BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

In January the Community Council held a bye-election. This was caused by the resignation of Mr Brian Curle who had served on the Community Council for nearly ten years, many of these as Chairman. The Community Council would like to thank Brian for all his advice and assistance.

The newly elected members are:
Mr Ian Kerry, Dolphinton
Mr Chris Miller, Walston
Mrs Vivienne Shaw, Elsrickle

They will serve on the Community Council until the next general election in November 2002. Ian and Chris were previously co-opted members and their election allows the co-option of one further member. At our February meeting it was decided to use this opportunity to strengthen our links with Walston Primary School by inviting a member of the School Board to fill the vacancy.

We are pleased that finally, after the reorganisation by South Lanarkshire Council, the Black Mount Community Council will have a full compliment of nine members.

Mrs Liz Gilfoyle has produced the Bugle for several years, a task that she completed with great diligence and skill. The Community Council thanks Liz for her help.

Joan Highton
Chairperson

RURAL CITIZENS NETWORK

The rural Citizens Network has been established by South Lanarkshire Council to form an access route, for residents in rural and isolated communities, to information about Government Departments or Voluntary Organisations. Initially, computers were provided for volunteers but now the Network relies on volunteers having access to a computer in their own home. So far, 10 volunteers from rural Clydesdale have joined the Network. They will work together to establish best practice and identify common issues through a dedicated Internet web site, which is currently being planned.

I have volunteered to serve the Black Mount area from my home in Elsrickle. However, volunteers from the other major settlements would be most welcome.

The operation and ultimate success of the Network depends on residents, who are having difficulty finding information, approaching the local volunteer for assistance.

For help or more information please call on 01899 810207.

Barry Rosindale

ELSRICKLE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

At a recent meeting, our designated Community Police Constable asked for everyone to be made aware that these next few weeks is a time when sundry garden tools, ornaments etc. are likely to disappear due to petty theft. We are all urged to check the security of garden sheds, garages etc., to avoid any opportunist thefts taking place.

Within the farming community there is an even greater need for vigilance and precaution, as organised criminals steal farm equipment "to order" in many instances. With our close proximity to the motorway network items could be hundreds of miles away before the loss is discovered.

Starthclyde Police have recently contacted me and advised that a revised initiative towards the Neighbourhood Watch scheme is imminent. I will promulgate more information throughout our community once the publication becomes available.

You have been warned, lock it up or…..

David J Taylor
Neighbourhood Watch Convenor, Elsrickle

Councillor Tom McAlpine's Ward Surgeries

Tom is available at several places within the Ward on a regular basis to answer questions from constituents. He can be found at:-
Dolphinton Village Hall 6.00 - 6.30p.m. 1st Monday of each month.
Elsrickle Village Hall 6.45 - 7.15p.m. 1st Monday of each month.
Gillespie Centre, Biggar 10.30 - 1130a.m. 1st & 3rd Friday of each month.
Gillespie Centre, Biggar 5.00 - 5.30p.m. 2nd & 4th Friday of each month.

Roads

Although we are not seeing the extensive damage to our roads of last winter, they remain in poor condition. SLC appears to have been more vigilant in our area after the concerns raised by the public and our Community Council. However, these temporary patches are of poor quality and, as expected, are starting to break up, so we should not be complacent. Main roads, such as the A721, are inspected monthly, but most of our roads are only inspected once a year. If you don't want our roads to be unsafe to drive on then if you see any defects:

1. Ring 01555 673000 (Office hours) and ask for 'Roads'
2. Report the defect and its precise location.
3. Obtain a fault reference number and take note of the time and date.
4. Follow it up if there is no action

Andrew Highton, Elsrickle

How did you cope following the severe snowstorm of late February? After a day without power, huddled around an open fire and cooking on a camping stove Jane and I began to feel a sense of alarm. With the Council's Gritters and Ploughs either broken down or deployed elsewhere we seemed destined to suffer ever more hardships as food and LPG ran out. And then the sound of tractors. As roads were opened the power engineers performed their own brand of magic and we returned to 21st century living. In Elsrickle the local farmers were the undoubted heroes, as I suspect they were in your community too. On behalf of you all, Jane and I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Black Mount farming community for their tireless efforts in conquering the effects of a dreadful storm.

Barry Rosindale, Elsrickle

Having slithered along a barely passable A702 through Midlothian and Borders regions, the clear tarmac at the South Lanarkshire border was a welcome sight. To say that this is the usual case is an understatement, and SLC's Enterprise Resource Dept. cannot be faulted but praised. However, our thanks mainly goes to those from our own community who man the ploughs and diggers and who once more got us 'down the lane'! So thanks to Billy, Alan and those others who kept our roads open.

Andrew & Joan Highton, Elsrickle

ELSRICKLE WRI

The Elsrickle WRI held a successful Bowling tournament on the 25 November 2000, with sixteen Rinks taking part. A Rink from Carmichael were the winners. In December members had a demonstration of 'Sweet making with chocolate' by Miss Ann Millar. We were able to buy some last minute gifts of hand-made chocolates.

The member's children enjoyed a party hosted by Dolphinton WRI, who are thanked. In January, after wishing everyone a 'Happy New Year', President Anne Moffat introduced Mrs Eileen Hunter. She gave us lots of ideas for sandwich fillers. At our February meeting, we welcomed guests from other Institutes to join us for a fun quiz. This was a most enjoyable evening. Our March meeting is a talk by Scottish Slimmers. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who would like to come along.

Margaret Leiper

WALSTON PRE-5 GROUP

The Walston Pre-5 Group meet at Walston Primary School on a Wednesday morning, for children from 2½ years up to school age. Each session runs from 9.15am until 11.45am, and new children will always be made very welcome!

Many thanks to those of you who responded to our request, and donated dressing up clothes, suitcases etc. The hats in particular were wonderful - thank you. Thanks also to everybody who supported our Christmas Hamper fundraiser, which raised £134 for the Pre-5 Group. The hamper was won by Mrs H Orr. We were lucky to get some great donations for the hamper, and the children themselves made the Christmas cake for it.

This term the children have been busy learning about shapes. They have done a lot of painting and sticking, and have brought in items to touch and feel for the display table.

In January the Pre-5 Group had a successful inspection by a representative from South Lanarkshire Early Years. She spoke to the children and looked at what they had been doing, and they all passed with flying colours!

One final request…we are saving the "Books for Schools" tokens from Walkers' Crisps. If anyone has not already promised them elsewhere, please save them for us!

For more information on the Pre-5 Group, contact one of the committee members:

Sheena Dickson - 01968 682279 (Playgroup Leader)
Mara Orr - 01899 810219
Amanda McLean - 01968 682345

NEWS FROM WALSTON PRIMARY

Primaries 6 and 7 have just returned from a successful stay at Broomlee Centre, West Linton. 94 children from the small schools met together and took part in art and computer work. One of the main reasons for these events is to help the children meet others from small schools. Many of these children will meet again at sporting events later in the year and then again at Biggar High.

During this term we enjoyed a Burns afternoon. Pupils recited some Scottish poetry and took part in ceilidh dancing. Shortbread, oatcakes and iron bru replaced the traditional fare at a Burns supper.

7 children have enrolled at Walston to start in August and as all of them attend Walston Nursery, they are all well prepared for school already. If you have a young child, please contact the school on a Thursday or Friday morning if you would like to speak to any of the nursery staff.

As always if you have any questions or comments please contact the school.

Loraine A. Kinghorn

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
BLACK MOUNT linked with CULTER linked with LIBBERTON and QUOTHQUAN

BLACK MOUNT KIRK NEWS : FEBRUARY 2001

This Newsletter is distributed, courtesy of the Black Mount Bugle, throughout the Parish of Black Mount in the hope that your interest in our church might be stimulated and that you might be encouraged to visit Blackmount Kirk (Dolphinton) and join us in our worship. You will be made most welcome.

Minister's Letter

Dear Friends,

I cannot say I am an avid fan of those current television quiz shows 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' and 'The Weakest Link', but from a psychological point of view I find them quite fascinating.

Exposure under pressure. What must it be like to know that your ignorance is being exhibited to the nation, and that millions will witness your humiliating rejection by the other players? What makes people willing to risk that kind of exposure? Ah well, it's only a game after all, we might say. Yes, but a game with high stakes and glittering prizes. Why else is the tension so great, the disappointment of the losers so keenly felt? If only I hadn't risked that wrong answer; or if only I had risked that correct answer; I could have won this, or I wouldn't have lost that. I wonder how much post-operative pain there is in these games? And do some wounds never heal?

The principle that 'it matters not who won or lost, but how you played the game' is one the modern sporting world will have absolutely nothing to do with. 'Winning is all that matters' is the new principle on which sport operates. Indeed it seems to be the principle on which the secular world in general operates: achievement, gain, success, these are the glittering prizes, these are what life is all about.

It is no longer fashionable to talk of the 'great game of life', but I will do it all the same. And I will also maintain that 'it matters not who won or lost, but how you played the game' is an essential part of true spiritual understanding. You might almost say that it is this principle, or the denial of it that distinguishes the spiritual personality from the materialist.

The simple fact is that every day in the 'game of life' each one of us undergoes very considerable exposure to the eyes of others. We become the objects of scrutiny and appraisal, subjected to the critical or the amused or the baffled gaze of those who observe the antics we call our daily lives. Do we take that game as serious!

Jesus told more that one parable about people who cried, with bitter lamentation, "If only, if only...I had done this and not that with my life!" If only I hadn't risked that wrong answer, so to speak, or if only I had risked that correct answer; I could have won this, or I wouldn't have lost that. I wonder how much post-operative pain there is in the 'game of life'?

How, in the end, do you and I define 'winning' when it comes to the 'game of life'? And how close, do you think, would our definition come to that of Christ? An interesting question for we Christians to reflect on.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Pacitti

Moderator's Visit

Our next joint service will be held in Culter Kirk on the special occasion of the visit by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Rev Andrew McLellan. This service is to be held on Sunday 4th March at 10.45 a.m. and a snack lunch will be provided in Coulter Village Hall afterwards. All will be made welcome!

The service on Sunday 1st April will also be a united one, held in Libberton Kirk at 10.45 a.m.

Black Mount Church

Minister: Rev Stephen Pacitti : Tel. 220625
Session Clerk: Mr Don Barrie : Tel. 810276
Treasurer: Mrs Betty Smith : Tel. 810305
Organist: Mrs Alice Barrie : Tel. 810276
Clerk to Congregational Board : Mrs Grace Allison : Tel. 220525

Church Social Events

There will be a Whist Drive on Friday 2nd March at 7.30 p.m. in Elsrickle Village Hall. On the morning of Saturday 21st April, our annual Coffee Morning is to be held in the Gillespie Centre, Biggar. This will be between 10 a.m. and noon, with the usual home baking, bric-a-brac stalls, etc.

A date for your diary - by popular demand, "The Quern" are making a return visit on 18th May for a concert and ceilidh dancing in the Church Hall, Dolphinton, at 7.30 p.m. Admission £4 (£2 children) includes supper. Everyone welcome!

INTERUPTION TO ELECTRICITY SUPLY COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Scottish Power plc has promised to compensate all those who were subject to a loss of supply during the recent period of bad weather. Various figures have been mentioned depending upon the period of interruption. As ever there is a catch. The company will not automatically compensate these customers. It is upon you to claim the compensation. This has to be done either through a free phone number or in writing to the address given below, stating the time and dates during which your supply was interrupted.

Scottish Power plc
Customer Services Manager
New Alderston House
Dove Wynd
Strathclyde Business Park
Bellshill
ML4 3AD
Tel: 01698 41300

Free phone No: 0800 027 4999 (8a.m. to 8p.m.)

Andrew Highton, Elsrickle

BUSES

Please note that a new timetable for the 183 Post Bus service from Biggar to Carnwath came into operation on the 26th February. Copies of the new departure can be obtained from Biggar, Elsrickle, Newbigging and Carnwath Post Offices. The main alteration are in the morning service (see below), afternoons are before. So don't be caught out by the earlier morning departure times! Here is the new morning run:

Depart

Biggar PO 0640

Carnwath 0822
Candymill 0645

Newbigging PO 0828
Elsrickle 0655

Greenfield Farm 0830
Melbourne X 0730

Blackwell Tryst 0840
Elsrickle PO 0735

Elsrickle PO 0855
Walston School 0745

Elsrickle Hilltop 0859
Walston TB 0755

Strawlaw 0905
Dunsyre 0803

Biggar PO 0910
Newbigging PO 0810

Arrive Carnwath 0818

The Biggar High School Bus is now licensed to carry paying passengers. Departs Elsrickle at 0810 and Biggar at 1530. Single £1 and Concessionary 40p.

Don't forget the Monday, Thursday and Saturday 197 Access Bus service from Elsrickle. This has to be booked one day in advance. Booking Office number: 0141 331 2015. Open: Mon. - Thurs. 1400-1545, Fri. 1400-1515.

LATE DELIVERY OF THE BUGLE

We apologise for the late delivery of the Bugle. This has been largely due to our concern not to unnecessarily put at risk the farming members of our community until mail etc. delivery arrangements had been put in place.

Although the legislature and other land-owning organisations have put in place access restrictions to the countryside, it upon us as a community not to put at risk the animals and lively hoods of our farmers during the present outbreak. Please be responsible when thinking about walking in the hills or across farmland.

Andrew Highton, Elsrickle

ITEMS FOR SALE

Various teenage girls clothes. Black bag full of jeans, trousers, T-shirts, jumpers, skirts, etc. Sizes 8 - 12. £20 for bag O.N.O. Various girls denim, fleece, etc. jackets. Sizes 10 - 12. £5 -10 each. All in excellent condition.

Contact Gail Paterson , Dolphinton 01968 682310.

ADVERTISING IN THE BUGLE

Anyone can advertise in the Bugle. We can take material either written, word processed or CAD, on disc, zip or e-mailed. Items for sale attract a nominal fee of £1 per entry, with commercial entries at £5.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2001

Mondays (except schoolHolidays) - Black Mount Luncheon Club - Elsrickle Hall - 12 Noon
Alternate Wednesdays - Black Mount Church Coffee Morning Church Hall, Dolphinton - 10.30am
2 March - The Guild World Day of PrayerWhist Drive - Church Hall, Dolphinton - 2.00pm7.30pm
5 March - Black Mount Community Council Meeting Elsrickle Hall - 7.30pm
5 March - Biggar & District Civic SocietyWinter talk series & AGM (open to all) - Municipal Hall, Biggar
13 March - Black Mount Church Guild:AGM - Dolphinton Church Hall - 2.00pm
14 March - Elsrickle WRI:Scottish Slimmers - Elsrickle Hall - 7.30pm
2 April - Black Mount Community Council Meeting - Elsrickle Hall - 7.30pm
11 April - Elsrickle WRI:Glass Painting - Elsrickle Hall - 7.30pm
21 April - Black Mount Church Coffee Morning Gillespie CentreBiggar - 10.00am-noon
25 April - Black Mount Church Guild:Class Acts - Singing Group - Church Hall, Dolphinton - 7.30pm
7 May - Black Mount Community Council Meeting Elsrickle Hall - 7.30pm
18 May - Black Mount Church Guild:Concert & ceilidh featuring "The Quern" Church Hall, Dolphinton - 7.30pm
May - Elsrickle WRI:Outing - TBA
25 August - Elsrickle WRI:Open Flower Show - Elsrickle Hall

LAST DATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEXT EDITION OF THE BUGLE IS 18 MAY 2001

Please send all articles, dates, reports, news and advertisements to:

Dr Andrew Highton, 2 Oxengate Farm Cottages, Elsrickle. ML12 6QZ
Tel: 01899 810378 or e-mail: BlackMntBugle@cs.com

The Black Mount Bugle is published by the Black Mount Community Council, however views expressed therein are not necessarily those of the BMCC