BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Chairperson's Report 2002/2003
(presented to the recent AGM)

Following the Community Council Elections in October 2002, the Community Council reformed in November 2002. The office bearers were elected at the next meeting and were as follows: Chairperson : Joan Highton, Secretary : Tim McLean, Treasurer : Ian Kerry.

We are grateful to our Black Mount Social Group for organising our social calendar in such an efficient and enjoyable way. The Senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner was held in Elsrickle Hall. Everyone had an excellent meal followed by first class entertainment. The Sports Evening was good fun for the energetic and spectators alike. The Sponsored Walk again raised funds in excess of our expectations and the afternoon tea quickly replaced all the calories expended en route. On Wednesday evening we will enjoy the Bonfire and Fireworks display, which I know will live up to all our expectations. We thank every individual for their role in making our events such a success.

The Community Council has been involved in a number of projects of public interest.
It will come as no surprise that a lot of time and effort have been put into trying to get South Lanarkshire Council to maintain our rural roads more effectively. Members of the Community Council met with representatives of Roads and Transportation Services in September to further this issue. Many subsequent contacts have been made and will continue until we are satisfied with the condition of our roads. They also agreed to consult on the replacement of street lights in Elsrickle and we look forward to this happening in the new financial year.

We now deliver around 400 Bugles. We thank Dr Andrew Highton and Mr Ian Kerry for their commitment and diligence in the production of this.

We continue to play and active part in the Upper Clydesdale Community Alliance. This group which represents the rural Community Councils and Groups has gone from strength to strength during this year. The Chair in Mrs Irene Miller of Carnwath Community Council. Mrs Highton is Vice Chair and is a member of UCCA's Executive Committee.

We continue to press South Lanarkshire Council to produce an up to date Upper Clydesdale Local Plan and have as a statutory consultee responded to many proposed planning issues in our area. We thank the Planning Sub-committee for the thorough and detailed responses they have made on our behalf and in particular Mr Chris Miller who has chaired this sub group in a fair and thorough way.

We have continued to press the appropriate authorities to improve the provision of public transport in our area. We were sorry to see the cessation of the Elsrickle Post Bus in August this year and have on behalf of Elsrickle residents who used the service regularly lobbied both SPT and The Post Office to reinstate this service. We have approached SPT on a number of occasions about the 800 Ring and Ride Service to improve the level of service offered. I am sure this is an issue in which we will remain actively involved in the future.

We were concerned to discover Scottish Water digging holes earlier this year and wrote to request an explanation. On discovering that a significant change was proposed to the water supply for both Dolphinton and Elsrickle, we were pleased that, at short notice, representatives of Scottish Water were willing to come to Black Mount to listen to the concerns of local people at a public meeting held at the beginning if June. Scottish Water agreed that they should consult local communities before changes are implemented and listened carefully as members of the public explained their worries about a chlorinated water supply and the recent flooding in the area. The Community Council will continue to reflect these issues as identified by local residents.

We have been concerned about the speed of Aggregate lorries passing through our villages and have submitted a bid for funding from their Environment Fund to pay for flashing speed signs in our villages. SLC has agreed to install these if we are successful in our bid.

I thank all members of the Community Council, present and retired, for their support, advice, hard work and commitment over the past year.

Joan Highton

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 9.30am until 11.30am. Call either Vanessa or Sheena if you are interesting in bringing your child along.

The group has been responsible for much furrowing of brows and maybe even some covert research, since it put out a local history quiz early this month. Our thanks to Duncan Veitch who set the questions.

The parents have also organised a Christmas Hamper, with many local donations, all gratefully received. The draw for this will take place at the last Pre-5 session of the year, 17th December.
A local entertainer, Mr Boom, has been booked for the children’s Christmas party. This will be a great opportunity for the children the enjoy top quality entertainment in a venue that they are familiar with. We are grateful to the Loaningdale trust for sponsoring this event.

We continue to collect Persil tokens for Art Materials. Please save your tokens for us, and hand in via a parent or the school. Thanks.

If you want to contact the playgroup, please call either Sheena Dickson 01968 682279 (Playgroup Leader) or Vanessa Starling 01899 229229 (Committee Chair).

We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the following for donating the prizes for our Prize Quiz : the Coop in Biggar (A selection of festive goods), Alec Allison (Steak Pies), Kenny and Linda Watson (Turkey), John Bryan (Beef) .

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WALSTON PRE-5 GROUP QUIZ (and the answers!)

1. The principal stream in Blackmount Parish is the Medwin. What does the name mean? (River extended and full. Despite being drained and straightened in the eighteenth century, the valley floor remains a wetland)
2. It has its source at the foot of which hill? (Craigengar)
3. Where can the Covenanter’s Grave be seen? (Black Law)
4. Why, according to tradition, was he buried in this spot? (So that he could see his beloved Ayrshire hills)
5. What does “Bigging” in Newbigging mean? (Building)
6. Although not in the parish of Blackmount, this landmark is the prominent feature throughout Clydesdale. Its name means “place of fire”. What is it? (Tinto – “place of fire” from Gaelic teinteach)
7. The farm name Borland is found throughout Lowland Scotland. What does the name mean? (Land reserved for the laird’s table – the “home” farm).
8. This artefact can be found in the Early Peoples gallery at the National Museum of Scotland. Where was it found? (Walston – the “Walston ball”)
9. The Crane Loch was used for what purpose during World War Two? (RAF target bombing practise)
10. What does the name Walston mean? (Welshman’s town/farm)
11. Croft -an- Righ, whose croft? (The King’s croft – Gaelic Righ for King)
12. Name the celebrated Covenanting preacher tenant of Westhills until 1667. (William Veitch)
13. What does the name Garvalt mean? (Rough stream – Gaelic garbh for rough and allt stream)
14. A Holy Well beside the old railway line below Anston is dedicated to which Saint? (St Bride)
15. What does the name Tod Holes, (between Weston and Walston Mill), indicate? (Fox holes in the area)
16. Stonypath is now known by another name, what is it? (Little Sparta)
17. The church at Dolphinton has a dolphin on its weathervane, although the name has nothing to do with dolphins! What does the name imply? (The Old Norse name Dolgfinnr - Dolphin’s town/farm denoting ownership)
18. “Fingerstane Cleugh” and Raven’s Cleugh” – what is a “Cleugh”? (Steep valley on a hillside)
19. In what year did the Dunsyre and Dolphinton railway line open? (1867)
20. Similarly, when did the Dolphinton to Carstairs line close? (1945)

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

BLACK MOUNT linked with CULTER linked with LIBBERTON and QUOTHQUAN

BLACK MOUNT KIRK NEWS December 2003

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.

Christmas is Coming

Just as certainly, it will soon be behind us. Much that was said and done will be forgotten. 'What’s the point?' people will think when its all over.

To think that is really to have missed the point. At Christmas our eyes are too much on what is here one day and gone the next. Whereas all the lights should remind us of the light which goes not out.

All the giving should remind us of the greatest gift at Christmas.

All the goodness should point to Him who is good above all others.

In all these instances the answer is Jesus.

Keep him centre stage in the celebrations and the wondrous truth of Christmas is revealed. That Jesus the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us. He is God with us.

I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and a Guid New Year

Sincerely, Jack Stewart

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Christmas Activities

Wed 17th Dec 6.30pm : Carol Singing around Parish, starting at Kippet Cottages.
Sun 21st Dec : Coffee/Mince Pies in Church Hall, after morning service.
Christmas Eve Service 11pm : Liberton Church
Sun 4th Jan 10.45am : Combined Service in Coulter Church

January to March 2004 : Dolphinton Church Services at 12 o’clock

Interim Moderator: Rev Alison Meikle, Lanark - Tel. (01555) 662 600
Session Clerk: Mr Don Barrie - Tel. (01899) 221771
Treasurer: Mr Stephen Harvey - Tel. (01968) 682292
Organists: Mrs Alice Barrie - Tel. (01899) 221771
Mrs Margaret Leiper - Tel. (01555) 841400
Clerk to Congregational Board : Mrs Grace Allison - Tel. (01899) 220525

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Other Local Christian Denominational Services

St Isadore’s Roman Catholic Church, Biggar:

Holy Mass Sunday 12 noon and weekdays (Tues-Fri) 9.30 am

Christmas Services:- Christmas Eve 11.30pm Carols/Midnight Mass, Christmas Day 12 noon Holy Mass.

St Mungo’s Scottish Episcopal Church, West Linton:

Sung Communion Sunday 11.00 am, Said Communion Wednesday 10.30 am

Christmas Services:- Sunday 21st December 4pm - Candlelit Service of 9 lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 11.30 pm - Midnight Communion. Christmas Day 11am - Christmas Family Service with Communion and Carols

THE BELL/RENWICK FAMILY

In this issue we have another request for family information from New Zealand. It is remarkable that, through the internet, it is possible for the Bugle to be read throughout the world, and I would like to thank our former Chair, Brian Curle, for managing our Web site.

I discovered your publication, the Black Mount Bugle, on the internet recently and wondered if I could submit a request for help in your December 2003 issue.

My name is Rachel Macintyre and I am researching my Scottish family history, and would appreciate any information that your readers may have on the following. I would love to hear from any descendants of the family and am happy to share what research I have found to date.

I am researching the Bell/ Renwick family from the Walston and Douglas area. In particular Thomas Bell, woodcutter, born in Walston and Jane Bell (nee Renwick) born in Douglas and married in Parkhead, Douglas in 1850. They had two children that I know of, Mary Bell (my great grandmother) born in Elsrickle in 1866, and Thomas born in 1863. Mary Bell went on to marry Lachlan Macintyre in Newington, Edinburgh in 1898 (her children were Thomas Bell Macintyre and Jessie Macintyre)

I am also looking for a Gladstone Farm or Cottages near the Gladstone/Elsrickle district. My father used to holiday there as a young boy in the late 1930's- 1940's. He described the cottages as being very old stone cottages, in a row of three to four, with a pump for water in front and a nearby farmhouse. My father would dearly love to know if this farm or cottages are still in existence and any information about them. He now lives in New Zealand and on his last trip back home to Scotland after 30+ years, didn't have the time to come to the area to enquire about them.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I can be contacted at deepsea@clear.net.nz or my mail address is:

PO Box 80, Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand.

Kindest regards,
Rachel Macintyre

JOB VACANCY - DOLPHINTON DEPUTY HALLKEEPER/ CLEANER

There is a vacancy at the Village Hall for a deputy hallkeeper/cleaner. This is a 6 hour a week job, with longer hours when the hallkeeper is away. The main duties are to keep the hall clean, prepare it for lets, clean up after lets as necessary, arrange for repairs and maintenance etc. When the hallkeeper is away, the duties expand to taking bookings, liaising with the District Council as necessary,opening and closing the hall for lets, etc.

The rate of pay is approximately £5.75 per hour, with overtime rates for public holidays. There are 20 days paid holiday per year. The hours to be worked, as mentioned, are six per week, and these are quite flexible.

If you are interested please contact Pam Taylor - 01968 682203

ELSRICKLE WRI

Autumn Activities:

12th November:- Forsyth the Butcher, Peebles showed the members different cuts of meat, where they came from in the animal and how to cook them.

Competition Winners were:-
Sausage Roll:- 1st Margaret Leiper, 2nd Anne Watson, 3rd Harriet Hobson
Letter Opener:- 1st Anne Wright, 2nd Anne Barrie, 3rd Anne Watson

29th November:- A successful bowling tournament was held, with 14 rinks taking place. New Trows 2 and Elsrickle 1 reached the final with New Trows 2 the winners. Elsrickle Team, Alice Barrie, Nan Brownlie, Helen Barr and skip Agnes Steele.

10th December:- Susan Crosby from Roberton will give a talk on ribbon work and the competitions are Home Made Calendar, Christmas Cracker and Garden Flower of the month.

New Year Activities:

14th January:- Niall Robertson of the Scottish farmer will give a talk on My Work. Competitions: Scottish View (photograph), Pancakes, garden flower of the month.

11th February:- A Matter of Opinion.

Jessie Grossart

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Congratulations to Jessie Grossart, one of our Honorary Members who was 90 years old on 12th December.

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ALICE BUCHANAN

The Rural was saddened by the death of Alice Buchanan in her 90th year. Alice died in Monteith House on 21st October 2003. Alice and her husband farmed at Hyndslowland Farm and then moved into Elsrickle.

Over the years Alice was a very keen rural member, always doing the monthly competitions at the meetings and a unique seller of raffle tickets. She enjoyed the bowls and represented Elsrickle many times over the years.

A very keen Church goer and Guild member, she was "well kent” everywhere she went.

She is survived by her son Billy, daughter in law Mary and grandchildren Carol and Alyson.

Anne Leiper

DOLPHINTON W.R.I.

In October we visited Carmichael Visitor Centre where Mr. And Mrs. Carmichael gave us a mouth watering demonstration of venison cookery and provided the recipes for us to try out for ourselves. Even better, we then had supper and tasted all the dishes before having a browse round the shop.

A successful Whist was held on 29th Oct. when 12 tables competed for the prizes, and profits will go towards expenses for the children’s Xmas party.

In November Margaret Leiper showed us how to make quick and easy desserts, which were then raffled at the end of the evening , and were much enjoyed by the lucky winners.

Our next meeting will be on Wed. Jan 21st at 7.15pm. in Dolphinton Hall, when April Noble will teach us how to perform Indian Head Massage. Any ladies would be welcome to come along, to meet new neighbours or old friends, have a cup of tea and a chat.

Santa will be visiting Dolphinton Hall on Sat 20th Dec. at the children’s Xmas party.

BLACKMOUNT SOCIAL GROUP

The Annual Bonfire went up in smoke on Nov. 5th, and, after a terrific fireworks display, everyone enjoyed soup and hotdogs. Many thanks again to the Kerrs who built the bonfire, Lance Armstrong for outside light, Brian Curle and Gary Ross for the firework display, and to Mr. and Mrs MacDonald Lockhart for the use of Dunsyre Hall. Only problem was the direction of the wind, which meant that Gary had to climb a tree to put out a little fire; but his luck was in and there was even a pool of water up this tree! There are some strange things to be found around Blackmount!!

No such problems at the Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner on Saturday 6th December.
Over 60 over 60s enjoyed a traditional meal, followed by excellent entertainment provided by three young men called The Black Douglas, who apparently got their name from their home town and because they only wash once a month. However their bath night must have been on 5th Dec because they smelt just as sweet as their music sounded!

The final “raffle prize” was presented to Chris Miller as a token of appreciation from the Community Council for all the time and effort he has given over the last 10 years or so, especially for his very knowledgeable contribution in planning matters. We might not always have agreed with him, but HE knew the rules! We all wish Chris and Barbara a very happy retirement at Hartree.

Merry Christmas to everyone and we look forward to Sports, Walks, Bonfire and Dinner in 2004.

Welcome to the Robison family who have come to live at The Halt at Dunsyre.

Good luck to Mrs. Mary Kerr who has “retired” to 193 High St. Biggar, having lived all her life in Blackmount area.

She was born Mary Dechman, at Cossarton, Dolphinton, moved next door to Croft-an-Righ when she married John Kerr, progressed to Kirklands Farm, Dunsyre, where she brought up her 5 children, then to Newbigging Mill, and back to The Halt, Dunsyre after her husband’s death.

Welcome also to all our new neighbours at Carmaben Brae, Dolphinton, and to anyone else who has just moved into the area.

NEWS FROM WALSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

It seems hard to believe we are nearly at the end of another very busy term. Primary 6 and 7 pupils (and Mrs Harper, their teacher) returned safely from an exciting and wet residential week at Castle Toward, near Dunoon. Everyone had a great time and they are all still talking about events which happened while they were there.

Primaries 3,4,5 and 6 have now started their 10 week block of swimming and travel to Lanark weekly, on Monday mornings – a good start to the week!

Plans for Christmas at Walston are well underway and, although we do not like to mention this too early, certain preparations must be made. P1-3 will be having a party on Tuesday 16th December in the school hall and P4-7 will have their party in Elsrickle Hall after school on Wednesday. Walston’s Christmas Service will be held on Thursday 18th December starting at 2pm, again in Elsrickle Hall and as always, you are all welcome to attend this.

School closes at 2.30pm on Friday 19th December and reopens on 5th January.

I hope you all have a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Loraine Kinghorn

COUNCILLOR TOM MACALPINE'S WARD NEWS

Broadband for Biggar and surrounding area:

Several constituents have been asking me about broadband provision in the Upper Clydesdale area. The situation is complicated but rapid progress is being made. BT have indicated on their website the trigger levels for a further 15 rural exchanges in South Lanarkshire. If sufficient applications are registered with BT to reach these trigger levels on each exchange, they will provide broadband facilities.

Biggar Exchange, for example, has a trigger level of 400. Mainly through the Biggar Business group, BT has132 registrations already in place. Working with the Council, BT and the Business group are about to start a publicity campaign with information leaflets provided. Obviously if we can get over 400, this will be ideal but rumours are abroad suggesting that if we can even get another 100, this might be enough.

What does Biggar Exchange cover? Town numbers 01899 – 220 etc. up to 01899 – 222 etc. Probably not covered are 01899 –810 for Elsrickle, Dunsyre,etc. or 01899 – 308 for Symington. Most of the smaller exchanges have a trigger of 100 including Leadhills and Crawford, but at the moment the following exchanges will not be included: Auchengray, Dolphinton, Dunsyre, Drumclog, Elvanfoot, Crawfordjohn.

If you want to be registered for broadband and have not already done so, could you please contact Linda McConnell of Biggar Business Group (tel. 01899-221527)

The Council is actively trying to encourage BT to extend broadband provision and I am sure more progress will be made. In addition UCCA (the Upper Clydesdale Community Alliance of 10 Community Councils) are mobilising their efforts to help and hope that those exchange areas still excluded, will get an opportunity in the future.

Christmas in Blackmount:

As usual I went to the Blackmount Community Council dinner for our older residents held in Elsrickle Hall on Saturday 6th December. This was my first Christmas meal of the season and certainly set a very high standard. It was excellent as was the entertainment and I would congratulate all those who helped.

I look forward to this year’s carol singing around the Blackmount villages. This is very enjoyable for those taking part and, I hope, for those who listen. All are, of course, welcome to Biggar’s Hogmanay bonfire.

I would like to wish all of you a good Christmas and New Year.

Tom McAlpine

Surgeries:
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.

DOLPHINTON HALL

Belly Dancing:

As some of you will know, we have been holding Belly Dancing Classes in Dolphinton Village Hall. A group of us, usually around ten, have 'shimmied', 'camelled' and 'hip-dropped' our way through six classes so far.

The plan is to continue the classes after Christmas, with the group being split into two: Total Beginners and Slightly More Advanced Beginners. We will start with six classes again, at a cost of £24.00 for the six. The first class will be on Monday, 12th January at 7.15. The time may subsequently change according to numbers and the wishes of the participants, but not the day.

So, if you would like to learn a new and fun way of moving to wonderful music and like to laugh a lot, this could be the class for you. An excellent way to shape up in the New Year.

If you would like more information, or wish to book a place, please phone Pam Taylor on 01968 682203, or just turn up on MONDAY, 12th JANUARY, at 7.15, at DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL.

DAISY AND BARBARA ARE CONFUSED (as usual)

Barbara : Daisy, is that you in the shed?
Daisy : Yes, Hiya Babara, I haven’t seen you for ages, how’s it gaun?
Barbara : Fine thanks, or as well as can be expected, I’m a bit worried about something and I’d like your opinion. Did you see what THEY’re going to feed us on next?
Daisy : No, we’re just getting the usual silage, and the bairns are fairly enjoying these nut things that they get.
Barbara : Well, we got put out of the field we were in, and THEY started cutting these jaggy things and wrapping them up, just like they do with the hay and silage that we get to eat at lambing time. I don’t think I want to eat that!
Daisy : You idiot! They’re not for you to eat, that’s Christmas trees. The people take them into their houses and decorate them with sparkly things to make them look festive. You’d not be very popular if you ate them
Barbara : That’s a relief! But what on earth do they take trees into their houses for? When we go into the house, it’s just to have our lambs, then we get back out again to eat grass, like normal creatures. Are the people all going to have babies or something?
Daisy : No, I think they’re celebrating the birth of a special one who was born two thousand and three years ago.
Barbara : There’ nowt sae queer as folk!, is all I can say. Another thing I saw was a funny creature with horns, running up the road, what would that be?
Daisy : Probably a reindeer. They help Santa to pull his sledge with all the presents for the children but usually there’s more than one of them, Donner and Blitzen and various others.
Barbara : There was just one , and it ran away in beside these little Shetland sheep next door, but it had some sort of harness on, right enough
Daisy : Idiot! That would be their tup.
Barbara : Our tups don’t have harnesses, they just have their wool coloured so that we can find them easily when the need arises.
Daisy : That’s enough of that, I don’t want to hear any more about your love life! Away you go and eat grass, if there’s any left, see you in the Spring when we get back out into the fields again.
Barbara : O.K. But I still think that folk do some odd things.
Daisy : And Merry Christmas to you too.

The present members of the Community Council are:-

Joan Highton - Chair, Tim Mclean - Secretary, Ian Kerry - Treasurer, Anne Hutchison, Joan Stephenson, John Hinks, Don Barry, Shelagh Atkinson.

Thanks to all those who have contributed to this issue.

Special thanks also to our distributors, Brian Curle for managing the Web Site, and Calum Greenhow at West Linton Post Office for doing the photocopying at very short notice at the busiest time of year for them.

We wish everyone a Happy Chistmas and Prosperous new year.

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

Ian Kerry, The Beehive, Dolphinton, EH46 7HH.
Tel 01968-682239 - Email: Ian.Kerry@tiscali.co.uk

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