District news
members and Words and Music, Troon. Pipe band The 1st Troon BB Pipe Band, Grade B Novice Juvenile World Champions, will perform a Christmas Concert in Portland Church on Sunday December 11 at 3pm. The concert features music which will include traditional and contemporary items played by boys from P5 through to S6. Tea and coffee served after the concert. • Margaret Robertson 01292 311440 talk about The Covenanters. Andy explained that he was a long- term member of the Scottish Covenanter Memorial Society which was founded in 1966 to help to preserve the numerous gravestones and monuments to these fighters for religious freedom in the seventeenth century. Using a set of slides he explained who some of these men were and how they were slaughtered in their thousands. Andy’s breadth of knowledge in these matters was very evident and the audience’s appreciation was clear from the range of questions they raised at the end of the talk. Reader for the evening, Gordon Stewart, gave a brief summary of why he thought the club continued to thrive in times when many were struggling, and then read two poems he had first encountered in long- past club meetings. First was Cocker’s Three Wishes followed by Theresa by James Copeland. The vote of thanks was ably delivered by Robert McCormack. At the next meeting on Wednesday, December 21, entertainment will be provided by club members. Meetings are held in the bowling club at 7.30 pm and gentleman guests are welcome. • Gordon Stewart 01563 850703 Boxes will be in Lendal Pet Supplies, Bellsbank top shop and Patna Spar from November 26. The cost is only 20p per card. They can also take receipt of cards at the Christmas Fayre on November 26 in the community centre. A 2017 calendar is now on sale. These are available from any Scout member, Classic Cuts or the Post Office. It will also be available to purchase at the Christmas Fayre. • Sharon Smith 01292 551940 Death The village was sad to hear of the death of Eunice Murray, who was 98. Eunice was one of the oldest ladies in Muirkirk and she died peacefully in the nursing home in Auchinleck Wind farm A recent meeting took place in the Village with Penbreck wind farm, which has now obtained permission to erect three wind farms in the area of Glenbuck. Christmas lights The switch on of the Christmas lights will take place in the Heritage Park on Wednesday, December 7, at 7pm. The lights will be switched on by Claire Hosie, business co- ordinator for the new school, and David Roan, contacts manager for the school, assisted by two primary school children, Emma Hope and Paul Hyslop. Santa Claus will be making a visit along with his assistant and the primary school will perform a musical item. If the night is wet or even very cold, the BB Clubrooms will be open. Party On December 14, the Hillside party will take place in St Thomas’s Hall. If anyone wishes to help, just go along. It would also be appreciated if anyone could hand in jellies and cakes. • Marjorie Currie 01290 661324