BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

Following on from our very successful Sport's Evening in May, we continue our summer events with a Sponsored Walk on Sunday 5th September at 2 pm. The walk will start and finish at Kippit Farm, Dolphinton, a change from previous years. More details can be found on page 6 of this issue.

When Elsrickle Post Office moved 'up the Brae', the Post Mistress asked the Community Council if a bench seat might be provided half way up the hill so that folk could rest on the their walk up to the PO. A bench has been in place for several weeks now, and has been greatly welcomed by many villagers. We have received other requests for benches, and ask that, if you would like a bench in your village, please contact any member of the BMCC in the next week or so. We will then approach the appropriate bodies to attempt to secure funding for these. However, for safety reasons South Lanarkshire Council have indicated that benches sited next to roads must have a pavement between them and the road.

The recent, rather unusual, wet weather has caused a number of flooding problems for a number of Black Mount residents. We have contacted South Lanarkshire Council about blocked drains and culverts in the Elsrickle and Dolphinton areas following resident's complaints. If you wish to report your concerns about drains on roads that SLC are responsible for, then contact the Clydesdale Roads and Transportation Department in Lanark on 01555 673302. I hope that as we move into the autumn the weather will improve!

In the forthcoming session, two of the Community Council's monthly meetings will not be in the usual venue of Elsrickle Village Hall. The meetings on Mondays the 6th September and 1st November will be in Newbigging Village Hall. To date, all the other scheduled meetings will, as usual, be in Elsrickle. All our meetings are open to the public, and we would be delighted if residents wish to attend and raise any issues that you feel are of concern.

Joan Highton
Chairperson, Black Mount Community Council

What should the future be for Blackmount, Biggar and Symington?

The Scottish Government has recently put out consultation papers on planning policy for Scotland which will be the basis for the next 25 years. In addition WESTRANS have similarly put out consultation papers for transport for the next 25 years. Finally South Lanarkshire Council has just started work on an all-Lanarkshire local plan. They are unwilling to have a revised Upper Clydesdale Local Plan, but intend to include our area in the wider plan.

I’m sure you all realise how vital this is for our rural area. We need to influence these plans soon or it will be too late to make an effective input.

What are we to do about the need for housing in our area and particularly affordable housing for younger people?

What are we to do about the constant increase in road traffic especially on the A702? Can we get a Fastlink road from Livingston to Hyndford Bridge to relieve this?

Are we going to get improved rail services and bus services?

Will there be a new sewage works for Biggar and Symington and the freshwater supply for Dolphinton and Elsrickle?

What are we to do about agriculture and horticulture?

How can we create new jobs to enable young people to stay?

Can we get Broadband to our rural villages?

Can we develop tourism that is sensitive to our environment?

These are just some of the questions we need to discuss with a view to submitting proposals to all the ongoing planning consultations. It is difficult for Community Councils to respond to all these developments as part of their normal workload. Recently I have been talking to Chris Miller, Chairman of the Civic Society, and David Roberts of the Business Group, and we have come forward with a plan for a conference on Biggar and District Planning. We intend to have this on Wednesday 3rd November in Biggar Municipal Hall with two introductory speakers and discussion groups on housing, social services, transport, environment and economic development. If all goes well, we hope the working groups may continue in the following weeks. The intention is to have a report to submit that will reflect ideas coming from the local communities.

I hope in this way we may have some influence. If you are interested, please come along.

Tom McAlpine

Councillor Tom McAlpine’s 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.

Neighbourhood Watch

On 6th May 2004, I was invited to attend a Community safety partnership conference at the South Lanarkshire Council offices. The event was sponsored jointly by Strathclyde Police and SLC, with 65 people present representing all sectors of the Community.

A strategic outline was presented by Chief Inspector Gordon Scobie. Gordon’s primary aim was to “increase awareness of developments in SLC safety Partnership and to highlight areas of best practice”. This strategic plan is very comprehensive, covering personal safety, problem solving, police activities, bogus callers, internet safety, doorway and D.I.A.L. initiatives, lifeline, employee safety, mediation, big freeze/home safety calendar (aimed mainly towards the senior citizens and vulnerable of the community) and finally victim support and the well publicized crime stoppers initiative.

Brian McGinley, Community Safety manager of SLC gave the next presentation. Brian explained how a joint approach of all bodies represented could and would bring substantial benefits to the whole community by engaging with criminality. Objectives outlined were for the reduction of serious violent crime and to seriously target known serious offenders (prevent, deter, disrupt and detect), commission of vehicle crime and house breaking, enhance public safety, especially the safety of women and children and the more vulnerable members of the community. These objectives would be measured against set criteria and evaluated for their effectiveness.

Formal presentations were concluded by Superintendent Ronnie Buchanan who outlined the policing plan for 2004-2007, and went on to detail the structure and partnership in place to achieve this ambitious plan. Key areas would be community policing (Elsrickle is very fortunate to already have a most diligent PC who visits regularly to advise and inform on local activity), violent crime, substance abuse, vandalism and public order, house breaking, road safety, youth crime and victim support needs.

Finally the delegates were divided into three groups for plenary session to feedback local areas of concern, which were to be taken away for further consideration. A report of the evenings event would be produced summarizing the main outcomes of the conference, and a further conference would be convened by late autumn for feedback on agreed activities. It is up to US to help the full time and volunteer representatives to bring these objectives to fruition by playing a full and active part by reporting any activities that might threaten such principled initiatives.

Be on your guard at all times.

David Taylor, Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinator
(This piece was held over from the last issue)

Walston Pre 5 Group

The Walston Pre-5 Group meets at Walston Primary School on a Wednesday morning, for children from 2 1/2 years up to school age. Each session runs from 9.15am until 11.30am. We would welcome interested parents with children of this age to come and see us, and, if your child will be 2 1/2 during the next session (from April '04), and you would like to register them, please telephone Vanessa Starling at the number below, or call in on a Wednesday morning.

The children have had a good term and the theme they have been focusing on were the senses - touching, seeing and smelling. However Easter is upon us and the making of many an Easter Egger has taken over. In the summer term the group will be looking to learn more about new life (flowers and animals).

The group would like to thank the Co-op in Biggar for their generous donation which will be used to invest in more games, puzzles and art materials. We are always in need of these things, and, just to add to that, we continue to collect the Persil tokens which will help us to acquire more Art and Craft Materials. So please save your tokens for us, and hand in via a parent or the school. Thanks.

If you wish to contact the playgroup, please call either

Sheena Dickson 01968 682272 (Playgroup Leader) or
Vanessa Starling 01899 229229 (Committee Chair)

Church Of Scotland

BLACK MOUNT linked with CULTER linked with LIBBERTON and QUOTHQUAN

BLACK MOUNT KIRK NEWS August 2004

“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.
The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his
voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

I was walking along Princes Street in Edinburgh recently, and, as usual, there were some mostly young ladies with clipboards and pens poised and at the ready. With bright smiles they were approaching shoppers: “Just five minutes of your valuable time, Sir. Could I trouble you to answer a few questions for me? I hope you can spare the time.”

The questions they ask, of course, are wide and varied. One day, it will be about what newspaper you read. The next it might be about which deodorant you use or how much chocolate you buy each week? How much do you believe what politicians say on a scale of 1 to 10?

I have to admit that I usually try to side-step them, avoid them, give them the slip, but I realised the other day that they rarely stop me anyway – and never if I’m wearing a minister’s ‘dog’ collar. And even though I’ve no real desire to share my preference in wholemeal bread with a stranger, I must admit that I sometimes feel, well just a bit left out. Ignored. Why don’t they stop me? Isn’t my opinion valuable?

But on the rare occasions when they do stop me they usually make it quite clear that the whole exercise is anonymous anyway. They don’t want my name or address. They’re not interested in me as a person, not even as a name. I’m just another ‘filled in form’ to be added to all the other ‘filled in forms’, to be fed into a computer, chewed and digested, the results tabulated and put onto a marketing manager’s desk. For lunch, perhaps.

Jesus describes himself as a shepherd who knows his sheep so well that he calls each of them by name. We’re not just numbers to God, we’re individuals. Each and every one of us is valued for what we are, not just for the bits of information we can offer to some celestial computer. Every hair on our head is numbered; our personalities are respected. And we’re loved infinitely by an infinite God.
And in the same passage from the Gospel according to St.John, Jesus, the good shepherd, offers us not an improved brand of cornflakes but ‘new life’.

Shortly before he died, the playwright Dennis Potter was interviewed for television. He had cancer of the liver and spleen and he knew that he’d only had a few weeks to live. Nevertheless, he was very positive. There was no self-pity, just an urge to live each day as it came, and to achieve all he could in the time he had left. One thing he said really hit me. He said: “Life can only be defined in the present tense.”

In other words today’s what counts. He said that he still valued every minute. He saw things with new eyes. Looking at a plum tree blossoming he said it was: “the richest, whitest, blossomiest blossom” he’d ever seen.

Today’s what counts. Take that with you each day through what’s left of this wet summer. If you need to do something, say something to someone, do it today – do it now. If you want to achieve something start right away.

I always like to think that this is what Jesus meant when he talked about ‘new life’ – valuing each day as it comes, and trying to make the best of it.

Children’s Holiday Club

The Congregations of Black Mount with Culter with Libberton and Quothquan held a club for primary school children every morning of the first week in August. The club was called Xpedition Force, and was based on a mountain climb following stories from the Gospel according to St. Matthew. Children and leaders from all three parishes joined together at Black Mount Church Hall for stories, games, crafts and music. This is a fantastic way to take the Christian message to young people and the 23 children who attended look forward to the next club meeting which will be sometime in December

Jim Cutler (Minister at Black Mount, Culter, Libberton and Quothquan)
t: 01899 220 625 e: jim.cutler1@virgin.net

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

Service times 10.45am. until the 10th October then at 12.00noon

Other Local Christian Denominational Services

St Isadore’s Roman Catholic Church, Biggar.
Holy Mass Sunday 12 noon and weekdays (Tues-Fri) 9.30 am

St Mungo’s Scottish Episcopal Church, West Linton
Sung Communion Sunday 9.15 am, Said Communion Wednesday 10.30 am

Sponsored Walk

This year the Blackmount Sponsored Walk will take place on Sunday 5th September at 2p.m.
The starting and finishing point will be at Kippit Farm, Dolphinton, by kind permission of Angela MacKenzie.

As usual, sensible footwear will be required , and let’s hope that we don’t need brollies!
Sponsor forms will be available from Anne (01968 682256), but walkers may give a donation instead if they prefer.

All funds raised are used for the events organised by the Social Group throughout the year, including the Bonfire (Nov. 5th at Dunsyre), the Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner, and the Sports.

Everyone is welcome to join in, from toddlers to golden oldies…we always have an alternative, easier route! AND there will be tea, juice, sandwiches and cakes at the end.

Black Mount in Bloom

This year the Social Group spent some money trying to make Black Mount bloom.
We bought troughs and a half barrel, planted up by Lesley Tweedie and John Graham, to put at the 3 halls in the area, and hopefully they have brightened up what so far has been a rather dull summer. Suggestions for an even better show next year will be welcome!

Sports Results 2004

Primary Shield. 1st Barry Donald,
Runners up Alice McGrath, Coryn Tarbert, Emma Dickson.
Secondary Shield. 1st Sarah Allison, Runner up Charles Cochrane.

Toddlers, 1st Oliver Starling, 2nd Robbie Orr, 3rd Craig Watson.
Toddlers Egg & Spoon. 1st Craig Watson. 2nd Rowan Stewart, 3rd Terry Bells.

Gents 100. Graeme Blackett, 2nd Alistair Edwards, 3rd Jim Wallace.
Ladies 100m. 1st Mara Orr, 2nd Amanda McLean, 3rd Margaret Waugh.

Fun Run Ladies 1st Mara Orr 2nd Amanda McLean.
Fun Run Gents 1st Jim Wallace, 2nd equal Duncan Veitch and Graeme Blackett

3-legged Race Primary 1-3
1st Robert McGrath and Emma Dickson. 2nd Robyn Struthers and Coryn Tarbert.
3rd Jennifer Highton and Joseph McLean.
3-legged race P. 4-7
1st Alice McGrath and Shannon Gilchrist.

Welly throwing (Gents) 1st Alistair Edwards 26m.2nd John Hinks 24.2m. 3rd Neil McLellan 23.7m.
(Ladies) 1st Hazel Edwards 22.3m. 2nd Catriona Cochrane 19.2m.
3rd Ruth Hinks 17m.
Boys 1st Charles Cochrane 22m. 2nd Fergus McCorkell 16.2m. 3rd Barry Donald 16m.
Girls 1st Sarah Allison 14.6m. 2nd Clare Struthers 9m. 3rd Jennifer Hudson 8.6m.

Hoopla Boys 1st Charles Cochrane Girls 1st Clare Clelland.

Councillor Tom McAlpine presented the trophies and prizes.
£141.00 was raised in aid of the MacMillan Nurses when almost everybody either ran or walked 1mile to the skirl of the pipes, played by Heather Dripps of West Linton Pipe Band.

This was a very enjoyable night for everyone, and thanks must go to:
Hutch and Em for setting up the field.
Lucy, Beatrice and Nicola for organising the start and the races,
Joan, Karen and Co. for holding the tape,
Lorraine and Dorothy for scoring,
Joan Stephenson for refreshments, the profits from which go to MacMillan Nurses,
Mr. & Mrs Bell for the use of toilets , and electricity,
Hugh for announcing the races,
West Linton Whipman Society for the use of the loudspeakers
And Tom McAlpine for presenting the prizes.

Dolphinton WRI

DOLPHINTON WRI would like to encourage all women from the area to consider coming to join us at our regular Wednesday evening meetings (3rd Weds of the month, in the village hall). It’s a great way to get to meet up with others who live around here and .... not only do we have an interesting array of visiting speakers but we also have a good laugh - at least sometimes!

This year's meeting topics include ... One Pot Cookery, Meditation, Country Photography, Royal Highland Education Trust, Birdlife, Beadwork - as well as a fun night, bowling competition, the annual children’s christmas party and, of course, the flower show in the middle of August.

If you are at all interested, come along to our first meeting at 7.15pm on September 15th where you can find out what it’s all about or come to one of the other meetings if it suits you better.

Poety?? Corner

A little old lady from New Orleans had worked in and around the family dairy farm ever since she was old enough to walk...with hours of hard work and little compensation.

So when canned Carnation Milk became available in grocery stores (1940's) she read an dvertisement offering $5,000 for the best slogan.....a rhyme beginning with "Carnation Milk is best of all". She hought to herself, "I know all about milk and dairy farms...I can do this!!!!".

She sent in her entry and a few weeks later a black limo drove up in front of her house. A man got out and said, "Carnation LOVED your entry so much, we are here to award you $1,000, even though we will not be able to use it."

This was her entry:

"Carnation milk is best of all,

No tits to pull, no shit to haul!

No buckets to wash, no hay to pitch!

Just poke a hole in the son-of-a-bitch!"

Dolphinton Village Hall

EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCING with Angela Morton
Egyptian Belly Dance is a powerful and beautiful dance style with universal appeal. It is a simple, fun and gentle way to exercise and improve muscle tone for any ages or sizes. So if you fancy coming along and learning about this fascinating dance form - the music and the culture, and of course all the wonderful costumes that go with it, then contact Pam Taylor on 01968 682203 and book your place.
Term dates: Monday 23rd August - 11th October
Cost of classes: £24.00 (£20.00 concessions) for 8 week term
Beginners 6.30 - 7.30 pm
Intermediates 7.30 - 8.30 pm

YOGA with Julie Anderson
Yoga classes will be continuing on Tuesday evenings, starting on 7th September.
Beginners: 6.15 - 7.15
Intermediate (at least 2 years experience) 7.30 - 9.0 pm.
Contact Julie Anderson (01968 661204) if you are interested in joining a class as there are currently vacancies.

PILATES with Keeley Craigie
Keeley is running an introductory workshop on Wednesday, 18thAugust, 7.00 - 8.30 pm, at a price of £5.00 for those who would like to see what Pilates is all about before committing to one of her ongoing classes.
She will then be running a number of classes in the Hall all of them of 8 weeks duration at a cost of £32.00.
The dates and times are as follows:
MONDAYS starts 23rd August 9.30 - 10.30
10.35 - 11.30
WEDNESDAYS starts 25th August 6.15 - 7.15pm
7.20 - 8.20
8.25 - 9.25
THURSDAYS starts 26th August 9.30 - 10.30
10.35 - 11.30

Please contact Keeley( 01720 729301) if you would like to book a place at the workshop, or on any of her other classes.

CARPET BOWLS
Carpet bowling will recommence in the autumn.
Please contact Anne Ross (01968 682227( if you would like to join the group.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Hall staff are always happy to attempt to arrange new groups, activities etc. which members of the community are interested in. The charge for an hours use of the Hall for any Community activity is only £2.62. Also remember that it makes an ideal venue for childrens parties, etc. - the hourly rate for social events is £5.51.
Contact Pam Taylor for more informationon 01968 682203.

Dates for Your Diary 2004

Mondays (except School Holidays) - Black Mount Luncheon Club Elsrickle Hall - 12 noon
Alternate Wednesdays - Black Mount Church Coffee Morning - Church Hall, Dolphinton - 10.30 am
Saturday 21st August - Dolphinton WRI Flower Show - Village Hall Dolphinton - 2 pm
Saturday 28th August - Elsrickle WRI Flower Show - Village Hall Elsrickle - 2 pm
Sunday 5th September - Blackmount Social Group Sponsored Walk - Kippit - 2pm
Wednesday Sept 8th - Elsrickle WRI Indian Head Massage – Jennifer Tweedie - Elsrickle Hall - 7.30
Monday 6th September - Community Council Meeting - Village Hall Elsrickle - 7.30 pm
Wednesday Sept 15th - Dolphinton WRI - Dolphinton Hall - 7.15pm
September 21st-24th - Elsrickle WRI trip to St Annes
Monday 4th October - Community Council Meeting - Village Hall Elsrickle - 7.30 pm
Wednesday October 13th - Elsrickle WRI - Savoury Dishes - Elsrickle Hall - 7.30 pm
Wednesday October 20th - Dolphinton WRI - Dolphinton Hall - 7.15pm
Monday 1st November - Community Council Meeting - Village Hall Elsrickle - 7.30 pm
Friday 5th November - Blackmount Bonfire - Dunsyre - 7pm
Wednesday 10th November - Elsrickle WRI Arts and Crafts – Mary’s Patch - Elsrickle Hall - 7.30 pm
Saturday November 27th - Bowling Tournament - Elsrickle Hall