BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

In October the Community Council held elections as stipulated in the South Lanarkshire Scheme. There were five nominations for six elected places and so the following were duly elected: Joan Highton, Bernard Grice, Ian Kerry, Anne Hutcheson and Joan Stephenson. We thank Mr. William Gormley for acting as the returning officer.

At an initial meeting on Monday 7th November it was agreed to seek nominations from local organisations to complete the membership. Craig Allardice has been nominated by the Black Mount Social Group. We welcome further nominations from local groups.

The Annual General Meeting of the Community Council was held on Monday 5th December.

The Community Council contacts are as follows:

Joan Highton - Chairperson 01899 810378 Joanhigton@tiscali co.uk

Bernard Grice - Secretary 01899 810375 Bernardgrice@aol.com

Ian Kerry - Treasurer 01968 682239 iankerry@tiscali.co.uk

Craig Allardice - 01968 682349 craig@merklands.com

Anne Hutchison - 01968 682256 anne@robertonmains.freeserve.co.uk

Joan Stephenson - 01899 810272

Members of the public are most welcome to attend our meetings - dates on the last page of the Bugle.

Joan Highton, Chairperson

PLANNING DEVELOPMENTS

Many people have been contacting me with questions about housing and the draft local plan. I think most of the concerns have arisen because of the inclusion in the local plan of sites where individuals and companies have been seeking planning permission for land for housing. This does not mean that permission has or will be granted.

In reality the only major areas for significant release of land for housing will be around Carluke. In the Black Mount area there are no new proposals for land release. Obviously requests for sites in future of one or two houses will be considered by the Planning Department in the normal way but no larger developments will be considered.

The other major problem is of fresh water supply from Scottish Water in our area. We have encountered many anomalies including Scottish Water agreeing to the supply at the planning stage and then advising later that they would not be able to supply the water after planning permission had been granted.

Joan Highton, Chairperson of Black Mount Community Council and I are meeting with the Planning Department staff shortly to discuss these problems.

Councillor Tom McAlpine

COUNCILLOR TOM McALPINE’S SURGERIES

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 Monday of month
Gillespie Centre, Biggar 5.00-5.30 pm 2nd & 4th Friday of month

THE MINISTER WRITES

It’s almost Christmas time again. And among other things, it’s the time for the children’s nativity plays. There are some wonderful stories of children’s nativity plays. Let me tell you of some of them.

The final scene of a nativity play was a tableau. And in this tableau, the two wise men and one wise woman jostled for camera space, as Mary squeezed the plastic doll, Jesus. A little angel waved to its parents in the back row, when suddenly, behind the back-cloth, a baby began to cry. It was the hungry cry of a tiny baby – the baby that belonged to the mother who was acting as scene-shifter. But, for the congregation, it seemed to have come straight from the bundle in Mary’s arms.

For an instant the whole congregation seemed to freeze – and someone actually shouted out ‘Jesus Christ’! In that heart-stopping moment, the Word actually became flesh for those cynical adults who thought they’d seen it all before - those who’d long since stopped making the connection between Jesus and Christmas.

I think I’ll always remember the nativity play that I saw in a church a long time ago. The children came into the Church from the Hall for the performance, at the end of the service. It was just after the offering had been uplifted and placed on the communion table. During the play the shepherds were gathered around the communion table, and the congregation could see that one of them was helping himself to the offering. The minister could see him too and as he thanked the children at the end of the performance, he advised the teachers to frisk the shepherds before they went home!

There’s another story about a nativity play. The small shepherds, who were in the compulsory dressing gowns and tea towels, led the sheep on to the stage. The children who played the sheep were covered in hearth rugs, and they all stumbled on to the stage to kneel around the baby Jesus.

All the children had been encouraged by their teacher in the rehearsals
to use their own words to act out the story. However, there was a moment of silence. They shuffled and looked at each other. Then they looked at the baby and one of them spoke “Oh! He’s so like his Dad, isn’t he!” Of course, it was a phrase he’d heard his mother say as she admired their neighbour’s new baby. The audience smiled, but behind the fun and the giggles there was a real truth. Jesus was like his Dad. His whole life, his words and actions were meant to show us what God was like. To tell us that God isn’t way above the clouds in some divine shopping centre. Something that’s as near to heaven as some of us can imagine. But no, he’s down here on earth with us, waiting to enter our lives.

Looking at Jesus we can learn a lot about love and about forgiveness and a complete commitment to other people. And when we change the looking at him into following him, he offers us the strength to live more positively and to become more “like his Dad” too.

Annis and I wish you a very Happy and Joyful Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Jim Cutler (Your Minister and Friend)

Church Services at Christmas and the New Year

Saturday 24 December – Joint Watchnight Service at Libberton and
Quothquan Parish Church, 11.30 pm
Sunday 25 December - Christmas Day, Joint Service at Coulter
Parish Church, 10.45 am
Sunday 1 January - Joint Service at Blackmount Parish Church
10.45 am

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.

BLACK MOUNT SOCIAL GROUP
SENIOR CITIZENS' CHRISTMAS DINNER

The Senior Citizens" Xmas dinner took place on Saturday 10th December in Elsrickle Hall, when once again we had a very enjoyable evening.

The Hall had been prepared in the afternoon by a very efficient team .... Sheena, Craig, Jennifer, Ian, Joan, Gail and Joan.
Food was cooked and pavlovas assembled by Black Mount's Best.....Markie, Jennifer, Amanda, Trish, Betty, Joan, Ros, Sally, Lesley and Margaret (with a little help from Bernard).
Dinner was served by the most attractive (according to Arfthur) waitresses we have had...Rosie, Sally, Amy and Carol Anne. Washing up was miraculously performed by Margaret, Jennifer, Gail and Joan.
Musical entertainment was wonderful ..."the best yet"... (some people say that every year) ... We heard some beautiful singing by The City Bypass.
Best of all, the guests were in convivial mood, perhaps helped along by the wine served by Ian and Joan, and we mustn't forget the Raffle....cajoled by Joan, we raised £148.00.

Thanks go to all mentioned above, and to anyone else who helped in any way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE IN
BLACK MOUNT.......

Anne Hutchison

DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL

This autumn/winter period has been a busy one for Dolphinton Hall. The usual groups (see contact list below) have all been well attended. Do phone any of the individuals listed if you want more information. There have also been several parties held at the Hall.

By the time you read this, we will have had a Broadband Day at the hall, under the auspices of the Scottish Executive. On Sunday February 19th, we having a workshop for any children in the area (age 6 and over, and that includes adults) where you will be able to learn all kinds of circus skills, from juggling to Chinese ribbons. See the item elsewhere in this issue for more information. If this is well supported we may run further classes. Check the diary on the last page for other events at the Hall.

The appalling condition of the Hall store is being pursued with the Council. We await developments – again!

PILATES
Keeley Craigie 01721 752746 Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs

YOGA
Julie Anderson 01968 661204 Tuesday evenings

WRI
Ellen Armstgrong 01968 682303 3rd Wednesday of month

CARPET BOWLING
Anne Ross 01968 682227 Thursday evenings

SPANISH
Beronika Martin 01968 682349 Saturday mornings

TANGO
Peter Nicholls 01899 860380 Friday evenings

Phone Pam Taylor, on 01968 682203 if you are interested in renting the hall.

THE WALSTON PRE-5 GROUP

The Walston Pre-5 Group meet at Walston Primary School on a Wednesday morning, for children from 2 1/2 years up to school age. Each session runs from 9.15 am until 11.30 am. We would welcome children of this age to come and join our group and if you would like to register, please telephone Teresa or Ross Barber at the number below or call in on a Wednesday morning.

We would like to say a big thank you to all who supported our latest fundraiser, this was a great success and raised £233.00 for the playgroup. The winner of the £100.00 lived in Darlington, so we are spreading the word!

We have welcomed a number of new children to the playgroup which has swelled the numbers to almost capacity, most of whom have younger siblings which is great news for the future of the group.

SPELL did the first of hopefully many visits which was a great success and had the kids talking about it for ages. We hope to be able to fund one SPELL visit per term, with the next being in early February. We also hope to have a visit from a storyteller in the near future which we hope the kids enjoy.

With Christmas nearly upon us, a visit to the puppet theatre has been arranged which will take place on the 14th December and the Christmas party is on the 21st.

If you want to contact the playgroup, please call either
· Donna Gray 01899 221811 (Playgroup Leader) or
· Teresa or Ross Barber 01968 682650 (Committee Co-chair)

WALSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Once again it has been a busy term at Walston School, particularly for the older pupils. We now have two pupil-run committees – a pupil council and an enterprise group, both of which have been working very hard. Mrs. Harper hosted a meeting in her room, helped by both the pupil council and the pupils of P3/4 . This seemed to be a success and we hope to organise more events like this, perhaps in conjunction with our recently re-formed Parents and Friends Group.

The Beetle Drive in October attracted a lot of support and added £120.00 to the School funds. This is much appreciated by the school as it means we can take opportunities as they arise.

Our poppy collection raised £104.18. Thanks to all who donated or helped their children sell poppies.

We are hoping for a fine show of flowers in the spring, thanks to Lorna Jackson and a number of very willing parents who came along and helped plant bulbs – in very windy, cold conditions! We’ve also had our railings painted blue and we have ordered pencil shaped waste bins – hopefully these additions will brighten up our playground.

Our Christmas Service will be at 2.00 pm on Thursday 22nd December, in Elsrickle Hall and as always everyone is welcome to attend this event.

Loraine A Kinghorn, Head Teacher

ELSRICKLE WRI

SEPTEMBER 14th

Miss Kim Friel, a local beautician, gave us lots of tips on make-up, and Nan Brownlie was the lucky lady to have a make-over.

SEPTEMBER 21st – 24th

Forty six members and friends spent four days in Oban, visiting Mull and Iona, and Seil Island and stopping at Callander on the way. We all had a great time. Next year we are off to Mold in North Wales, 27th – 30th September. The Bus is filling fast; if you would like to go please phone Anne on 01899 220794 as soon as possible.

OCTOBER 12th

Our 85th Birthday – we celebrated with a meal at Robertson Arms, Carnwath, and were delighted to have four of our Honorary Members present. Jessie Grossart, our oldest member, cut the cake, baked by our president, Ann Leiper.

NOVEMBER 9th

Mrs. Annis Cutler spoke about Breast Cancer Care, for whom she is a volunteer.

Unfortunately we had to cancel the Bowling Tournament due to the bad weather.

Anne Moffat

BLACK MOUNT SOCIAL GROUP

The annual bonfire and fireworks display this year was made even more enjoyable than ever due to the lovely clear weather. An excellent crowd “Oohed and Aahed” at the fireworks; ran around in the dark with their Light Rope Necklaces; watched the bonfire blazing away; ate soup and hot dogs; drank juice and ate crisps and sweets; had a good blether. All in all we had a very sociable evening!

Thanks to all who helped by building the fire, putting up the lights, making soup and letting off the “squibs". A special thank you to Mr and Mrs MacDonald Lockhart for the use of Dunsyre Hall.

The Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner was held on Saturday 10th December in Elsrickle Hall. (See elsewhere in this edition.)

The Social Group have recently purchased various items which any group or member of the community are welcome to use for functions or private parties. All we ask is that breakages or losses are replaced. We now have 60 dinner plates, and an equal number of wine glasses; salt/pepper sets, sugar/cream sets, one large and two medium teapots. Most items will be kept in either Dolphinton or Elsrickle Hall. We have also replaced cutlery so that there are now 60 settings between the two halls. Also, there are table tennis tables and equipment which can be used if Dolphinton Hall is free …to book the Hall phone Pam Taylor – 01968 682203. Perhaps a good way to pass an afternoon during the Xmas holidays! If there was enough interest we might be able to restart a Table Tennis Club with expert tuition.

Present members of Blackmount Social Group are:

Anne Hutchison - Chairperson
Sheena Edwards - Secretary
Joan Stephenson & Ian Kerry - Joint Treasurers
Craig Allardice - Representative on Community Council
Lucy McCorkell
Joan Howieson

DOLPHINTON WRI

The first meeting of the new session was in September, when Hilary Brown was our speaker for the evening. Hilary, who is a midwife, was a member of a medical team which went out to Malawi for two weeks and with slides she was able to give us an insight into the work they did there.

Our October meeting was a celebration at Cornhill House for our 80th Birthday. We had a lovely meal and chat about the old times.

A Whist Drive was held on the 26th October in aid of the Children’s Christmas Party. Our November meeting was card-making, by Joanne Green, from Green by Design, Dolphinton. We all made a card under instruction and it was most rewarding.

The invitations for the Children’s Christmas Party, on Saturday 18th December, have been sent out and it would be most helpful to the Committee if parents could let us know if their children are able to attend or not.

Jean Campbell

GARVALD GARDEN & WOODLAND PROJECT

Exciting changes have been happening in a wood near Dolphinton. Garvald, near West Linton, which is a residential community for adults with learning difficulties run on the principles of Rudolf Steiner, have been developing the biodiversity and productivity of some woodland and a walled garden. The aim to encourage both members of the Garvald community and members of the wider community to get out and about and discover what is available on their doorstep. Leader Plus has been instrumental in the funding and support of this idea.

The project so far has:

· created a network of pathways
· put up signs and information boards
· designed and built a sheltered seat & display area
· planted a wildlife hedge and started a tree nursery
· planted an orchard of old variety applies and plums
· replanting felled areas with native tree species over 5 years

Some schools and colleges have already been involved in hands on projects held on the wooded site. Students from Oatridge Agricultural College have used the area for practical work experience and students from Strathclyde and Aberdeen Universities have also been researching sustainable ideas for running an educational centre from the old quarry above the walled garden.

The next phase of the project is the construction of an eco-barn. This will run as a working barn but will also have a multi-purpose room that can be used by Garvald and conservation groups and also members of the public. The design will promote the use of sustainable technologies using wind energy, solar panels and rainwater collection.

A shop in the barn will be used to sell seasonal produce from the garden. On a practical and educational level there will be space for drying and preserving foods and learning about compost making and other garden and woodcraft skills.

The Rural Resource Centre has also had a large supporting role in the organisation and completion of Phase I. Joan Higginson, a community development field worker from the RRC arranged regular meetings and helped with funding and target issues. Leader Plus have been extremely supportive of this venture and are enthusiastic for the second phase of the project to follow before momentum is lost.

Lucy Zawadzki (01968 660167)

Volunteer Days:
Jan 28th 10.00 .-12.30 rhodi' bash n' burn
April 1st 10.00 - 12.30 mulching and chipping

DAISY & BAARBARA RUMINATE

Baarbara: Have you heard that all the Elsrickle cows are going to have to come down the hill to Dolphinton just to get a drink?

Daisy: Do you mean that they've opened a pub or something?

Baarbara: No, you still have to go to Newbigging for that around here! I mean a drink of water, life's main essential.

Daisy: I suppose you're going to tell me why.

Baarbara: Well, I've heard that water can't get up the hill past Howburn (just like the lorries in a snowstorm). Remember we saw all these guys putting in a new blue pipe all the way from one Black Mount supply to the other.

Daisy: Yes, they were howking away for ages!

Baarbara: Well, it turns out that was a right waste of time. Even a dozy sheep like me could have told them that water runs downhill! and anyway, we're going to have to pay for what we drink if we take more than 10 cum. a day!

Daisy: What on earth is a cum? I drink water by the gallon.

Baarbara: I don't know; it's a wheen gallons, but that's what's going to happen; the Government says so....If any more than 10 cum. are abstracted then somebody's going to have to pay.

Daisy: Wait a minute....I have always believed that water was God's gift from Heaven, whether it comes as nice gentle rain or as these dammed thunderstorms that we are so terrified of.

Baarbara: We'll have to speak to Jim Cutler and get him to find out if God has started charging...maybe he has become a Co. Ltd. If he has then we could send him the bill if there's a flood that does damage!

Daisy: Could be. Maybe they'll tax us on the amount of gas we produce. Global warming and all that!

Baarbara: I'd agree with that in your case...you could fart for Scotland!

Daisy: Cheeky besom. Anyway, they're going to turn MY gasses into fuel for the tractors....it'll be interesting to see how they collect that!

Baarbara: That's if we're around long enough - I hear that they'll maybe plant all our fields with willow trees so that they can burn them to make enough electricity to keep the lights burning and the people's houses warm, or else build bloody great windmills on all the moors.

Daisy: They'd be better keeping more sheep and making your wool into warm jerseys to keep the cauld oot. Time you did something for your living ...it costs just about as much to get you clipped as the wool you produce is worth.

Baarbara: You cows can talk. It costs more to get your milk out of you than they get paid for it.

Daisy....Aye...I've said it before ... There's nowt as queer as fowk!

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
December 17th - Black Mount Children’s Christmas Party - DolphintonVillage Hall - 2.00 pm
January 11th - Elsrickle WRI – Visit to China - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
January 18th - Dolphinton WRI – Bread Making - Dolphinton Village Hall - 7.15 pm
January 28th - Dolphinton WRI - Bowling Tournament - Dolphinton Village Hall - 12 noon
Fbeurary 6th - Black Mount Community Council Meeting - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
February 8th - Elsrickle WRI – National Trust Gardens - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
February 16th - Dolphinton WRI – Sugarcraft - Dolphinton Village Hall - 7.15 pm
February 19th - Clown Class - Dolphinton Village Hall - 2.00 – 4.00 pm
Fberuary 25th - Peeblesshire WRI Federation Bowling Tournament - Dolphinton Village Hall - 10.00 am
March 6th - Black Mount Community Council Meeting - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
March 8th - Elsrickle WRI – Carluke Players - Elsrickle Village Hall - 7.30 pm
March 8th - Dolphinton WRI – Open Fun Night - Dolphinton Village Hall - 7.15 pm

LAST DATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEXT BUGLE IS February 28th 2006

Please send all your articles, dates, reports, news and advertisements to
Pam Taylor, Meadowhead, Dolphinton, West Linton, EH46 7AB. Tel: 01968 682203
e.mail: pamela.taylor@onetel.net

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