FOCUSFOCUS
Autumn 2008
Kirk and Community News
For the Parishes of Cairngryffe and Symington
Church of Scotland
Cairngryffe with Symington Parish Churches
Minister: Rev Dr Graham Houston
16 Abington Road, Symington (01899 308838)
Session Clerks: Cairngryffe- Mr Jack Meikle
Glenbow Cottage, Thankerton (01899 308397)
Symington- Mr Ross Russell
Spindrift, Main Street, Symington (01899 308240)
SUNDAY SERVICES
September, October, November, December 2008
11.00am Symington 09.30.am Cairngryffe
Prayer and Praise Services Thursdays at 7.30pm: October 2nd (Symington), November 6th (Cairngryffe).
Minister’s Study Leave Monday September 15th to Tuesday October 28th. During this period, all requests for pastoral assistance and funerals should be directed to the Interim Moderator, Rev Margaret Muir (Glencaple with Lowther), 01864 502625.
COMMUNION SERVICES
The sacrament will be celebrated on Sunday November 2nd,
All members are warmly invited to share in worship then.
9.30am Cairngryffe 11.00am Symington
MEETINGS OF SESSIONS AND BOARD
Joint Office-Bearers’ Meeting
The twice-yearly gathering of all Board and Session members is in Symington on Monday October 27h at 7.30pm.
Symington Board and Kirk Session
meet on Monday November 10th at 7.30pm.
Cairngryffe Kirk Session
meets on Monday November 3rd at 7.30pm
Joint Finance Committee
meets on Monday December 1st at 7.30pm in the Manse
Visit our websites at :-
www.cairngryffekirk.org.uk Webmaster Jim Watt
www.symingtonkirk.com Webmaster Robert Carson
From The Manse Autumn 2008
The Olympic Games at Beijing were a great success for Team GB, as well as being a wonderful spectacle and demonstration of Chinese organisation, with our best haul of gold medals for 100 years. Not since the London Olympiad of 1908 have there been more than 19 gold medals for Great Britain. That was the year of the first marathon run over the distance of 26 miles and 385 yards. Many thought that was the actual distance from Marathon to Athens, when the messenger ran from the battlefield to the city to announce the result of a battle between Greeks and the invading Persians. In fact, it was the distance from Windsor Castle, where the 1908 marathon started, to the royal box in the London stadium where it finished! The first to cross the line was an Italian athlete who had staggered into the stadium well ahead of the rest of the field, only to collapse on the track. Some stupid stewards then proceeded to help him up and over the finishing line, because of which he was disqualified for receiving assistance! We will never know if he would have made it alone, but Queen Alexandra presented him with a consolation trophy for competing so well, even though he had won no medal. He became a celebrity and a street in London was named after him! Of course, the original Olympic Games were contested in ancient Greece and were well known to the writers of the New Testament, including the apostle Paul. It’s not surprising that he used the Games as an illustration of the Christian way of life. In his first letter to the Greek church in Corinth, Paul says “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly.”(1 Corinthians 9:24-26) Again, he says to the Philippian church in northern Greece, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 3:12-14)
Paul is comparing athletic competition to the race of faith which is the Christian life. The prize for the winner of a race in the Olympics of Paul’s day was a crown made of laurel leaves. You may remember them being awarded to the winners at Athens in 2004. Such crowns do not last, and eventually are fit only for the compost heap. In contrast, the prize for those who finish the race of faith is eternal life, a crown which will never fade in its splendour. If athletes commit themselves to rigorous physical and mental training in order to participate successfully in their sport, argues Paul, how much more should those who follow Christ engage in regular spiritual exercise to ensure that they will win the prize and complete the course from here to heaven! The difference is that in the Olympics, only the winner gets the gold medal, while in the race of faith, all who finish get the prize. The other distinctive aspect of the Christian endeavour is that help is offered to competitors all along the way, and nobody is disqualified for needing assistance over the finishing line! There is advice available from many who have run the race before us, recorded in the Bible, and those who participate are encouraged to focus on the finishing line where One who has blazed the trail before them is waiting to welcome them and give them the prize, as the writer to the Hebrews says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”(Hebrews 12:1-3)
One of the great deceptions perpetrated in the modern world is that there is no need to enter the race of faith in order to win the prize of eternal life. This lie has emptied churches all over the western world, and has filled people with false hopes. The Bible speaks about participation, and not being mere spectators. We are challenged to run with perseverance and not give up, while asking for and receiving from God and his people all the encouragement we need in order to complete the course. The training camp is, without doubt, the weekly meetings for worship on the Lord’s Day, which are absolutely necessary if we are to run the race to the end. Add to that the daily diet of prayer and reading God’s word, Christian caring, witness, and service, and you get a picture of the basic requirements if you and I are going to get to the finish. Perhaps you have really drifted away from the track that is marked out for Christians, and have become distracted so that you have lost your way. Maybe some disappointment or discouragement apparently provided you with an excuse to opt out of the struggle of Christian living. Don’t give up! Get back to that point where you lost your place in the race, and begin again. Don’t look at other people and how well or feebly they may be pressing on in faith. Look to Jesus. Follow him, all the way, from here to heaven.
Yours in Christ, Graham Houston.
LANARK PRESBYTERY ELDER’S REPORT
As the newly elected representative elder for Symington Kirk, I attended the Presbytery Meeting on 17th June as an observer along with other new elders. The Meeting started with a Communion Service in St. Nicholas Church conducted by Rev Alison Meikle, the retiring Moderator. After the service there was some refreshment then the business meeting continued in the church hall, very much like other church business meetings. The new representative elders were welcomed. The membership of committees for 2008-9 has been organised. Graham Houston is Convenor of the Congregational Support Committee and I am a member of the Ministries Committee. Robert Carson although on longer a representative elder, has been co-opted as an additional elder . The work of Presbytery is mainly carried out by six committees, each of which reports to Presbytery. Among items reported were –
Lambert Allan
CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED
Christianity Explored – the sequel….
10 Sunday evenings at 7.00pm from 14th September.
85 Main Street Symington ML12 6LL.
All welcome.
Phone 01899 309018 for more information.
The idea is to offer an opportunity in a relaxed setting to explore three questions that cut right to the heart of Christianity.
Who was Jesus?
Why did he come?
What does it mean to follow him?
Christianity Explored is for people who want to be reminded of the basics, others curious to discover if it’s really true and all shades of faith in between. The 8 people who took part last time all said they found the time very worthwhile.
You can ask any question you want or just feel free to sit and listen. You won’t have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Hope you can join us!
Mike and Penny Nisbet 01899 309018 / 07800 888028
NEWS FROM THE PARISHES
Baptisms
Cairngryffe June 15th Isla Grace Morley, Bedfordshire.
Funerals
June 12th Symington Jim Singer 15 Millburn Court
August 12th Lanark Greyfriars John Wilson 115 St Leonard’s St Lanark
August 15th Symington Peggy McIntyre 11 Hillview Street
August 20th Pettinain Jamie Prentice formerly of Switzerland
August 25th Symington Robert Cowan 67 Station Rd Thankerton
September 9th Daldowie Elma Stanier, 23 Scauthill, Symington
John Wilson, organist at Cairngryffe Kirk and formerly at Pettinain, died suddenly on August 8th at Wishaw General Hospital. John had served for over 50 years as a church organist, also at Overtown, Dalserf and Lanark St Kentigern’s, for which he received a few years ago a long-service certificate signed by the Moderator of the General Assembly. He is survived by his wife Jeanette, their two children Douglas and Eleanor, and six grandchildren. The service on August 12th at Lanark Greyfriars, where John was a member, was led by Rev Bryan Kerr and Rev Dr Graham Houston. We celebrated John’s life and achievements and gave thanks for the many times he offered his enthusiasm and help to the churches, over and above the call of duty. Our deepest sympathy goes to Jeanette and the family.
Cairngryffe Organist
The Cairngryffe Kirk Session was saddened to hear of John Wilson’s death and relieved that a new organist has immediately taken over. He is Alan Potts, Carmichael, who has been providing cover at Cairngryffe and Symington for some time. Alan was formerly a church organist in some Anglican churches in the south of England. We are grateful to Linzi Struthers, Millhill Farm, for agreeing to provide cover during Alan’s holiday Sundays.
Vacancies at Symington
Symington Kirk Session are very happy to report that our Church Treasurer, Robert Carson, has agreed to remain in post with the assistance of Douglas MacKenzie. Our new Presbytery Elder is Lambert Allan. Thanks are due to them all.
SYMINGTON CHOIR
Symington Kirk Choir will resume on Wednesday 10 September at 7-30 in the church. Anyone who wishes to join us for a good sing (and a good laugh) will be made very welcome. If you wish any further information, phone
Choir Director Gaynor Russell on 01899 308240
PRAYER PAGE
Prayer and Praise Services
Cairngryffe and Symington churches look forward to welcoming everyone again after our summer break. We urge everyone to come along and join us for what we promise will be a peaceful and uplifting service. If you haven’t already attended a Prayer and Praise Service because of transport issues please contact either Sandra Stewart or George Mathew and we will try to arrange a lift.
In both Symington and Cairngryffe Church vestibule you will find a box for prayer requests.
The dates and times of the next Prayer and Praise Services are as follows:
Cairngryffe Church Thursday 4th September at 7.30pm
Symington Church Thursday 2nd October at 7.30pm
Cairngryffe Church Thursday 6th November at 7.30pm
Symington Church Thursday 4th December at 7.30pm
Keep the following in your thoughts and Prayers:
.
Lord Jesus, help us to hear your call and to humbly and faithfully follow you wherever you lead. Flood our lives with the light of your love so that it will shine in us and through us as a beacon of hope for all to see.
In your name we pray
Amen
Prayer Promoters
Cairngryffe – Sandra Stewart Tel: 01555 880655
Symington – George Mathew Tel: 01899 308648
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT CAIRNGRYFFE
This is to keep all our members up to date with what is happening in the Kirk Session at Cairngryffe.
* Don’t forget our website for Cairngryffe Kirk ,the address is www.cairngryffekirk.org.uk Jim is at present making sure the winter program for The Guild , Everyoung Club and the Sunday School are all shown so if you don’t have a syllabus look it up on the website
*In the last Focus I reported that we still have some fine tuning to do to the heating and ventilation. This has now all been completed with new heaters on the wall of the Church as you come in, two new heaters one beside the organ and one opposite. We have the cable in place for two new heaters on the wall where the praise board is, it would need to be moved, they would provide heat in the new chair area. We have left this last option until the winter to see if it is really necessary. Brighter lights have also been fitted in the session room.
* Just a reminder to people who get Life and Work please pay your subscription to Lily before the end of November and if you have already paid, thank you
Jack Meikle. Session Clerk at Cairngryffe
You may remember a short presentation given by Liz Hiddleston to our congregation back in June regarding Homelessness in Clydesdale. Here is a short synopsis – just in case you missed it.
“The Kirk Session in Cairngryffe has been made aware of the work that the Scottish Churches Housing Action group has been doing to mobilise the resources of local churches, of all denominations, towards a vision of a Scotland free from homelessness.”
At the last meeting of the Kirk Session it was agreed that we should work to support this initiative. We are currently looking for just a little more information prior to springing into action – so…. watch this space, there will be more information coming through on what YOU can do to support this very important initiative. Mary McLellan
Cairngryffe - Sunday Morning Tea & Coffee
We are looking to organise a rota for the Sunday morning tea and coffee. If anyone would like to participate in serving and/or making the coffee please speak to Sandra Stewart, Cathryn Forrest or Lily Borthwick.
Cairngryffe - Kirk Social Committee
The present small Committee have carried out some good work but now feel they are past their “sell by date” and we are looking for some new blood. Would anyone interested in the post of Convenor or being a member of the Committee please make themselves known to Session Clerk Jack Meikle.
Sandra Stewart
This term we will focus on stories of Saul and David from the Old Testament. As well as preparing for Harvest and Christmas. We meet at the start of the church service and stay in the church for the first part of the service and the go to the meeting room for our own activities. New children are always welcome. DATES/ TIMES 07/09/08,14/09/08.21/09/08 9.30am 28/09/08 HOLIDAY 05/10/08 Harvest Thanksgiving 12/10/08 & 19/10/08 October Holiday 26/10/08,2/11/08,9/11/08,16/11/08,23/11/08,30/11/08,07/12/08 14/12/08 9.30am. 21/12/08 Christmas Service.If you need any further information contact:- Rosmairi Galloway 01555 880779.
SundayZONE@Symington
Thanks are due to our new leaders for children’s ministry at Symington, with the catchy new name of SundayZONE. Acting as co-ordinator is Irene Houston. A morning with a difference is on offer if you are aged 3-13! We go to church for all age worship and then return to SundayZONE which has a MiniZone and a YZone. You will go straight to your age appropriate zone and find out more about the Bible through activities, drama and stories. We finish with SundayZONE worship for a few minutes. Why not come and join us? Until Christmas we meet in the church at 11.00am. Please come with an adult the first time to register. We have a new name for Trailblazers and new adults to help us. Their names are Donna, Hazel, Irene and Susan.
For information, contact Irene Houston at 01899 308943
THE GUILD
Symington Guild
The Guild session is about to start again and we look forward to welcoming old and new friends to our first meeting on Thursday 25 September at 7.30 pm in Symington Church Hall. The Committee has planned a varied programme - something for everyone - so do come along.
25 September Biggar Camera Club by Ian Porter
23 October A Trip to India by Edith Easton
27 November Christmas Book Decorations - a demonstration by Mary McLelland
Contact Sheena Carlyle, President at 01899 308269
Cairngryffe Guild
Meets in Thankerton Village Hall on 2nd Wednesday of each month. New members will be made most welcome.
Sept. 10th The Royal Highland Educational Trust
Mr James Warnock
Hostesses :- Mrs. N. Heggison Mrs. S. Sommerville
Oct. 9th (Thurs) Joint meeting with Symington Guild (at Symington) Mrs. Edith Easton……..A Trip to India
Nov. 12th World Mission Rally
St Nicholas Church Hall Lanark
Nov. 12th Carbon Neutral Biggar......A Transition Town Mr John Riley
Hostesses :- Mrs. E. Russell Mrs. A. Murray
Nov. 16th -23rd Guild Week
Dec. 10th Christmas Celebrations- Invited Guests
Hostesses :- Committee
Further information from President :- Mary McLelland – 01555 871114 Secretary :- Margaret Watt – 01555 663394
FROM OUR KIRK TREASURERS
Cairngryffe Church Treasurer’s Report
For Period 1st January 2008- 31st August 2008
Income Expenditure
Offering £11,334 Ministry Alloc. £ 8,834
Tax Back £ 2,896 Travel Exp £ 565
Donations £ 210 Joint Congr Acc £ 1,750
Social Committee £ 428 Wages £ 2,082
Miscellaneous £ 655 Miscellaneous £ 1,022
TOTALS £ 15,523 TOTAL £ 14,253
The surplus for this period is £1,270. Linzi Struthers, Treasurer
Symington Church Treasurer’s Report
I stated in my last report that it would be my last report, however that was not to be and I am grateful to Douglas Mackenzie for his assistance in my absence.
We are now two thirds of the way through the year and our income level has reduced by 15% compared to the same period last year. This is despite the fact that we have had the benefit of the later service time when services are usually better attended. Expenditure is virtually the same for the period compared with 2007.
If the present trends continue then it is anticipated that the account will have a deficit in the current year of around £7,000.
Income to 30/08/08 Expenditure to 30/08/08
Offerings £17429 Ministry & Mission £12384
Other Income £ 262 Staff Costs £ 4104
Special Income £ 519 Building Costs £ 3361
Tax rebate £ 5466 Joint Cong Account £ 1750
Other Costs £ 2211
TOTAL £ 23676 TOTAL £ 23810
Robert Carson, Treasurer
SCOTTISH WOMEN'S RURAL INSTITUTE
Carmichael Institute
Carmichael WRI meets on the second Monday of each month in Carmichael Hall at 7.30pm. Forthcoming meetings are: -
September 8 Armchair Exercise with Jennifer Baillie
October 13 Soups and Casserole by Joan Orr
November 10 Dinner at the Robertson Arms Hotel (7 for 7.30)
December 6 Bowling Tournament Mixed Rinks
December 8 Christmas Decorated Book with Mary McLellan
Janette Elliot, Secretary, at 01555 880614 can provide more details.
Pettinain Institute
Pettinain WRI meets in Pettinain Village Hall at 7.30pm on a Wednesday, annual subscription £8. Why not join us?
September 3 Talk and demonstrations from the Hawksland Women
October 15 Cooking demonstration from Mrs Margaret Adamson
November 5 Military Whist Drive
November 19 Talk on Cairns Food (Biggar) by Mr Duncan Turnbull
For further details contact Ann Murray, Secretary on 01555 870379
Thankerton Institute
Thankerton SWRI begins its 2008/09 session of meetings on Thursday 4th September at 7.30pm in Thankerton Village Hall. The Committee have produced a varied and interesting syllabus and all ladies will be made very welcome to the meetings which are held on the 1st Thursday of every month.
This is a special year for Thankerton Rural as we celebrate our 90th birthday!
The meeting schedule for September 2008 to April 2009 is as follows:
4th September – An evening with Cairn Foods
25th September – Fundraising Guest Night
Stonehouse Male Voice Choir –Jolly Beggars
2nd October - Flowers with Helen & Helen
6th November – 90th Birthday Party
4th December – Outing to be arranged
8th January - Taking Care of our Environment with John Reilly
5th February – Canapes with Sheila Nixon
5th March - Antiques with Campbell Armour
3rd April - AGM – Buffet Supper & Quiz
For further information on Rural meetings in Thankerton please contact Secretary Irene Ross on 308738, or Press Secretary Connie Johnstone on 308764
Symington Institute
New members are always welcome to join us at our meetings in Symington Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. The talks and demonstrations for this season are :-
4th September – “Theatre Royal” by Rona Walker
2nd October – “Social Services”
4th December – “Christmas Craft”
More details of future talks and events this autumn can be obtained by contacting a committee member or by going along to any meeting. See you there.
Contact Janet Hope, President at 01899 308716.
FLOWER LISTS
|
SUNDAY |
CAIRNGRYFFE |
SYMINGTON |
|
07th Sept 20 08 |
Margaret Cooper |
Christina McKenzie |
|
14th Sept 2008 |
Mamie Gilmour |
Betty Morton |
|
21st Sept 2008 |
Rosmairi Galloway |
Val Horsefield |
|
28th Sept 2008 |
Carol Gardiner |
Irene Madox |
|
05th Oct 2008 |
Mary McLellan |
Shirley Pratt |
|
12th Oct 2008 |
Annie Callan |
Anne Blacklaw |
|
19th Oct 2008 |
Susan McDougall |
Ella Hodge |
|
26th Oct 2008 |
Sheana Rodger |
Moira Taylor |
|
02nd Nov 2008 |
|
Nan Raeburn |
|
09th Nov 2008 |
Maureen Bannatyne |
Margot Leadbitter |
|
16th Nov 2008 |
Elizabeth Warnock |
Lynn Carson |
|
23rd Nov 2008 |
Margaret Clarkson |
Linda McKay |
|
30th Nov 2008 |
Lily Borthwick |
Susan Matthew |
|
07th Dec 2008 |
Sandra Stewart |
Ollie Hunter |
|
14th Dec 2008 |
Christmas Flowers |
Muriel Knight |
|
21st Dec 2008 |
Christmas Flowers |
Janette Hope |
|
28th Dec 2008 |
Christmas Flowers |
|
ORGANISATIONS FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
Carmichael Playgroup & Toddlers Group
This group for little ones from 0 to 5 years meets in Carmichael Village Hall on Mondays and Thursdays from 9.15 to 11.15am.The children enjoy a good variety of activities and all will be made very welcome. More details can be had from the playleader Catherine Hamilton, on 01555 665239.
Symington Playgroup
Symington Playgroup is open to all little ones from 2 years upwards and is held every Tuesday and Wednesday morning It offers a fun time of art games toys and children always have a piece of work to take home. A drink and healthy snack are provided and each session ends with a story and songs. There are still a few spaces available so for full information please contact
Linda Tucker at 01899 308943
Tinto Toddlers
Tinto Toddlers, for parents and carers with children from newborn to nursery age, meet every Monday and Friday in Symington Village Hall from 9.45 to 11.15am. All will be warmly welcomed. Older school age children can join in during school holidays as we now operate throughout the year. We charge £1 per session for Toddlers and 50p for babies, including a healthy snack, with tea or coffee for mum/dad. For more information please call
Chairperson Kate Melanby on 01899 308432
SYMINGTON GUIDES
Girls aged 10-14 meet on Monday evenings in Symington Village. We are currently full with a small waiting list but if you'd like more information phone Anne Galloway on 01555 870 865.
Senior Section: - girls aged 14 - 25 yrs now meet in Symington Village Hall on Tuesday evenings, due to increased numbers. Help is always appreciated as our girls work towards various awards, so if any adult with a particular skill and an hour to spare on a Tuesday would like to help out we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Call Anne Galloway (District Commissioner) on 01555 870865 for more information
BROWNIES
1st Tinto Brownies (Thankerton)
The pack meets every Monday evening in Thankerton and all 7 to 10 year olds are welcome. The brownies learn lots of new and different things, games, crafts, badge work and even baking on a good night. If you would like further information about the Brownie Pack please contact
Mandy Reilly on 01555 840010
1st Symington Brownies
Gillian, Alysoun and Gina look forward to welcoming the Brownies back after our summer break. We are now looking forward to lots of activities, crafts, fun and games over the next few months. Brownies are open to all girls aged 7 – 10 years old. Anyone wishing to join please contact :-
Contact Gillian Aitchison on 01899 308098 or Alysoun Wilson on 01899 220609 for further information.
RAINBOWS
Rainbows are for girls aged 5-7 years and meet in Symington on a Monday during school term time. Each week we will be having fun working towards badges. At the moment we are full but more information can be had from one of our leaders, or from our sister organizations.
BEAVERS CUBS AND SCOUTS
1st Biggar Tinto Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meet in Biggar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout term time. They currently have a waiting list in all sections. If you are interested in joining, either as a Beaver Cub or Scout or are interested in helping as part of the leadership team, please contact Alex Clark at 01899 308330. He can give full details of meeting times and venues and of the waiting lists involved.
On 14 and 15 July two sessions of the sound production known as DeeJaying were held at the Church Hall in Symington. The sessions were commissioned through the good offices of South Lanarkshire Council’s Arts development Team for the Youth sub group acting on behalf of Symington Church Board and Cairngryffe Church Session. Those participating first mastered the use of the technology, then learned how to select and sample the music followed by how to create their own compact disc from the process. Five young people took part and by all accounts genuinely got a lot out of the experience. Particular thanks are due to Anita Matthew who worked as Youth Leader on the project as well as Jane Stevens and George Matthew who identified participants and helped with last minute arrangements on the ground.
It is hoped to continue to explore how this kind of provision can be developed by the Churches by way of connecting with young people in the two parishes. Examples of what else may be available will be publicised in future editions of this magazine. Any ideas will be more than welcome.
Denham Macdougall
PETTINAIN BADMINTON
Adults meet on Mondays from October from 7pm - 9pm
There are no Juniors meetings meantime.
The group meets in Pettinain Village Hall and cost £1 per night to cover the cost of the Hall Let, refreshments and renewing equipment.
Contact Charlie Galloway on 01555 870 865 with any queries.
SYMINGTON BADMINTON
Senior badminton continues in Symington Church Hall on Wednesdays at 1pm and Fridays at 8pm. Come along for some fun and exercise, or phone
Marianna Watson 01899 308711 for details.
CAIRNGRYFFE EVERYOUNG CLUB
This club meets fortnightly on Thursdays in Thankerton Village Hall at 2.00pm. The programme for this autumn is as follows: -
October 9th - Talk on the work of The Little Haven (Forth)
October 23 - Gordon Hunter – Comedy Films
November 13 - Alec Baird - Poetry
November 27 - Christine Baird – Samaritans
December 11 - Christmas Lunch, Cornhill House Hotel, 12.30pm
For more information please contact
Sadie Campbell at 01899 308328
If you are a man aged over 50 years and either fully or largely retired then why not give some thought to joining Biggar Probus Club. The club has a membership of around 40 men of all persuasions and having varied backgrounds and our meetings usually average around 30 members. Our President for the coming season is Henry McMahon from Thankerton. Meetings are held from October until the following April in the Biggar Municipal Hall with members meeting between 9-30 and 10-00am for tea and biscuits and a chance to chat with friends followed at around 10-30 with a speaker and concluding at between 11-30 and 12-00noon Our speakers cover a wide range of subjects and the first speaker of the 2008/2009 session will be Mr. James Warnock a well known local farmer. This initial meting will be on Tuesday 7th October. If you feel that you might be interested then please come along to that first meeting (or indeed any other) when you will be made very welcome. You do not have to join us but if you have the time and are eligible please give us a try. You never know you might enjoy our company.
If qualified by age and circumstances why not give us a try? You can either turn up on the 7th October around 9.30am or contact the President, Mr John Pratt on 01899 308729 or Secretary Mr Robert Ross on 01899 220017.
You never know. You might enjoy our company!
TINTO AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
It's hard to believe that we are already starting another school year! This is the 5th year for the Club, which is still offering the children at Tinto a fantastic range of activities. Over the next year we are hoping to offer football, netball, chanter, chess, badminton, yoga, dance, cheerleading, cookery, athletics, decoupage, card making, fencing, kayaking, archery and abseiling! If anyone in the Community would like to help out at the Club or could come in to run an activity, we would love to hear from them. Please contact Jane Stevens, current Club Co-ordinator on 01899 308713 to find out more!
PETTINAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The next Pettinain Community Council Meeting is on Wednesday 24th September 2008 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome. Jane McConnell (Chair) 01555 870260
SYMINGTON COFFEE CLUB
The Coffee Club will start again in October (date to be decided) at 10:30 am in the Church Hall. All are welcome. Anyone wishing to become a member of the team who organise the Coffee Club, either on a regular or irregular basis, should speak to Pat Allan on 01899 308029
CARMICHAEL CARPET BOWLING CLUB
The winter session will start again in October. Remember we meet every Tuesday night in Carmichael Hall at 7.30 pm and are always looking for more members. We have some boys and girls and a number of lady members so don’t be afraid to come and join us, the emphasis is on fun.
We have less than two years to go before we celebrate our first century. The club was started on the 8th of March at a meeting in the school on a very wet night in 1910 when, despite the very heavy rain, there was a good attendance. For more information give me a call at 01899 308397
Jack Meikle, Secretary
THE THREE PARISHES HISTORY PROJECT
As some parishioners will be aware Mr William Fleming, late of Warrenhill Farm now residing in Lanark, has produced an excellent history of the Parish of Carmichael (273 pages) covering all aspects of life in the parish – church, school, surnames, places etc. Copies are available from William on 01555 661386. He has almost finished similar volumes on the parishes of Pettinain and Thankerton/Covington. Focus Editor Charlie Todd and intrepid Session Clerk Jack Meikle have been collecting and scanning old photographs and postcards from the 3 parishes to produce a complimentary volume for each parish. If anyone has any black and whites of local interest (places, people, events, agriculture etc) can they please contact any of the above.
Editor's Note
Thank you to all contributors who provided the information contained in this newsletter
The Christmas edition of FOCUS will be issued early in December. Contributions from church groups and organisations, covering the period from December 2008 up to the end of February 2009 should be sent to me by
Tuesday 25h November 2008 at the latest.
I can be reached at: - Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, Biggar ML12 6NZ Tel: 01899 308327 or by email at charles.todd@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
NB. Please use email if at all possible