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News and weather for Douglas and Glespin
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This weeks news 07 August 2008 Douglas Community Council: - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in the Glespin Community Hall, at 7.30pm on Monday August 11 at 7.30pm, where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered for the September 2008 meeting should be with the secretary in writing no later than Monday August 25 2008 (14 days prior to the September 2008 meeting). The Community Council can be contacted via DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
St. Bride’s Centre: - Come and join us on a visit to ‘The Pitstop’ – Loganlea Miner’s Welfare, Addiewell, West Lothian. This is a community facility which has been re-developed and extended to make it fit for purpose. The centre is in an ex mining village similar in size to Douglas and we want to see what they have achieved. We need local people to come along and see for themselves what can be done and then use that experience to help the St Bride’s Community Group with the design and development of our own community centre. We need you to come along and help us make a difference and secure the long-term future of the St Bride’s Centre. The visit will take place on Tuesday August 12 leaving at 11am from St Bride’s Centre. We will aim to be back in the village for 3pm. A member of the consultancy team drawing up the business plan for the centre will be in attendance to record your comments and views. If you are interested in going along, please give your name to John Gold, COTE, by Friday 8th August email: johngold@sup.org.uk, telephone 07747447719.
Douglas Valley Church SCO01718: - On Sunday August 3 the first joint summer service at Douglas took place at 10.30am, and was conducted by Rev David Easton. The church office re-opened at 2pm on Monday August 4. Anyone who needs the services of a minister is asked to contact either the office or their Kirk elder. This Sunday brings David MacTaggart to the joint service at Douglas at 10.30am.
Over 50’s Club: - Winners of games played on Tuesday July 22 were dominoes – Mr Campbell Sloan, challenge dominoes – Mrs Sarah Wilkinson and whist – Mrs Mgt Laidlaw. Winners of games played on Tuesday July 29 were dominoes – Mrs Chrissie Murphy, challenge dominoes – Mrs Jean Plenderleith and whist – Mrs Grace Ramage.
Glespin Community Group: - Glespin Community Group will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday August 23 in Glespin Community Hall. The meeting will begin at 6pm. The group has endeavoured to facilitate a range of activities for villagers to participate on over the past year and has been instrumental in organising family events within the village. The group have also actively campaigned to improve the visual appearance of the village and are in the process of attempting to get floodlights installed at the ballpark area. The group has also managed to keep the community hall in a good financial position despite huge increases in energy costs. However your support is needed now more than ever – even if only to let those who are doing all this know that they have your backing. Come along to the Annual General Meeting on Saturday August 23 at 6pm – everyone is welcome. Lady Home Hospital 02 August 2008
 For a brief look at the history of the hospital, links to relevant and related matters; websites, information, documents, click on the link below to view our new web page... Lady Home Hospital
Mainshill Wood news 02 August 2008
Looking over the Douglas Valley to Mainshill Wood from Long Plantation
© of Lindsay Addison
Keep up to date with the Mainshill Wood news by clicking on the link below...
If you wish to comment on this matter or any other, please contact us at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com Talking Douglas 01 August 2008 Click on the link below for the new 'Douglas Talking' portal website...This weeks news 31 July 2008 St. Bride’s Centre: - Our local community facility is in need of significant investment in order to make it fit for purpose in the twenty first 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 £5,000 and only £4,500 has been brought in through hall lets and income from the charity shop. The shortfall must be met by local fundraising efforts and the management group are indebted to all local organisations that have boosted the coffers this year. Already more than £3,000 has been donated to the centre as a result of local fundraising. 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 approximately £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 local community and you are encouraged to have your say by filling in a questionnaire which is available from Crossburn Petrol Station, Mane Attraction, the Post Office, the Surgery or St. Bride’s Centre. Pre-paid envelopes are supplied with the questionnaire. If you would like a questionnaire delivered to your home, please leave a message with the Hall Keeper at St Bride’s by telephoning 01555 850019 and this will be arranged. A number of focus group meetings will also be held for local groups and organisations. If you would like to participate in any of these groups, please also leave a message with the Hall Keeper. Please take up these opportunities to have your views heard. Think outside of the box – if you could have access to a new service or activity, what would it be? If you don’t use the centre, what would make you use it? How can we develop ways to generate a sustainable, reliable income for the centre? How can we reduce running costs? Whatever your opinions, we want to hear from you. Help to shape the future of a Community Centre, which everyone can be proud of.
Councillor’s Surgeries: - Councillor Meikle’s surgery due to be held on Monday August 4 in Douglas Primary School has been cancelled. Councillor Manson’s surgery due to be held on Monday August 8 in the same venue is also cancelled.
Douglas Community Council: - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in the Glespin Community Hall, at 7.30pm on Monday August 11 at 7.30pm, where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered for the September 2008 meeting should be with the secretary in writing no later than Monday August 25 2008 (14 days prior to the September 2008 meeting). The Community Council can be contacted via DouglasCCouncil@aol.com This weeks news 24 July 2008 Over 50’s Club: - Winners of games played on Tuesday July 15 were dominoes – Mrs Christine Grant, challenge dominoes – Mrs Mgt Muir, whist – Mrs Christine Grant and bowls – Mrs Peg Brown, Mrs Tilda Simpson & Mrs Jinntie Hastie.
St. Bride’s Centre: - Our local community facility is in need of significant investment in order to make it fit for purpose in the twenty first 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 £5,000 and only £4,500 has been brought in through hall lets and income from the charity shop. The shortfall must be met by local fundraising efforts and the management group are indebted to all local organisations that have boosted the coffers this year. Already more than £3,000 has been donated to the centre as a result of local fundraising. 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 approximately £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 local community and you are encouraged to have your say by filling in a questionnaire which is available from Crossburn Petrol Station, Mane Attraction, the Post Office, the Surgery or St. Bride’s Centre. Pre-paid envelopes are supplied with the questionnaire. If you would like a questionnaire delivered to your home, please leave a message with the Hall Keeper at St Bride’s by telephoning 01555 850019 and this will be arranged. A number of focus group meetings will also be held for local groups and organisations. If you would like to participate in any of these groups, please also leave a message with the Hall Keeper. Please take up these opportunities to have your views heard. Think outside of the box – if you could have access to a new service or activity, what would it be? If you don’t use the centre, what would make you use it? How can we develop ways to generate a sustainable, reliable income for the centre? How can we reduce running costs? Whatever your opinions, we want to hear from you. Help to shape the future of a Community Centre, which everyone can be proud of.
Douglas Valley Church SC001718: - The third of the joint summer services took place at Rigside church on Sunday July 20 and was conducted by Rev David Easton. The reader was Mrs Irene Bell and the organist was Mrs Isobel Wilson. The church office will be closed until Monday August 4. Anyone with any intimation is asked to contact Dr Sinclair Scott. Anyone needing the services of a minister is asked to contact Rev David Easton on 01899 308459.
Councillor’s Surgeries: - Councillor Meikle’s surgery due to be held on Monday August 4 in Douglas Primary School has been cancelled. Councillor Manson’s surgery due to be held on Monday August 8 in the same venue is also cancelled.
Douglas Victoria Bowling Club: - On Saturday July 12, the club held their annual mixed pairs tournament. The winners were K Clark & J Smith. Incamet Factory, Douglas, very kindly sponsored the day. On Saturday July 19 the club held their annual optional pairs tournament, which was sponsored by Maxim UK Grouse. The overall winners were R.TM Gardiner. On Saturday July 26 the club will hold an invitation mixed triples tournament, which will be sponsored by First Convenience Stores, Lanark. There will be dancing in the evening to the music of ‘Karisma’. There were no winners of this week’s lucky numbers game. Next weeks winnings will be £500 if won.
St Brides car park continued closure 19 July 2008  
Parking and pedestrian access on the cobbled area of the St Brides Church and Community Centre car park continues to be closed, and may be for the foreseeable future, to avoid any further incidents and risk to the public.
Since Gala day, this area of the car park was closed on safety grounds due to the damaged surface having now become dangerously uneven.
For enquiries regarding this matter contact Sinclair Scott; hall committee chairman and Church session clerk, see link below.
This weeks news 19 July 2008 Over 50’s Club: - Winners of games played on Tuesday July 8 were dominoes – Mrs Annie Allison, challenge dominoes – Mrs Sarah Wilkinson, whist – Mrs Christine Grant & Mrs Grace Ramage and bowls – Mrs Tilda Simpson, Mrs Jinntie Hastie & Mrs Jenny Morris.
Douglas Heritage Society: - After being closed for a year due to re-furbishment, we are delighted to say the museum is now open at the normal times of Saturday and Sunday afternoons. To mark the re-opening we are holding a "Museum Awareness Afternoon" on Saturday July 19 when visitors will be welcome to join us for some light refreshment.
Douglas Valley Journals: - The Douglas Valley Journals are available in the museum or by contacting Anne Taylor.
Flower Show Garden Competition: - Completed forms for the ‘Best kept Garden’ competition should be returned to Joan Gold at 41a Ayr Road by July 15. The competition will be judged between August 4 and 10, exact date will be in Gazette soon. Anyone requiring forms, which are in the schedule, can pick them up from Douglas Post Office, St. Brides Community Centre and Scott Bain’s fruit van. The James Tweedie Cup will be presented on September 6 at the Flower Show for the winner who will also receive a prize donated by Daly McLaughlan’s of Glespin and 2nd and 3rd place will receive garden vouchers. Your support is very much appreciated.
Douglas Victoria Bowling Club: - Winners of games played on Wednesday July 9 were: Anne Prosser & Margaret Tweedie
Anne Taylor and Marianne Smith donated prizes for the winners.
Douglas Valley Church, SC001718: - On Sunday July 13 the second joint service of worship took place in Douglas Water & Rigside Church at 10.30am and was conducted by Rev David Easton. The reader was Mrs Rosemary Samson. As the church office will be closed until Monday August 4, anyone who has intimation is asked to contact Dr W.S. Scott. The future of the St. Brides Centre now lies in the hands of the public for use. If you wish the hall to be kept as a community centre, please complete and return a questionnaire. This Sunday worship will again take place at Rigside beginning at 10.30am Planning applications for Douglas Main Street and Poniel 15 July 2008 To read this weeks planning applications please click on the link below.
The application on pages 11 and 15, are in connection with Poniel and Main Street Douglas, respectively.Mainshill Wood OCCS planning application from Scottish Coal 15 July 2008 To read this planning application please click on the link below.
On pages 13 are the application details for the Mainshill Wood OCCS proposal.This weeks news 11 July 2008 Over 50’s Club: - Winners of games played on Tuesday July 1 were dominoes – Mrs Margaret Muir, challenge dominoes – Mrs Jean Plenderleith, whist – Mrs Marion Stewart & Mr Jim Taylor and bowls – Mrs Jinntie Hastie & Mrs Jenny Morris.
Douglas Community Council: - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in St. Brides Centre, Douglas, at 7.30pm on Monday July 14 where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered for the August 2008 meeting should be with the secretary in writing no later than Monday July 28, 2008 (14 days prior to the August 2008 meeting). The Community Council can be contacted at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
Douglas Heritage Society: - After being closed for a year due to re-furbishment, we are delighted to say the museum is now open at the normal times of Saturday and Sunday afternoons. To mark the re-opening we are holding a "Museum Awareness Afternoon" on Saturday July 19 when visitors will be welcome to join us for some light refreshment.
Douglas Valley Journals: - The Douglas Valley Journals are available in the museum or by contacting Anne Taylor.
Douglas Victoria Bowling Club - Ladies Section: - Winners of Wednesday's promiscuous games were Margaret Gardiner, Margaret Tweedie & Anne Prosser. Jenny Smith & Isobel Smith donated prizes for the winners.
Flower Show Garden Competition: - Completed forms for the ‘Best kept Garden’ competition should be returned to Joan Gold at 41a Ayr Road by July 15. The competition will be judged between August 4 and 10, exact date will be in Gazette soon. Anyone requiring forms, which are in the schedule, can pick them up from Douglas Post Office, St. Brides Community Centre and Scott Bain’s fruit van. The James Tweedie Cup will be presented on September 6 at the Flower Show for the winner who will also receive a prize donated by Daly McLaughlan’s of Glespin and 2nd and 3rd place will receive garden vouchers. Your support is very much appreciated. Pagie walk - new pictures 07 July 2008  To view some new black and white pictures of a Pagie walk from .... a few years ago, click on the link below ...
Can you guess the year ?
Mainshill Wood opencast application proposal 03 July 2008  The application for the extraction of coal and fireclay from Mainshill near Douglas by Scottish Coal is expected to be submitted to the SLC planning authority this week.
The site borders the A70 and the B7076 and will be clearly visible to all who access or egress the village from the Eastern side, and will add to the already industrialised landscape that surrounds our village from other mineral operations. Mainshill lies within the Douglas Water Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) and contains ancient and long established woodland. This development is only 150mtrs from the Home Farm settlement and 1 km from the Lady Home Hospital. Twenty years after it started Dalquhandy Open Cast Coal Site has not been restored, Broken Cross OCCS has been mothballed, Glentaggart OCCS is operational, work has already started at Poneil OCCS, and now Scottish Coal want to dig up another massive area on the main approach to the village.
A group of concerned residents are organising vigorous opposition to this further opencast development as they are strongly of the opinion that it will be seriously detrimental to the environmental and economic well being of the village and should be opposed by all concerned. The group are appealing for support in their objection and are willing to assist anyone who also wishes to object and requires advice and assistance in doing so. If you care about the well being of this community, and wish to offer support against this development going ahead, or formally object to this damaging proposal, please contact Jim Smith 01555851369, Carol Gentle 01555851909, or Kenny Sludden 01555851708.
If you wish to comment on this proposal please click HERE or you can email the Community Council at the following address - DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
For more information click on link below... This weeks news 03 July 2008 Over 50’s Club: - Winners of games played on Tuesday June 24 were dominoes – Mrs Jenny Taylor, challenge dominoes – Mrs Sarah Wilkinson, whist – Mrs Christine Grant and bowls – Mrs Jinntie Hastie & Mrs Margaret Gardiner.
Douglas Flower Show – Garden Competition: - Completed entry forms for the ‘Best Garden’ competition should be returned to Joan Gold at 41a Ayr Road by July 15. The competition will be judged in early August, date to be confirmed. Anyone requiring schedules that include the entry forms can pick them up from Douglas Post Office, St. Brides Community Centre and Scott Bain’s fruit van.
Douglas Talking: - The next meeting of ‘Douglas Talking’ will be held on Wednesday July 2 at 7pm in St. Bride’s Centre. Attendees representing groups or organisations are invited to prepare a short progress report to share with the wider group. Mr Tom Black, Rural Case Officer form the Development Trusts Association (DTA) for Scotland will be in attendance to give a presentation about the work of DTA Scotland, explain what a Development Trust is and what the benefits of such organisations are. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to attend. If anyone would like to find out more about the role and function of this group, they can do so by contacting John, Sarah or Helen at the COTE Project on 07747447719, johngold@sup.org.uk, sarahpeters@sup.org.uk, and helengavin@sup.org.uk.
Walk the Walk: - Margaret Morris and Gillian Millar would like to say a huge thank you for all the support received for the Edinburgh Moonwalk in aid of Breast Cancer. Sponsor money raised to date is £900.
Douglas Community Council: - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in St. Brides Centre, Douglas, at 7.30pm on Monday July 14 where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered for the August 2008 meeting should be with the secretary in writing no later than Monday July 28, 2008 (14 days prior to the August 2008 meeting). The Community Council can be contacted at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
Douglas Valley Church, SCO001718: - Rev David Easton led worship on Sunday June 29. A baptismal service took place when Caitlin Elizabeth Meikle was christened. This Sunday July 6 and throughout July there will be one joint service at Douglas Water and Rigside Church starting at 10.30am, which is a new time for both congregations Gala Day 2008 02 July 2008 
Despite the unfortunate downpours, the rain didn't stop Douglas witnessing another excellent Gala Day full of the usual colourful, clever and humerous floats and fancy dress, concluding at the Dale Park with the crowning of the 2008 Gala Queen ... a credit to all who took part and the Gala committee who made the day possible.
To view all things in connection with the Gala week, click on the link below...This weeks news 26 June 2008 Over 50’s Club - Winners of games played on Tuesday June 17 were dominoes – Mr Jim Taylor, challenge dominoes – Mrs Sarah Wilkinson, whist – Mrs Grace Ramage and bowls – Mrs Peg Brown, Mrs Jinntie Hastie & Mrs Margaret Gardiner.
Douglas Flower Show – Garden Competition - Completed entry forms for the ‘Best Garden’ competition should be returned to Joan Gold at 41a Ayr Road by July 15. The competition will be judged in early August, date to be confirmed. Anyone requiring schedules that include the entry forms can pick them up from Douglas Post Office, St. Brides Community Centre and Scott Bain’s fruit van.
Douglas Valley Church, SCO001718 - On Sunday June 22, Rev David Easton led worship. The nominating committee meets on Wednesday June 25 in Rigside Manse at 7.30pm. This Sunday June 29, the sacrament of baptism takes place at 10am at Douglas Church. Also this Sunday but in Lesmahagow Old Parish Church, there is a concert in aid of the Vine Trust with choir members from Douglas as well as Lesmahagow performing at 7.30pm with tickets costing £4. This weeks news 20 June 2008 Over 50’s Club - Winners of games played on Tuesday June 10 were dominoes – Mr Jimmie Lawrie, challenge dominoes – Mrs Mgt Muir, whist – Mr Campbell Sloan and bowls – Mrs Peg Brown, Mrs Mgt Gardiner and Mrs Jinntie Hastie.
Douglas Talking - A good turnout at the last meeting of ‘Douglas Talking’ allowed for some healthy exchange of information. Three projects were discussed and are summarised below: Coal Yard: This group are now independently constituted and working towards securing funding to carry out investigative work. This will include talking to the wider community about what they’d like to see developed on the site, appraising options for the site and formulating a draft business plan for a proposed development. Four members of the group recently travelled to Auchencairn and New Galloway to visit two successful community projects. It was a worthwhile, interesting day and the successes and failures of both projects have given the group lots to consider. The possibility of using the site to raise some funds in the short term was discussed, although this had cost implications in terms of insurances and water rates etc. St. Bride’s Centre: Regular management group meetings are producing positive results. Funding has been awarded from the Big Lottery ‘Awards for All’ programme to carry out some emergency repairs and a grant from South Lanarkshire Council has allowed the group to commission a condition survey of the building. The former sports facility steering group has now merged with the management group of the centre. This was due to a number of reasons; primarily the costs involved with development at the primary school site and the difficulties met when trying to secure funding for a community building on council owned land. It is now hoped to be able to develop St. Bride’s Centre to accommodate sports and leisure opportunities. Local fundraising efforts have boosted the coffers greatly and the group are indebted to the various organisations that have given of their time and energy to support the centre. The group have also been awarded £10,000 from the Big Lottery ‘Investing in Ideas’ funding programme. This will allow a community consultation about future use of the facility and business planning work to be carried out. A number of focus groups will be held as well as an open event at which all in the community will be welcome. In order to secure further funding the group will have to demonstrate strong local support for the development of the centre so please get involved in these events when they happen. Other possible ways to generate a sustainable income for the centre were discussed. Community Plan: Members of the Community Council were in attendance to discuss the possibility of developing a Community Plan for the area. This would be a development strategy, which could be used in the future to lever funding towards our area. Linking to and complementing South Lanarkshire Council’s rural strategy, such a document would raise the profile of our area significantly amongst government agencies and local authority departments. The next meeting of the group has been scheduled for Wednesday July 2 at 7pm in St. Bride’s Centre. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to attend. If anyone would like to find out more, they can do so by contacting John, Sarah or Helen at the COTE Project on 07747447719, johngold@sup.org.uk, sarahpeters@sup.org.uk, helengavin@sup.org.uk.
Douglas Victoria Bowling Club, Ladies Section - Results of Wednesday June 11 promiscuous games were winners: Anne Taylor, Margaret Bain & Anne Prosser. Nan Hamilton & Anne Prosser donated prizes for the winners. On Saturday June 14 the ladies held their annual Invitation Pairs. The weather was good and the visitors from around Lanarkshire enjoyed the games. Eventual winners were Anne Prosser & Margaret Bell (Douglas Victoria); beaten finalists were Jeanette Alexander & Agnes Gracie (Forth & Wilsontown).
Douglas Masonic News - There will be a general committee meeting on Monday June 23 at 7.30pm.
Douglas Valley Church SCO001718 - On Sunday June 15, Rev David Easton led worship, and Jim Fleming read the lesson. Anyone who needs the services of a minister is asked to contact Rev David Easton on 01899 308459. Anyone who would like to have coin-a-day box for helping to raise money for church funds is asked to contact Agnes Borland or Irene Bell.
Douglas Senior Citizens - Two buses left Douglas on the morning of Saturday June 7 in lovely weather for their outing to Perth, where they stayed for the afternoon before going on to Bannockburn for high tea at the King Robert Hotel. All had an enjoyable day. Thanks go to Wilma for organising the day, also the bus drivers from Stokes, Peter for the sweets and South Lanarkshire Council for the grant. View Older Stories
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