BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The Community Council has met regularly since the last Bugle and has continued to pursue issues of local importance. We are still involved in trying to effect an improvement in the condition of our roads. We are advised that South Lanarkshire Council has received some extra funding from the Scottish Executive and some of this money will be available for roads. Please contact SLC if roads need to be repaired. Cllr. Tom McAlpine has included more information in this Bugle.

The Community Council were delighted to welcome Mr Gilbert Cox, the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, to the Jubilee Sports. We were pleased that he was able to accept our invitation at a time we know was very busy for both himself and his wife. A full report of the Jubilee Sports is included in this Bugle. The Queen's Golden Jubilee was marked by the lighting of a Beacon on the Black Mount on the 3rd of June. We know that our Social Group, led by Mrs Anne Hutchison, always do an excellent job but yet again they have surpassed all expectations.

Finally, Black Mount Community Council is required, under South Lanarkshire's Scheme for Community Councils, to hold elections this autumn. The Community Council consists of six elected members and three members nominated by local groups and organisations. These elections concern the six elected places. Local groups groups and organisations will be asked for for nominations following the election.

Nomination forms will be placed in Elsrickle Post Office and in Dolphinton, Elsrickle and Newbigging Village Halls. You will also find a nomination form on the next page of this Bugle. We would encourage you to consider being a Community Councillor and to return a completed nomination form to Joan Highton, 2 Oxengate Cottages, Elsrickle, by 30th September 2002. If the number of nominations exceeds six, an election will be held. We will keep you informed about this process in the local press.

Joan Highton, Chairperson

Potholes, road maintenance and replacement have become a serious problem for those of us in rural areas, with many miles of roads. This is primarily because over many years successive UK Governments have not put the necessary investment into the infrastructure.

In 1975 the Government collected around £12.8 billion in road tax and spent £11.5 on road maintenance. In 1999 it collected £31 billion in road tax and spent £5.9 billion on maintenance. As you can see, there has been proportionately a massive decline in expenditure.

Road engineers tell me that all roads should be resurfaced (not repaired) every 25 years. If we continue as we are, roads are going to get steadily worse. At least South Lanarkshire Council are trying to put more money into road maintenance, but it is a drop in the bucket in relation to what is needed.

Added to this are the problems of keeping rural bridges up to the standards required by European union law to be able to take 40 ton lorries. We are upgrading seven bridges each year, but not always at suitable times. The closure of the bridge between Biggar and Carnwath during the Spring caused mayhem for the smaller villages and official alternative (or not) roads.

The message, then, is simple. Keep up the fight to spend more on road maintenance and if you are by-passing bridges or roads under repair, think of the people living along the diversion routes and drive carefully.

For general Roads enquiries telephone: 01698 454484.
For the faults etc. In the Black Mount and surrounding areas telephone: 01555 673000.

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

RIGHTS OF WAY & DROVE ROADS IN THE BMCC AREA

The Access Development Officer in South Lanarkshire Council has written to the Community Council about drove roads and explained that they are working closely with thScottish Rights of Way Society who are proposing to reinstall waymarkers and 'line of site' marker posts on a number of the routes in our area, including SL148, SL97, SL25.

He advises that SLC, and various partners, are currently developing an outdoor access strategy for the South Lanarkshire area. This will provide a framework for future development and the promotion of walking, cycling and horse riding within South Lanarkshire. With this in mind he indicates that he would be interested to hear from the Community Council of any specific access issues or routes in our area which are not identified on the plan.

If there are any individuals or groups within the BMCC area who would be interested in developing this work further with SLC and Scottish Rights of Way Society, please can they make themselves known to any member of the Community Council? We have maps which show these routes.

Chris Miller, Walston

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL'S SOCIAL GROUP

BLACK MOUNT'S GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENTS

Jubilee Sports
These took place on Saturday 25th May at Newbigging Playing Field. We were very lucky with the weather since it did not manage to rain on us, although there had been very heavy showers all round about. The wind prevented us from erecting the awning which we had borrowed, but Jean and Alec Campbell saved the day by giving us the use of their caravan to serve the refreshments from. The Bouncy Castle was a great favourite, but most people managed to save some energy to run in their races.

Results:-
The Agnes Allison Primary Shield was shared between Jennifer Highton, Charles Cochrane and Rebecca Watson with maximum scores of 15 points. Runners-up were; Hamish Wallace and Sarah McKeand with 14 points each.

The Secondary Shield was won by Hazel Paterson with 15 points; Runner-up was Christopher McKeand with 14 points.
Well done all of you!

Winners of other events were:
Toddler, 1st Louise Anderson, 2nd James Dickson and 3rd Callum Wood.
Gents 100m, 1st Graham Blackett, 2nd;Jim Wallace and 3rd (equal) George Wylie & Ian McKeand;
Ladies 100m, 1st Mara Orr, 2nd, Amanda McLean and 3rd Anne Hutchison;
Gents Fun Run, 1st Alistair Brown, 2nd Jim Wallace and 3rd George Wylie;
Ladies Fun Run, 1st Simone McKeand, 2nd Amanda McLean and 3rd Mara Orr;
Under 12's Cross Country, 1st Sarah McKeand, 2nd Jack Still and 3rd Oliver Hoskins;
Over 12's Cross Country, 1st Christopher McKeand & 2nd Thomas Hoskins;
Welly throwing: Gents, Alex Donald - 111ft 10in; Ladies, Mara Orr - 74ft 2in; Boys, Christopher McKeand - 101ft 2in; and Girls, Sarah McKeand - 49ft 3in.

The West Linton Pipe Band entertained us well, and we all enjoyed a march around the field before the awards ceremony at which Mr Gilbert Cox, the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, presented the prizes. A Golden Jubilee medal was given to all the children who attended. Mrs. Effie Dickson was presented with a gift on her "retirement" with thanks for all the years (at least 20) that she did the most important job of Starter. Mind you, she was still there helping, this time serving teas! The Black Mount Community Council has since received an official certificate from the Lord Lieutenant to mark our participation in the Jubilee.

The Social Group are grateful for all the help given in setting up the Sports field, lending equipment, and helping out on Sports Day itself. A profit of £40 made from the sale of teas etc. was given to CHAS. the Children's Hospice Appeal, details of which are to be found in "The Sunday Post"
If you would like to have more events, less events, more sideshows or if you have any suggestions as to how we can have an even better day next year, don't be shy, just let us know.

BEACON
On Monday, 3rd June almost 100 people, young and old, arrived at the site of the Bonfire on top of the Black Mount. Most walked, but some came up by Quad bike and trailer, some by Fronterra or Toyota pick-up. We were expecting helicopters next!

We had the pleasure of the company of the 'Whipman' for 2002, Peter Rainey, who is "well and honourably known among his fellows" and represents the parishes of Linton, Lamancha, Newlands, Kirkurd, Dolphinton and Carlops. We had visitors from Bray in Ireland, Glasgow & West Linton, as well as hardy souls from all sides of the Black Mount.
At 9.30 p.m. Mrs Anne Hutchison (Roberton Mains, Dolphinton) lit the fire, Don Barrie (Howburn, Elsrickle) called for 3 cheers for the Queen, and everybody had a drink to toast 50 years of Her Majesty's reign. We had terrific views of all the surrounding countryside and at least 4 other bonfires.

Many thanks to Don Barrie and Davy Gilchrist who built such a magnificent beacon at a height of more than 500 m above sea level. Everyone who was there will always remember where they were on Golden Jubilee night, and how they earned their medal!

OTHER EVENTS
Sponsored Walk
The Annual fund-raising Sponsored Walk will take place this year on Sunday 1st September. This will be a circular route starting and finishing at Roberton Mains Farm, Dolphinton, meet at 1.30 p.m. This is a valuable way of raising money to fund other activities in our community such as the Sports, Fireworks & Bonfire evening, the Senior Citizens Christmas Diner, and other projects. If you cannot take part but wish to make a contribution, or for more details of this or other events please contact Anne Hutchison on 01968 682256

Anne Hutchison, Black Mount Social Group
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

This year is the celebration of 20 years since the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH scheme was launched and is now well established across the UK.

There are some handy hints/reminders as we go through the summer of 2002 that might seem obvious but all to often people become complaisant due to over familiarity within our domestic surroundings.

Garden Crime
This is the time of year that an increase in thefts of garden equipment occurs. Help by marking your equipment with an UV pen or some other discreet mark to aid recognition and proof of ownership. When the day's tasks are completed put all equipment away under lock and key.

There is evidence that prowlers are about even in BLACK MOUNT area looking for opportunistic theft so make it difficult by guarding your property. Don't forget this type of crime is normally committed by petty thieves "to order".

Bogus Callers
House breakers won't go to the trouble of breaking into your home if they can simply knock on your door and be invited in. So always be on your guard when anyone not expected calls, a man or woman with a child is most often a ploy on your emotions. Bogus officials may be smartly dressed and very plausible and make claims to be either from bona-fide utility organisations such as gas, electricity and water; the Council or Social Services officials etc. Their main purpose is to talk their way into your home to see if there is anything worth stealing. They may even work in pairs and whilst one distracts your attention the other "cases the joint" or even steals there and then.

Bogus tradesmen may even offer to take you to the bank or cashline machine to withdraw money for advance payment. NEVER do this as the chances are that you will never see them again or, of course, your money.

You have been warned. Have a pleasant summer, but always be on your guard. Prevention is better than cure.

David J Taylor, Elsrickle

BLACK MOUNT CHURCH - CRECHE/SUNDAY CLUB

We plan to start a Crèche and Sunday Club at Black Mount Church (Dolphinton) in the Autumn. These will meet during the Sunday morning Service.

If you are interested in bringing your child/children along we would be glad to hear from you. We are also looking for parents, or anyone else, who would like to help either regularly or on an occasional basis.
The Sunday Services last about three quarters of an hour and are at the following times:

July - September 2002, 12 noon (except 7th July)
October - December 2002 9.30 am (except 6th October)
January - March 2003, 10.45 am
April - June 2003 12 noon (except 6th April)
If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact either:
Linda Harvey: 01968 682292; or
Hazel Knight: 01899 810348
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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 9.15 am until 11.45 am, and new children will always be made very welcome! If you are interested in a place for next year, starting August, please get in touch with Sheena or Amanda. If you want to come and see what sorts of things we do, come along one Wednesday morning.

This term the children learnt about their senses. They had a listening day, listening to different types of music, and joining in. They did lots of touchy feely activities, and tried out taste and smell on a wide range of delicious (and not so delicious) things. They are now working on some artwork to make a playground frieze, and this has involved them in many different skills and activities, cutting, painting, and sticking, and produced an eye catching and colourful result. With this as our theme, our end of term trip will be to a playground on June 19th , for a play and a picnic.

If you want to contact the playgroup, please call either

Sheena Dickson: 01968 682279 (Playgroup Leader) or
Amanda McLean: 01968 682345 (Committee Chair)
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NEWS FROM WALSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

'Activity' seems to have been the word that best described Walston Primary School during May and June. The pupils were involved in the Black Mount Community Council's Jubilee Sports Day held at Newbigging playing fields, and our float took a First Prize in the Biggar Gala Day. They also participated in various cross-country, netball and football events. P6 and 7 returned from their Residential Activity week at Dounans, near Aberfoyle. Here are some of the comments from their reports:
'All the instructors were very friendly and good at their jobs' Carol Ann
'The best meal of the day was breakfast. The scrambled egg went down a treat' Sarah
'We went so we could experience new and different activities' Charles
'The weather was the only let down, but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there' Rosie

For many pupils June was also a time of thinking about the 'next step' in their education. Walston Primary, in partnership with the Nursery and Biggar High School staff, organised a series of activities to ease the transition from one phase to another, be it entering nursery, starting P1, moving from P1-3 to P4-7 class, or going up to the High School.
On Thursday and Friday 6/7 June, there was a 'Welcome' meeting for parents of new P1 children; from Monday 10th to Friday 14th June the P7's visited Biggar High School for 3 days; while on the 13th June new P1 children spent the morning in the classroom, and the current P1-P6 children moved 'up a class'.

P1 to P3 were busy during last term with their enterprise topics, and held a plant sale on the 11th of June. In addition to plants, P6-7 organised a book/games stall, a baking stall and teas/coffees.

Towards the end of term P1-3 visiting Deep Sea World at South Queensferry, while P4-7 learned about Vikings in Scotland at Vikingar in Largs. The term was rounded off a thoroughly entertaining end of term ceremony on the 26th of June in Elsrickle Hall, at which Mrs Effie Dickson presented graduation prizes and mementos to some of the children.

During May, members of both the Staff and the School Board attended an evening seminar on drugs awareness given by Strathclyde Police, held at Carnwath Primary School.

If you have any enquiries regarding Walston Primary School, the school's telephone number is: 0189 9810234.
School re-opens on Monday 19th August 2002.

Dorothy Ramsay,
Acting Head Teacher,Walston Primary School
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AFTER SCHOOL CLUB LEADER, NEWLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL,
ROMANO BRIDGE
This friendly school seeks an enthusiastic person to lead the After School Club, of up to 12 children, with an assistant from 3 to 6 p.m.. This is for 5 days within the school's term time. SVQ3 would be an advantage, but is not essential as training can be provided.

For further information contact Lucy Zawadzki on 01968 660167.
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ELSRICKLE WRI

At the last meeting of the Session, members were given a demonstration on colour analysis by Morag Goldie Weir. Mrs Helen Orr was elected President with Mrs Ann Leiper, vice-President. The other Office Bearers remain the same, with a Committee of six.

In May we joined with Kaimend WRI for our annual outing, this year to Mount Stewart on the Isle of Bute. This was a beautiful house with extensive gardens, and an enjoyable day was had by all.

Will members going to Harrogate remember the coffee afternoon on Tuesday 6th August.

The Annual Flower Show is on Saturday 31st August. Entry form are available from Alice Barrie (01899 810276). Remember, this is event is open to all and just a few entries from members of the Black Mount community (or beyond) will make for a good show. Look forward to seeing you there.

Margaret Leiper,
Press Secretary, Elsrickle WRI,