Douglas and Glespin news in brief

Jul 24 2008 by Margaret Shaw

OVER-50s CLUB: Winners of games played at the club on Tuesday, July 15, were: dominoes – Christine Grant; challenge dominoes – Margaret Muir; whist – Christine Grant; bowls – Peg Brown, Tilda Simpson and Jinntie Hastie.

ST BRIDE’S CENTRE: The local community facility is in need of significant investment to make it fit for purpose in the 21st century. Serious consideration must also be given to the financial sustainability of this much-needed community space.

Since April of this year, light and heating costs have been in excess of £5000 and only £4500 has been brought in through hall lets and income from the charity shop.

This shortfall must be met by local fund-raising efforts and the management group are indebted to organisations who have boosted the coffers this year.

Already more than £3000 has been donated to the centre as a result of fund-raising. As well as paying for ongoing running costs, a substantial investment is also required to repair the structure of the building and to refurbish the interior.

This basic work is estimated to cost a minimum of £200,000. Further adaptation of the building, if required, will increase that sum significantly.

In order to address the many issues that require attention, the centre’s management group have commissioned an independent study into the future development of the centre. The main output of this work will be the formation of a business plan to support a funding application to the BIG Lottery fund which, if successful, will see the centre come into the ownership of the local community and the start of major development works to make the centre fit for purpose, affordable and accessible to all who wish to use it.

The first phase of this study involves gathering the views of the wider community. Residents are invited to have their say by filling in a questionnaire which is available from Crossburn Petrol Station, Mane Attraction, Post Office, the surgery or St. Bride’s Centre. Pre-paid envelopes are supplied with the questionnaire. Those who would like a questionnaire delivered to their home should leave a message with the hallkeeper at St Bride’s by telephoning 01555 850019.

A number of focus group meetings will also be held for groups and organisations.

Anyone wishing to participate in these groups should also leave a message with the hallkeeper.

CHURCH NEWS: Rev. David Easton conducted the third of the joint summer services at Rigside Church on Sunday, July 20. The reader was Irene Bell and Isobel Wilson was organist.

The church office will be closed until Monday, August 4. In the meantime, intimations can be given to Dr Sinclair Scott.

Anyone who needs the services of a minister should phone Rev. David Easton on 01899 308459.

COUNCILLORS’ SURGERIES: Councillor Meikle’s surgery due to be held in Douglas Primary School on Monday, August 4, has been cancelled. Councillor Manson’s surgery due to be held at the same venue on Monday, August 8, has also been cancelled.

BOWLING CLUB: Douglas Victoria Bowling Club held their annual mixed pairs tournament on Saturday, July 12, when winners were K. Clark and J. Smith.

The club held their annual optional pairs tournament on Saturday, July 19, sponsored by Maxim UK Grouse. The overall winners were R. and T.M. Gardiner.

An invitation mixed triples tournament will be held on Saturday. Sponsors of this event are First Convenience Stores, Lanark.

There were no winners of this week’s Lucky Numbers game. Next week’s winnings will now be £500.

GARDEN COMPETITION: The Best Garden competition will be judged on Tuesday, August 5, from 10am onwards. Winners will be announced on Saturday, September 6, at the official opening of the Flower Show.

SCARECROW COMPETITION: Due to the success of last year’s event, the Flower Show Committee are holding the Scarecrow Competition again this year. There are three categories in the event: – overall winner, most inventive and funniest scarecrow.