The advent of New Year was marked by miserable weather conditions, a thick rain falling for nearly the whole of the day. Consequently the usual parade of the streets in holiday attire was awanting.

Beith Harriers held their annual New Year Races on 2nd January 2004 at Kilbirnie. A total of 51 men and 4 women took part in the 4.8 mile race. The overall winner was Jamie Reid of Ronhill Cambuslang in a time of 23.06 mins, followed by Eddie Tonner of JW Kilmarnock, then Lee Richardson of Irvine AC.

The judging recently took place last week of the festive displays in Beith and District. The best three displays were at the homes of Mrs Iris Anderson, Mains Road; Mrs Margaret Whiteman, Roebank Road and Mrs Angela Sloan of Lomond Crescent.

Bill Haining, organiser of the Beith branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group advises that the group were once again invited to organise the teas at the recent very successful concert held by the Cunnighame Choir in Beith Community Centre.

One of Beith’s best known citizens, Mrs Nan McManus, celebrated her 93rd birthday recently.

Douglas Henderson prospective SNP European Candidate and Councillor Derek MacKay SNP Deputy Group Leader on Renfrewshire Council were the guest speakers at the Beith Branch SNP 'Sunday Speakers Club" last Sunday which was held in Beith Community Centre.

Last Friday evening 32 guides and four leaders from 3rd Beith Guides travelled to Kilmarnock Palace Theatre where they enjoyed the pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Beith budding footballers are advised that North Ayrshire Leisure are holding a football training sessions at Meadowside every Friday evening from 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm.

Garnock Valley Karate Club resumes this week after the Christmas break. Classes start on Monday January, 12 in the Harriers Hall, Beith, from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm. The club is the original Japanese Karate Association (JKA) Shotokan Karate Club in the Garnock Valley.

English Christmas customs year by year seem to get a firmer hold in Scotland, and this season, not withstanding the war, the vogue would appear to have been observed more widely than ever.

Concern has been expressed locally that members of local clergy and charity shop workers in Beith, Dalry and Kilbirnie have been targeted recently by two different young couples.

Jim and Sadie Brown, well known Beith fund raisers, advise that their most recent raffle has raised £205 for the Beatson Oncology Unit.

Last Monday Barrmill Community Association held a whist drive which was well supported by locals and visitors. The ladies section results were as follows: Evelyn McKechan 179, Isa Wilson 174, Audrey Reid 172 and A Howatson 171.

North Ayrshire Council Educational Services are holding a variety of interesting courses in all three Valley towns beginning early in January. The courses include computing, information technology, word processing, cooking, confidence building, personal development, first aid, community health issues and food hygiene.

The Gateside Hall Committee are holding a Burns Supper/Ceilidh in the Gateside Hall on Saturday January, 24 at 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

Bill Haining, organiser, Beith branch, Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, advises that the group received a donation of £420 from a popular local couple, who wish to remain anonymous, who recently celebrated their gold wedding. He passes on his grateful thanks.

Recently the business-minded senior pupils at Garnock Academy’s Young Enterprise Team invited the Beith correspondent to view the various craft items items they have created and have on sale as part of their bid for the Scottish Young Enterprise awards 2003/2004.

Beith Speakers and Writers Group have been working hard over the last year compiling a photographic record of Beith of yesterday and today.

Yohoho folks! Santa was in town last week. Over several days his red suit and distinctive white beard were seen about town as he managed to avoid festive duties elsewhere in the world.

Beith High linked with Trinity Youth Group spent their final night of the 2003 session last Sunday evening at Saltcoats where they enjoyed at night of indoor bowling.