Stonehouse news

Jun 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Hamilton Advertiser

STONEHOUSE Community Council met on Monday night in the Welfare Institute. The guest speaker for the evening was Nancy McGillivray from Larkhall Credit Union.

Nancy explained the strengths of the Credit Union movement. She said the Credit Union had built up a strong membership in the Larkhall area, and hundreds of people had benefited from joining a financial organisation which serves the best interests of its membership.

Nancy compared the rates of interest charged by banks and financial institutions and the rates for the Credit Union, which were indeed much more favourable.

The organisation is run by volunteers and membership is fairly easily obtained. Members have a share in the profits of the organisation, which is strictly controlled by the Financial Services Authority.

Nancy illustrated how the CU had been able to help several people who were unable to get help from other sources. The CU assist people who want to save and yet help others to find life a bit easier.

The talk generated a good discussion, where it was felt there was a need for the CU to establish itself in Stonehouse. Anyone who wants to help the development of a CU based in Stonehouse, or to join in the Larkhall experience, should phone 884156, 207071 or 307121.

The police report revealed there had been 25 offences and 14 detections. Among the offences was a serious assault in Alexander Hamilton Park before the gala day and police are looking for information relating to this.

There was some discussion about the need for more resources for the police service and the need for police personnel on the beat.

It was reported that the surgeries at Larkhall and Stonehouse are to go ahead with extended hours. Cander Centre are offering appointments through June on alternate Mondays between 7am and 8am. Evening appointments from 6pm till 7.30pm are still to be arranged.

There was a general welcome for the move but it was not very clear what was to happen after June. These appointments were for routine matters for GPs and Saturday morning surgeries will not take place every week.

Secretary Robert Freel reported he was awaiting replies to e-mails from the Water Authorities, Planning Department, and Housing. A complaint was registered regarding several cuts in electricity supply over the past weeks, with no explanation being offered.

RESIDENTS of Murray Drive are holding a public meeting in the Public Institute on Wednesday, June 25, at 7.30pm.

Complaints have been raised at previous community council meetings of this being a forgotten area of the village. There is a hope that the formation of a Residents’ Association will help to keep the community better able to tackle some of the problems they have at the moment.

Everyone in the area is invited to go along and air their views.

THE Music Nights met in the masonic hall on Saturday night, when another capacity audience enjoyed a successful evening of song and dance.

STONEHOUSE Bowling Club’s pair of Craig Robertson and Hugh Smith visited Hamilton Caley's green on Saturday to participate in the finals of the Hamilton and District competition. Craig and Hugh beat a Raploch team in the final to win the trophy.

The club also triumphed by winning the Larkhall and District League.

STONEHOUSE Parish Church had no Sunday School prizegiving this year. Instead, they held a party instead where the children entertained the congregation.

Thanks go to John Young for teaching the youngsters to play the instruments that led to a successful and enjoyable venture.

Prayer meetings continue each Tuesday at 7.30pm. Bible Study takes place on Wednesday afternoons.

Please note there will be a holiday Sunday School throughout the summer.

PATERSON United Free Church Sunday School are holding their prizegiving ceremony this Sunday.

The Kirk Session and Managers will meet with representatives from the Presbytery on Tuesday, June 24, at 7pm. A good attendance is requested at this meeting.

During June, July, and August the Women’s Association coffee mornings will be held in Paterson Church hall from 10am till noon.

REV. Kathryn Smith-Anderson will conduct the service at Stonehouse Congregational United Reform Church this Sunday. This service will also include the Sunday School prizegiving.

The Sunday School enjoyed their outing to Edinburgh Zoo on Saturday. Thanks go to all who helped make it a success.

During July services will be held in Paterson Church, starting at 10am.

Sheena and Ruby thank everyone who helped or gave prizes for the summer raffle which raised £685 for Work Party funds.