BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

INTRODUCTION TO THE OCTOBER 2008 BLACK MOUNT BUGLE
CHAIRMAN : CHARLES RITCHIE

We have all experienced what has been the wettest summer on record, and as I write this in the last week of September, I have just heard the first of the geese flying in for the winter! An omen of a hard winter to come, I have been advised! Let us hope not. Hopefully a warm dry autumn will raise spirits. As I have said before, winter is a good time to mobilise 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 on running the Sponsored Walk held on Sunday the 7th of September that took place at Brown’s Farm. We all look forward to the Bonfire and Fireworks display due to be held at Dunsyre on Guy Fawkes Night on Wednesday the 5th of November. Last year it was held on Sunday the 4th of November, and I recall apologising to those who turned up on the 5th of November to find just the smouldering embers of what had been a magnificent bonfire.

The Black Mount Community Council Election is due to take place on the 28th of October, and any person whose name appears on the current Register of Electors for the Black Mount Community Council area is entitled to stand for election. Nomination papers can be obtained from the returning Officer : Joan Highton, 2 Oxengate Cottages, Elsrickle, ML12 6QX.. Completed Nomination papers are required to be received by the Returning Officer by 4pm on the 14th of October.

Water continues to be of concern in the BMCC area, especially in Elsrickle, but I understand that the quality of the water has dramatically improved since the new pumping station has been operating.

The other matter of concern in Elsrickle was the proposal of Haven Homes to build a new housing development of some 21 houses. A senior management team from Haven Homes came to Elsrickle Village Hall on Monday the 1st of September for an Open Meeting which was very well attended. They gave a very frank presentation and listened to the concerns of the residents of Elsrickle, a main issue being concerns about the disposal of sewage. The latest news on this proposal is that Haven Homes have withdrawn their current planning application, but it may be that they will submit a new revised planning application .

A major issue that everyone needs to be aware of is that between November this year and 2011, the switchover to digital television will happen, and will affect every home in Scotland. I and some fellow members of the BMCC will be attending a specialist presentation on this subject on Wednesday the 8th of October. Read your next issue of the Black Mount Bugle to find out how and when this will affect the Black Mount Community Residents!

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 7.30pm in Elsrickle Village Hall. The next meeting will be held on Monday the 3rd of November. Please advise the Chair if you wish to address the meeting or ask a question.

This is a bit early I know, but this is the last Black mount Bugle till 2009, so may I take this opportunity to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

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

Allison Morton – Nicholls 01968 682676
Alisonmorton-nicholls@o2email.co.uk

SUNDAY WORSHIP

CHURCH of SCOTLAND Dolphinton
Morning Service – Sundays 9.30am

St Isadore’s ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Biggar
Holy Mass – Sundays 12 noon Mon, Tues, Thurs, Frid 9.30am

St Mungo’s SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH, West Linton
Sung Communion – Sundays 10am
Said Communion Wednesdays 10.30am

ADDRESS FOR BLACK MOUNT WEBSITE

As you may have noticed from our front page, Black Mount Community Council has a website address:
www.blackmount.org.uk

BLACK MOUNT SOCIAL GROUP

This year’s Sponsored Walk was held on a wet Sunday, just like most events this summer. However a dozen brave souls walked up to the top of Brownsbank Hill where the masts are, along to the 5 fences, where 5 farms meet, then back to the farm for tea.

Many thanks to Sandra and George Tweedie for their help….it has been suggested that we do the same route next year, because even if you did walk, you didn’t get the full enjoyment of the views all around.
Nevertheless £288 was raised in aid of the Bonfire, Christmas Dinner etc.

Next event will be the BONFIRE:

Wednesday 5th November
Dunsyre at 7pm.
Fireworks, Lite Rope Necklaces, Soup, Hotdogs!

SEE YOU THERE!

The Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner will be held on Saturday 13th December.
If you, or anyone you know in the district, has had their 60th birthday please let one of us know so that they can be invited.
Anne 01968 682256 or Sheena 682615

Anne Hutchison

DUNSYRE CHURCH RESTORATION and CONVERSION

A sad reminder of how church congregation numbers have decreased has been the selling off of several former Parish churches around Black Mount in the last few years. Many of you will be aware that Dunsyre Church, which had fallen into disuse and disrepair, was sold off by the Church of Scotland a few years ago and purchased by my wife and myself. Although this has undoubtedly become an important way of raising revenue for the main church, they do investigate how the building will be used, and it is often the case that, if a viable community use is proposed, this will be the preferred choice as opposed to simply accepting the highest bid. Owing to the fact that Dunsyre is so rural, it seems that unfortunately in this case, a community use could not prove viable.

I quickly learned that converting an old church is not without complications but am very grateful for all the local help and support.

We have also spoken to many people who attended the church, whether for weddings, christenings of funerals and have always realised the need to continue to try to be as sensitive as possible to the fact that the building has been a place of worship for hundreds of years.

Through extensive research, I have discovered some fascinating facts and stories relating to the history of the building... it was originally built as a monastery in the 11th Century. I hope to share this info with anyone who may be interested by compiling all these articles onto a website soon. I would also be very grateful if anyone has additional stories or knows more about the history of the building...such as 'the nags' collar'....to forward them on to tipperhillmusic@yahoo.com

I am aware that some locals may now not feel comfortable about visiting the churchyard and enjoying the peaceful setting and beautiful view, now that the Church is in private hands. I can only emphasise that the churchyard is owned and maintained by the Council and is a public place for all to enjoy. The fact that the building is listed will also mean that Historic Scotland will make sure that its character is preserved and there will be little change to the exterior as a result of the restoration and conversion, ensuring that locals and visitors can enjoy the building for many years to come.

P J Lynch

WALSTON PRE-5 GROUP

The Walston Pre-5 Group meets at Walston Primary School on Wednesday mornings, 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.

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

COUNCILLOR HAMISH STEWART

Since the last article I wrote for the Bugle the issue most raised with me in the Black Mount area has been the matter of the planning application for the former garage site in Elsrickle. The day before writing this I was informed by the planning department that the application has in fact been withdrawn. No doubt a new application will be submitted by the developer shortly. In effect this means that the original application no longer exists and the whole process of neighbour notification etc will have to be gone through again by the developer. The principal of houses being built on the site still stands because of the grant of consent in outline several months ago but things such as number of houses, style, size, drainage and community benefit still have to be agreed.

I was delighted that Elsrickle Post Office survived the latest round of cuts. Whilst sympathising with residents in areas that are losing their office I believe it is vital that such services are retained in the rural area.

I attended a Scottish Culture event in Hamilton recently aimed at the small schools. Walston primary 6 were there and the children seemed to be having a great time mixing with their peers from another 17 small schools. These events are extremely valuable and I hope that more can be funded. I take my hat off to all the staff that get involved and to the children who participated fully.

Council services, including schools, are, at the time of writing being affected by strike action. I hope that by the time you read this the dispute will have been resolved. During the current action emergency cover is still available on
0800 242 024 and I hope that nothing happens to change that on any further days of action.

Community Councils are due for re-election in October. I am not aware whether sufficient candidates have put their names forward to ensure an election takes place in Black mount but I do know that over the years you have been blessed with a hard working council and that at least one of the current members has decided to step down so there will be changes whatever happens. Ann has been a great advertisement for what Community Councils should be about and I wish her well.

This is the last Bugle of the year so I am going to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very early Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My surgeries continue to be held on the first Monday of each month – Newbigging 1730 to 1800, Dolphinton 1815 to 1845 and Elsrickle 1900 to 1930. I will however be missing the November surgery owing to holidays. Please do not hesitate to contact me at other times either on phone 07748 114 582 or e-mail hamish.stewart@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL

Once again autumn is upon us and it's time to sign up for activities to keep the chill at bay.

Yoga on a Tuesday with Julie (01968 661204) has already begun, but there may be places for late comers, so do phone her if you are interested.

Keeley's Pilates classes, Monday to Thursday and Wednesday evenings continue until half term and will then re-start so if you would like to join one of her groups, phone her on 01721 752746.

Carpet bowling will re-start mid-October. Phone Ann Ross on 01968 682227 for precise details.

The WRI has held its September meeting and is due to meet again on October 15 and November 19 for its regular monthly get-together. In addition there is a Whist Drive on 29th October. For more information phone Nan on 01968 682355.

We had a very successful world music evening in August, when almost 50 people danced the evening away to very lively singing and playing from Rise Kagona and Doug Veitch. We hope to repeat the event in the not too distant future.

The Hall is of course available for hire throughout the year by members of the community for parties, social or sporting
occasions. Phone Pam on 01968 682203 for rates and further information.

Pam Taylor, Hallkeeper, 01968 682203

BLACK MOUNT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS

First Monday of each month – Not Public Holidays
Elsrickle Village Hall – 7.30pm
All Black Mount Residents are welcome to come along.

DOLPHINTON W.R.I.

Dolphinton WRI held its Annual Flower and Vegetable Show in the Dolphinton Hall on Saturday 23rd August. Vice Chairman of the WRI Peeblesshire Federation, Rosemary Napier, opened the show. After the prize giving ceremony, Mrs Napier, presented the members Effie Dickson and Jean Campbell with a certificate of loyalty to recognise their long & valued service within the Dolphinton WRI.

The event had a great turn out with a good variety of entries from all ages in all classes. The pleasant afternoon ended with the traditional WRI Tea with the best home baking from the ladies.

The trophies were awarded as follows:

Trophies and prizes:
Jimmy Dickson Cup – Flower Section – R. Dickson.
WRI Cup – Vegetable Section – Dryna Donald.
Mrs. John McKenzie Trophy – Floral Art – Betty Ross and Jane Gilchrist.
WRI Cup – Industrial Section – Anne Hutchison.
WRI Cup – Handcraft Section – Ann Ross.
Jean McCracken Trophy – Photographs Section – Christine Hughes.
Children’s Trophy – Marion Gilchrist Rosebowl - Morven Tarbert.
Golden Spud - Children under 9 – Callum Ross
IPT Trophy - Children 9-15 – Rachel Brett

Especial Prizes:
Flower Section: Betty Ross.
Vegetable Section: Dryna Donald.
Floral Art Section: Betty Ross.
Handcraft Section: Margaret Adamson
Industrial Section: Nan Reid.
Photograph Section: Lorna Cottier.
Children Pre-School: Sam Cottier.
Children 9-15: Coryn Tarbert.
Children under 9: Morvern Tarbert

The 2008/09 session will begin on Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 pm in the Dolphinton Hall with a Make-up Demonstration from Boots N. 7. The competition of the night will be an autumn Arrangement. Members please do not bring any cakes as it will be provided by the committee.

Dates for your Diary:
17 of September: A Make up Presentation with Boots N 7.
15 of October: Bulb Planting.
29 0f October: Whist Drive
19 0f November: Craft Demonstration with Nora Drinkwater.
20 0f December: Children’s Christmas Party.

If you want to join in the fun and became a member of the Dolphinton W.R.I. just come along to our first meeting
or contact Betty Ross on 01968 682326. All local ladies are very welcome!

Tania Ferguson – Press Secretary.

ELSRICKLE W.R.I.

Despite the poor weather on the 30th of August, there was a good turnout at the Annual Flower Show held in Elsrickle
Village Hall. The event was very successful, with an impressive array of produce, baking and craft items on show
and a welcome serving of afternoon tea with delicious home baking.

The Winners:

FLOWERS & VEG - Irene Lancaster
LADIES - Irene Lancaster
CHILDREN - Rebecca Watson
M LEIPER TROPHY - Margaret Leiper
SCHOOL TROPHY - Robin Hegarty

The September meeting of the Rural was a most interesting demonstration of Beadwork by Isobel Struthers. All
the ladies enjoyed the evening, and each went home with a home made bookmark .

On September 28th, a group of Rural members and friends set off on a four day visit to Stratford Upon Avon. There was a fascinating visit to Warwick Castle, with a guided tour included, and we also enjoyed a trip round Stratford itself. On
the way home we stopped off for a visit to the Wedgewood Factory. As ever, the trip was voted a great success and enjoyed by all!

Future Dates :

November 12th : CID – Roland Craig
November 29th : Bowling Tournament
December 10th : Xmas Wreaths

Anne Moffat

BIGGAR WRITERS GROUP

Biggar Writers Group is a charity registered in Scotland
Charity Number SCO39762

A Writing Competition for South Lanarkshire Organised by Biggar Writers Group

Open to anyone who lives and works in South Lanarkshire

1st Prize - £25

2x Runners Up - £10

Judge – Tom Bryan, Brownsbank Fellow

Closing Date – 31st October 2008

Theme, based on our own part of the world here in South Lanarkshire : Landscape
Poem : no longer than 40 lines - Prose: no longer than 2500 words

Entries should bear no identifying marks, but should be accompanied by a separate sheet with the name of the piece and the writer’s contact details, together with the appropriate fee.

Entry fee £3 for single entry, + £2 for each additional entry

ENTRIES and ENQUIRIES to
Biggar Writers Group
14 Boghall Park
Biggar ML12 6EY

biggarwriters@googlemail.com www.biggarwriters.weebly.com

CEILIDH AT BROWNSBANK

The cèilidh is a literary entertainment where stories and tales, poems and ballads, are rehearsed and recited, and songs are sung, conundrums are put, proverbs are quoted, and many other literary matters are related and discussed. Dancing is a rather dubious accretion, probably introduced – like kilts and tartanry – for the benefit of the 19th century tourist trade. Real cèilidhs are traditionally held in private houses in remote rural hinterlands and during busy festivals.

Join the Brownsbank Fellow, Tom Bryan, and Biggar Writers for an authentic cèilidh around the fire at Brownsbank Cottage. Bring your favourite tale to tell or poem to read or song to sing, or just sit back and enjoy the craic in the cosy atmosphere of the traditional 19th century farm labourer’s cottage that was last home to the world-renowned poet Hugh MacDiarmid.

Monday 20th and Wednesday 22nd October
7.30pm till we all go home

£5.00 (£3.00 concessions)

It’s just a wee cottage, so numbers will be limited and booking is essential.

To reserve a ticket, contact

01899 221743
or
brownsbank@googlemail.com

WALSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS

September has been an exceptionally busy month. P7s attended an Enterprise event at New Lanark. There they met with pupils from other schools and learned first hand how a business is run. P1-7 had a visit from Powerwise which was very informative

The Parent Council held another very successful Beetle Drive. The pace was fast and furious and the adults had a job keeping up! This was a social event; however £40 was raised. Thanks to all who helped.

P6 attended a Small Schools event at Hamilton. The theme for the day was Scottish Culture and children took part in various activities: storytelling, singing, dancing, art and learning the history of the kilt.

As a result of the positive feedback from our Health Week the children have been involved in more health promoting activities.

P1,2,3 have been learning to skip with Miss Wilson, our Active Schools Coordinator. Miss Wilson has also helped P6/7 children to become 'Activators'. Activators take an active role in the playground - making up games, teaching the younger children some traditional games and even doing some disco dancing! This is very much pupil led and it’s gratifying to see the older pupils take on this responsibility with enthusiasm and commitment.

P5,6,7 have had a block of rugby delivered by the Rugby Development Officer from Biggar Rugby Club. Very enjoyable and very muddy!
P4-7 are currently enjoying their block of swimming lessons At Lanark Swimming Pool.
P1,2 had a refresher course on their massage techniques.

The school is holding an Open Afternoon on Thursday the 9th of October 1.30 - 3.00pm. Everyone from the community is welcome to walk around the school and talk to the children about the work they are doing. Refreshments will be available and the Book Fair will also be in school that week for those early Christmas presents!

The children are looking forward to their October Break on Monday 13th - Monday 20th Oct.

D Ramsay

BEECHWOOD TEAROOM CLOSURE

Beechwood Tearoom closed on Sunday 28th September after four difficult years of trading. We have battled on through months of roadworks, road closures, wet summers and increasing food prices, but rocketing fuel costs have had the biggest impact on trading.

It has been a very sad few months since we decided to close, having to say goodbye to all our regular customers, many who have become friends.

We would like to thank all our customers for their support during our time in business

The Campbell Family

Please note that the views stated herein are not necessarily those of the Black Mount Community Council, nor is the Council responsible for any errors made in the compilation of this newsletter.

Last Date for Contributions to the next Bugle is JAN 16th 2009.

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