District News

All the latest from across Clydesdale

ABINGTON

WRI - The rural ladies will hold their first meeting of 2006 in the village hall on Tuesday, January 10 at 7.30pm. Their guest speaker will be Dr Flowerdew from the Douglas Practice who will talk to the ladies on "Modern and General Practices". Competitions will be jar of marmalade, and a pill box. Hostess will be Mrs Marion Millar.

BIGGAR

GUILD - A very successful Christmas party was held on Monday, December 19 in the Gillespie Centre, with a beautiful meal served by Elizabeth and her helpers from the centre. Thanks to South Lanarkshire Council for their grant. Entertainment was provided by Guild members and the evening concluded with everyone joining in carol singing. The next meeting is on January 16 at 2pm in the Gillespie Centre. During January and February the meetings are held in the afternoon. All are welcome to attend.

PROBUS CLUB - President John Lindsay welcomed everyone to the meeting on December 20 at which the speaker was Gary Parker, the coach at Biggar Rugby Club. Though a good all-round sportsman rugby was and is his game. He played and coached Melrose and Gala with considerable success. When he came to coach Biggar this was seen by many in the rugby circles as a move to nowhere, the team was in Premier 2, however promotion to the top flight quickly followed and though Gary was quick to praise the club and players on that remarkable achievement, his own motivation and enthusiasm played a significant part. He shared his views on the state of rugby today, gave a lively and often amusing insight into his training methods. His no nonsense approach seems to be a mix of discipline, encouragement with credit where due and rollicking where appropriate. His enthusiasm for the game was obvious all the time he spoke. Gary is proud to be where he is and hopes the team will stay where it is. Bill Whiteside on behalf of the members thanked Gary for a very lively and interesting morning. The next meeting will be the festive lunch at Tinto Hotel at 12.30 pm on January 10, guest speaker will be the author and journalist Jack Webster.

BIGGAR IN BLOOM - A good number of the members met on Wednesday, December 21 for the club's Christmas party. After welcome and partaking of seasonal refreshments the annual quiz provided a test of cryptic interpretation which a very high scoring table won. This was followed by a buffet of festive fare enjoyed by all. Thereafter the members were treated to an amazing slide show of local summer time gardens, a compliment to both the gardeners and photographer. The evening was brought to a close with a live music recital which had members joining in the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne'. Before departing Mrs MacNaught expressed the company's thanks to Robert, Willie, Jan and Bill for their efforts, wished everyone a merry Christmas and looked forward to meeting again in 2006. The first meeting is a floral art and guest night on January 18.

EMBROIDERERS - Biggar & District Embroiderers Guild's December meeting was a work evening. After a business meeting the members looked at a folio on embroidery featuring beadwork that had been borrowed from the Guild Headquarters at Hampton Court Palace. The evening was terminated with hot mince pies with ice cream and marzipan dates. In the New Year the Guild plans to organise a class on embroidery and knitting for anyone wanting to begin or improve their skill. If interested please contact Susan Morgan-Jones, tel. 01899 220462.

ACCORDION CLUB - Biggar Accordion and Fiddle Club will meet on Sunday, January 8 at 7pm in the Municipal Hall, with guest artistes The Gemma Coupland Band. The 4 entry fee is waived for all those who play. Tea and biscuits at half time are included in the price.

POPPY APPEAL - Biggar and district branch of the British Legion thanks everyone who contributed in any way to the excellent amount collected for the Poppy Fund. The total amount was 3107. The breakdown for the district was as follows: Biggar 2108, Symington 561, Coulter 134, Thankerton 148, Libberton 51, Quothquan 55, anonymous cheque 50.

BRITISH LEGION - Capitation fees remain at 6; your collector will be calling during January to collect your membership fee.

BOWLING CLUB - Tuesday carpet bowls A Dalgleish, M Swan & D Pottinger.

INDOOR BOWLS - On Thursday, December 22, members enjoyed a splendid Christmas lunch at Cornhill Hotel. Many thanks to management and staff for making this such a memorable event, also to South Lanarkshire Council for the contribution which made it possible. To round things off, Santa Claus arrived with two young members of hotel staff who helped distribute presents to all. Thanks also for helping make this such a special occasion to Biggar Senior Citizens Social and Indoor Bowling Club.

USED STAMPS - Dick Allan thanks everyone for their help in saving used postage stamps. These are always very welcome. They help provide money to charities who sell them to stamp dealers who in turn supply collectors. Please keep up the good work throughout the year; it costs nothing, just a little time and is much appreciated.

PTA BURNS NIGHT - Biggar Primary PTA is holding an evening of Burns' celebration, provided by the children, followed by a family ceilidh in the Municipal Hall on Friday, January 20 from 7-10pm. Family tickets are 12 for two adults and two to three children, including free juice and crisps for the children and a grand raffle. Tickets will be available in school from Monday, January 16. For further details tel. 01899 22177.

BLACKMOUNT

CHURCH - As from Sunday, January 8, church services at Dolphinton will start at the new time of 10.45am, for three months.

BLACKWOOD & KIRKMUIRHILL

CHRISTMAS DAY - On Christmas Day there was a great turnout for the family service at Kirkmuirhill Church. It was good to see full families attending with many young people having returned to be with the family for Christmas and lots of excited children. The service started with a beautiful rendering of 'It came upon a midnight clear' on piano and violin. The four Advent candles were passed on to four families in the congregation including the Clark family. Zak, son of Victoria Clark, received a blessing with Rev Ian Watson carrying this out. Zak was seriously ill earlier in 2005. It was a very difficult time for the family and they appreciate all the prayers and support for them. Zak is the great-grandson of the late Mary and John Clark of Blackwood Cross, well known to many. As usual at the Christmas Day service (which this year fell on a Sunday) several of the children brought along Christmas presents to show to the congregation. One small boy had a remote controlled car, a girl had a Bratz boy, known to the youngsters (but the older folks have a job keeping up-to-date with present day gifts) and young Jordan Watson had his cycle on display outside church, etc. The minister himself had received a recipe book for barbecues and of course also a barbecue to cook them on. Quite a pleasant thought in the middle of winter! Everyone joined in the singing of favourite Christmas hymns and carols and enjoyed meeting up at the end of the service to wish everyone 'a happy Christmas', then home to enjoy Christmas dinner and share time with family and friends.

SWIM BUS - The Healthy Valleys swim bus to Coalburn Leisure Centre will recommence on Tuesday, January 10, times and pick-up points as before. For more information call the Rural Development Trust on 01555 880551.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - What's your New Year's Resolution - is it to give up smoking? Need some help and support to give up? If you've said 'Yes' to these questions then please come along to Healthy Valleys, 31 Stuart Terrace, Rigside, on Thursday, January 12 at 1.30pm. Nicotine replacement therapy will be available to suitable candidates; no appointment necessary. For more information please contact the Smoking Cessation Service on 01555 773637.

CHRISTMAS EVE - The Christmas Eve service at Kirkmuirhill Church was very well attended with many visitors joining with local families for this special service. The theme was 'A Saviour has been born to you'. The Christmas choir, formed especially for Christmas services, sang twice and was a delight to listen to and much appreciated, having practised diligently for only a few weeks. There were five readings 'The Saviour is promised', 'His coming is announced', 'The Saviour is born', 'He is Christ the Lord' and 'He is my Saviour'. Christmas hymns and carols included 'O come, O come Immanuel', 'Hark the herald angels sing', 'Silent night, holy night' and 'Once in Royal David's city'. Following the service there was the opportunity to meet up for tea or coffee and mince pies. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.

SENIORS - The first function of 2006 for Blackwood Victoria Bowling Club will be the seniors' dinner on Saturday, January 7 from 6.30-8pm in the clubhouse. This will be followed by a dance with all members and friends welcome.

END-OF-YEAR - It is appropriate at this time to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers in our community for all their hard work and effort: those who work with children, teenagers and youth, senior citizens, uniformed organisations, WRVS, in churches, schools and centres, in sport, in health, in music and all other areas where help is required. Volunteers organise the Gala Day, the Flower Show, the Holiday Club, discos and raves, senior citizens and youth clubs, bowling clubs, football teams, summer and pantomime outings, outings to swimming, bowling and dancing etc through Healthy Valleys; it just goes on and on. Our community would not function without all the volunteers who give time and commitment especially at the festive season with so many lunches, dinners, parties and outings to be arranged. It was also volunteers who organised the recent newsletter publication and carol concert and served teas and mince pies to all who attended. Much appreciated and thanks to all the volunteers for your unstinted efforts throughout the years. Hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. You all certainly deserve it.

OBITUARIES - It is sad at the end of the year to have the loss of three of our local residents and our thoughts are with the families.

James Hendry: Jim had been in poor health for some time, lovingly looked after throughout. In his younger days Jim was a great footballer and played for a few teams including Lesmahagow Juniors. This talent was passed on to his son and grandson, both also called Jim, and this was a great source of pride to him. Jim worked at the nylon factory and also with Skelton's Knitwear, both at Lesmahagow and later on was a lorry driver. A quiet kindly person he always made time for others especially his family, his son and daughter, his grandchildren and great grandchildren and extended family of brothers and sisters and their families, all very close. But there was no-one but his wife Jessie (Caffil) for Jim. When Jim became resident in the nursing home he was well looked after and visited faithfully by Jessie and family. Thanks go to all the staff. Well respected and popular, Jim will be missed by family, friends and neighbours. Our thoughts are with wife Jessie, daughter Christine, son Jim and all the family at this time and we pass on our condolences to them.

James Gibb: The family were always there for Jim through a long and trying illness and his wife Edie was always by his side. Jim was part of the well-known Gibb family; his sister Rae (Twaddle) only died in June 2005, his dad William (Wull) Gibb, president of the Horticultural Society for many years, died a few years ago and his mum Grace is very frail and in a Douglas hospital. Jim followed his dad into the building trade and was a first class worker. He loved fishing and had a lot of good fishing mates from a wide area, many of whom attended the funeral service to pay their last respects. Jim was a great outdoor person and was greatly respected by his many friends who shared his interest in the outdoors. His greatest pleasure was his family, wife Edie whom he met when he was working up north, a quiet spoken person, a great wife, mother and grandmother, his daughters June and Carol, sons Derek and Jim and his grandchildren. Our sympathy goes to Edie and all family, friends and neighbours at this time. A retiring collection at the end of the funeral service raised 630 for Macmillan Nurses. Edie and family thank everyone for their generosity and also Macmillan Nurses and all who helped care and look after Jim during his time of illness.

Jeanette Craig: It was so sad to learn of the sudden death of Jeanette recently. She was well known to many of us as were her husband Tom, son Steven and daughters Carole and Lorna. When her daughter was chosen to take part in the Gala Day the full family, especially Jeanette, entered into the spirit of things and were very proud to be a part of it. A very community-minded family Jeanette and her two daughters loved being a part of Guiding as can be seen from the lovely tribute (under Guide Association) in last week's column. We all join as a community to pass on our sympathy and condolences to Tom, Steven, Carole and Lorna at this time. Many of us used to enjoy a blether with Jeanette when we met her on the street or often on the Stokes' bus when she worked for a time in Lanark. Always friendly and bright, she was highly thought of throughout the village and close to her neighbours in Blackwood where she lived over the years with her family. Jeanette will be greatly missed by family and friends and remembered for her generosity and kindness to others and her great love of working with children and young people.

SCHOOLS - Local schools will start up again this coming Monday after the festive holiday. We hope staff and pupils have had a relaxing time over Christmas and the New Year. The community really appreciated all the care and attention given to the children and young people in our schools so special thanks to all those involved in looking after them throughout the year.

WORKERS - Thanks also to the many people who have to work over the holiday period. The police, fire and ambulance services, utility services such as electricity and gas, those who work in hospitals and care homes or care for people in their own homes. The people who are employed in shops and businesses don't get much time off either. To those listed above and many more our grateful thanks and appreciation.

THOUGHTS - Our thoughts at this time are with the bereaved, ill and lonely and those in hospital. It is hoped family, friends and neighbours try their best to visit and help them through this hard time. Thanks to all the organisations such as the Salvation Army for all their support.

CARNWATH

DIARY - Tuesday, January 10 Carnwath WRI, Lesser Town Hall, 7.15pm. Tuesday, January 10 Danstastic starts back, church hall, 6pm. Wednesday, January 11 Guild sponsored knit. Tuesday, February 7 Gala committee, Town Hall, 7.30pm. Saturday, June 24, Carnwath Children's Gala Day.

DANSTASTIC - The dance group will start back on Tuesday, January 10 in the Church Hall at 6pm.

CARNWATH 2000 - The lucky number for December 22 was 228 and for December 29 it was 259.

DRAW - The Gala Christmas draw winning ticket for 100 went to Bill Manson. Thank you to everyone who supported this good cause.

TREE - The chairman of Carnwath 2000 writes: ''It is with dismay and disappointment that I find myself writing this piece in Carnwath News about the condition of the Christmas tree at the village hall. Last week I complained about the bulbs that were being stolen and I replaced approximately 20 and while doing so actually caught some youngsters trying to steal more so chased them but did not recognise them. On the way home from work on Monday I noticed that a lot more had been removed and on investigation found that someone had actually tried to pull the lights off the tree. I realise that it is only a few youngsters who are doing this and that they know who they are but they are spoiling it for the rest of the village. As I do not intend to replace the bulbs as they are costly I just want to let the village see how a minority group can spoil things for the majority. It may be that we will not have a tree next year as it takes effort and time for it all to be done and after all it is done by volunteers. A lot of good work is being done in the village by a lot of groups and it would be a pity if the minority continue to spoil it for the majority.''

CARSTAIRS

BOYS BRIGADE - 1st Carstairs Boys Brigade will resume on Tuesday, January 10 after the Christmas break. The money raised selling shortbread, cookies etc. was 172.40. The boys would like to thank everyone who helped to raise this money.

CARSTAIRS JUNCTION

CHURCH NEWS - On Monday, January 16, the Presbytery of Lanark will convene a meeting of each congregation to vote on the basis of union at 7pm in Carstairs Parish Church and 8pm in Carstairs Junction Parish Church. This is a very important meeting. If anyone has any difficulty with travel please get in touch with the Rev Iain Goring. Carstairs Junction Parish Church is holding a ceilidh in the Community Hall on Friday, January 20 at 7pm, adult price 5 and children 2. This includes a light supper. Tickets can be purchased from any board member.

GUILD - The first meeting of 2006 will be held on Thursday, January 12 in the Church House at 7.30pm. The speaker will be church organist Mr George Taylor. A warm welcome is extended to all.

TOTE DOUBLE - The winning numbers in Lodge Mauldslie's draw for December 20 were 18 and 22. Winners sharing 50 were A Quay, Carluke, J Black and B Kemp, both Carstairs Junction. Winning numbers for December 27 were 33 and 6. Sharing 50 were R Madill, J Black and W Black from Carstairs Junction.

BOWLS - The results of the games played on Wednesday, December 7 were: winners W Letham and W Spence; runners-up H Lyon and W Cormack. Winners of the bowls played on December 21 were M Lyon, V Watson and A Girvan and the runners-up were J Black, W Spence and G Robertson. Winners on December 28 were J Mackin and J Spence and the runners-up were L Somerville and J Duncan.

FLAT - The Carstairs Area Community Flat is collecting old Christmas cards on behalf of the Woodland Trust throughout January. Please hand them in at the flat for recycling. Clydesdale Citizens Advice will be holding a surgery at the flat, 39 Coronation Street, Carstairs Junction, each Tuesday afternoon from 1.45-3.45pm. Their adviser can help with a range of issues, including debt counselling. Call in and find out from an independent adviser what your options are before getting in to further debt. On a Monday afternoon financial advice is offered by the Money Matters Advisory Service.

COALBURN

MINERS CLUB - This Saturday, January 7 there will be music from 9pm-12.30am. On Sunday there will be background music. Bingo is played on Sunday with 50 snowballs.

ONE STOP SHOP - From Monday, January 9 there is Jobs Access, 10.30-11.30am; Credit Union Wednesday 1.15-1.45pm; Citizens Advice Friday 11am-1.30pm. A Registrar service is available by appointment only on Tuesday and Thursday 10am-noon. The cafe is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.30am-2.30pm and Friday noon-2.30pm, Sunday noon-7pm. Fruit and vegetables are on sale during cafe hours. On Monday from 7-9pm there is a youth club for 12-16 years of age. On Wednesday 7-9pm it is the youth theatre group. Busy Bees creche starts on January 9, Monday to Thursday for ages birth to five years, 2 per hour. To book a place call 01555 820060. Ready Steady Get Cooking for P4-P7 starts on Thursday, January 19 till March 1 from 3.15-4.30pm, 2 per session. Places are limited, to book a place tel. 01555 820060 and speak to Diana or Hazel.

CHARITY BONUS BALL - Post Office charity bonus ball winners for December 24 were J Walls 40, D Mochrie 40, H Williamson 40, N Mitchell 40. Total donations to date are 7723. Please note anyone owing more than three weeks will lose their number.

BOWLING CLUB - The tote numbers for Friday, December 23 were 22-18. There were three winners J Markie, D Donoghue and J Moore. Winner of bowls was B Aitken; dominoes B Aitken; bowls league winner B Aitken, runner-up J Sim; dominoes league winner B Aitken, runner-up R Fotheringham. The winners of the quiz night on Wednesday, December 28 were: 1 T Docherty, J Pate, D Pate & M Pate, runners-up D Miller, R Miller, S Miller & P Cosgrove, booby I Reid, J Reid, M Reid & J Stewart who win a drink on the club (eight tea bags!) There will be bowls and dominoes on Friday, January 6 from 8pm and on Saturday, January 7 there will be music from Tom Aitken or Andy Irving from 9pm-midnight; watch shops for bill.

CARPET BOWLING - Lintfieldbank Carpet Bowling Club will have a points night on Tuesday, January 10 in Brocketsbrae Hall from 7.30pm. Come along and enjoy the night and the chat; all welcome.

OAP - The chairperson has asked me to appeal for anyone who would like to join the committee as they are only four in number.

TODDLERS - The toddlers group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-noon in the Welfare Hall. For more information phone 820181.

GUILD - The next meeting of the Guild is on Thursday, January 12 at 7pm in the church hall. The speaker is Mr Peter McLeish from the Jim Hamilton Heritage Society.

CHURCH - At the Christmas Eve service the retiring collection for the work of Christian Aid Scotland realised the sum of 165. Your generosity is greatly appreciated; a sincere thank you to all concerned

SWIM BUS - Please note that the Healthy Valleys swim bus to Coalburn Leisure Centre will recommence for the Douglas Valley on Friday, January 6 and from the Nethan Valley on Tuesday, January 10, times and pick-up points as before. For more information call the Rural Development Trust on 01555 880551.

SMOKING CESSATION - A smoking cessation class begins on Thursday, January 12, 1.30pm at Healthy Valleys, 31 Stuart Terrace, Rigside on Thursday, January 12 at 1.30pm. Nicotine replacement will be available to suitable candidates, no appointment necessary. For more information contact the Smoking Cessation Service on 01555 773637.

'PEOPLE LIKE YOU' - Contact Healthy Valleys for more information on 01555 880666.

WRI - The next meeting of the Rural, along with a bring and buy sale, will be held on Tuesday, January 10 in the Miners Welfare Hall at 7.15pm. Speaker is Mr George Burton on 'Crooks/Sticks'. Competitions: bring, biscuit barrel; make, apple tart.

CROSSFORD & HAZELBANK

OAP ASSOCIATION - The first games night in 2006 is on Wednesday, January 11 at 7.30pm in Crossford village hall. There is a warm welcome for all those who come along to play.

FLOWER CLUB - The first meeting of the New Year is on Thursday, January 12 at 2pm in Crossford village hall. The practical class will be taken by Margaret Adamson.

TODDLER GROUP - Crossford Toddler Group will meet for the first time in 2006 on Tuesday, January 10 from 9.45-11.45am in Crossford village hall.

DOUGLAS & GLESPIN

COMMUNITY COUNCIL - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas & Glespin Community Council will be held in the St Bride's Centre, Douglas, at 7.30pm on Monday, January 9. Agenda items to be considered for the February meeting should be with the secretary in writing no later than Monday, January 30 (14 days prior to the February meeting). The Community Council can be contacted at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com

DOUGLAS PTA - Douglas PTA is having its annual general meeting in Douglas Primary School on Monday, January 16 at 6.30pm; all welcome.

DOUGLAS VALLEY CHURCH - Christmas Day began with a joint celebration at Douglas Water and Rigside Church conducted by the minister Rev Bryan Kerr. In his sermon, he asked all to find release from cares and woes by seeking the light of Jesus who is our Counsellor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace in everyday events. Balloons then were released with words attached. Large-scale print hymn books are now available for those who need them.

DOUGLAS VICTORIA BOWLING CLUB - There were no winners this week again of the lucky numbers game. Next week's winnings will now be 2,300.

FORTH

FLAT - The Forth Community Flat is collecting old Christmas cards on behalf of The Woodland Trust throughout January. Please hand them in at the flat for recycling. The flat is holding a word-search competition on the theme of Forth street names. For your chance to win a hamper, pick up a competition form at the Community Flat. The competition closes on January 10.

NEW COURSES - A new programme of courses for 2006 covering computing and arts & crafts is available from Forth Community Resource Centre, 57 Hawkwood Terrace, tel. 01555 811002 - and please leave a message. Courses are suited to all levels of experience and there's something for everyone!

CHURCH - On Christmas Eve the church service at Forth St Paul's began at 11.15pm with carols till 11.30pm when the service proper began. Readings came from Luke chapter 1, verses 46-55 (The Message), Isaiah chapter 9, verses 2-7 and Luke chapter 2, verses 1-14. Carols 'Angels from the Realms of Glory', 'Good Christians all, rejoice', 'As with Gladness Men of Old' and 'O Come all ye Faithful' were sung. During the service 'The Prentice Boys' played a selection of music. The offering was shared between Shelter and the Little Haven. At the church door on Christmas morning wishing everyone a merry Christmas were Jean Haston and Mary Carruthers. The reading, by Harry Prentice, was from Luke chapter 2, verses 8-20. 'God rest ye Merry People', 'While Shepherds watched', 'See amid the Winter's Snow' were the carols that were sung along with a thought-provoking 'Who would Think?' Again the offering was shared between Shelter and Little Haven. The New Year's Day service, which was to include a baptism, was to be at the usual time of 11.15am. There will be no midweek service until February 1. The Rev Sarah Ross can be contacted by telephone on 812832 and by email at rev-sross@btinternet.com

THANKS - At Christmas an anonymous donation for the Little Haven was put in Mrs Griffin's door. Jessie would like to thank this person for their kindness.

GUILD - The dinner will take place on Monday, January 9 at 7pm in the large church hall. This is payable on the night. The minibus will be available.

DANCE - The first Labour Party dance of the New Year will take place in the Masonic Hall on Saturday, January 7 with a starting time of 8pm. David Miller will supply the music for dancing.

FOOTBALL - Just a reminder that the football training at the Sports Centre will begin on Saturday, January 7 at 10am after the break for Christmas and New Year.

LINE DANCING - Isabel's line dancing class will re-start on Monday, January 9 at 2pm. See y'all!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS - January 7: Labour Party dance, Masonic 8pm; 9: Line dancing class resumes, Sports Centre 2pm, Guild dinner, large church hall 7pm; 11: Games day resumes, Bank Hall; 14: Brashing, Wilsontown Glen car park; 15: Creche re-starts, church; 16: Guild, wee hall; 19: WRI, Masonic 7.30pm; 28: Gala charity night, Sports Centre 7.30pm. February 1: Start of midweek services, church.

NEWS - Remember, all items of news for next week's local column in the Gazette should be at 1 Deanbrae as soon as possible, and please not after 9pm on Monday night. Phone Jean on 811726.

KIRKFIELDBANK

WRI - The next meeting of Kirkfieldbank WRI will be on Wednesday, January 11 at 7.30pm in the Welfare Hall. It will be a demonstration of ribbon weaving by Mrs Crosby. Competition is a novelty toast rack.

LESMAHAGOW

LESMAHAGOW WRI - The last meeting of the year was held in Glebe Gardens Hall on Tuesday, December 13. President Mrs MacDonald welcomed a good turnout of members. A minute's silence was held in memory of Mrs Jean McRae, a member for many years who died recently. Mrs Potter conducted the business. Mrs MacDonald then introduced Mrs J Davidson who gave a demonstration on wrapping Christmas gifts. She demonstrated the best way to wrap a box, a man's tie and a clever idea for wrapping a plant as a gift. She also showed how to make a ribbon bow and how to decorate boxes with decoupage. Mrs Simpson gave the vote of thanks and said that it had been a lovely demonstration. Everyone than enjoyed a lovely buffet meal provided by Elizabeth Jamieson of Cruets. The competition winners were: wrapped parcel 1 Mrs Potter, 2 Mrs Waugh; Christmas scene 1 Mrs Affleck, 2 Miss Ritchie. Mrs MacDonald closed the meeting by wishing everyone a very happy Christmas. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, when Mr Alex Baird will present 'To Poetic Lassies'. Competitions: small sultana cake and pretty scarf. The hostesses will be Mrs B Maclure and Mrs M Scott.

HAWKSLAND WRI - The Royal Highland Education Trust will feature at the next meeting to be held on Thursday, January 5. The competition will be an original New Year's resolution. The hostess will be Mrs Sheena Bailie.

YOUNG WOMEN'S GROUP - At the next meeting of the Parish Church Young Women's Group on Tuesday, January 10, Sheila Mitchell will give a talk. The hostess will be Jane Armstrong and the vote of thanks will be given by Fiona Armstrong.

LINTFIELDBANK WRI - The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11 with a speaker from the Citizens Advice Bureau. The competitions will be for a hand-crafted calendar and a fancy scarf. The hostess will be Ms Agnes Ritchie.

BONUS BALL - The winner of the bowling club lottery bonus ball on Saturday, December 24 was Ronnie Still with number 16.

SWIM BUS - Please note that the Healthy Valleys swim bus to Coalburn Leisure Centre will recommence for the Douglas Valley on Friday, January 6 and for the Nethan Valley on Tuesday, January 10; times and pick-up points as before. For more information call the Rural Development Trust on 01555 880551.

'PEOPLE LIKE YOU' - Contact Healthy Valleys for more information on 01555 880666.

SMOKING CESSATION - A smoking cessation class starts on Thursday, January 12, 1.30pm at Healthy Valleys, 31 Stuart Terrace, Rigside. Nicotine Replacement will be available to suitable candidates, no appointment necessary. For more information please contact the Smoking Cessation Service on 01555 773637.

LINE DANCING - The first class after the break will be held on Monday, January 9.

'GOW NEWS - Lesmahagow JFC membership is now overdue at 2 adult, and 1 (OAP and child). Phone the secretary, David Logan on 01698 269532 or mobile 07789906166. On Saturday, January 7 they will be away to East Kilbride Thistle playing at the Showpark, East Kilbride; kick-off 1.45pm.

CHOIR REHEARSALS - A reminder to members of the Male Voice Choir that rehearsals re-start on Wednesday, January 4 at 7.15pm and Sunday, January 8 at 6.30pm, in the Jubilee Hall.

BOWLING CLUB. - Lesmahagow Bowling Club hosted a Hogmanay Dance in the clubhouse on Saturday which was again a success. Thanks to Andy and everyone who attended this event to bring in the New Year. The next event is the over-60s evening on Friday, January 13. Any eligible member who has not yet collected their ticket should contact Moira on 895484 now. The Valentine Dance is on February 11; cost 3, music from Alan Dee. Tickets are available for the cabaret on Saturday, March 18. Cost is 8. Tickets and information on all events is available from Moira on 895484 or Marion on 893976.

PETTINAIN

WRI - Pettinain WRI held their Christmas party last Wednesday evening. President Mrs Lynda Pritchard welcomed members and then handed over to MC Ann Murray for an evening of games and quizzes. All members took part and everyone had a good time. The winners were The Christmas Trees - Ann Johnstone, Lynda Pritchard and Valerie Warnock. The Snowmen - Rae Baird, Christine Challioner, Lesley McKay and Johan Sampson took second place. The competitions were judged by Rae Baird and Susan Jackson. Winners were: novelty Christmas hat 1 Lesley McKay, 2 Johan Sampson, 3 Sheila Vaughan; home-made Christmas place name 1 Sandra Milbourne, 2 Sheila Vaughan, 3 Ann Murray. Everyone brought along a Christmas present and Santa Lynda and her elf Johan handed them out. A lovely evening ended with tea, mince pies and shortbread.

RAVENSTRUTHER

WRI - Next meeting is on Tuesday, January 10 at 7.30pm in Ravenstruther Hall. The speaker is Mrs Royal from Pathfinders for the Blind. Competitions are: three shortbread fingers, coaster in any craft, miniature bottle of whisky.

OVER 60s CLUB - The 2006 AGM will be held on January 31 at 1pm. The club thanks South Lanarkshire Council for the grant towards the Christmas dinner.

SYMINGTON

WRI - On Thursday, December 1, president Mrs Jeanette Hope welcomed members to the last meeting of 2005 when the speaker, Mrs Jessie Meikle, gave a talk and demonstration on her sewing machine which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Competition winners were: table decoration 1 Mrs Jeanette Hope; best wrapped gift 1 Mrs Margaret Prentice, 2 Mrs Jeanette Hope. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 12 in the village hall at 7.30pm when Mr Robert Carson will talk about genealogy. Competitions will be an old book and three treacle oven scones.

• Email to a friend
• Print this page