BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

After having to cancel the Sport's Evening at the end of May due to the foot and mouth situation, we were very concerned that the Sponsored Walk would suffer the same fate. I am pleased to say that our fears were unfounded and over fifty walkers enjoyed a pleasant ramble on the afternoon of Sunday, 26th August. Over £300 was raised to help our Social Group organise its functions. The next event is the Fireworks of Monday, 5th November in Dunsyre followed by the Senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner on Friday, 14th December in Elsrickle Hall.

This month Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) is organising the tender process for local bus services. They are hoping to timetable buses so that they link together in Biggar. The Dumfries to Edinburgh bus and the Biggar to Peebles bus will continue to operate as before. A new service is proposed form Lanark to Edinburgh via Biggar. The Community Council has requested that this bus is routed so that it serves the village of Elsrickle. We thank everyone who signed our petition. Hopefully, with the help of Councillor Tom McAlpine and Karen Gillon, our MSP, we will be able to put some pressure on SPT.

Finally, Mr Barry Rosindale has been working with the Rural Partnership and the Citizen's Network on behalf of the Community Council. He often receives information that local people might find useful, but at the moment we are unable to communicate this to you. If you would like to access this information and if you have an e-mail address, please send your name and address to the Bugle. Mr Rosindale will then forward any details to you.

Joan Highton
Chairperson

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BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE

The Church has generously offered to supply a room in the Dolphinton Church Hall as a base for the newly formed Community Resource Centre. It will operate very much like the Black Mount Social Group and be an independent organisation with its own constitution and management committee acting under the umbrella of the Community Council. The independence is an essential requirement in order to secure funding for the organisation and management of the Centre.

The aims of the Community Resource Centre are:-
1) to provide a Community Gateway to the Internet.
2) to be a link in the South Lanarkshire Rural Citizens Network
3) to be a focus for Distance learning.
4) to promote and organise Intellectual Pursuits for the youth of the Community.
5) to be the locus for the exchange of local information.

The Centre already possesses an Internet capable Computer, donated by British Telecom, and a telephone line, initially funded by them. A suitable Laser Printer will be supplied through South Lanarkshire's Rural Citizens Network. South Lanarkshire Council have also donated a business type photocopier, which will be fully serviced under a maintenance contract.

The Centre now requires the active participation of the whole community. In particular, it requires a small band of adults to provide supervision and stimulus, and young, and old alike, to develop their own ideas for its utilisation.

The Community Council will have to eventually demonstrate to British Telecom that their Computer is providing a valuable resource for the residents of the Black Mount area. If the facility is not used then BT is likely to withdraw the equipment they have donated.

Ian Kerry, Joan Highton and myself will be the initial contacts for the Centre until it is operating independently. Contact us now and give us your support. Funding will soon be sought to pay a part time Project Co-ordinator.

Barry Rosindale
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ARE YOU ONLINE?

Have you ever read an advert with the open invitation to "visit our web site at www.gobbledigook.uk" or heard a suggestion that you "e-mail us on J.Bloggs@somethingorother.co.uk"? Have you ever seen a youngster at a computer, effortlessly flicking between screens of information or talking about "surfing the net" or "going online"?

Well this could be your chance to gain some insight into what it is all about, see how it is being introduced to our children at school and how it could benefit us all. As part of the National Parents Online week (5-9 November 2001), Walston Primary School Board, in conjunction with Walston Primary School, will be organising an open evening at the School to help us non-youngsters to get up to speed.

This relaxed and informal event (exact date to be confirmed) is designed to let us see how our children are being taught to use computers and will also allow us hands on experience in using them ourselves. There may even be a cup of tea and a biscuit. Then you can put your skills to use at the newly formed Black Mount Resource Centre!

For further details please watch out for the usual community notice boards or contact Tim McLean (01968 682345).

Tim McLean
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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 presently 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 - 11.30 a.m. 1st & 3rd Friday of each month.
Gillespie Centre, Biggar : 5.00 - 5.30p.m. 2nd & 4th Friday of each month.

However, Tom is considering altering the current schedule of 'surgeries' in the area, visiting
Newbigging Hall instead of Elsrickle Hall on the first Monday of every month from 6.45 - 7.15p.m. If you have any comments to make on this proposed change he would be happy to hear from you, and can be contacted on 01899 220423.

Morna Munro
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TRUNK ROAD & ROADSIDE LIGHTING COMPLAINTS

AMEY HIGHWAYS is now responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the A702 Edinburgh-Biggar-Abington route. If you have any defects to report, please contact them via FREEPHONE on 0800 028 1414. The same company has recently won the contract for the maintenance and upkeep of all roadside & street lighting throughout the Clydesdale area. Lighting defects, however, should be reported via SLC's Roads Department (01555 673300) as usual, who then instruct AMEY to carry out repair work.

Andrew Highton
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BUSES

Don't forget a 197 Access Bus service is available from Elsrickle. This 'Hail and Ride' service is on Monday and Thursday only to Lanark via Biggar, departing Elsrickle at 0900 (Monday) and 0959 (Thursday) and returning from Biggar at 1209 (Monday) and 1528 (Thursday). A copy of the timetable may be found on bus stops on the route in or obtained from the Post Office in Elsrickle. For details of the 183 Post Bus service from the BMCC web site (address see cover; Bugle No. 52) Biggar to Carnwath departure can be obtained from Biggar, Elsrickle and Carnwath Post Offices. Remember 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.

On Monday 4 September Passenger Transport's mobile travel centre was in Biggar to unveil the proposed bus services that will operate for our area after 28th July 2002. Although the existing services, e.g. 100/101 Edinburgh to Dumfries and 191/291 Lanark-Biggar-Peebles, are largely unchanged, there is a proposal for a new direct bus service between Lanark, Symington and Edinburgh via Biggar. This would be every 2 hours, Monday to Saturday. Connections will be able to be made on alternate hours by co-ordination of the 100 and 191 services. SPT also propose to synchronise bus arrival time in Lanark with the train service. The Community Council have made representations to SPT (backed up by a petition of local people) for a minor re-routing of the new Lanark-Edinburgh bus service to take in Elsrickle.

Andrew Highton
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PLANNING UPDATE

The Community Council has commented on the following recent planning applications:-

CL/01/0358 : Renewal of planning approval for the erection of a dwelling house at Crawcraigs,
Elsrickle.
CL/01/0325 : Change of use of garage/store to form dwelling house at Townfoot Farm,
Dolphinton.
CL/01/0310 : Outline application for dwelling house at The Paddock, Wester Walston Cottage.
CL/01/0300 : Detailed application for dwelling house at Oggscastle Road, Walston.
CL/01/0260 : Proposal to form horse arena with associated lighting columns at Hyndshawland
Farm, Elsrickle (since approved, with conditions).
CL/01/0188 : Detailed application for dwelling house at Dunsyre Road Newbigging.
CL/01/0159 : Detailed application for dwelling house at Plot 1, Walston Braehead Farm.
CL/01/0106 : Extension to dwelling house at Grange Cottage, Dolphinton.

MINERALS FINALISED DRAFT LOCAL PLAN
The Community Council has been kept in touch with developments for the forthcoming Public Local Inquiry into the Minerals Finalised Draft Local Plan for South Lanarkshire. The Community Council made comment on the first (and only) draft earlier in the year, and will be represented at the Public Enquiry in the form of Written Submissions. The Enquiry commences on the 17th September and lasts until 10th October.

Chris Miller
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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. The operation and ultimate success of the Network depends on residents, who are having difficulty finding information, approaching their local volunteer for assistance. For help or more information please call Barry Rosindale on 01899 810207.

Barry Rosindale
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DESIGN STANDARDS FOR NEW HOUSING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

When the Upper Clydesdale Local Plan was published in January 1996, Policy 3 set out the Council's criteria for existing and new housing in the rural areas. In particular this says, "Proposals for housingevelopment in the countryside must follow closely the guidelines on location, siting and design as contained in paragraphs 3.16, 3.17 and 3.18 of the Local Plan. Applications which do not comply with these guidelines will normally be refused."

Paragraph 3.15 of the Local Plan goes on to say, "The construction of new buildings can permanently change the appearance of the rural areas often to their detriment. In order that development does not detract from the rural landscape care must be taken to ensure that the location, siting and design of new buildings are appropriate. In accordance with PAN36 it is the District Council's intention to prepare a comprehensive design guide for housing in the countryside. In advance of this however, it is necessary to set out general guidance to encourage developers to think more deeply about how to blend new development into the rural landscape. The following guidelines on location, siting and design are intended to promote a greater awareness of the need to protect and enhance the countryside and to achieve a higher quality of development which reflects the vernacular architecture of the area."

The Council acknowledged that they would produce guidance in accordance with Planning Advice Note (PAN) 36, Design and siting of new housing in the countryside, published by the Scottish Office in February 1991, which suggests that the guidance should be suitable for lay people. In the interim they would rely on the three paragraphs, 3.16 - 3.18 of the Local Plan.

SLC planners issued a consultative draft of the Residential Design Guidance on 22 February 2000, and the Community Council responded on 15 March. Since then, the planners have been working to finish the guidance document, the most recent indication being that if the document was acceptable to the Council publication would follow sometime in August.

At the time of writing, the Design Guide has not been published. In the meantime, anyone wishing to build a new house in the Upper Clydesdale Local Plan area must rely on the three paragraphs 'buried' on pages 16 and 17 of the Local Plan. We must hope that the guidance will be published soon.

Chris Miller
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

On Monday evening 25 June 2001 a very well attended Neighbourhood Watch Schemes conference was opened by the newly appointed Superintendent for Clydesdale. Constable Craig Ritchie, Crime Prevention Officer, presented the main input to the conference. Statistics given indicated that of all crime, 48% were crimes of violence and 43% attributed to disturbance. The start of the formal presentation was a video on crime prevention. Unfortunately the sound track was inaudible and most of its value was lost.

Constable Ritchie spoke on the common sense precautions that we should all take. These were blinding glimpses of the obvious; although not so obvious until pointed out in such a graphic manner that one could see how petty crime was made easy by US. For instance it is good practice to have and maintain good boundary fencing, of reasonable height (approx. 2 metres), to property thus making access and egress difficult. Exterior lighting on sensor switches compliments good boundary fencing. Good quality locks on all doors, but with a minimum 5-lever lock on any house door, no external hinges on out buildings. Patio doors are considered particularly vulnerable; door viewers along with door chains serve as great deterrents to unwanted callers. Security marking of valuable possessions coupled to photographic records of valuables is prudent to help with recovery and identification if you are burgled. Use timer switches on interior lighting systems if you plan to be away over night.

South Lanarkshire Council operates a Care and Repair scheme (see Bugle No. 53 for details: Care & Repair, 6a Hope St. Lanark ML11 7LZ; Tel. 01555 666200) for the elderly with free fitting service. JACKS the ironmongers of Lanark, had a display of all approved security devices spoken about during the conference and are available for sale along with free advice as to the most suitable application for your needs.

Common sense it may be, but only if acted upon.

David J Taylor, Nighbourhoood Watch Co-ordinator
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MRS ELLIE GILCHRIST

We were sorry to hear of the sudden death on Sunday 9th September of Mrs. Ellie Gilchrist of Newmill, Dolphinton (formerly of Ingraston and Kirkhouse). She will be sorely missed by Dave and all her family, friends and neighbours. Many people will have happy memories of the good times shared at Kirkhouse when the family were young. There was the setting up of the Dunsyre Group of the RDA (Riding for the Disabled), and all the happy Wednesdays with the children, first of Stanmore House, then Garvald School, who gained so much from riding her beloved Highland ponies. A cup of coffee was obligatory cup in her kitchen. She was an enthusiastic participator in sponsored walks and other community events. We will cherish her memory

Anne Hutchison
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CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

BLACK MOUNT linked with CULTER linked with LIBBERTON and QUOTHQUAN

BLACK MOUNT KIRK NEWS : SEPTEMBER 2001

This Newsletter is distributed, courtesy of The 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
'Times change, and we change with them'. That saying sprang to mind a while back when I was looking through an old copy of the Church of Scotland magazine Life and Work. It was the May issue of 1935, price twopence, and it had a certain regal grandeur about it; that was the year of the Royal Silver Jubilee, and the opening article was entitled "Gentlemen, the King!" Even the advertisers rose to the occasion, Woman's Magazine promising its readers that "the May issue of the Journal of Comprehensive Womanly interest is a number worthy of this great occasion, combining True Patriotism with Dignity and Restraint." But an article on "The Church of Scotland and Peace", reviewing the European situation, indicated that the horizon was not altogether unclouded. Another world war, and three monarchs later, we are not inclined to argue that times do not change.

Tastes appear to have changed, too; I wonder how many of us would settle down on a Sunday afternoon to read articles on French Protestantism, Name Saints of the Church of Scotland, the Romantic Mrs Hemans, or the Russian Church in Exile.

And under the heading "Thirty Mile Limit", there appeared the following: "A year ago this month, in response to an appeal by the Safety First Council, we commented on this page on the danger to life accompanying the development of motor transport, and expressed the opinion that it was not speed so much as the variations of it in cities that was mainly at fault. We added: 'One expedient in cities might be the adoption of, as far as possible, of a uniform moderate rate to which the pedestrian would become accustomed and which would enable him instinctively to to time his movements. In this way a 'safety sense' might gradually be developed'. It is interesting that this expedient has been adopted and enforced throughout the country. Our experience is that the motorist is conforming loyally to the new regulations. If only the pedestrian will as loyally support him by reasonable carefulness, there is hope that the perils and tragedies of the streets will be greatly lessened." No comment!

A deep sense of humility (if not humiliation) filled me as I read on: "An Excellent Example". A minister recently transferred to a charge in the north found that his new and large congregation was only taking 210 copies of Life and Work. He set himself to remedy this defect. How he did it we do not know, but within two months the circulation in that congregation had risen to 1,387. Mind boggling!

The Ministerial Register listed, among others, the Rev George T.H. Reid, M.A., as having been licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh. Thirty-eight years later it would be recording the electionf Rev George T.H. Reid, M.C., M.A., B.D., D.D. as the Moderator of the General Assembly. Yes, time brings many changes.

The indomitable urge to advertise, of course, has not changed; only the words of seduction and the eyeball-searing illustrations have altered; the message is still the same - things are always the world's first, finest, biggest, best, cheapest, longest-lasting, designed for you and with nobody but you in mind. To read the advertisements is an education in itself.

I see that you could travel from Glasgow (Queen Street) to Rotterdam for four pounds thirteen shillings (£4.65p); the Free Church Touring Guild offered a nine day tour of Belgium for four pounds nine shillings (£4.45p)! Pull-front Reducing Corsets were a bargain at twelve shillings and sixpence (62p), though doubtless the accompanying illustration might have deterred the nervous and those with legs less than four feet six inches long. Stephenson's (of floor polish fame) laid it down with great conviction that "There is something wrong somewhere when a woman says she works harder now that before she was married. And one of the first places to look for the reason is on her floors." Cream-O-Rice claimed to be the secret of 'How To Be Happy Tho' Married'. Esdaile School (now, alas, closed) offered full board and tuition for £60 per annum.The Glasgow YWCA, 6, Park Circus, would give bed and breakfast for 4s 6d (22p); Cox's Practice and Procedure in the Church of Scotland had just been published in its first edition, 718 pages, 20 shillings (£1)., The edition on my desk is the sixth, cost more than twenty times as much, and has 850 pages, which must be a sign of something. And whatever became of the Eureka All British Vacuum Cleaner (It Gets the Dirt, Not the Carpet), made at Hebburn-on-Tyne?

Anyway, can you believe what the advertisements say? Is there really anything that doesn't change, wear out, fall apart, decay, run-down? Moth-proof, rust-proof, waterproof, dust-proof, fool-proof - yes, maybe. But time-proof?

Certain familiar words leap to mind: "We are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ" (Rom. 3:24) "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, for ever" (Heb. 13:8); "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). For two thousand years the Christian Church has been publishing its preposterous advertisement, for an imperishable product; no price attached; and with a lifelong guarantee. Now there is something for the discriminating shopper to think about!

Yours sincerely,
Stephen Pacitti.

Sunday Services in Black Mount Church (Dolphinton):

July - September : 10.45 a.m.

October - December : 12 noon

On Sunday 1st October, the service will be a united one, in company with our friends from Culter and Libberton & Quothquan, held in Culter Church at 10.45 a.m. All welcome!

BAPTISMS

Sunday, 12th August 2001.
Katie Campbell, daughter of Alistair and Fiona Mackinnon, Dreva Road, Broughton.

Sunday 26th August, 2001 (in St. Mark's Church, Harrogate).
Samantha Jayne, daughter of Christopher and Sarah Johnson, 2, Mackenzie Gardens, Dolphinton.

Sunday 2nd September, 2001.
Kieran James Falconer and Lauren Emily, son and daughter of Ion and Gillian Wyness, 'Twelvetrees', Edinburgh Road, Dolphinton.

WEDDING
Saturday, 4th August, 2001
Mark Stephen Kirby, Walston Mansion Farm, and Jurate Marusiciene (Lithuania)

BOOK AID express warm thanks to all those who handed in Bibles in response to their appeal, and it is heartening to know that so many of our 'surplus' Bibles will find a new lease of life in churches overseas.

BLACK MOUNT CHURCH BOARD

Minister: Rev Stephen Pacitti : Tel. (01899) 220625
Session Clerk: Mr Don Barrie : Tel. (01899) 810276
Treasurer: Mrs Betty Smith : Tel. (01899) 810305
Organists: Mrs Alice Barrie : Tel. (01899) 810276
Mrs Margaret Leiper : Tel. (01899) 810223
Clerk to Congregational Board : Mrs Grace Allison : Tel. (01899) 220525
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OTHER LOCAL CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONAL SERVICES

St Isidore's Roman Catholic Church, 6 Coulter Road, Biggar. Father Michael Maher.
Mass: Sunday 12 noon and weekdays (Tue-Fri) 9:30a.m.
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CHRISTIAN AID

As local organiser of the 'Christian Aid' house to house collection I have received an official 'Thank You' from Head Office, for your donations that came to the sum of £475.64. All other volunteers have been thanked too as it is due to them, and the generosity of the people of the Black Mount area, that the sum was raised. This year again, there is an extra thank you to taxpayers who gave information needed to take advantage of the Gift Aid Scheme. My sincere thanks to you all.

Mary Kerr
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BLACK MOUNT GUILD

On September 26th the opening meeting of the 'Guild' is a visit to Kailzie Gardens, Peebles. This will be followed by High Tea in the garden's restaurant. Cars to leave at approximately 2.30p.m. Names to Effie Dickson or Marjory Muirhead.

Marjory Muirhead
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BLACK MOUNT LUNCH CLUB
On Monday the 13th August, members and friends travelled to St Andrews for our second outing. After a stop for coffee enroute, we arrived in St Andrews were the day remained dry until on our return journey home. A lovely High Tea was served in the Golf Club Hotel.

Many thanks to Helen Barr for organising the outing and to David Taylor, our driver.

Our club for senior citizens is looking to expand its membership, so why not come along to Elsrickle Hall, Mondays at noon, (except during the school holidays) for a meal and chat.

Marjory Muirhead
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NEWS FROM WALSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL : SEPTEMBER 2001

The children all seem pleased to be back at school and everyone has worked extremely hard during the first few weeks. We have welcomed quite a few new children to Walston Primary who have all settled quickly and are very happy.

During the next few weeks various events are taking place involving different age groups within the school:-
An athletics event at Larkhall Leisure Centre - P6/7 pupils have attended this and met other P6/7 from all the small schools in the area.
Football at Symington - this is another event organised by the Small Schools' Planning Group and is for children who are in P.5 and under. This is a yearly event which tends to be a fun day rather than a serious football competition!

WALSTON PRIMARY NURSERY : This group meets in Walston Primary on Thursdays and Fridays and is part of Rigside and Rural Communities Nursery. If you have a child who is 18 months or over, you can fill in an application form in readiness for the future. If you would like further information please phone the school on a Thursday or Friday morning (Tel: 01899 810234) and speak to one of the nursery staff or Marie O'Hare (HT) at Rigside (Tel: 01555 880689).

Please phone with any comments or queries. Tel: 01899 810234

Loraine A. Kinghorn H.T.
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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!

This term the children are going to be looking at "Me and My Family". This is a particularly
good topic for the new children who are starting, as it helps them to learn about each other, as well as more about themselves. We have been able to organise a visit from the Play Mobile, on the 19th September, which will give the children a chance to test out their physical capabilities, in other words clamber and climb and make a lot of noise!
The children from the Pre-5 group did well in the Dolphinton Flower show this year. They had all drawn a picture of "My house" for the pre-school category entry. There are obviously some very interesting looking properties in the area! f anybody has a pre-school child and would like to arrange a visit, or discuss what the groups are about, please phone Sheena, the playgroup leader, or Amanda, Chair of the committee.

Sheena Dickson 01968 682279 (Playgroup Leader); Amanda McLean 01968 682345

Amanda McLean
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BLACK MOUNT TODDLER GROUP
Black Mount Toddler group has restarted for the new session. We meet in Elsrickle Hall on Tuesdays from 10-11.30 a.m. If you have a baby or toddler please come along and join us on any Tuesday morning.

For further information, telephone Hazel Knight on 01899 810348.

Hazel Knight
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ELSRICKLE WRI

The Annual Open Flower Show was held in Elsrickle Hall on 25th August. This was well supported. Mrs Anne Moffat welcomed a large audience and called on Karen Gillon our MSP to declare the show open. Carol-Anne Barrie gave Karen a token of our thanks.

Karen then presented the prizes as follows to:

POINTS WINNERS
Flowers and Vegetables : Alistair Kinloch
Industrial : Margaret Leiper
Margaret Leiper Trophy : Ann Barrie, Joan Stephenson &
Margaret Leiper
Children : Jennifer Highton

MOST OUTSTANDING ENTRIES
Flowers : Alistair Kinloch
Vegetables : Jean McCartney
Baking : Joan Kinloch
Handicrafts : Anne Watson
Children : Carol-Anne Barrie

The opening meeting was held in Elsrickle Hall on 12 September, when Mrs Ann Smith gave a demonstration of 'Walnut Whip Wonders'. She showed how to make a choirboy and other characters using a Walnut Whip and fondant icing. Most members present then attempted to create their own choirboy, with varying degrees of success and much hilarity! A fun night was had by all. Mrs Helen Orr proposed a vote of thanks.

Competition winners were: 3 Truffles, 1 Margaret Leiper, 2 Jessie Todd, 3 Helen Orr; An Egg Cup, 1 Ann Barrie, 2 Margaret Leiper, 3 Harriet Tolson; Flower of the Month, 1 Anne Barrie, 2 Margaret Leiper, 3 Alice Barrie.

On 18-20 September members went to the WRI National Conference held this year in Wick, staying in Brora. At the conference members had chance to view the winning craft entries for this years Vaughan Nash Trophy, at which Elsrickle WRI took 6th place.

Next meeting is on the 10th October, when Mrs Christine Kyle will give a demonstration on making desserts. The competitions are a home-made Halloween Mask, coffee cup and saucer, and a garden flower of the month. A warm welcome is extended to all members, and any lady who would like to come along and join us in a pleasant evening.

Margaret Leiper
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NEW CONCERT SEASON FOR BIGGAR MUSIC CLUB

There is no need to travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow to hear fine classical music performed live by international artists! Biggar Music Club's new season of seven concerts brings to you an impressive variety of composers and performers on the stage of Beggar's Municipal Hall. The opening concert on Friday 12th October, preceded by a candlelight Buffet, features Quartet Dom with Anna Higgins (flute) playing Schubert, Mozart and Ravel. The Bridge String Quartet is joined by David Campbell (clarinet) in a programme of works featuring Haydn, Weber and Finzi on Tuesday 13th November. Acclaimed piano duo Jennifer Micallef and Glen Inanga make a welcome return to Biggar on Friday 14th December, and four more concerts complete the season which ends in April. All start at 8p.m. (except the opening concert at 7:30p.m.). Membership for the season is £30 (Buffet £7.50), junior membership is FREE and non-member tickets for individual concerts are £6.50. Where else can you go for an inspirational night out at that price!

For more details contact Morna Munro in Newbigging (Tel. 01555 840129) or Mrs J Baxter, 3 Bencroft Avenue, Biggar, ML12 6EU.

Morna Munro
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BIGGAR AND DISTRICT CIVIC SOCIETY

Biggar and District Civic Society was formed in October 1994 by a group of people who shared concerns of the proposals for the Biggar High Street 'improvement' plans. The Society aims to stimulate public interest in the cultural and historical heritage of Biggar and its surrounding area. It has served to encourage the preservation, development and improvement of features of general public amenity and historic interest, and to influence and maintain high standards of architecture and town planning within the area. To this end, the Society has over the years held meetings, exhibitions, lectures, competitions and produced publications, together with promoting other schemes of a charitable nature. The Society holds many evening talks on cultural and natural heritage during its winter season. This starts with the Annual General Meeting on 29th October at 7:30 in the Municipal Hall, Biggar. All are welcome.

For further information contact Malcolm Crone, 2 Johns Loan, Biggar, ML12 6AH.

Andrew Highton
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SALSA CLASSES

As some readers already know, the SALSA classes in Dolphinton Village Hall will now start in November. Adriana, the teacher, is in South America for three months, and that is the earliest date possible. The classes will be in a block of 5, each of 2 hours duration, and will cost £25 for the five sessions. Adriana would like people to sign up for the full course.

The dates for the first block of classes are as follows:

Wednesday 7th, 14th & 28th November and Wednesday 5th, 12th December.

They will start at 7:30p.m. And finish at 9:30p.m. Assuming that the classes are successful, we will hope to continue them in the New Year.

For further information, or a booking form, Tel. Pam Taylor on: 01968 682203.

Pam Taylor
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ITEMS FOR SALE

Black bag full of teenage girls clothes. Including shirts, trousers, tops etc.. Sizes 8-12, all in good condition. £20 for bag.

Black bag full of teenage girls jackets. Denim, dressy, sporty jackets. Sizes 10-12. All in good condition. £5-10 each. Also, platform boots and Nike trainers. Size 6 £5 each.

Gemini XL100 DJ decks. All equipment (e.g. Mixers, turntables, slipmats etc..) supplied. Including brand new Ministry of Sound headphones, worth £40, microphone and £130 of 12 inch records (dance music). Excellent for beginners. In good condition.

Contact Gail Paterson Tel: 01968 682310

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PUBLISHING ITEMS IN THE BUGLE

Something going on in your part of the Black Mount Community Council area? Are you offering activities or events that might attract interest from other parts of the Black Mount area? Then why not let them know about it. It is no use complaining about dwindling membership or non-participation if you don't publicise your events! After all we are all part of the Black Mount community. We can take material either hand written, word processed or CAD, on disc, zip or via e-mail.

You can also advertise items for sale or services. These attract a nominal fee of £1 per private entry, or £5 for commercial entries.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2001

Mondays (except school Holidays) : Black Mount Luncheon Club : Elsrickle Hall : 12 noon
Alternate Wednesdays : Black Mount Church Coffee Morning : Church Hall, Dolphinton : 10.30am
1 October : Black Mount Community Council Meeting : Elsrickle Hall : 7.30pm
10 October : Elsrickle WRI: Desserts : Elsrickle Hall : 7.30pm
12 October : Biggar Music Club : Quartet Dom with Anna Higgins : Municipal Hall, Biggar : 8.30pm
15 October : Kaimend WRI: Skaramanda : Jewellery Making, Miss M Harland : Newbigging Hall 7.30pm
29 October : Biggar & District Civic Society Annual General Meeting : Municipal Hall, Biggar : 7.30pm
5 November : Black Mount Community Council Social Group: Bonfire & Fireworks Display : Dunsyre Hall : 6.30pm
7 November : Elsrickle WRI: Whist Drive : Elsrickle Hall : 7.30pm
9 November : Friends of Biggar Museum: Kittochside Country Museum. NTS Director Mike Hunter St Mary's Hall, Biggar : 7.30pm
12 November : Black Mount Community Council Meeting : Elsrickle Hall : 7.30pm
13 November : Biggar Music Club : Bridge String Quartet with David Campbell : Municipal Hall, Biggar : 8.00pm
14 November : Elsrickle WRI: Flowers for Christmas & Gift Wrapping : Elsrickle Hall : 7.30pm
19 November : Kaimend WRI: Carnwath 2000, Terry Harding : Newbigging Hall : 7.30pm
24 November : Elsrickle WRI: Bowling Tournament : Elsrickle Hall : 12 noon
3 December : Black Mount Community Council Meeting : Elsrickle Hall 7.30pm
12 December : Elsrickle WRI: Hands on for Christmas : Elsrickle Hall : 7.30pm
14 December : Black Mount Community Council Social Group: Senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner : Elsrickle Hall tba
14 December : Biggar Music Club :Jennifer Micallef & Glen Inanga (piano duo)V Municipal Hall, Biggar : 8.00pm
10 December : Kaimend WRI: Wine Making : Newbigging Hall : 7.30pm

LAST DATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEXT EDITION OF THE BUGLE IS 18th November 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