BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Nominations are sought for 6 elected members for Black Mount Community Council. Mr W Gormley has been appointed to act as Returning Officer for the Community Council Election to be held on Tuesday 25th October 2005.

All residents of voting age residing within the Community Council area are invited, should they wish to consider becoming a member of Black Mount Community Council, to collect and complete a nomination form. Nomination papers can be collected from:

The Returning Officer, Mr W Gormley, 41 Park Road, Carnwath ML11 8JZ - 01555 840766

Mr T McLean, 7 Hillside Gardens, Dolphinton EH46 7AE - 01968 661657

Mrs J Highton, 2 Oxengate Cottages, Elsrickle, Biggar ML12 6QZ - 01899 810378

Nomination forms must be signed, giving full details, by two residents of this Community Council Area and the nominee themselves. Completed nomination papers require to be received by the Returning Officer at the above address no later than 4.00 pm on Tuesday 11th October 2005.

Joan Highton

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Joan Highton, Chairperson - 01899 810378 - Joan Highton@tiscali.co.uk
Tim McLean, Secretary - 01968 661657 - tanda.mclean@virgin.net
Ian Kerry, Treasurer - 01968 68223 - ian.kerry@tiscali.co.uk
Anne Hutchison - 01968 682256 - anne@robertonmains.freeserve.co.uk
Joan Stephenson - 01899 810272
Shelagh Atkinson - 01968 682643 - atkinwood@onetel.com
Bernard Grice - 01899 810375 - Bernardgrice@aol.com

CONGRATULATIONS

Christine Harris graduated from Napier University in July 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing & Medical Studies. Christine presently stays in West Linton, used to live at The Shambles, Newbigging (next to the phone box) and during next year will move to a new house at Ravensknowe (Lammerlaw Farm road end, adjacent to Walston School).

Congratulations from Margaret and Bernard Grice

The annual wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Elsrickle “Small War Memorial” at 11.00 hours on the 11th day of the 11th month 2005. Those wishing to attend to honour the fallen from this community over two World Wars should congregate outside “Townhead Cottage” by 10.55 am. A request will once again be made to the local police to provide protection during the ceremony.

Afterwards there will be the traditional refreshments for those who wish to spend a short time together after the event.

David Taylor

The Minister Writes:

A while ago, I’d to visit the Health Centre to have my blood pressure checked. When I arrived, I passed the time in the waiting room speaking to the folks there. Eventually the nurse came looking for me and as we went into her room, I asked her “And how are you this morning?” “I’m fine” she replied, “but when you come here, it’s us, we’re supposed to ask you how you are.”

I remember, some years ago, I’d to go into hospital for a minor operation, and after I’d gone through the normal routine of admission, the ward sister came and asked how I was. After her came the surgeon and then the anaesthetist, and they all asked me how I was. It somehow all seemed very strange, for I was so used to asking other people how they were. And after the operation, it all happened again. First thing the next morning the sister asked, “What sort of night did you have?. Did you get any sleep?” An hour or so later the surgeon came by and asked “How are you feeling today? Everything going all right?” And so it went on all through the day – my wife, the children, some of my minister colleagues, other visitors, members of the congregation. All concerned, caring, following my progress, either as professionals or friends. All questions about me – about how I was.

In another sense, it was all pretty gratifying, but there was a down side to it too, because it seemed to be encouraging me to concentrate on myself. Everything that happened in hospital seemed to be revolving around me. And when anyone came into the room, it was so very easy to slip into the habit of talking about myself and nothing else. Of course, once I realised what was happening, whenever anyone came in, I tried to make a point of being first in asking how they were, and I tried to listen to their answers. I suppose the habit has kind of stuck and so now, I find it hard not to be asking the doctors how they are, even when I’ve to go for a consultation with them.

I suppose most of us are the same really, especially during our better times. I’m always really impressed by the way the folks of our area are always so very kind, and so very generous. The amount of money they raise is always remarkable. And even in our small communities the amount of money raised for the Church and for other charities is often quite amazing – people here are so very generous and caring really. Even recently, when we were going away on holiday, many of you folks were so kind, saying that you hoped that we’d a wonderful holiday and enquiring where we were off to.

Centring your life on yourself isn’t a very good idea on the whole. Of course, it can make you selfish and self-centred. We’ve to try to get hold of something else, some other purpose, and look outward towards it, to other things and other people. As St. Paul said, “Look not only to your own interests but also the interests of others”. Of course, it’s not always easy to do that, but remember when St Paul wrote those words, he was in prison. He’d been arrested for his faith in Jesus Christ and taken to Rome to stand trial, and I suppose that that’s a whole lot worse than being in hospital.

I thought that this could be of interest. It’s obviously about a Minister and it’s entitled:

‘You Can’t Please Everyone”

If his sermon is a few minutes longer than usual, he sends us to sleep.
If it’s short, he hasn’t taken the trouble.
If he raises his voice, he’s shouting.
If he speaks normally, you can’t hear a thing.
If he’s away, he’s always on holiday.
If he’s always around, he never takes time off.
If he’s always out visiting, he’s never at home.
If he’s in the house, he never visits his parishioners.
If he talks finances, he’s always talking about money.
If he organises a fundraiser, he wears everybody out.
If he doesn’t the parish is dead.
If he takes his time with people, he goes on and on.
If he’s brief, he never listens.
If he redecorates the Church, he’s wasting money.
If he doesn’t, he’s letting things go to ruin.
If he’s young, he lacks experience.
If he’s old he ought to retire.
And if he dies…well, of course, nobody could ever take his place.

The church Service at Blackmount is currently at 12.00 noon. After our joint service with our two linked congregations on 2nd October, which takes place at Libberton and Quothquan Parish Church at 10.45 am, the service at Blackmount will move to 9.30 am. Why not give us a try!

I’m very happy to visit anyone who would like me to visit them. My telephone Number is 01899 220625; my mobile number is 07956 396810 and my e-mail address is www.jim.cutler@virgin.net. I’d be glad to hear from you.

Jim Cutler

Other Church Services

St Isidore’s Roman Catholic Church, Biggar
Holy Mass, Sunday 12 noon and weekdays 9.30 am

St Mungo’s Scottish Episcopal Church, West Linton
Sung Communion, Sunday 10.00 am, Said Communion, Wednesday 10.30 a.m.

WALSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

We now have 54 pupils on the roll, making it even more difficult to find any unused space in the building! However, as always, we manage and although we have only been back a few weeks a number of events have already happened.

P3, 4 & 5 had a visit from Grassroots – a theatre company originally from Zimbabwe. The pupils seemed to gain a lot from this and talked about it for some time after the event. In late August P 6/7 took part in a residential visit to Glasgow – they had a very full itinerary and visited many of the interesting places Glasgow has to offer. This outing was organised by the Small Schools’ Group so they met up with many others of the same age.

Walston Primary has reinstated a Parents and Friends Group – anyone interested in becoming involved please contact the school Tel: 01899 810234 or e-mail headteachedr@walston-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk. We would be delighted to hear from you.

DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL

The autumn is here again and as always the groups and classes held at the Village Hall have re-started, or are about to do so. Below is a list of the activities currently held at the hall, together with contact names and numbers.

PILATES
Keeley Craigie - 01721 729301 Mon., Tues ,Wed, Thurs.

YOGA
Julie Anderson - 01968 661204 Tuesday evenings

WRI
Ellen Armstrong - 01968 682303 3rd Wednesday of month

CARPET BOWLING
Anne Ross - 01968 682277 Thursday evenings, starting October 20th

SPANISH
Beronika Martin - 01968 682349 Saturday mornings

BELLY DANCING
Angela Morton - 01721 752766 Fortnightly, Monday evening

TANGO
Peter Nicholls - 01899 860380 Friday evenings

As you will see, although we have a busy schedule, the hall remains unused for several hours, mainly during the day and at weekends.

Various suggestions have been made to me as to possible future activities – e.g. LINE DANCING, SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING, BALLROOM DANCING, SINGING, BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS. If any of these, or other activities, appeal to you, please phone me. It is usually possible to find someone to take a group and because of the low cost of renting the hall it is feasible to hold a group/class with small numbers.

Don’t forget also that the Hall makes a perfect venue for children’s parties. PamTaylor – Hallkeeper – 01968 682203.

WIND FARMS

The Scottish Executive launched a scheme some years ago to encourage the development of wind farms by offering financial incentives. The intent of this policy is good – to increase Scotland’s supply of sustainable, non-polluting energy resources.

Problems have arisen because this was rushed through without adequate consultation with local authority planning departments. As a result, there were no Scottish-wide or even regional plans for the distribution of wind farms or criteria for their sites.

The outcome of this is that we have been getting a scatter-gun of innumerable and even over-lapping applications in the Clydesdale upper ward area. For example, one was recently discussed at Blackmount Community Council. I am, in principle, supportive of wind-farms as were probably most of the members there, but we were critical on this occasion on the basis that until we get an overall plan and clarification about criteria, there should be a moratorium.

I understand that senior officials in South Lanarkshire were similarly concerned and have themselves drawn up draft plans on locations and criteria. I expect that this will appear as part of the consultations on the local plan.

It would seem that one of the permitted areas will be around Forth extending no further than Tarbrax. As a result no applications will be accepted to the east of this boundary in the Blackmount area to protect the Pentland Hills.

While this is good news, it would appear that the Scottish Executive have powers to overturn local authority decisions so we will have to wait and see.

Councillor Tom McAlphine

Newbigging Village Hall 5.30-6.00 pm 1st Monday of month
Dolphinton Village Hall 6.15-6.45 pm 1st Monday of month
Elsrickle Village Hall 7.00-7.30 pm 1st Monday of month
Gillespie Centre, Biggar 10.30-11.20 am 1st & 3rd Mon. of month
Gillespie Centre, Biggar 5.00-5.30 pm 2nd & 4th Friday of month

Dolphinton WRI held its Flower and Vegetable Show on Saturday 20th August. It was opened by Cathie Brown who was most impressed by the lovely floral displays and all the other exhibits which made up our most successful show.

The trophies were awarded as follows:

Cup for the most points in flower section - Rob Dickson
Cup for the most points in Vegetable section - Jim Brown
Cup for the most points in Floral Art Section - Jane Gilchrist
Cup for the most points in Industrial Section - Isabel Foster
Cup for the most points in Handicraft Section - Jean McCracken
The Marion Gilchrist Rosebowl for most points in the children’s section - Rachel Gilchrist
The Golden Spud Award (under 9 yrs) - Emma Dickson
The IPT trophy (9 – 15 years) - Hannah Dickson

Special Awards in each section:

Flowers Large vase garden flowers - Mrs. M Adamson
Vegetables - A Leek - Andrew Murray
Floral Art Exhibit incorporating fresh fruit - Betty Ross
Industrial Microwave Dumpling - Jean McCracken
Handicrafts Shawl - Cathie Brown
Pre-school Drawing of my Pet - Sophie Walpole
Under 9 yrs Rainbow Collage - Coryn Tarbert
9 yrs & over Piece of Handwork - Sally Brown

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a good show this year.

Dates for WRI meetings up until Christmas can be found on the last page of the Bugle, but if you require further information, or you are interested in joining us, please contact our Secretary, Ellen Armstrong, on 01968 682303.

J ean Campbell

ELSRICKLE WRI FLOWER SHOW

A successful flower show was held on 27th August at Elsrickle Hall. Reverend Jim Cutler opened the show.

PRIZE WINNERS

Flowers and Veg Trophy - John Steele
Ladies Trophy - Helen Orr
Childrens Trophy - Carol Ann Barrie
Margaret Leiper Trophy Joint winners:
Helen Orr
Agnes Steele

School Trophy - Alice McGrath

SPECIAL PRIZES

Flowers - Kate Kidd
Veg - Ann Barrie
Baking - Ann Leiper
Handcrafts - Helen Tochrane
Chilren’s - Alison Orr

ELSRICKLE WRI

We are looking forward to a very exciting schedule for the next year. The dates of meetings up to Christmas are included in the diary on the back page of the Bugle.

If you would be interested in joining Elsrickle WRI or want further information on specific WRI meetings, please contact Ann Moffat, Secretary, on 01899 220794.

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL SOCIAL GROUP

“Scorching Sunday…Sponsored Success”

Sunday 4th September 2005 will be remembered by 40 valiant walkers who completed a circular route from “Sunnyside” Dolphinton, up the old railway, down through the former quarry, viewed the swans, and walked the boundaries of Kippit, in weather more suited to a lazy day lounging by a pool somewhere on the Med! Proceeds are currently £484 which will be used to provide fireworks on November 5th, the Xmas dinner on 10th December, bulbs to replace the flowers in the tubs at the halls and prizes for the Sports.

Out thanks go to Charlie and Dorothy Catto, Tarmac and Angela Mackenzie for allowing us to walk through their very different countryside. Particular thanks to Jean Gilchrist for providing our venue and very welcome refreshments at the Old Station. Sunnyside certainly lived up to its name!

Saturday November 5th is the next date on the social calendar. This year is the 400th Anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. The bonfire will be lit at 7.00 pm on the old railway line at Dunsyre, followed by a fireworks display, then soup and hotdogs. If you have any materials for the bonfire, please bring it to the site on Saturday 5th – but please ….no plastics.

The Senior Citizens Xmas Dinner will be held in Elsrickle Hall on SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER. If you or someone you know, has reached the magic six oh, please let Sheena (01968 682605) know, so that they can be included on the invitation list.

We are always looking for people to join us in our activities, so if you would like to help in any way …serving hotdogs, planting bulbs, cooking something for the Xmas dinner, judging at the sports…or if you have any ideas for other events, pleased get in touch.

Anne 01968 682256.

GET FIT ON FRIDAYS**GET FIT ON FRIDAYS**GET FIT ON FRIDAYS
AT DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL 9.30 – 12.00
OCTOBER 7TH & 14TH

Mobile Cancer Information Service, which is based on the mobile Catch IT bus is visiting our area in October.
There are various services available:

**GUYS GET YOUR HEALTH ‘M.O.T.’ **COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
FREE ½ HOUR HEALTH CHECKS

Advice on anxiety, depression, coping strategies, Blood Pressure - BMI – Cholesterol, Blood Sugar Level and bereavement counselling will be available.
Health & well-being advice from a trained member of the team

**THE PRINCESS ROYAL TRUST FOR CARERS **ADULT LITERACY & NUMERACY TEAM
For those looking after a partner, relative or friend.

For those who would like friendly & informal help
this service provides: information, emotional & with making words & numbers work for them,
practical support, training for carers, and much more Improve spelling, reading & writing; help children with their homework, increase confidence.

**CANCER INFORMATION**
Information available on a range of cancer topics
Including details of local services and an opportunity to talk in confidence to the Cancer Information Nurse

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT LINDA MURRAY ON 07909 89613

Dates for your diary

Mondays except school holidays - Black Mount Luncheon Club - Elsrickle Village Hall - 12 noon
Alternate Wednesdays - Black Mount Church Coffee Morning - Church Hall, Dolphinton - 10.30 am
October 3rd - Community Council Meeting - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
October 12th - Elsrickle WRI - Roberton Arms Hotel - 7.30 pm
October 26th - Dolphinton WRI – Whist Drive - Dolphinton Village Hall - 7.15 pm
November 5th - Black Mount Community Council Social Group - Fireworks Display - Dunsyre - 7.00 pm
November 7th - Community Council Meeting - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
November 9th - Elsrickle WRI – Chinese Knotting - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
November 16th - Dolphinton WRI – Hand-made Christmas cards - Dolphinton Village Hall - 7.15 pm
December 5th - Community Council Meeting - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
December 10th - Black Mount Community Council Social Group Xmas Dinner - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.00 pm
December 14th - Elsrickle WRI – Audio visual slide show - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
December 17th - Black Mount Area Children’s Christmas Party - Dolphinton Village Hall - 2.00 – 4.30 pm

LAST DATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NEXT BUGLE: 30th November

Please send all your articles, dates for diary, reports, news and ads. to:

Pam Taylor, Meadowhead, Dolphinton,West Linton, EH46 7AB
Tel: 01968 682203 e-mail: pameadow@onetel.com

The Bugle is published by the Black Mount Community Council
But the views expressed therein are not necessarily those of the Council