BLACK MOUNT BUGLE

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

The early arrival of Bewick swans from Siberia, as reported in the press on 20th of October, according to folklore, indicates the start of a long harsh winter. They arrived two weeks later in early November last year and we had the coldest winter for 31 years. Let us hope this all proves to be a load of nonsense. If it does turn out to be true then I issue my traditional plea to keep an eye on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly. This is also the time of the year favoured by burglars, so keep your properties secure and let your neighbours know if you are going to be away, so they will know that the white van outside your house is removing your possessions rather than delivering!

The BMCC will be keeping an eye on the inevitable cuts that the South Lanarkshire Council will have to make and we just have to wait and see the details when they are made public. My greatest concern is the state of the side roads, especially the Dunsyre to Newbigging road and the Dolphinton to Blyth Bridge road. In places the potholes pose a real danger that could lead to a fatal accident. The South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) remains well aware of our concerns but the lack of available funds in the road budget remains the problem. As some of you have observed and made comments on, monstrous unnecessary metal signs have been going up in Cemeteries in the BMCC area and one would have thought the money could have been better spent filling in potholes in the road. The BMCC have made their position clear on this matter and certainly the one at Dunsyre is going to be moved to a less obtrusive site and made smaller.

The Dolphinton monthly Saturday Market continues to thrive so do please come and support it. 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.

The date for the forthcoming Senior Citizens’ Christmas Dinner held in Elsrickle Hall will be announced soon. Please contact a member of the BMCC (Social Group) for details.

Hopefully you will all have enjoyed the Fireworks and Bonfire Night which has not yet happened as I write this, but may have happened by the time you get this! I would like to thank and congratulate the Social Group for all their work in organising such events.

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 check the notice boards outside the Dolphinton, Newbigging and Elsrickle Halls for when they are held in Newbigging and Dolphinton. Hopefully by the time this Bugle is published we will have a new notice board erected on the Newbigging Village Hall for all to read about what the BMCC is up to!

As I have said, I wish you all a really cold, icy, snowy winter in the hope that by doing so we will have one of the mildest winters in 31 years. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Successful New Year when it comes.
With best available warmest wishes to you all.

Charles Ritchie - Chairman

NEXT BMCC MEETING

December 6th - Elsrickle Hall – 7.30pm

Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, except Public Holidays. A warm welcome is extended to everyone.

Dates and venues are posted outside Dolphinton, Elsrickle and Newbigging Village Halls.

Black Mount Community Council
Membership List
(January 2010)

Chairman:
Charles Ritchie (elected)
01968 682639 chairman@blackmount.org

Vice-Chairman:
Sam Cassels (elected)
01968 682674, 07710 778642

Secretary:
Barry Rosindale (elected)
01899 810207 secretary@blackmount.org

Treasurer:
Alison Morton-Nicholls (elected)
01968 682676 treasurer@blackmount.org

Councillor:
Hamish Stewart
07748 114582 hamish.stewart@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Lance Armstrong (nominated)
01899 810251

William Coulter (nominated)
01899 810339

David Darling (nominated)
01968 682387 webadmin@blackmount.org

Donald Stewart (co-opted)
01968 682339

Denis Critchley-Salmonson (associate)
01899 810310

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Church of Scotland, Dolphinton
Morning Service – Sundays 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 small war memorial at the top of Elsrickle village (Townhead).

ALL are most cordially invited to attend

David Taylor

COUNCILLOR HAMISH STEWART

Since I last wrote, there have been numerous articles in the newspapers, both local and national, about the error made in the budget figures presented to Councillors. What amounted to an error totalling £40,000,000 was made in regard to the budget cuts that have to be made. This error came to light literally on the eve of the seminar at which Councillors would begin to decide where the cuts should be made. This was then followed by what many of us considered to be some sort of cover up from some senior officers in the council. For the last couple of weeks prior to writing this article, many of us have been seeking to get at the truth of what has happened and seeking more openness. I am pleased to say that the buck has finally stopped being passed and that at the meeting of the Executive Committee this morning an announcement was made that the Director of Finance has resigned her post.

New figures will be presented to Councillors in due course for consideration. The expectation is that £80,000,000 will still have to be saved over three years but the expected level of job cuts will reduce from 1800 to 1200. The current number of employees is just under 15500 people, which is a drop of just over 1000 from 5 years ago.
Because of the error, a decision had been taken to go to consultation with a view to closing schools – of which 7 would have been in this ward alone. That decision was rescinded this morning so the school modernisation programme is back on track, though now somewhat delayed from what it would have been because of the time wasted over the summer preparing consultation documents. There will still be hiccups I am sure in the programme but the sort of wholesale cuts to school numbers that were proposed have been averted.

Recently I have received numerous complaints about the somewhat lurid signs that have appeared at the cemeteries around the area. I recently held a meeting with members of the Community Council and officers from the department responsible for cemetery management to discuss the community’s concerns. The outcome of the meetings was that several signs will be resited to make them less obtrusive. They will be lowered and made smaller. It is also hoped to add information regarding the historic churches to the signs for the benefit of visitors to the cemeteries.

Additionally I will shortly be attending a meeting with the Royal Mail, Karen Gillon MSP, Council officers and Community Council representatives to discuss options for Elsrickle post office.

As always I can be contacted on 07748 114582 or at Hamish.stewart@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or by writing to me at Council Headquarters in Hamilton. My surgeries continue on the first Monday of each month at the halls in Newbigging, Dolphinton and Elsrickle.

Hamish Stewart

BLACK MOUNT SPONSORED WALK
                
A big 'Thank You' to everyone who took part in, those who helped organise and those who sponsored the Black Mount Sponsored Walk on 5th September.  We were very lucky with the weather and the lovely venue for our tea and cakes.  We are very grateful to Mr & Mrs Denis Critchley for allowing us to use their garden to host the refreshments. 

In all, you have raised £320 for the Community Fireworks, Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner, Sports Evening and village hall flower tubs. 

Please spread the word so that we can have even more people attending next year!

Teresa Barber

ELSRICKLE WRI

Elsrickle WRI members have been busy over the summer competing at the local shows. At Biggar Show they gained first prize in the group competition entitled “Tea for Two”. At Carnwath Show they won the John and Ella Aitken Trophy for the WRI with most points in the Industrial Section. Biggar Flower Show was next with first place being won in the group competition entitled “Scottish Threesome”. In the SWRI national competition entitled “Sea Fever”, four members from Elsrickle joined with two members from Coulter WRI to win first prize in the Vaughan Nash Silver Medallion.

The beginning of October saw many of the members visiting the highlands of Scotland with a weekend in Grantown-on-Spey. The Waltzing Waters in Newtonmore, a distillery in Tomatin and the cashmere visitor centre in Elgin were some of the places visited.

On October 13th, Elsrickle Rural celebrated its 90th birthday with a meal at the Robertson Arms Hotel in Carnwath. Attending the evening were Mrs Marion Davidson, National Chairman of the SWRI and Mrs Jessie Meikle, Chairman of the Lanarkshire Federation as well as past presidents, past members and present members. Honorary member Helen Barr cut the cake and two members with over 50 years each of loyal service to Elsrickle Rural were presented with certificates: Helen Orr and Margaret Leiper.

Helen has served on the Federation Committee and over the years has held various positions on the Elsrickle Committee. She has won numerous prizes for her baking, floral art etc. at all levels, and is presently our Sports Convener.

Margaret has also served on the committee in various roles over the years and is currently H. H Secretary of Lanarkshire Federation. She was secretary of Elsrickle Rural when it celebrated its 40th birthday when she was just 15. Margaret has also won many prizes and has encouraged members over the years to participate in Federation and National competitions. Congratulations go to both these ladies.

We look forward to the next 90 years!

Pam Hart

WALSTON PRIMARY NEWS

Hello, our names are Hamish and Harry. We are going to be reporting for the Black Mount Bugle within Walston Primary School.

On Tuesday 14th of September P6 and 7 went to Crucial Crew where they took part in health and safety workshops.

On Wednesday 22nd September we held an open evening where parents looked at our work and talked to the teachers.

On Tuesday 5th October P6 and 7 took part in a flag event, which was linked to the Commonwealth Games. The children enjoyed taking part in games with children from other schools at Carluke Leisure Centre.

There will be an After School Club for P5 to 7 in November where the children will get a chance to play rugby or do arts and crafts.

On Wednesday 17th November P6 and 7 will be going to see Joseph at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Swimming for P3, 4 and 5 will begin on Wednesday 1st December for 12 weeks. At the same time P1, 2, 6 and 7 will be going to the Gillespie Centre for Gym

On Friday 3rd December P 3, 4 and 5 are going for their Christmas Trip to New Lanark.

The end of term show will be held at Elsrickle Hall on Monday 20th December at 7.30pm.
All family, friends and local residents are welcome.
P1 and 2 will be having their Christmas party at Elsrickle Hall on Tuesday 21st December.

School will close on Thursday 23rd December at 2.30pm.
Merry Christmas!

Hamish Barber and Harry Cook

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Walston Primary is having a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 27th November in the Gillespie Centre, Biggar from 10 am -12 noon.

There will be raffles, tombola, stalls, teas/coffees, baking, chocolate fountain, face painting Please come along. 

Donations for the baking stall would be gratefully received. Please contact the school
01899810234 or e-mail office@walston-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk

DOLPHINTON WRI

We held our October meeting on Wednesday 20th at Restaurant 55 in Biggar, where we celebrated our 85th Birthday with a most enjoyable meal.

Other dates to note:
November - Old Toys and Games (this is a Guest night)
December 18th – Children’s Christmas Party
January 2011 – Dinner at the Bakehouse, West Linton
February 2011 – talk by Bridget Beagan, Garvald

Jean Campbell

ELSRICKLE POST OFFICE

As you probably know, the Elsrickle branch of the Post Office is now temporarily closed due to Isa’s resignation. The existing Post Office building is now no longer available. The Post Office is looking to restore a service in our area if someone is willing to take up the vacant position.

If you require further information, please contact either a BMCC Community Council member or the Post Office direct at:

Brian Turnbull
Field Change Advisor
PO Limited
c/o National Consultation Team
PO Box 2060
Walford WD18 8ZW

DAILY PAPERS

Since the closing of the Post Office a month or so back, daily papers were no longer being delivered to people in the local community.

However at the instigation of Robert Howieson and Alistair Kinloch, who together contacted residents and organised a rota of those willing to travel to Biggar and collect the papers from Hamilton’s Newsagent, the daily papers happily have now been restored. A boon to those who find it difficult to do a daily trip to Biggar for various reasons. A grateful and heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all those who help out. Community Spirit at its best!

CHURCH HUMOUR?

They're back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank goodness for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services: 

The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.' 

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. 
 
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. 
 
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. 
 
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 
 
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. 
  
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. 
 
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice. 
 
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
 
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. 

Submitted by Anne Hutchison

DOLPHINTON MARKETS 

We would like to thank all traders and customers for their support of the Dolphinton Market. September's market was particularly well attended. Numbers were slightly down for October, but that was to be expected with school half-term falling at the same time.

We are just finalising details of the stallholders for the SEASONAL FAYRE on 20th November. There will be a distinctly Festive feel to the market, with the opportunity to do lots of your Christmas shopping and thus avoid busy town centres. It will be a TASTING DAY with all the food traders offering samples of their produce and of course the CAFE will have its usual array of goodies for sale. The hours of this market have been extended, so it will be open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.

The LAST MINUTE FAIR on 11th December will be just that, allowing you to do some last-minute shopping for presents and food stuffs before the big day. We will be offering complimentary hot chocolate and shortbread to all our customers and traders. This market will run from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm.

The Children's Corner will of course be seasonal, both in November and December, with a chance for the small people to make edible Christmas tree decorations and greetings cards too.

We hope to see you all on 20th November and 11th December.

p.s. Please note that no traders at the market take debit or credit cards, so it's cash or cheques please
Lesley, Nan and Pam

DOLPHINTON VILLAGE HALL

Not much to report on Hall activities this quarter. Bookings are definitely down, which may have something to do with the new booking system and the price rise.

Having said that, it is actually possible to be slightly more spontaneous than we had thought at first. If you want to book up for hall usage you have to phone Carluke, on 01555 770308 and ask either for Pauline or Debbie. If you ask that the booking procedure be speeded up it may be possible for the booking to be processed more quickly than the ten day turn around which was at first suggested. Give it a try and let me know how you get on.

Yoga has re-started after a summer break, part of which Julie spent in India adding even more to her yoga knowledge. For those interested in joining one of her classes you should call her on 01968 661204.

Bowls will have started too by late October so if you are interested in joining the Thursday evening bowlers, call Ann Ross on 01968 682227.

The hall still offers reasonable rates for a warm welcoming local space, so do consider it as a venue for children’s parties, sporting activities, etc. Although you can't make bookings through me, you can still call to discuss availability etc.

Pam Taylor

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) or
· Hannah Cairns 01968 682240

Last Date for Contributions to the next Bugle is Monday January 17th.
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.