October - December 2014 The Straiton 40p Arrow

The long summer and recent mild weather has been very welcome even if Happy Birthday there are still a few midgies and wasps around. Cameron, 13 on 9th Dec Since the last Arrow we’ve had the Commonwealth Games and the Finn, 6 on 10th Nov Referendum. The amount of folk voting in the Straiton parish in the Angus & Kitty 4 on 13th Referendum was about 90% – an excellent turnout. Dec We also had the shock announcement that Dersalloch Wind Farm was Rory, 5 on 9th Jan approved without a Public Local Inquiry. Since then both South and East Isla 11 on 17th Jan councils have agreed to petition for a Judicial Review. David 6 on 20th Jan The high production of this issue is due to the kind assistance of Jim Kirk, a Cameron 11 on 28th Jan colour version is available to download or view on visitstraiton.com. James, 10 on 4th Feb Bea Holden Dates for your Diary November 25th Community Council Meeting, 19th Straiton Ladies Christmas 1st Bonfire Night, Showfield, McCandlish Hall, 7.30pm Night Out, Black Bull 7 for 7.30pm 7.30pm TBC Straiton Village Co-op AGM 21st Christmas Lunch in Hall, 2nd Communion Service, McCandlish Hall 1pm St Cuthbert’s, 12 noon 30th St Andrew’s Day 23rd School closes for holidays 9th Armistice Sunday Service, St December 24th Watchnight Service, Cuthbert’s and Memorial, 12 noon TBC School Carol Service and 11.30pm 15th Christmas Fayre, Village Carol Singing 25th Christmas Day McCandlish Hall, 11am - 3pm 6th Trip to Pantomime in , January 18th Knockskae Wind Farm coaches leave at 6pm 1st New Year’s Day Exhibition, McCandlish Hall, 4 - 15th School Pantomime, 6th School re-opens 7.30pm McCandlish Hall, 7pm 22nd Wine and Whisky Tasting, 27th Community Council Meeting, 16th Community Council Meeting, Crosshill, 7.30pm Tickets £15, Dalduff 7.30pm Kirkmichael, 7.30pm an elephant ride in her wedding e Minister Writes How to contact gown). e Guild Autumn Thoughts The Maxwell Lansdale Stained The new session started on Falling Leaves, changing colours and your local Glass Window in St Cuthbert’s Wednesday 8th October. There shorter days inform us the Autumn is here. and national Church has been fully refur- is a range of very interesting Autumn is a ‘season of transition’ – a time bished and is back in place. speakers this session and it between summer and winter, during which representatives Work is about to commence on started off with Archie Graham, we look back to our holidays and leisure Along with Kirkmichael and Village News the second window “I am the a retired art teacher from Ayr. He moments, and also forward to winter days. Crosshill, Straiton has three A warm welcome to Rita and Light”. gave us a very entertaining talk Autumn is a ‘season of change’ – a time when the countryside is community councillors and their David Baird, not forgetting their The scheduling of other neces- about growing up in Mull around transformed in response to the nature of this time of year. contact details can be found adorable cocker spaniel, Pepper. sary repairs and improvements is the middle of last century. It was Change – is built into the fabric of our life. Some of us adapt to on the back page. Meetings are The Baird’s have moved up from slowly being processed through fascinating the hear about what change easily; others find the change difficult to accept. It has usually held on the last Tuesday the Rochdale area via Wiltshire lengthy planning and approval is now a past form of life on the been said that we now live, not so much in ‘an age of change’, of the month alternating between but have family connections to procedures of Presbytery and island. the three villages. Contact but in a ‘change of age’. Modern technology has revolutionised Ayrshire; David’s grandfather the General Trustees of the New members (including gentle- the way we live and many developments we know today were details for other representatives was born only 20 miles from Church of , which are are as follows: men) are always welcome so why unthinkable only a few years ago. Straiton. attributable to our Venerable A not come along and join us. The In this ‘change of age’, two things do not change. God does not , North Carrick and Congratulations to Listed building. Guild meets in The McCandlish change. His love for us does not change. He is the same yesterday, Councillors Marie Walker and Hall on the second Wednesday today and forever. Of God’s faithfulness, there is no end. Andrew Sinnamon on their Ann Galbraith Sweets & Treats of each month up to, and includ- Our need of God does not change. We still need in a ‘change of engagement. Marie is living Home Tel: 01655 740447 The Fun Day’s new recipe ing, March 2015. age’ the newness of life that Jesus Christ brings to us. There is in Belfast where she met her still a hunger for the One who is ‘the bread of heaven’ and ‘the Office Tel: 01292 612687 fiancé. book will be available to Anyone can drop into any of the Email: ann.galbraith@south- order soon, in time for true vine’, who gives us life in all its fulness. Congratulations to talks which are of interest; no ayrshire.gov.uk Christmas, look out for In the near future we will celebrate the great Festival of Christmas, Steven and Joanna need to be a paid up member! which marks the coming of God into the world in Mary’s Jesus Brian Connolly on the birth of their forms in the shop. Christ. Once again, we will sing the much-loved Christmas Mobile Tel: 07970 540591 daughter, Charlotte. A little sister hymns, and see the birth-scene acted out in nativity plays and Office Tel: 01292 612274 for Hamish. Congratulations to Cameron Nisbet other drama. Even in a ‘change of age’, there is still an excitement Email: brian.connolly@south- Naomi Prakash is enjoying stu- who won a gold medal at the Ayr Diving about celebrating the Saviour’s birth, and in acknowledging the ayrshire.gov.uk dent life in Edinburgh where she Club competition in the 11 and under mystery of this event. is studying English, Philosophy, boys category. This was his second William Grant Let us prepare for the Festive Season in the faith that in ‘a change Economics and partying. Also at competition and his second gold so he Mobile Tel: 07794037597 of age’, we are still under the direction and rule of the living God Edinburgh University is Ronan was very chuffed with himself and stung history, our one true Rock in this rapidly changing world, whose Office Tel: 01292 612479 Hunter Blair who is studying his parents for a celebratory tea out at the love for us remains unchanged and unchanging. Email: william.grant@south- Engineering. Chestnuts on the way home. ayrshire.gov.uk With every blessing and best wish. And Louisa Sinclair is studying Asked him if he fancied following in Tom W. Gerald Jones Sandra Goldie Marine Biology at St Andrews. Daley’s footsteps – he says he doesn’t Home Tel: 01292 570054 Louise Martin, daughter of Co-op fancy the spray tan! Boys! The Cheese & Wine Evening held in October raised over £440 Office Tel: 01292 612293 Manager Alan, volunteered at the for Church funds. Many thanks to all those who donated prizes, Email: sandra.goldie@south- Commonwealth Games and was supported the event and produced the delicious buffet. ayrshire.gov.uk lucky enough to be introduced e Rural to the Queen. Her Majesty was We would be delighted to have your news, announcements and MSP and MP On Wednesday 15th October, Marion and competition winners events. Please email or write: interested to hear she was doing chairman Jenny Bacon wel- were: Adam Ingram MSP a degree in brewing! Her sister comed guests from surrounding [email protected] 18 Main Street. 770247 Recycled article: Office 1, 4 The Square, Alison is enjoying her course in rurals when the speaker for the Julie Walker 5 Main Street. 770276 1 Nan Harkeness 2 Morag Cumnock KA18 1BG Forensic Science in Aberdeen. evening was Marion McMorland Alison also helps out in the shop Walker 3 Christine Welsh Tel: 01290 425874 from Carrick Cakes. Interior and exterior work Email: adam.ingram.msp@ during holidays and spent many Chocolate Sponge: Geoff Campbell Marion provided a wonderful carried out to the highest scottish.parliament.uk hours writing an instruction 1 Margaret Logan 2 Christine array of cakes for all occasions Painter&Decorator standard manual to assist volunteers with Welsh 3 Georgie Watson Sandra Osborne MP the new bar code system. as well as delighting the audi- Knockdon, near Straiton 139 Main St, Ayr KA8 8BX Congratulations to Gareth and ence with a demonstration The next meeting will be on 01655 770262 Fax: 01292 885661 Michaela who were married and on how to make flowers and the 19th November when the (evenings only) Email: sandra.osborne.mp@ enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon assorted cake decorations with speaker will be Alan Ferguson on parliament.uk in Sri Lanka (Michaela even had icing. Georgie Watson thanked The Story of Dolls. Peter Clapton remembers his great friend Oliver George Bearcroft Anderson 1943 - 2014 Filming in Brazil Oliver was the son of Major Farm there is the remains of a Starter at Ayr and this took him Philip Anderson, late Argyll and squashed tin which someone to Aintree to help with the start “No, this is where all the drug Sutherland Highlanders and his in the patrol had thrown at the of the Grand National. lords live and if they see the wife Peggy Nee Butler. bear to try and make it go away, He founded his own fencing cameras and suspect we are My first recollection of Olli is in which it did after eating the business and enjoyed the going to expose them they will 1954. I remember a small boy in contents of the tin. challenges of this, working just kill us” shorts with huge ears and a very On completion of his Jungle on farms and estates in and We didn’t need told twice. large cap on his head. Jimmy Warfare course Olli joined the around Ayrshire. Up until three Henderson, gardener at Balbeg Royal Hampshire’s as a Platoon years ago he was still enjoying In another area of the city we following his first sighting of Commander. They were serving the challenge but was looking met a teacher who had started Oliver described him thus. “If in Borneo at the time. The forward to winding down the her school as a way to save yon boy didnae have ears he Hampshire men loved him and business when he was taken the lives of the children in wouldnea be able to see.” Since he thoroughly enjoyed his time seriously ill. her neighbourhood. The old that time I don’t believe I have with the Hampshire’s. On his He was hugely creative and a government viewed ever seen Ollie outside without return he was posted to Berlin great artist; his Christmas Cards street children as a cap on. A tweed cap was very where he saw out the remainder and thank you letters were an embarrassment much part of his trademark. of his 3 year short service always a delight to receive. so they used to go was a wonderful Commission. He was awarded If you went round to Orchard through the streets Straiton resident Kristoff Henderson place for boys to grow up. There the General Service Medal you would often find him totally at night killing any relates his experiences of documentary- were a number of extremely with the Borneo clasp and a absorbed in some artistic children that were making in Brazil earlier this year. kind people who regularly asked few years ago the Malaysian project such as making a piece living rough. This lady us to shoot. Government presented him of scenery for a play. He was Above: the favela in São Paulo started taking them in once refused entry to a Tramps Olli started his education at with the Pingat Jasi Malaysia Right: a street protest and now runs a large Ball at Rowallan, because he Cambusdoon, a classmate (Medal). school in the middle remembers that he was a Later Olli shared a flat in Kings looked too much like the real In the middle of February a very good friend of mine called me of an area known as ‘the triangle very good marbles player and Road and had a job at Harrods thing and had forgotten his up to share some exciting news – he had received funding to go of death’, she and her team help always carried a large penknife. where many good parties were invitation. His tree house built to Brazil to film a documentary on social inequality. During the He then went on to Ardvreck held. He and Kate also went when Philip was four still stands conversation I told him how jealous I was (I may have called him hundreds of children escape followed by Fettes. grape picking in France and and has been the scene of some rude names), and before he hung up he made an off-the poverty and drug addiction. Around 1964 he joined the in July 1969 Olli and Kate got many adventures. cuff remark: “Well I could always use another camera man”. Finally we met a lady well into her He once shot a mink and made Army and, following a spell at married at her parents’ house We arrived in São Paulo at the end of May, just 3 weeks before the 70s who had lived most of her life Kate a fur hat out of it, which Mons Officer Cadet School, near Oxford. It was a terrific start of the world cup. in a cardboard house in the most he was awarded a commission wedding, a glorious sunny day. wasn’t a huge success because dangerous area of the city. Her in the Argyll and Sutherland Olli then embarked on a farming it stunk like a skunk. Over the course of the three weeks we experienced a lot of the life had included waking up every Highlanders. He joined his course at Agricultural College. It He was an immensely kind man. Brazilian culture and saw a lot of the city, both good and bad. We day and climbing over bodies Battalion in Singapore. My was an idyllic start to their life He helped many people by experienced what can only be described as aggressive hospitality to reach the hospital where she own Regiment was stationed together. They lived in a lovely employing them in his fencing from our two hosts who refused to let us sleep on the floor but insisted worked, only to get a phone call business. He was loved by in Malacca and we enjoyed cottage on Ullswater. (to the point of threats) we took their beds, drove us wherever we from her kids to say the shooting all ages. He was patron of the coming down to Singapore, In 1971 Orchard Farm near needed to go (at whatever time) and fed us so much we were worried had started again and could she meeting up with Olli and having Kirkmichael became their home Maybole Detachment of the about having to pay a surcharge on the flight home. come home. Incredibly this lady a bit of fun in the bright lights. and their children Philip, Emily Army Cadet Force. The aim of the film was not to just point out social inequality by filming held no grudges against the In 1965 we were both on the and Nancy were brought up here. Jolly Olli, as he was often some slums and then some mansions and asking people to spot the Jungle Warfare course in Many projects were entertained known was an original – no people who had made her life like difference. Rather what we hoped to do was look at it through the Malaysia. Olli’s patrol had to get with great enthusiasm such as airs and graces just genuinely this. She cried as she explained across a river. They discovered wine tastings, plays, bespoke enjoying life in whatever form eyes of the people on both sides of the divide to get an idea of how to us that she loved all the people a tree which had fallen across carpet sales and imaginative it came, but always concerned the viewed their life and what differences they were making to try and of Heloipolis, good or bad. Her the river and decided to walk Halloween Parties. that his wife Kate and beloved improve it, if they even thought it needed improvement. We were lucky strength of spirit was inspiring across this. A couple of men He had a farming business at Philip, Emily, Nancy and now enough to visit a few projects in the favelas that had been started and her attitude really summed had started to cross when a Orchard with a flock of sheep little Peggy would be provided by people who wanted to make a difference to future generations. In up a lot of the people we had bear came charging from the and some suckler cows. A for. He was so thrilled to enjoy fact one project leader we interviewed had recently given up a house come in contact with during the other side. Everybody ran like huge pig roamed the yard at the beginning of little Peggy’s elsewhere in São Paulo and moved into the favela as he felt the only trip. life with Adam and Nancy. hell except for Olli who stood Orchard even coming into the way to truly make a difference was to live among the people he was And of course the interview his ground, got out his camera house on occasion. During this trying to help. As he walked us around his neighbourhood he warned This excellent eulogy had been ended in us being forced to drink and took a photograph of the period he also landed a job with edited for space. Ed us to put our cameras away: two cups of coffee and politely bear. Somewhere at Orchard the Jockey Club as Assistant “Why? Is there a risk that they’ll get stolen?” declining the offer of dinner. No 28, Sarah races in but is closely pursued! No 26, Isla making it 2014 Fun Day and Hill Race look easy Prize Winners include: As the pictures show it was yet another glorious day for the Annual No 31, Kieran Limmond, Fun Day and Hill Race. This year’s theme was ‘Life on the Ocean Kirkmichael Themed Plant Pot No 78, Oh the pain! David Kidd Wave’ with competitions, fancy dress and attractions, such as Olivia McWhirter Walking on Water, pictured below all fitting the bill. Lucy Steven Photo Comp Adult - Jen Williams Junior - Lucy Steven Fancy Dress Jamie Black Rory Marshall Paul Rowden Hurl the Sheaf Scott Dunlop - again!

Above, Cameron Wilson, the worthy winner! Right, Lara and Rory cheer on the returning racers

Nettie makes a dignified entrance

Above, the runners having a well- A huge thank you to the organisers of the day - The Fun earned rest Left, this dolphin was just one of Day Committee – who have also taken on the organisation the stunning balloon creations and hosting of the Halloween Party. We are very grateful made by Fabulous Fraser for all your hard work, inspired ideas and professionalism. Far left, the Church stall ably run And thank you to Jim Kirk for these excellent photographs. by Cara Kirk. Jolly Boating Straiton Shiners At the Carrick Academy prize giving for 2013/14, alumni of our village primary proved once more that for a small community we definitely punch above our weight! Molly McMillan in particular has had a great first year. Molly scooped the Fielding Textile Technology Shield as well as academic Excel- lence awards in both Design & Technology and Art & Design. And, she also entertained the assembled audience as a member of the Junior Badminton school choir. Well done Molly! 8-16 years 6.30 - 8pm The Paton pairing of Logan and Laura also shone. Logan scooped Adult Badminton Excellence awards in four subject areas with overall firsts in both over 16s 8 - 10pm Geography and Design & Manufacture and a further four Endeav- Mondays in the our awards. Logan is in the first cohort sitting the new National 5 The coastal rowing boat built at Carrick Academy, Carrick Maid, has McCandlish Hall exams which have replaced the old Standard Grades. Sister Laura, been travelling to regattas around Scotland. The rowing club, chaired Gold for Gwynneth not to be outdone, attained a mighty ten Excellence awards and four by our very own Vice-Admiral Henry Anderson, has competed at In early October at the Manches- Contact Jen Williams Endeavour awards. To be fair to Logan, second years take a lot more Annan, Tighnabruich, the Isle of Seil, Gourock and , and in July ter Velodrome Gwynneth Rixon on 770254 subjects than fourth years! In addition, Laura scooped a Silver Medal from the UK Maths Trust. A great achievement. Grandmother, Edith headed right across the water to Ireland (by ferry not oar!) to take part became a World Champion by Straiton resident Paton couldn’t have picked a better night for her first Carrick prize in the Dalriada Festival. winning the 500m time trial at the World Masters Track Cham- Alan Taylor has ceremony. She was very proud and rightly so. At Annan, three crews rowed across the Solway to re-enact a histori- pionships. This was a sprinters written his first Also gaining prizes were Ffion Baird, who was named S3 Biologist of cal Scottish raid to steal a church bell. At the other side, the rowers event for women aged 60+. novel, a spy thriller. the Year, gained six Excellence awards and three Endeavour awards, were met by English school kids armed with wet sponges to repel the Gwynneth also won bronze in It’s available to buy and Lewis Wise who was first in the boys Senior Sports. the 2km pursuit. Earlier in the marauders, undeterred the bell was captured and the crews headed (paperback £10 or Congratulations to you all. back to Annan and a welcome dram. summer Gwynneth competed download £2.99) at the National Championships from lulu.com. A great read with Wine and Whisky Tasting at Daldu Farm on 22nd Nov, 7.30 for 8pm. At Tighnabruich, the paddle steamer Waverley moored up to watch in Newport and won a silver a character you may recognise! Tickets are £15 and all prots go to Save the Children. and hooted approval as Henry coxed his crew by. Seil was an endur- medal. Forty years ago she Call 01655 882106 for details and tickets ance event featuring a ten mile row one day and a mere couple of was overlooked for selection miles hop on the following day! A good job rowers are made of strong into the national team – obvi- stuff as the Royal West Club’s regatta at Gourock featured torrential ously an error as she would have You are invited to attend our second round undoubtedly been a great asset rain as well as busy Clyde traffic, but the club had its first win of the to the team. She is very grateful of exhibitions: year, a victory for the over 60s men. At the club’s local derby, Troon KNOCKSKAE to Martin Bush Healthcare who Tuesday 18th November, 4pm - 7.30pm Regatta, the sun shone and the club triumphed in the over 40s men’s have supported her. WIND FARM PROJECT The McCandlish Hall, Straiton race and the mixed race. All good fun. Gwynneth and her partner, fellow If you fancy having a go, contact the club by email on carrickcoastal@ cyclist Victor Posse, live near Wednesday 19th November, 11am - 3pm Kirkmichael. Her children have PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS hotmail.co.uk or speak to one of Straiton’s oarsfolk (Henry, Moira, McCosh Hall, Kirkmichael followed her into competitive Philippa, Laura, Ffion). For general background look at www.scottish- cycling and now her grandchil- PNE WIND UK Limited invites local residents Wednesday 19th November, 4pm - 7.30pm coastalrowing.org or Carrick Coastal Rowing on Facebook. dren have just started with their to view revised plans for the Knockskae Crosshill Community Centre, Crosshill first bikes. Wind Farm located south west of Straiton in Well done Gwynneth! Thursday 20th November, 4pm - 7.30pm South Ayrshire, comprising 11 turbines with Maybole Town Hall, Maybole tip heights of 126m. These exhibitions will give you the opportunity to meet members of the project team.

For further information or to make a comment please contact PNE WIND UK Ltd, For all your woodfuel requirements Look out for Leonids Meteor 28 - 38 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN. Email: [email protected]. Shower on the 17th and 18th Tel: 0131 243 9165. HARDWOOD LOGS • SOFTWOOD LOGS Nov. The Leonids produce an Comments made to PNE WIND UK Limited are not representations to South WOODCHIP PELLETS average of 15 meteors per Ayrshire Council. There will be a further opportunity to make comments to South Ayrshire Council’s Planning Service once the application is submitted. Contact Arthur on 07795 384255 or Pat on 07796 591366 hour at its height. or email [email protected] Look towards the constellation of Leo. For further information visit www.knockskaewindfarm.co.uk Peter’s Pick e Whitewashed Wall The Late Mrs James Wallace Kay (Jim Kay) 1925 - 2013 Jim Kay was a man who lived tups – thereafter forming his or in a dark suit on a formal Thomas Hardy came Why does she turn in that shy so way and breathed the countryside: own opinion of them. occasion, with watch and chain from a very lowly Whenever she stirs the re, a gentleman and a gentle One of Jim’s favourite tups in his waistcoat pocket – puffing background, his And kiss to the chimney-corner wall, man who touched our lives was ‘Turk’s Delight’, bought in a pipe, or with a smouldering father was a jobbing As if entranced to admire with his many fine qualities: the 1960s from Tom McTurk cigarette delicately balanced on builder but some and not least through his long of St John’s Town of Dalry. He the edge of his lips! Its whitewashed bareness more than the sight of his relations had and distinguished career as a loved its photograph so much Jim was also well-versed in been born in the Of a rose in richest green? sheep-breeder and farmer. that this was the only thing he local history, and could easily workhouse. At his I have known her long, but this raptured rite Born in 1925 at Gass Farm, wanted to take into Doonbank recall families, farms, dates funeral in Westmin- I never before have seen. Straiton, Jim was the youngest with him! and when invited to do so. ster Abbey an old – Well, once when her son cast his shadow there, child of Andrew Kay (farmer Jim also won many trophies And, of course, he enjoyed tramp was sitting in of this parish, who died when at agricultural shows, where a refreshment – and was the reserved seats A friend took a pencil and drew him Jim was aged three) and his he was a well-kent figure – generous (very generous) with and a clergyman Upon that ame-lit wall. And the lines wife Maggie Jane Wallace. Jim particularly at Straiton – of his kindness and hospitality. friend of the Hardy’s Had a lifelike semblance to him. attended the primary schools which he was a patron and past Most of all, Jim loved his family. got chatting to him. And there long stayed his familiar look; at Straiton and Crosshill, after President. In the early 1970s He was devoted to Mary (who It transpired that he which he followed into the Jim had the honour of judging predeceased him in 2006): to But one day, ere she knew, knew all about Hardy and had not, as the clergyman family tradition. During the at the Royal Highland Show in Liz and John, to Andrew and thought, just come in for some warmth, he was very e whitener came to cleanse the nook, Second World War, Jim served Edinburgh – a high testimony Shoniad; to his grandchildren, likely a relation. And covered the face from view. in the Home Guard; and in 1950 to his esteem and expertise in and to his four great- he married Mary Anderson from sheep-farming circles. grandchildren who survive him. Thomas Hardy made the most of his well-to-do “Yes,” he said: “My brush goes on with a rush, Sorn, a young schoolteacher he Market Day was a highlight in Two years ago, Jim moved from And the draught is buried under; connections, however obscure, and distanced himself met ‘through the sheep world’. Jim’s working life. He would Glentagon to Doonbank House from his lowly relations. However he used his humble When you have to whiten old cots and brighten, Thereafter Gass became the enjoy getting his in-calf heifers in Patna – there he entertained beginnings extensively in his writing. What else can you do, I wonder?” family home where they brought ready for the Tuesday market a host of visitors, and kept In later years when he was old and famous he But she knows he’s there. And when she yearns up their children Liz and Andrew, in Ayr, which was not simply himself fully up-to-date with the entertained the Prince of Wales for lunch. His gardener, For him, deep in the labouring night, before ‘retiring’ to Glentagon a centre of business, but a Blackface, and with the farming also a social climber, kept a chicken bone the Prince next door with its panoramic venue where he could meet up world. Jim Kay was a highly- She sees him as close at hand, and turns had chewed on as a souvenir! view of the Straiton Hills and the with his cronies and engage in respected gentleman by all who To him under his sheet of white. countryside of South Ayrshire. social exchange – something he knew him – and especially by Jim Kay will forever be valued immensely. those young boys whose own We also to record the deaths of the following people with long-standing Straiton Connections. remembered as an outstanding In his leisure hours, Jim curled careers began at Gass. As a breeder of Blackface sheep – a with Straiton Curling Club, farmer, Jim was traditional: Mr Geroge Bowie, father of Mrs Mrs Jenny Guthrie, sister of Mr Philip Howard, who died on 5th man well-known at market sales. and also at all the Blackface he only used a ‘bike’ once for Agnes Kirk, who died on 2nd Mr John Paterson, Altizourie, October 2014 in , following For Jim, there was nothing quite sheep-breeders games. At going round the hill. He much July 2014. who died on 3rd October the death of his wife Myrtle (nee like a good tup; and he was home ‘Songs of Praise’ was preferred to get away to the hill Born and brought up in 2014. Jenny and her husband, Houldsworth) in March this year. For top of the Blackface world for his favourite Sunday-evening with dog and stick, and hated Edinburgh, George lived latterly the late Mr Allan Guthrie, lived fifty years, Philip was associated many years. If Jim took notice TV programme; while his well- anyone to think he might be lazy in Newarthill in Lanarkshire. for a time at The Haven in with The Times newspaper, retiring of something in the tup line, it known party pieces were ‘I’m or too laid-back! Following a distinguished Main Street, when Allan was only a few months ago. He was a proved difficult to stop him; Nobody’s Child’ and ‘I belong Much more could be said about career in the Second World War, an auctioneer at Ayr Market. highly-respected journalist and and he had a most persuasive to ’! In earlier years Jim Kay: each of us has our George became a crane driver During this time, Jenny author of many books, particularly manner when it came to selling he and Mary went out dancing, own story to tell. But whenever by profession, and was a most managed the village post on historical and architectural his stock. Jim always liked a some thought they were the he is thought of, and spoken likeable and sociable colleague office in the early 1970s, where subjects. A member of the fishing good price: nothing less would best-dressed couple on the about, it will always be with love and companion to those who she proved to be a kindly and lodge at Ballochbeatties, Philip do. And he loved to go round dance-floor. Jim was always and affection. knew him. One of his greatest helpful postmistress. Jenny and Myrtle were regular visitors to farms to view other people’s well-dressed: in a sports jacket, gifts was to command the was a gentle and gracious Straiton and the wider community, respect and affection of people lady, and a faithful friend to and will be greatly missed during Curtains, Cushions & Crafts of all ages and backgrounds, many, who lived most recently the holiday periods when they and he will be much missed by in Kirkpatrick Durham, near travelled north to spend time at Curtain, Blind and Pelmet Making Service • Re-Upholstery his family and friends. Castle Douglas, in Galloway. Glenburn Cottage near Crosshill. Free measure and estimate To all who have recently lost loved ones, we offer our deepest sympathy, with our prayers for God’s Samantha Jane McWhirter 01655 770315 comfort and peace in these times of bereavement. Sara Rowden 01655 770606 Church Post Box Collection Times The Buck Coffee • Cakes • Crafts Church of Scotland service Mon - Fri 4pm Open Weekends 11.30am-5pm every Sunday at 12 noon Sat 11am Straiton Stores Bank Coal Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm The Royal Bank of Scotland Fergusson 01292 591 543 Sat, Sun 8am - 4 pm Tuesday mornings, time TBC MacPherson 01290 551 660 Dry cleaning is collected/ Fishmonger Logs delivered on Mon and Thurs Thurs 12.30 - 1.30pm Blairquhan Estate 770239 Bobby McFadyen Post Office Butcher 1 Road Mon & Thurs 3.15 - 4.15pm Tue 10am 07986 445 317 Mobile Library Sat 10.30 - 11.15am Every 4th Thursday 11.30am

Accommodation Balbeg Country Holidays 01655 770665 Genoch Cottage Self Catering 0141 258 4474 Self Catering www.balbeg.co.uk www.genochcottage.com [email protected] Blairquhan Estate 01655 770239 Holly Tree Cottage Self Catering 01655 770247 Self Catering www.blairquhan.co.uk www.straiton.org.uk Craigview Cottage Hazel Lodge B&B 01655 770660 Self Catering www.kathleengood.co.uk Rosebud Cottage Self Catering 01655 770359 Toll Cottage Self Catering 0141 341 0558

Community Councillors Henry Anderson, Craigard 770242 [email protected] Mary Arthur, 24 Main Street 770318 [email protected] Jeanette Heggs, Longcroft, Newton Stewart Road 770672 [email protected]

Kirkmichael Community Shop and Café Mon - Fri 7.45am - 5.30pm Weekends 7.45am - 4pm The shop and related café are part of South Ayrshire Council’s Comfort Scheme and public toilet facilities are available during opening hours.

Service 361 is provided by Stagecoach ( Partnership for Transport) Traveline Scotland 0871 200 22 33 open 24 hours 7 days a week Bus Timetable Mon to Sat. On leaving Ayr the bus stops outside Skills Development on Carrick St and Burns Statue Square Straiton 7.00 9.17 11.17 13.17 15.17 17.47 19.17 21.47 Crosshill 7.15 9.25 11.25 13.25 15.25 17.55 19.25 21.55 Kirkmichael 7.26 9.32 11.32 13.32 15.32 10.02 19.32 22.02 Maybole 7.33 9.40 11.40 13.40 15.40 18.10 19.40 22.10 Ayr Hosp 7.48 10.05 12.05 14.05 16.05 18.35 20.05 22.35 Ayr 8.03 10.20 12.20 14.20 16.20 18.50 20.20 22.50

Ayr 6.02 8.12 10.12 12.12 14.12 16.42 18.12 20.42 Ayr Hosp 6.18 8.29 10.26 12.26 14.26 16.56 18.26 20.56 Maybole 6.36 8.51 10.51 12.51 14.51 17.21 18.51 21.21 Kirkmichael 6.43 8.59 10.59 12.59 14.59 17.29 18.59 21.29 Crosshill 6.50 9.07 11.07 13.07 15.07 17.37 19.07 21.45 Straiton 6.57 9.15 11.15 13.15 15.15 17.45 19.15 21.45