Whats In A Name Roger Griffith, NAC Garnock Valley Ranger, writes: Just across the road from Spier’s Old Shool Grounds on Barrmill Road is the site of the old Marshalland Farm. A map from 1747 refers to the site as originally being ‘Marchland’, suggesting that the farms lands lay on the boundary or march between the Barony of Broadstone within the feudal Lordship of Giffen, and the Barony of Beith. The physical boundary between these baronies was the Powgree Burn, also recorded as the Powgreen, Marshyland or Geilsland Burn. An early map of the Marshalland fields on which Spier’s school was built only shows the presence of hedgerows and a track leading to the well (it’s still there). The last people to live at the Marshalland were David and Mary Kerr, and sadly the farmhouse and outbuildings buildings were demolished in the early 1960s. A John Shedden of Marshalland, born in 1756, was locally known as ‘Jack the Marshalland’; so notorious a poacher that he had to leave the area for a while, becoming a game-keeper, his local nickname adapting itself to become ‘Jack the Gem-Keeper.’ When he died he had a friend fire a shotgun over his grave, much to the surprise and consternation of the minister. In around 1820 Marshalland was held by Robert Spier and his wife, Margaret Gibson of The Cuff Farm. It was Margaret who built Spier’s School as a memorial to her son John.

Anyone Explain? Roger Griffith writes: Working at Spier’s Old School Grounds, the Youth Making Beith Better group and the YKB Youth Groups have both taken part in litter picks alongside the Barrmill Road over the last few months, clearing away all the rubbish and filling seven bin bags of rubbish. Now it’s as bad if not worse. Can anyone explain the reason why motorists feel free to throw away their rubbish for others to clear up on their behalf?

Bugged

Beith’s YMBB group construct a bug hotel in the grounds of the community centre

Roger Griffith, writes: Youth Making Beith Better (YMBB) are restoring and improving the old Nursery Garden at the Beith Community Centre. During the restoration a large number of ‘minibeast’ have been found. The group took the NAC Garnock Valley Ranger’s advice and set about building a ‘Bug Hotel’ or ‘Munchy Bug Restaurant’ to house these displaced creatures. Who know, perhaps in future they may even be invited to the Ugly Bug Ball!

Speir’s Work

Some of the pupils from Gateside Primary who recently helped at the Coronation Garden at Old Spier’s grounds.

Roger Griffith writes: Kilbirnie’s YKG group have put out a Geocache to commemorate the work they have done so far at the Spier’s parklands. The group planted out more wild flowers, cut back overhanging vegetation from the paths, created a ‘pallet of colours’ for their John Muir log books and carried out more work on the Geilsland Well. The group watched a swarm of Mayflies dancing in the sunshine above the old tennis lawns – a sight, that as the name suggests, can only be seen at this time of year. The day was finished off with a well earned BBQ. The group worked with the NAC Garnock Valley Ranger, as well as leaders Liz and Belle. A great time was had by all.

Newsflash

Latest News

Garnock Valley Competition

Stuart Wright, match secretary, writes: The Garnock Valley competition which is a competition open to all clubs in Garnock Valley (Beith, Kibirnie, Lochwinnoch) and rotates from club to club annually was held last week. The Beith club had pleasure in hosting the event on the Bigholm course this year. The overall winner- Iain McDonald; Scratch Winner- Lee Jenkins; 1st class winner T Little; 2nd class winner – W Heron.

The Beith Open competition was played over the Bigholm course on August 8. The Beith Open Champion – Joe Cassidy (Beith); Gross winner – Lee Jenkins (Beith); 1st class winner – Henry Young (Beith); 2nd class winner – Martyn Murray (Beith). All in all both competitions were played in reasonable weather conditions and greatly enjoyed by all the competitors, none more so than those on the winners podium.

August 7th Race

Alec Gardiner, secretary, writes: Beith HC race on Saturday August 7 was from Arniston. Six members sent 184 birds and the pigeons were liberated at 8.30 am into a NW wind.

The first ten birds timed were as follows: 1st. Jim Shepherd (1147) 2nd , Robert Reid (1144) 3rd , Jim Shepherd (1139), 4th John Shepherd (1137), 5th & 6th Robert Trotter (1135 & 1134), 7th Robert Reid (1128), 8th Jim Shepherd (1103), 9th & 10th Robert Trotter (1093 & 1086).

Great Gardens

Jean Gilbert, chair, Barrmill Community Association, writes: Just a brief note to thank everyone who worked so hard to put on an excellent garden show for the judges in the Barrmill Community Association Garden Competition. The presentation of prizes took place in the community cnetre on August 4 prior to a first class gardeners question time. On the panel were Les Maitland (Gateside), Archie Comrie (Dalry) and Roger Griffith (NAC GV Ranger). Many questions were asked and answered and at the end of the night the panel members presented the prizes.

The village garden winner was Andy Lennie, 2nd Tom Boyd and 3rd Mr & Mrs J Brown. The Barrmill rural area results: 1st Mr & Mrs R Wylie, 2nd Mr & Mrs T Gilbert, 3rd Mrs Joan Wylie. The Best Container winner: Mr Mrs W Kennedy. The entire competition was very kindly judged by Michael Martin of Kilbirnie who was fulsome in his praise for the high standard of gardens in the area. Jean Gilbert (chair) thanked all for their input and also the committee for supplying a lovely supper and for all those who came and gave their support on the night.

Back To School

Jean Kennedy, Senior Library Assistant, writes: Beith Library has a fascinating ‘Back to School’ display of school photographs from the local area dating from the 1930s to more recent times. Pop in for a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the good old days.

The opening hours are Monday and Thursday 1pm-5pm and 6pm-7.30pm, Tuesday and Friday 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5.30pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm and 2pm -5pm.

Safer Beith

Locals should be aware that a number of houses in the town, several occupied by older residents, have been broken during the night into over recent weeks. It would be sensible and timely for everyone to review their own home security arrangements.

Anyone wishing advice from the police crime prevention officer should make initial contact via Kilbirnie Police on 01505-404400.

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23 August 1902 ADVERT Beith Instrumental Band have arranged to give a grand musical recital and sports at Muir Field, Beith, for the purpose of defraying costs of new uniforms on Saturday, 30 August. For further particulars see bills. BEITH COFFIN S0CIETY One of the oldest institutions of the town, and one which is [...]

16 August 1902 NO TRESPASSING The Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway Completion. The privilege granted to Messrs McAlpine’s men to cross Burnhouse and Giffen Farms are withdrawn, and quarrymen are also requested to take note. By order. 14 August 1902. OLD BEITHITES Several people in Beith are now living who have seen four coronation celebrations viz. [...]

9 August 1902 BEITH INSTRUMENTAL BAND The Instrumental Band again drew a large number of admirers to the Strand-foot on Friday week. Open air music is evidently greatly appreciated by the multitudes, to judge by the encouragement these rehearsals receive from time to time. REV. ANDREW BROWNE We understand that the name of the [...]

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