BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The Boundary Commission of Scotland reported at the beginning of February, making recommendations for the future parliamentary seats for Westminister. The Boundary Commission is an independent body which has been asked to redraw these constituencies to bring their populations in line with those in the rest of the UK. It is proposed that Black Mount will join Peebles and Annandale.

The Community Council held an Extraordinary Meeting on 18th February to discuss this proposal in time to respond to the consultation deadline of 6th March. Given the short time scale, Community Councillors did their best to find out the opinions of local people before this meeting. It was agreed, on balance, to respond positively to The Boundary Commission proposal. We now await with interest the results of this consultation.

The business of the Community Council continues as usual, dealing with planning matters, roads, electricity and water supplies. Our Social Group goes from strength to strength. The Christmas Dinner was, as ever, a great success - the quality of the food and entertainment surpassing all expectations. The Social Group is now busy planning the Sports' Evening which will be held in Newbigging at the end of May. They are looking to hold a special event at the beginning of June to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. If you have any ideas or suggestions for this, please let us know.

Joan Highton
Chairperson, BMCC

Councillor Tom McAlpine and I recently met with the Director of Finance for South Lanarkshire Council, Mr Strang, to discuss our concerns about the Council's actions relating to claims for damage and injury caused by road and pavement defects. Mr Strang has now written to confirm that it is entirely reasonable for the Council to make full disclosure of the their response to a claim. He has further agreed that in the event of an appeal, the Head of Finance or he will be the final arbiter.

It will now be necessary for a period of monitoring to occur and residents are requested to bring to the notice of the Community Council any occasion when they feel that their treatment by the Council or their Claims Handlers, on this issue, has been unreasonable.

Jim Cannon, Head of Roads & Transportation, South Lanarkshire Council, confirmed to the Upper Clydesdale Community Alliance last August that he would put in place improved monitoring of road repairs with additional training as necessary, better auditing of supervision and management and greater freedom for his staff to exercise initiative and discretion in following instructions. On a personal level, I have continued to report faults in my own locality and to monitor subsequent activity. To date only one resident has brought a failure of the Roads Department to meet their standards of performance, to the attention of the Community Council. Should the Community Council now conclude that Mr Cannon has successfully honoured his undertakings to Upper Clydesdale Community Councils or is it unknown because faults are not always being reported?

Barry Rosindale, BMCC, Elsrickle

With the above in mind, many of you will have noticed that as a result of all the rain and then freezing conditions, our roads and pavements are once again in a poor condition. Many of the repairs carried out previously are not standing the test of time, while new areas of carriageway deterioration are appearing on both major and minor roads. Pavements, in the mean time, appear to be the 'Cinderalla's', with little noticeable attention being paid to them. If you don't want our roads to be reduced to the cratered unsafe state of 2 years ago, and our pavements unsafe to walk on, then it is up to you to report defects to the Council. Ring 01555 673000 (office hours) and ask for 'Roads'

Responsibility for defects and gritting on trunk roads, such as the A702, is the responsibility of AMEY HIGHWAYS. They can be contacted on: 0800 028 1414.

AMEY HIGHWAYS is also now responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all roadside and street lighting throughout Clydesdale. 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, Elsrickle

SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL'S RURAL BUILDING CONVERSION AND NEW HOUSE DESIGN GUIDE

In a previous edition of the Bugle we explained about SLC's criteria in the Upper Clydesdale Local Plan for existing and new housing in the rural areas. The Local Plan referred to the forthcoming design guide for residential development being prepared by the Council and we are pleased to report that this guide became available to the public at the end of last year.

Called, "Rural Building Conversion and New House Design Guide", and dated August 2001, this well illustrated 42 page document provides design advice on converting traditional rural buildings to residential use and on the siting and design of new housing in rural areas. It emphasises that the potential for converting or re-using existing traditional buildings should always be considered before putting forward proposals for building new houses.

The Guide is aimed at people who intend to submit planning applications for the conversion or reuse of traditional rural buildings for housing or for the erection of new houses in the rural area. Its purpose is to encourage good quality design and to ensure that conversions or new houses fit well into the landscape and are sympathetic to the traditional building and architectural characteristics of South Lanarkshire. It is emphasized that in addition to meeting the criteria in the guide, planning applications must also meet the requirements of the Upper Clydesdale Local Plan.

In addition to dealing with design matters the Guide also gives advice about energy efficiency in terms of siting and design, environmentally-friendly/ecologically sound building techniques and practices, boundary treatments, access roads and parking standards, etc. Example of appropriate boundary treatments, such as stone dykes, stob and wire fencing, harled walls finished with natural stone and native hedging are described as acceptable, whilst urban treatments such as decorative brickwork, ranch style fencing and fast growing conifers will not be accepted by the planners.

The Guide gives design advice for new housing says that, in comparison with the elegance and simplicity of traditional rural buildings, many recent developments have used standard suburban house designs that take no account of their rural setting or local design traditions. They say that the widespread use of standard kit houses which pay little regard to the unique or traditional characteristics of the area has lead to housing which looks out of place and which does not integrate with the rural environment. They emphasise that the presence of this type of housing should not be seen as a precedent or reason for allowing this in the future. The Guide is well supported by photographs of housing which the SLC planners consider to be good.

The guide is available free of charge from the Planning and Building Control Department in the SLC Clydesdale Area Office in Lanark. Any one about to submit a planning application to convert buildings or construct a new house is urged to obtain a copy of this helpful guide. The Community Council is already using the Guide when the Planning Sub-Committee assesses plans sent by SLC under the Planning Application Consultations process.

CHRIS MILLER, BMCC, WALSTON

COUNCILLOR TOM MCALPINE'S WARD NEWS

The Christmas and New Year holiday period passed quickly. With no Council meetings, there was the chance to enjoy the local community rather than deal with its problems. It does not always turn out that way! A spell of severe weather or problems with the regulations for the Biggar bonfire can still bring last-minute work. But this year was trouble-free. The Hogmanay weather was fine and there was a big, good-natured, crowd and a fine bonfire.

The Christmas Dinner for the older members of Black Mount was again held in Elsrickle Village Hall, and I enjoyed the cheery company on a cold winter night. The food, as usual, was exceptionally good, as was the entertainment provided by the young magician from Peebles.

Being a singer with the church choir and Biggar Singers, I always enjoy the carols at Christmas time, and joined the Black Mount Choir singing around the villages. Good fun, but next year I must remember my long drawers and two vests! It was a relief to get to Howburn Farm where Mrs Alice Barrie revived us with soup.

In the last issue of the 'Bugle', I referred to an additional surgery I was intending to hold in Newbigging on the first Monday of each month between 5.30 and 6pm in Newbigging Village Hall. I was swamped with consituents at the first session, so clearly there has been a need for this service.

One problem has arisen as a result of the repairs to the bridge at 'The Meetings' on the B7016, Carnwath to Biggar road. Because of European Union vehicle limits, many of our bridges require upgrading. Limited finance available to South Lanarkshire Council means that we can only upgrade a few each year, and not always at the best time. Closing the road is causing many vehicles to divert via Greenshields road, causing disturbance and danger. I have asked SLC to install temporary speed caution signs, as well as examining the bridge over the Medwin. Can I request that all drivers take special note of their speed on this route. It is a minor rural road and remember the people living there.

An added bonus for me this year as a trustee of New Lanark, is that it was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in December. This is both an honour, and is likely to encourage many more visitors with a spin-off for tourism in the region.

Surgeries
I can be found at:-
Newbigging Village Hall 5.30 - 6.00 p.m.1st Monday of each month.
Dolphinton Village Hall 6.15 - 6.45p.m. 1st Monday of each month.
Elsrickle Village Hall 7.00 - 7.30p.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.

I can be contacted on 01899 220423.
Councillor Tom McAlpine

CARE OF GARDEN SCHEME

With Spring just around the corner (!!), senior citizen's don't forget that South Lanarkshire Council operate a 'Care of Garden Scheme' for those of pensionable age. This includes grass and hedge cutting, and the application of weedkiller to paths. The service operates between April and October, and is absolutely free of charge. SLC claim that applicants go onto a waiting list for acceptance.

For more information and an application form contact the Housing and Technical Resources Department, Floor 10, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA or telephone on 01698 454568.

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. A Small Repairs Service is provided, where qualified tradesmen carry out minor domestic repairs. There's no charge for labour, only for the materials needed for the job. More information from:

Care & Repair, 6a Hope Street, Lanark ML11 7LZ; Tel. 01555 666200.
Andrew Highton, Elsrickle

Black Mount Social Group held a very successful meeting on the evening of Monday 11th March, in Elsrickle Hall, which was attended by 10 people.

Plans have been set in motion to hold our annual SPORTS EVENT, plus several extra attractions on Saturday 25th May. The venue for the sports this year is changed to the playing field at Newbigging. This will be followed that evening by a Barn Dance at East Mains.

On Monday June 3rd, hopefully there will be a concert of local talent, followed by the lighting of a Beacon on top of Black Mount. It is hoped that these are the right kind of events to encourage the aims of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, and will:

- Involve all sections of the community,
- Encourage a sense of community spirit and involvement,
- Engage young people.

Ideas for other social events within the Black Mount area have been suggested for later in the year. However, if you have any ideas or wish to help out in anyway, please get in touch with:
Anne Hutchison, Roberton Mains Farm, Dolphinton. Tel: 01968 682256

NEW YEAR HONOURS AWARDS

May we offer our belated congratulations to Ian Hamilton Finlay of Stoneypath and Professor Julian Jones of Dolphinton, on their inclusion in the New Years Honours List.

Ian Hamilton Finlay is one of our most celebrated local local residents, whose sculptures and poetry are of international renown. His garden creation, Little Sparta, attracts visitors worldwide to our part of upper Clydesdale. However, this provides us with only the merest glimpse of his talent and genius. Mr Hamilton Finlay recieved a CBE for his services to the arts.

Julian Jones is Professor of Engineering Optics and head of the Department of Physics at Heriot-Watt University. His group is involved in the research and development of optical fibres for use in such diverse fields as communications and medical applications. He is a Director of the company Optisci Ltd., founded with co-workers from Strathclyde University, which produces optic fibre equipment. Professor Jones was awarded an OBE for services to science and engineering.

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!

The children have been having fun, learning lots of number rhymes and songs, and making props to accompany them. Sadly the 5 currant buns were only made of paper - but the enthusuastic singing made up for it. Their counting and number recognition has definitely improved as a result.

Thanks to all those who supported our Christmas Hamper fundraiser, and particularly to Acme Organics who donated the lovely fruit and veg. The hamper was won by Ann Barrie, and we made £85 for the Pre-5 Group which will be used for art and craft materials for the children.

You may have noticed that Walkers have started producing their Books for Schools crisp packets again, and we will be collecting them to boost our book supply. Any contributions gratefully received.
If you want to contact the playgroup, please call either
Sheena Dickson 01968 682279 (Playgroup Leader) or
Amanda McLean 01968 682345 (Committee Chair)

NEWS FROM WALSTON PRIMARY

As many of you will be aware, Mrs Loraine Kinghorn, Head Teacher, at Walston is currently undertaking a year's secondment as Parent Support Officer for SLC's Education Department, based at County Buildings in Hamilton. I, Dorothy Ramsay, have been appointed Acting Head Teacher in Loraine's absence, and I look forward to continuing the good work that is being done at Walston Primary. One of the school's main strengths is the strong links that have been built up with the community and obviously this will continue, both by welcoming people into the school and by the school actively participating in community events. If you need to be in touch regarding any matter, the school telephone number is: 01899810234.

Mrs Dickson, the school secretary, retired in December after many years of loyal service tot he school. All at Walston wish her well.

The children of P4-7 are currently involved in 5 after school sessions, finding out about Scottish Traditional Crafts, and having the opportunity to try some out for themselves. The sessions include:

Week 1 - Weaving
Week 2 - Jewellery Making
Week 3 - Pottery
Week 4 - Cooking and Baking
Week 5 - Spinning and Knitting

Our thanks to all our local experts, who demonstrated their skills so interestingly and effectively.

Nine of our senior pupils will be joining with others from neighbouring small schools so spend a week at Dounans, near Aberfoyle. This is a valuable experience, not only as it provides an opportunity to undertake a week of outdoor pursuits, but also it allows pupils to meet and mix before moving onto High School.

Walston Primary's School Board organised a 'Beetle Drive' for children, parents and friends on the 1st March, which was held in Elsrickle Hall. A superb turnout added to the excitement and enjoyment had by all. We thank both those who organised and catered for the event, and all who participated.

Dorothy Ramsay,
Acting Head Teacher,
Walston Primary

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

BLACK MOUNT KIRK NEWS March 2002

(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 Black Mount Kirk (Dolphinton) and join us in our worship. You will be made most welcome.)

MINISTER'S LETTER

Dear Friends,

"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 Black Mount Kirk and join us in our worship. You will be made most welcome." This statement is printed at the head of each quarterly letter, and in this issue I want to emphasise that we in Black Mount Church really mean it, and would invite you to consider what part the church can play in the community, and indeed, what part it may play in your own life.

I have for some time now been more than qualified to receive the Saga Magazine, and am frequently being reminded by my family that "the next stage beyond Saga is gaga, Dad". My protests about the stereotyping of an ageing minority meet with the response: "What minority! " And I go away feeling like the sunken part of an iceberg.

But this pigeon-holing and stereotyping is found everywhere, and all groups suffer from it, even the young themselves ("Oh, the younger generation....") The Church is no exception.

I wonder what image the word 'church' conjures up in your mind? The place where you had your children baptised and promised 'to bring them up in the life and worship of the church'? The meeting place for the Sunday School you used to attend many years ago? An organisation that provides a venue for funerals, baptisms and weddings? An ancient place, catering for ancient people in an ancient way? A dozen more images could be presented; all of them would be incomplete, or distorted, as the above are incomplete and distorted. None of them really gets to what the church ideally is and for that the church itself may be largely to blame. Forgive us. The church is people, and people are fallible; but that doesn't mean that what the church points to, and the goals and standards to which it aspires, are meaningless.

It is sad if people feel that the church belongs to a past age and that it sees the world and humankind in outmoded ways. Do you feel that way about Black Mount Kirk? Do you know it to be so? Have you come to see whether it is so or not? The mark of a living church is that it is conscious of existing in the present, having learned fundamental things from the past, and trying with those insights to shape the future. Note that: having learned things from the past. Not everything new is good or true or worthwhile; not everything old is outmoded or useless. Even an ancient, traditional liturgy may serve as an impetus to thoroughly contemporary thought and action.

"Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away...'" says the hymn. Undeniably true. It also bears away all the wisdom its sons have acquired. Palpably false. For two thousand years the Christian Church, for all its mind-boggling blunders, has pointed the way to something beyond us - in terms of ultimate being and in terms of ultimate loving. For some of us faith is summed up in 'The Lord's my shepherd...'; for some in "Jesus is Lord"; for others it is encapsulated in the Apostles' Creed; for yet others it means 'Love God and your neighbour as yourself...'; for some it is a detailed doctrine of belief and practice; for others it is a deep, unshakeable conviction that God is, and that the spiritual world is even more 'real' than the material (and I am convinced there are far more 'spiritual' people in Black Mount Parish than would recognise themselves as such).

Max Boyce has a perceptive song called Ten Thousand Instant Christians in which rugby fans roar 'half-remembered hymns', while the chapel outside the ground is up for sale. ** I said in a recent sermon that maybe the final justification for the existence of the church would only be realised in a world from which the church had completely vanished. What kind of society would we then have, without the balancing presence of that faltering, often misguided, but well-intentioned band? I wonder. A world given over to the gospel of profit, self-interest, self indulgence, self-worship? A world seeking its fulfilment and its salvation in e-commerce? A world overdosing on football? I have suspicions that even humanism, honourable and respectable as it is, (and owing a greater debt to religion than it might care to admit) would gradually lose its grip on the human mind, in a world devoid of religious belief.

I do not believe the church will ever vanish completely from the world. But it can vanish from a small community. Not that faith will necessarily die out in the individual. But that corporate faith and witness, which has perhaps more of an influence in shaping the quality of community life than we can be aware of, may be slowly dissipated until it vanishes altogether. The village without its school, the village without its hall, the village without its church..... Think on these things

Stephen Pacitti

**I am grateful to Saga Magazine for this piece of information.......

Sunday Services in Black Mount Church (Dolphinton):

January - March 2002 9.30 a.m.
April - June 2002 10.45 a.m.

On Sunday 7th April, the service will be a united one, in company with our friends from Culter and Libberton & Quothquan, held in Black Mount Church at 10.45 a.m. Snack lunch in the hall afterwards.

BLACK MOUNT PARISH CHURCH

Minister: Rev Stephen Pacitti Tel. (01899) 220625
Session Clerk: Mr Don Barrie Tel. (01899) 810276
Treasurers: Mrs Betty Smith Tel. (01899) 810305
Mr Stephen Harvey Tel. (01968) 682292
Organists: Mrs Alice Barrie Tel. (01899) 810276
Mrs Margaret Leiper Tel. (01899) 810223
Clerk to Congregational Board Mrs Grace Allison Tel. (01899) 220525

OTHER LOCAL CHRISTIAN DENMINATIONAL SERVICES

St Isidore's Roman Catholic Church, Biggar.
Holy Mass: Sunday 12 noon and weekdays (Tue-Fri) 9:30a.m.

For further information contact:
Father Michael Maher,
6 Coulter Road, Biggar;
Tel. 01899 220189.

ELSRICKLE WRI

After wishing everyone a Happy New Year, President Anne Moffat introduced Christine McKenzie at the first meeting of 2002. Christine gave an interesting talk on the work done by the charity Chest, Heart and Stroke. In February Mr David Roberts from Biggar Travel gave a talk on his work, and had a travel quiz to amuse the members. A rink of curlers enjoyed a day at Hamilton Ice Rink at the Federation Curling Competition; while our indoor bowler's have been in top form winning the Biggar Tournament, and runners-up at Dolphinton. The rink at Biggar comprised Agnes Steele, Helen Barr, Nan Brownlie and Joan Kinloch, while at Dolphinton Mrs Templeton replaced Joan. Well done Ladies!

At the Federation Show on Saturday 2nd March, we were 2nd equal in the Auldhouse Trophy. Phyllis Tweedie and Ann Watson won prizes in the Individual Handicraft classes, and Helen Orr gained enough points in the Individual Housewives classes to be runner-up overall. Margaret Leiper won the Bessie Allan Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding exhibit in the Housewives section.

The next meeting is on the 13th March, in Elsrickle Hall at 7.30pm. The talk will be about hanging baskets by Mrs Margaret Frame.

Margaret Leiper, Press Secretary, Elsrickle WRI, Kaimend

GLASS BOXES

Tam Ward of Biggar Museum Trust would like help in tracing the source and location of glass fronted boxes that contain mounted flints, that have been found locally.

If you have any information, please contact Tam either through the Museum (01899 221050) or Ann Hutchison (01968 682256).

CRIMESTOPPERS

The Police ask 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 both the motorway network and Police Force boundaries, items could be hundreds of miles away before the loss is discovered.

Andrew Highton, Elsrickle

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, see the BMCC web site (Bugle No. 52). Biggar to Carnwath departures can be obtained from Biggar, Elsrickle and Carnwath Post Offices. Remember, the Biggar High School Bus is licensed to carry paying passengers. Departs Elsrickle at 0810 and Biggar at 1530. Single £1 and Concessionary 40p.

Andrew Highton, Elsrickle

Is their anyone out there?? We are looking for articles, topical or otherwise, to express your views as members of the Black Mount community. 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 not just people who live in Dolphinton, Newbigging, Dunsyre, Weston, Walston, Anston, Easton and Libberton.

You can also advertise items for sale or services. These attract a nominal fee of £1 per private entry, or £5 for commercial entries. After all, advertising helps to offset production costs and allows money to be spent on other community projects.

At The Black Mount Bugle we can handle material either hand written or word processed, and sent to us on floppy or zip disc or via e-mail.