BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN – CHARLES RITCHIE

After one of our wettest summers on record, slightly compensated by a warm and sunny Autumn, Winter is almost upon us with the ‘gloom and doom merchants’ warning it might be an exceptionally cold one. Hopefully, they will be as wrong as they were about the massive flooding forecast for the East of England! Winter is, though, a good moment to bring to the fore our Community spirit, and if you do know of any elderly or vulnerable person living near you, it would be kind to keep a neighbourly eye on them.

I would also like to thank our Social Group for their wonderful organisation in running two highly successful events since the August Bugle. The first event being the Sponsored Walk held on Sunday the 2nd of September held at Brownsbank Farm at Candymill, and the second being the Bonfire and Fireworks display held at Dunsyre on Sunday the 4th of November. I apologise to anyone who turned up on the 5th of November to find just the smouldering embers of what had been a magnificent bonfire. In 2008, Guy Fawkes Night will be celebrated on Wednesday the 5th of November.

I have been in contact with Strathclyde Police following the fatal road accident which occurred in Dolphinton on the 6th of September, when a van was in a head on collision with a lorry. Speeding through Dolphinton and other villages in the Black Mount Community area is a matter of great concern, and there has been a welcome noticeable increased Police presence to catch those breaking the speed limit.

Water continues to be a matter of concern in the BMCC area, especially in Elsrickle. Scottish Water is well aware of these concerns, and has very kindly agreed to hold an ‘Open Evening’ in Elsrickle Village Hall, details of which will be notified by Scottish water by means of a leaflet through your letter boxes. They will give a general presentation on Scottish Water before taking questions on any matters you may wish to raise with them.

Yet again, I invite as many of you who would like to, to attend Black Mount Community Meetings to please come along. They are normally held at 7.30 p.m. in the Elsrickle Village Hall, the next Meeting is to be held on Monday the 3rd December. Please advise the Chair if you wish to address the Meeting or ask a question. With Community Council Elections due in 2008 I would be very pleased to hear from anybody who would like to put their names forward for election.

Charles Ritchie, Chairman

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Charles Ritchie Chairperson 01968 682639
ritchiecdm@hotmail.com

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

Craig Allardice Secretary 01968 682349
craig@merklands.com

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

Joan Stephenson 01899 810272

Margaret Grice 01899 810373

MEETINGS

First Monday of each month – Not Public Holidays
Elsrickle Village Hall – 7.30pm

BLACK MOUNT SOCIAL GROUP

This year’s Bonfire was held on Sunday 4th November at Dunsyre.

A crowd of at least 100 enjoyed the fire, fireworks, hotdogs, lite-rope necklaces, and each other’s company.

We must thank:

The bonfire builders…the Kerrs and Robisons,
The touch- paper lighters…Brian and Frances,
Craig and Lance for the use of generators and lights,
Mr. and Mrs MacDonald Lockhart for the use of the Hall for serving the soup.

And apologise to all the terrified dogs in the neighbourhood!

The Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner will be held on Saturday 15th December in Elsrickle Hall at 7pm.
All residents who have reached the magic age of 60 are eligible to attend, so if you know of anyone who should now be receiving an invitation please let either Anne (01968 682256) or Sheena (01968 682615) know.

The Social Group owns the Table Tennis tables in Dolphinton Hall, and it would be possible to start a club again if there was local interest.
We could arrange tuition for age about 8 upwards, last time we had 3 groups…Adults, teenagers and beginners.

Anne Hutchison

Church of Scotland, Dolphinton
Morning Service Sundays : Dec: 12 noon Jan: 9.30am

St Isadore's Roman Catholic Church, Biggar.
Holy Mass Sundays 12 noon
Weekdays (Mon,Tues-Thurs,Fri) 9.30 am

St Mungo's Scottish Episcopal Church, West Linton
Sung Communion Sundays 10.00 am
Said Communion Wednesdays 10.30 am

COUNCILLOR HAMISH STEWART

One of the most emotive subjects with which I have had to deal during my time as a Councillor has been the subject of traffic speeds and accidents on the A702, both where it passes through Black Mount and also further south on down to Abington. For me the frustrating thing is that because this is a trunk road the council actually have no control over the road including repairs and speed limits. Nonetheless I have always tried to maintain dialogue with, firstly, Amey and, now, Bear as well as the local and traffic police. Since the spate of fatalities along the length of the road my contact with the traffic police has increased markedly.

Chief Inspector Henderson has instituted a big increase in traffic patrols along the length of the road. This has resulted in a large number of speeding convictions. She has indicated to me that this level of activity will continue for several more months after which an assessment will be made to work out the next steps to be taken.

Joint meetings have been held with Lothian & Borders police to encourage them to take similar action on their stretch of the road.

A full appraisal of speed limits on the entire length of the road is to be undertaken next year. I am delighted to say that the speed limit in Dolphinton is to be assessed as a priority before the rest of the road. Work will also be done to determine what cost effective safety measures can be introduced.

Elsewhere on the road network the introduction of the flashing signs at settlement boundaries has so far proved to be successful and generally popular.

On the road repair front the council have invested in new equipment that ought to give better quality patching to pot holes – i.e. repairs that actually last! Unfortunately I do not expect to see the complete end to poor quality patching for some time though until more investment is made. Most of the major resurfacing work that was promised for Black Mount for this financial year has been completed and I am now endeavouring to ensure that at least as much gets done in the next financial year.

South Lanarkshire, in common with all other councils in Scotland, is waiting to see just how much money there will be in the budget for next year once John Swinney gets his sums to add up! The position in South Lanarkshire is further complicated by the fact that a massive amount of money is already allocated to the schools rebuilding programme.

Former pupils of Walston School, now at Biggar High, figured prominently in the Tailfeathers project that was unveiled recently in Biggar Public Park beside the boating pond. These wonderful sculptures are well worth a visit and I thoroughly recommend them. The work that the young people did there along with artist Richard Price is truly impressive.

As usual my Black Mount surgeries continue on the first Monday of each month – Newbigging Hall 5.30 till 6.00pm – Dolphinton Hall 6.15 till 6.45pm – Elsrickle Hall 7.00 till 7.30pm. I can be contacted on 07748 114 582 or at hamish.stewart@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

As this will be the last Bugle before Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents of Black Mount a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Hamish Stewart

BIGGAR AND CLYDESDALE AUDIO NEWS

Biggar & Clydesdale Audio News produces excerpts from the Carluke & Lanark Gazettes on tape for the blind or partially sighted.

Do you know of any resident in Black Mount who does not already receive a tape and who might like to take advantage of this service?

For further information, please contact either Sandy Gilchrist on 01988 221350 or Ruth Bryden on 01899 221005.

Brian Curle

NEWBIGGING ACTIVITY GROUP

N A G S
NEW YEAR PARTY – VILLAGE HALL
December 31st : 10pm
Contact : Mrs Rena McMeekin 01555 840166

CHURCH NEWS

During the summer and autumn we have been worshipping in the Church Hall while refurbishment of our Church building has been carried out. We expect to be back into the Church building early in December.
As always, people are very welcome to come and worship with us at 12 noon on Sundays (until the end of December).

On Sunday 6 January there will be a Joint Service at Libberton and Quothquan Parish Church (no Service at Black Mount). From 13 January, Sunday Worship in Black Mount will be at 9.30am (until end of March).

Our refurbishment has included the removal of the pews, which are for sale. Contact William Coulter on 01899 810 348 for more information.

Hazel Knight

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Sunday 16th December - Libberton & Quothquan : 9.30am
Culter Parish Church : 10.45am
Black Mount Parish Church : 12.00 noon
( Nativity services at Libberton & Quothquan and Culter Churches )
Songs of Praise - Black Mount Church : 6.30pm
Sunday 23rd December - Service times as above
Monday 24th December - Watchnight Service Culter Parish Church:11.30pm
(Carol Singing 11.15pm)
Tuesday 25th December - Christmas Day :Black Mount ParishChurch10.45am
Sunday 30th December - Normal services as above
Sunday 6th January 2008 - Joint Service
Libberton & Quothquan Church : 10.45am

DOLPHINTON W.R.I.

Dolphinton WRI had the first meeting of the new session on Wednesday 19th September. President Betty Ross welcomed everyone and introduced Dryna Donald who gave a very enjoyable and informative class on flower arrangement.

The Competition of the Month was “A Vase of Garden Flowers” and the winners were: 1-Ann Ross, 2-Nan Reid, 3-Ellen Armstrong.

The Flower of The Month Competition winners were 1-Jean Campbell, 2-Ellen Armstrong, 3-Ann Ross.

The October meeting was on Wednesday 17th with a very informative talk with the Director of Castle Craig Hospital, Dr. Margaret McCann.

The competition of the month was “The most Unusual Remedy” and the winners were: 1-Anne Hutchison, 2-Helen Armstrong, 3-Tania Ferguson.

For the Flower of the month competition the winners were: 1-Ann Ross, 2-Jean Campbell, 3-Araminta Ritchie.
The annual WRI whist Drive was held on Wednesday, 31st of October in the Dolphinton Hall and it was a great evening. Congratulations to the winners: Ann Ross, Betty Livingston, M. Tumble and George Campbell.

Syllabus for the next WRI Events:

November 21: CHRISTMAS FLORAL ARRANGMENTS with Leslie Tweedie. Competition: Handmade scarf (to be donated)
December 19: CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
January 18: HEALTHY EATING With Cairn Foods. Competition: 3 Oat biscuits

2008
January 23: BOWLING TOURNAMENT
February 20: THE GLENHOLM CENTRE Wildlife Project with Fiona Burnett & Wine Tasting with Mervin Baird. Competition: Wine glass
March 7 /8: BULB SHOW
March 19: MEGABOWL & SUPPER. Contribution required. Please book your place with our treasurer. Competition: Best socks
April 16: AGML: INGRASTON POTATO TECHNOLOGY With Harry Dickinson. Competition: Sample syllabus
Competitions as described, plus a garden or wild flower of the month. Non-Members always welcome-£2 per evening.

For further details or bookings please contact:
Betty Ross: 01968682326/Carol Elsip 01968 682647 / E-mail: c.elsip@cre8.uk.com

Tania Ferguson

DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL

Listed below are the contacts for the regular hall users, for your information. Do phone any of them if you are interested in participating in their groups/classes.

Carpet Bowling Anne Ross 01968 682227
Thursday evenings

WRI Carol Elsip 01968 682647
Wednesday evening (usually 3rd in month)

Yoga Julie Anderson 01968 661204
Tuesday evenings

Pilates Keeley Craigie 01721 752746
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings

Unfortunately there was insufficient support to start the Ballroom Dancing classes we had hoped to hold in the autumn/winter. However, if we can swell the numbers only slightly, we could give it a go in the New Year. The idea was to hold a class on a Wednesday evening (obviously not on the WRI nights), from 7.00 - 9.00 pm. The cost was to be £3.00 per person per class. The price is so reasonable, we did wonder if perhaps we could raise it to £5.00 which for two hours is still a very good rate, and that way the class could run with fewer couples. The main problem seems to be persuading the men folk to participate.

Anyway, if you are interested in joining such a class please call Pam on 01968 682203.

Don't forget the Hall is available for hire at very reasonable rates. Phone Pam on 01968 682203 for further information.

Pam Taylor
Hallkeeper

ELSRICKLE WRI

On September 28th fifty members and friends of Elsrickle Rural went on a four day trip to Northern Ireland.

On the first day we sailed from Stranraer to Belfast. We had a conducted tour of the city, seeing all the famous and ‘infamous’ places. Stopping at Stormont for photos. We stayed at Carrick Fergus.

Day two was spent at the very interesting American Folk Park at Omagh. The museum tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America. In the 18th and 19th centuries. We then spent some time at the shops in Derry.

On the third day we took the coast road to Carrick and the Giant’s Causeway, returning by the scenic route.
The final day was spent at Junction One Outlet Centre before a short stop in Belfast. Before sailing home.

Fifty tired but happy ladies arrived back in Elsrickle at 10.30pm, after a most enjoyable trip.

Dec 12th - Candle Craft : Mrs June Blanchard
Jan 9th - My Work : Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox
Feb 13th - Canapes : Mrs Nixon

Anne Moffat

WALSTON PRE-5 GROUP

The Walston Pre-5 Group meets at Walston Primary School on a
Wednesday morning, for children from 2½ years up to school age.
Each session runs from 9.15am until 11.30am.

We would welcome children of this age to come and join our group and if you would like
to register them, please telephone Danielle Campbell or Beth
Macdonald at the numbers below or call in on a Wednesday morning.

If you want to contact the playgroup, please call either
• Donna Gray 01899 221 811 (Playgroup Leader)
• Danielle Campbell 01899 810237
• Beth Macdonald 01968 682259

BROWNSBANK COTTAGE

Brownsbank Residency - Tom Bryan

I am the sixth Brownsbank resident since the post was created in 1993. James Robertson, Matthew Fitt, Gerry Cambridge, Aonghas Macneacail and Linda Cracknell have all preceded me. The cottage was the home of Christopher Murray Grieve (“Hugh MacDiarmid” 1892-1978) and his wife Valda, from 1951-1978, when the poet died. Valda lived on there until she died in 1989.

The cottage (the only A-listed farm labourer’s cottage in Scotland) has been maintained as a small museum by the Brownsbank Committee of the Biggar Museums Trust and as a base for the Brownsbank Writing Fellow who encourages creative writing throughout all of South Lanarkshire---a big patch, going into East Kilbride, Rutherglen and Cambuslang. There are at least ten active writers groups, plus lots of writers working in isolation, so with schools visits I am kept pretty busy.

I often stay in the cottage, sharing it with slaters, spiders, slugs and mice but also enjoying its serene and inspirational atmosphere.

My job is not to be an apologist for the firebrand MacDiarmid but maybe to remind people of his iconic importance to the past and future of Scottish writing. My own view is that MacDiarmid wrote some powerful and beautiful poetry that will be read and admired for a long time and that he identified all the problems and solutions facing Scotland in general and artists working here in particular. No other writer has been as important to Scotland in the twentieth century. His admirers are, and were, many. He was visited at Brownsbank by Yevtushenko and Allen Ginsberg, among others.

Visits to the cottage can be arranged with me at:
tbrownsbank@hotmail.co.uk
tel. 01899-860327

TOM BRYAN

Tom Bryan was born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1950, but has been long resident in Scotland, his mother’s country. He is a widely published and broadcast poet, fiction and non-fiction writer. Writer-in-Residence in Aberdeenshire, Scottish Borders, and currently, Brownsbank Writing Fellow in Biggar, South Lanarkshire. Has edited three literary magazines and was the founder of “The Eildon Tree” magazine, still going in the Scottish Borders. Has edited anthologies as well.

To date, four published collections of poetry, three non-fiction books, a small book of short stories and a novel. His short stories have appeared in many leading anthologies and literary magazines in Britain and abroad. Plays a bit of harmonica and writes songs and has also had a dramatic piece about the mythical Scottish bard Thomas the Rhymer performed in the Borders, the Highlands and the State Theatre in Tula, Russia.
Works throughout South Lanarkshire from his working base at Brownsbank Cottage, the former home (now museum) of the iconic Scottish poet Christopher Murray Grieve/”Hugh MacDiarmid” (1892-1978). Lives in Kelso in the Scottish Borders.

Contact:
Tom Bryan
123 Roxburgh St.
Kelso
Scottish Borders
TD5 7DU

tel 01573-224283

email tbryan@tiscali.co.uk

website see search engines ‘Tom Bryan Writer’

Workshops and tutoring:
Writer in Residence: Banff and Buchan and Aberdeenshire, 1994-1997.
Writer in Residence: Scottish Borders Council, 1998-2001.
Brownsbank Writing Fellow: South Lanarkshire, 2001 to present.

Workshops: Fiction, Non-fiction and Poetry in Primary and Secondary Schools, Prisons, Writers Groups, Community Groups, WEA, etc. Wide experience of working with all types of writers of varied interests and abilities. Able to offer encouragement and constructive criticism. Will provide workshop attendees with worksheets offering both practical and theoretical advice about writing, getting published, writing for money, etc.

References can be supplied. Fees negotiable in all cases

BLACK MOUNT UNDER 5’s

This group is for children from 0 to 5 years, accompanied by a parent or carer.
It meets in Elsrickle Hall some Tuesday mornings.
For more information, contact Michelle on 01555 841 842.

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND MOBILE VAN
TUESDAYS
Walston School : 09.40 – 09.50 Elsrickle Old Post Office : 09.55 – 10.05

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – Winter 2007/8

Last Date for Contributions to the next Bugle is January 24th 2008

Please send your articles, dates, reports, news and advertisements to:
Norma Love : Tel: 01899 810285 e.mail norma.love@btinternet.com