BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

As I write this with the rain beating down on the skylight, I must apologise for my facetious wish in The Chairman’s Message in the May 2010 Bugle, when I said I should now be forecasting a miserable damp wet summer to ensure we have the sizzling barbecue summer we were forecast for last year. (I see in the Dictionary that the word “facetious” means “trying but failing to be amusing”! How very accurate!). I can now put my serious face on and say I just hope we enjoy a warm sunny end to the Summer and a pleasant Autumn, in the hope that this might actually happen, especially on Sunday the 5th of September when the Social Group are organising the Sponsored Walk. Further details in this edition of The Bugle.

I am pleased to be able to tell you that a monthly Market continues to be held in the BMCC area in the Dolphinton Village Hall on Saturdays once a month. The next market is due to be held on Saturday 18th September. To rent stall space as an individual trader or to use space on the ‘Community Stall’ contact either Pam Taylor on 01968 682203 or Nan McQueenie on 01968 682355. Do though please come along and support this as it is also an opportunity to meet your neighbours in the BMCC area.

I would like to thank the Social Group for having organised The Annual Sports Evening which was held on Friday the 21st of May. This would have been another great success had it not been for the poor weather which meant that the event had to be curtailed. Congratulations to all those who competed and well done the winners of each event that actually took place. The next event after the 5th of September Sponsored Walk will be the Bonfire and Fireworks Night at Dunsyre on Friday the 5th of November.

I wish to draw the attention of some of our more ‘senior readers’ to an independent charity called CARE & REPAIR in South Lanarkshire which provides information, advice and practical help to older or disabled people to help them repair, maintain or adapt their home. They can help people to live more safely, securely and independently in their own home. They can be contacted at 6A Hope Street, Lanark ML11 7LZ. Phone: 01555 666200 Fax: 01555 666101. Email: enquiries@careandrepair-sl.co.uk and their website is: www.careandrepair-sl.co.uk

BMCC MEETINGS

I make my usual plea for people to come and attend the BMCC’s first Monday of the Month Meetings, normally held in Elsrickle Village Hall starting at 7.30 p.m. but do please check the Notice Boards outside the Dolphinton and Elsrickle Halls for when they are held in Newbiggin and Dolphinton. All MSPs are very welcome to attend our Meetings as we are a totally non-political Community Council and we have Karen Gillon MSP coming to our 4 October Meeting in Elsrickle Village Hall. She will I know be delighted to answer any questions on any subject.
Having just driven from Dunsyre to Newbiggin and nearly burst a tyre in some of the massive potholes, why we do not have adequate funding to improve the appalling state of our roads will be my first question. If the Health and Safety Executive were to inspect it they would probably close it off, but that would be very unhelpful to those who have no alternative but to use it to access their homes.

Enjoy what I hope will be a wonderful warm and sunny end to the summer.

Charles Ritchie – Chairman

BMCC MEETINGS DATES - 2010

(All in Elsrickle Hall)

September 6th

October 4th

November 1st

December 6th

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Church of Scotland, Dolphinton
Morning Service – Sundays 10.45am
(Changes in October – 12 noon)

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

ANNUAL   WREATH    LAYING   CEREMONY

On the 11th day of the 11th month at 11.a.m. (November) the annual wreath laying ceremony will take place at the smallwar memorial at the top of Elsrickle village (Townhead). There will be a special welcome to all those who wish to attend for this simple but nonetheless meaningful service of remembrance.

Those attending should gather outside Townhead Cottage by 10.55 a.m. After the ceremony refreshments will be served.

ALL are most cordially invited to attend as we commemorate this special event of the cessation of hostilities after two World wars.

Strathclyde Police have been requested to provide protection on this occasion to ensure the safety of those present.

David Taylor

COUNCILLOR HAMISH STEWART

As I write this the rain is beating down and the sky is leaden and grey - as it has been for much of July and August. The mood of the weather has had much in common with many of the meetings that I have attended over the summer.

Although the Council is in recess and there have been no committee meetings over the past few weeks I have still been attending a series of meetings with the Chair and Executive Director of Community Resources of which I am Vice Chair. The subject of these meetings has been to identify cost savings within the resource over the next three financial years. In total these amount to massive cuts in the level of services provided. In essence, anything that is not a statutory provision is liable to be affected. We do not yet know definitely how much the Scottish Government financial settlement will be for Local Authorities but it makes sense to prepare for the worst. Proposals will be put to a full meeting of councillors over the next few months and a lot of discussion will take place before then. Community Resources has responsibility for areas such as refuse disposal, street sweeping, parks, cemeteries, environmental health, trading standards, village halls and entertainment venues. In addition they provide the school meals and contract to other resources, e.g. to provide school crossing patrols, cleaners and janitors to Education.

Other resources have been holding similar depressing meetings and Education will be putting forward proposals to a full meeting of Councillors in September. I would be very surprised if these proposals did not include school closures and mergers. I would not expect Walston to be unduly affected in that way though I do not doubt that the school budget will be hit in other ways.

A subject close to the heart of Black Mount residents is road gritting and I know that several meetings have taken place on that subject between officers and the Councillors responsible. Last winter's weather meant that the budget for gritting was overspent by many millions and would have been even higher if it had been possible to get more salt. The juggling act now is how to maintain gritting at a safe level while still having money left to retain the road repair programme.

I am sorry to sound so depressing but I feel it is better to realistic and as decisions are taken, I will try to make sure that everyone is kept informed of how Black Mount might be affected.

My surgeries will resume on 6th September at Newbigging, Dolphinton and Elsrickle and I can usually be contacted at 07748 114 582 or e-mail hamish.stewart@southlanarkshire<mailto:hamish.stewart@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Hamish Stewart

PLANNING LISTS

South Lanarkshire Council Planning Dept. publishes a weekly list of Planning Applications. This list can be readily accessed via the Black Mount Community Website. The list is sorted into council areas helping to refine those relating to Clydesdale. Each application is given a reference and in the case of Clydesdale takes the form CL/**/**** . The details and status of any application can then be found by entering the reference into the Application Number box at http://pbsportal.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/GeneralSearch.aspx and then clicking on Search.

Barry Rosindale

BLACKMOUNT SPORTS EVENING
                
We could not have had two more contrasting evenings for our annual sports than 2009 and 2010. Last year we basked in a midge free, warm, sunny evening but this year we had to run for shelter from rain and hail every 10 minutes. It did not deter a great turnout though, with over 50 children, their parents, helpers and spectators turning up to compete and cheer everyone on.

The children managed to take part in three hotly contested races: the sprints, the egg and spoon race and the soggy sack race, before a decision was made to cancel further events.  This meant the final results were based on these three races. This year the Agnes Allison Shield in the Secondary School age group was won jointly by Reiss Cullen and Jack Noble. The Primary School Shield was won by Hamish Barber and the Pre School age group was won jointly by Eilidh Armstrong and Georgina Campbell.

The welly boot throwing competition did not even get off the ground but the gents competed in a sprint race and the ladies opted for an egg and spoon race which was well supported. Sadly our Charity Fun Run in aid of the Quarriers was also abandoned but next year we will just have to run two miles and raise double the money!

Finally a big thank you to all the people who helped in both setting up the field and on the night: the starter, scorers, tape holders, tuck shop and Anne for keeping us right. The children also all deserve a medal for taking part so eagerly in the wet conditions.

Hope you have all dried out now.   

Mara Orr 

DOLPHINTON WRI

Our Flower Show is on Saturday 21st August at 2pm in Dolphinton Village Hall. Amanda Kubie, past Chairman of Peebles Federation will open the show.

The WRI will be having a Cake and Candy Sales Table at the Dolphinton Market on the 18th September.

Our first meeting of the new session is September 15th, when our speaker will be from Blythswood Trust.
October 20th is our 85th Birthday, when we will be celebrating at ‘55’ in Biggar.

A Whist Drive will take place on October 27th.

Jean Campbell

ELSRICKLE WRI

The Flower and Vegetable Show will take place in Elsrickle Village Hall on Saturday 28th August 2010.
Schedules and entry forms are available at Elsrickle Post Office. All entry forms must be returned by Thursday 26th August. All entries to be delivered to the hall by 10.15am on the day of the show. Doors open at 2pm.

This year’s trip will be to Grantown on Spey on September 30th.

Pam Hart

WELL DONE REBECCA!

On 13th June this year at Hampden Park, Rebecca Watson was presented with her Explorer Belt Award. Along with others who received this award were Scouts/Explorers who received the Queens Scout Award and St Georges Day Awards. The presentation was overseen by The Chief Commissioner Eleanor Lyall and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP.

The actual Explorer Belt was achieved in the summer of 2009, when 48 Explorers from all over Scotland (7 from Biggar) left for Poland.

This was a chance for Explorers (divided into teams of 4) to take part in a 10 day expedition hike that would bring a real understanding of a different country, its people and a way of life.

Sometimes described as “the antidote to the package holiday”, it is designed to help the Explorers to develop a real understanding of the country by hiking approx 130 miles. During this time, while camping and carrying all necessary equipment and cooking their own food, the Explorers had to complete a main challenge/project and ten minor ones.

These challenges included:
- Teaching locals Scottish country dancing
- Teaching locals Scottish songs
- Milking a cow/bison by hand (achieved, but their cows have big horns!)
- Sleeping in a cave
- Attending a church service
- Helping at harvest on a farm – Rebecca’s team actually built stooks!

Having achieved all of these the Groups met up again and went sightseeing. They said that Poland was a lovely country with helpful people who welcomed them despite the language barrier. A visit to Schindlers factory and Auschwitz 1 and 2 was also very moving – but certainly something that was very important to see and certainly brought home to the Explorers just how privileged they are.

On returning home, the Explorers were very tired - lots of sore, blistered feet - but had made many friends from all over Scotland as well as those in Poland.

Linda Watson

DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL

The hall seems to have been very quiet for some time now - in fact since the new booking system came into operation.

The WRI will re-commence in September and carpet bowling in October. As for yoga, it will re-start in September and for full details of classes available please phone Julie Anderson, on 01968 661204.

The new booking system is in operation and those wishing to book the hall should call South Lanarkshire Council's Carluke office on 01555 770308. If you have any general enquiries about using the hall, do phone me on 01968 682203.

Pam Taylor

ERSKINE

Id' like to thank everyone who made a donation to Erskine "Caring for ex-service men and women" at the Dolphinton Market in June.

The meconopsis (Himalayan blue poppy) sold out and a total donation of £48.83 has been made to Eskine. Thank you.

Lesley Kerr

DOLPHINTON MARKET

We have now held the third Dolphinton Market. Thanks to both traders and the public, we are happy to report a successful venture is on its way. The very first market held in May was overwhelming in terms of numbers of people supporting us. All the traders reported good sales. The cafe did a roaring trade in bacon rolls and cups of coffee and it was standing room only at the Children's Corner. The June market saw more moderate numbers of shoppers and browsers, but this was only to be expected. As for July, it was a similar picture - some familiar and some new faces.

We are anxious to discover whether the formula so far meets people's needs, or if there are gaps we could attempt to fill. Perhaps you could send an email or phone one of the organizers of the market (our details are below) and make suggestions, comments or criticisms. Or you could possibly reach us via the Dolphinton Village Facebook page.

We have attempted a varied 'menu' of stalls to maintain interest. In July we had our first community stall, where we sold eggs, bread and soft fruits, all locally sourced. If you find you have any surplus garden produce, however modest the amount, we would be pleased to sell it on your behalf. We would welcome a call from you just before the market to warn us of what quantities to expect.

The take-up of the tasters of complementary therapies has been varied. We will continue to offer these opportunities for people in the hope that some of you will be tempted by alternative approaches to aches and pains and whatever ails you. If there is a specific therapy anyone would like to try, please let us know and we will see what we can do.

We were wondering if there is in the area someone who has unused marketing skills, who would like to exercise their marketing muscle on behalf of the markets. Volunteers to help with the market are always needed and most welcome. Contact us at the numbers below if you have any time to offer.

At the July market we had the first appearance of our WANTED/FOR SALE/SWAP SHOP board. We all tend to hoard 'stuff' and here may be an opportunity to re-house some of it, or who knows, acquire some more!
The children's corner will feature face painting and balloon modelling amongst other activities over the next few months. The charity tables will be on behalf of Tak Tent (cancer care); Health in Mind, offering reflexology and massage and Lepra.

The traders for the September market are already lined up - once again a wide variety with a few new ranges of goods on offer - more food stalls this time. Also a new feature - Hannah Cairns will give a cookery demonstration at 10.30 am. We have booked up for the October 16th market a demonstration of Indian cookery by Belinda Bagral, also to be held at 10.30 am. The precise details of the November and December 'foodie features' will be publicised in the next issue of the Bugle, but we hope to have a wine and cheese event, and a 'tasting day'.

Once again, we would like to thank all those people who have come along to support the markets, either as shoppers, browsers or traders. We look forward to seeing you again soon, along with all those who haven't yet made it to the market. There is no market in August (sorry that there was an August market advertised in May's Bugle) but the next one is to be held on SATURDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 10.00 - 12.30 pm

Subsequent markets up until the end of 2010 will be on SATURDAY
- October 16th 10.00 - 12.30 pm
- November 20th Seasonal Fayre 10.00 - 2.00 pm (note extended hours)
- December 11th Last Minute Fair 10.00 - 12.30 pm

Market contacts:
Lesley Kerr 01968 682331 lesley@pkerr.free-online.co.uk
Nan McQueenie - 01968 682355 nanmcqueenie@btinternet.com
Pam Taylor 01968 682203 pamela.taylor@onetel.net

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 Hannah or Hazel at the numbers below or call in on a Wednesday morning.

If you want to contact the playgroup, please call either
· Donna Gray 07518 334889 (Playgroup Leader)
· Hannah Cairns 01968 682240
· Hazel Knight 01899 810348

BMCC WEBSITE

There is a community website is up and running at
www.blackmount.org
Within the website, as well as showing local businesses and community services, you will find a Forum area. This is for your own use to discuss any topics you want with other Black Mount Community members. You will also find an area for selling, exchanging or buying items. Perhaps, you could make a small donation to the BMCC if you are successful in selling (to help fund events during the year)?
Membership to the Forum is arranged by applying online and approval should take less than 24 hours. See the link on the Black Mount website for further details

David Darling

A721

Police are now pro-active on the A721.
 
The Police have recognised that there is a serious issue of speeding in the rural areas as revealed from their surveys over the last two years. In particular the Police based in Biggar are now targeting the A721 as it passes through Newbigging and Elsrickle.

In recent time innumerable warnings have been issued and 11 motorists, who exceeded 41 MPH, are now faced with a minimum of a £60 fine and 3 points. Observations suggest that the mobile speed trap is now programmed into motorists SatNavs. It remains for local motorists, who do not need to rely on this aid, to be aware. It is in nobody’s interest for the Police to have to take action. For the sake of everyone’s safety, please obey the law and observe the speed limits.

In the next few moths the strength of the Force in Bigger is set to double. This means early mornings and evenings will no longer be un-policed in our area.
 
Barry Rosindale,
Neighbourhood Watch Co-coordinator Elsrickle

BMCC SPONSORED WALK

SEPTEMBER 5th

Start:

Roberton Mains Farm End, Dunsyre.

Route:

From Roberton Mains Farm up to Croft an Raigh, down across the valley to top of Dunsyre Hill, ending
in Dunsyre for teas and coffee.

Ross Barber

Last Date for Contributions to the next Bugle is Monday October 18th.
Please send your articles, dates, reports, news and advertisements to:
Norma Love : Tel: 01899 810285
email bugle@blackmount.org

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

The Community Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors printed in the Bugle.