadvantaged children. They built a hut on their land and, aided by friends who rallied round, invited groups of youngsters from the city to spend a weekend in the country, with food and transport provided free. Thirty years on, the children still come, and Caitriona, in her 80's, happily drove the 4x4 over bumpy tracks to deliver stores to the hut ! Perhaps her intrepid driving owed some-thing to her wartime experience as a driver with the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY).

Music was one of her great loves, and she was unusually broad-minded in her approach. She showed great determination in driving up to concerts in Edinburgh in all weathers; she had been looking forward to attending Festival events this month. For 28 years she served on the committee of the Biggar Music Club, and was unparalleled in her loyalty and commitment. She gave unstinting support to the office-bearers, was indefatigable in carrying out chores on concert days ( the tea-urn was her special responsibility! ) and was outstandingly generous in giving hospitality to visiting musicians. The young performers loved staying with her.
Her family was central to her life. Her daughter and three sons, and their children, kept in close touch with her, and she followed their doings with the keenest interest. It was a source of deep happiness to her when her little great-grandson was brought home from Johannesburg to Dunsyre to be christened.

Throughout her long and energetic life, Caitriona accomplished an enormous amount, but it is for what she was that she will be remembered . Who will forget her integrity, her unfailing courtesy and generosity, and her warm- hearted interest in everything and everybody around her? She was respected, and loved, by all who knew her.

Jean Sloan

As local organiser of the house to house collection I have received an official ‘thank you’ from head office for the very gratifying sum of £527.99. All other volunteers have had a ‘thank you’ too, as it is due to their devoted diligence and the generosity of the people of Black Mount that such a sum was raised. A special thank you to all taxpayers that put their name on the envelope as the reclaiming of tax will make a huge difference to the total amount. Sincere thanks to all.

Mary Kerr

TOM SIMPSON

Readers will be aware that Tom Simpson, a former Community Councillor, moved from Elsrickle to sheltered housing in Douglas earlier in the year. Tom was a valued member of the Community Council, resigning when SLC reorganised it. He is well and enjoying himself in Douglas, where he is always pleased to see friends from Black Mount.

BLACK MOUNT SPORTS 2000

Black Mount Sports Night was held on Friday 26th May at Roberton Mains, Dolphinton. Competition was very keen, and only slightly dampened by showers later in the evening.
The winners ran out as follows:
Mrs Allison Shield for Primary Children:
1st Hazel Paterson, Runner-up Ryan Charters.
Mrs Allison Shield for Secondary Pupils:
1st Wendy Moore, Runner-up Thomas Hoskins.
Toddler’s Race: 1st Jack Hinks, 2nd Caitlin Brown, 3rd Jennifer Highton
Cross Country (under 12) 1st Campbell Hogg, 2nd Barry Donald, 3rd Charles Cochrane.
Cross Country (over 12) 1st Adam Paterson, 2nd Kaeleigh Wallace, 3rd Lawson Barrie.
Jumble Relay was won by a team comprising:
Cheryl Prentice, Alexander Hoskins, Roseanne Cochrane, Adam Paterson, Nicola Cochrane and Alastair Brown.
3-legged race (under 12) was won by Hazel Paterson and Harry Cousins.
3-legged race (over 12) was won by Kaeleigh Wallace and Thomas Hoskins.
Ladies Race 1st Anne Hutchison 2nd Liz Welsh.
Gents Race 1st Tony Hoskins 2nd Alastair Brown, 3rd Paul Edwards.
Mum’s Skipping 1st Isa Cousins 2nd Amanda McLean 3rd Francis Robertson.
Dad’s Obstacle 1st Alastair Brown, 2nd Tony Hoskins.
Welly Throwing 1st Gents Alex. Pagett
1st Ladies Liz Welsh
1st Boys Neil McLellan
1st Girls Jennifer McLellan
Hoopla : Andrew Fleming, Margaret Little, Jean Gilchrist,
Susan Gray, Jock Ross and Hazel Paterson
were all successful with one throw from three.

Black Mount Social Group would like to thank all those who helped to set up the events, the starters and judges, those who loaned equipment, and Bank of Scotland and Mr. Banks for prizes.

All competitors received a BLACK MOUNT 2000 T-shirt to commemorate the first Sports of the millennium.

ELSRICKLE CARPET BOWLING CLUB

The club’s season ended on the 28th March with a successful Steak Pie Night. Principal winners for the year were:
Championship Cup Lawson Barrie R. Howieson
Rosebowl John Kinloch
Sanderson Cup Alistair Kinloch T. Prentice
15 Shots Iain Minto
Ladies Cup Agnes Steele
WRI Mixed Pairs Cameron Ramsay Isla Ramsay
O.A.P. Shield Walter Hogg
Junior Cup Susan Kinloch
Points Iain Minto
Tuesday Rinks James Wilson Agnes Steele Alistair Kinloch
John Kinloch
Thursday Points Susan Kinloch John Kinloch

Bowls will commence again in October, old and new members welcome.
For more information telephone 01899 810232

IAIN STEELE, WALSTON MILL

Iain once again took part in the B.T.Swimathon completing100 laps at Lanark pool. Raising £530 for ‘Shelter’ and ‘Friends of the Kello’. A sincere thank you to all who sponsored him.

THE ‘GUILD’

The first meeting of the Guild is a visit to Auchlochan House to see the house and gardens, followed by high tea. Cars leave Dolphinton at approximately 2.30pm on 27th September. Names to Effie Dickson of Majory Muirhead.

Forthcoming dates are to be found on the back page.

Marjory Muirhead

BIGGAR & DISTRICT YOUNG FARMERS CLUB

Anyone wanting more information about the Biggar Young Farmers
should contact Charlotte Miller (secretary), Fiona Baranowski, Andrew Barrie or Heather Lawson, who are all members of the committee. The calendar for forthcoming club meetings and events are as follows:

September
4th Opening Meeting, Games Night
10th Beef Cattle Dressing
11th Whist Drive, Elsrickle Hall November
18th Quiz Night 6th Open Meeting
25th Panel Night 11th Dinner dance, Coulter Hall
29th Miss YF Dance 24th Interclub Night & Dance

October
2nd Sheep Dressing
3rd Ten Pin Bowling, Evening Out
8th Root & Grain
9th Club Meeting
16th Split Meetings
20th Halloween Dance
22nd Badminton competition, Coulter Hall

Dates for your diary

Every Monday except School Holidays : Black Mount Luncheon Club Elsrickle Hall 12 Noon
Alternate Wednesdays : Black Mount Church Coffee Morning Dolphinton 10.30am
26 August : Elsrickle WRI Flower Show Elsrickle Hall 2.30pm
3 September : BMCC S.G. Sponsored Walk Roberton Mains 2.00pm
4 September : Black Mount Community Council Meeting Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
11 September : B&D Young Farmers Club Whist Drive Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
13 September : Elsrickle WRI Baking Demonstration Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
29 September : B&D YF Club Miss YF Dance
2 October : Black Mount Community Council Meeting Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
2 October : Biggar High School PTA AGM 7.30pm
3 October : B&D YF Club Ten Pin Bowling - outing
11 October : Elsrickle WRI 80th Anniversary Dinner Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
20 October : B&D YF Club Halloween Dance
22 October : B&D YF Club Badminton Competition Coulter Hall
25 October : The Guild Rock Trust Church Hall Dolphinton 2.30pm
6 November : Black Mount Community Council A.G.M. Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
8 November : Elsrickle WRI Slide Show - Countryside Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
11 November : B&D YF Club Dinner dance Coulter Hall
13 November : Elsrickle WRI Whist Drive Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
22 November : The Guild CHAS Hospice Church Hall Dolphinton 2.30pm
24 November : B&D YF Club Interclub Night & Dance
25 November : Elsrickle WRI Bowling Tournament
29 November The Guild Coffee Evening Church Hall Dolphinton 7.30pm

Please send all your articles, dates, reports, news and advertisements to
Liz Gilfoyle, 3 Oxengate Farm Cottages, Elsrickle. ML12 6QZ (01899 810373)
Email: Liz.Gilfoyle@btinternet.com

This edition of the Bugle is published by the Black Mount Social Group, but the views expressed
therein are not necessarily those of the Group

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