Improvements to be made at Wairds Park
Wairds Park Recent news from Wairds Park is that, despite additional costs having been incurred as a result of the unforeseen replacement of the bowling carpet, the management committee has been able to find the funds necessary to carry out a number of improvements to the village recreation grounds.
Before the bowling green was inundated in November last year the committee had already decided to make alterations to the clubhouse end but then had to include flood prevention measures in the project and, although the cost of a new carpet was covered by insurance, the concrete base required extensive remedial work.
Since then there have been teething troubles with the new carpet, a rippling effect becoming increasingly apparent, especially during very warm weather. However, the problem has been identified as the gripper system and now that this has been replaced and, once the carpet has again been stretched, it is hoped that normality will return.
Nevertheless, despite these setbacks, additional seating has been provided with the putters in particular delighted that, after a lengthy hiatus, they will again be able comfortably to take in all the action at the 18th hole.
At the children's play park the climbing frame will be replaced by an overhead rotator which two people at a time can play on and it will also benefit from a brand new piece of equipment – a swinging basket which can accommodate groups of toddlers and it is planned to install those two items once the school holidays are over.
Then next year the committee intends to replace the large fort, which has given lots of fun to many since it was erected in 1987 but has been showing its age for some time now.
Play equipment does not come cheap but fortunately Secretary Alan Smith is able to report that, despite the variable summer, the caravan site, the committee's main revenue stream, has been very busy so far this season.
"Rocky's Plaice"
Mearns Coastal Parish's twelfth summer mission came to a spirited end on Friday night when large numbers of parents and friends came to the Church Caf in the Village Hall to see and hear what the children had learned about God's goodness during their week in "Rocky's Plaice."
During the course of almost two hours the drama mission team re-enacted aspects of the life of the Apostle Peter while the children recited memory verses and sang action songs with the adults joining in.
Stirring music was played by the Bervie Church Praise Band, while those attending were tempted by the caf's tasty sweets throughout the evening and enjoyed the sausage rolls and cakes at the end.
Once it was all over mission team leader, Mrs Jill Duncan, thanked all the many people who had worked so hard to make the Holiday Club such a success and Mr Tom Dalziel thanked Jill whose efforts and enthusiasm had made it all possible.
Mearns Coastal Parish
In the course of Sunday morning's service in Johnshaven Church the minister, the Rev Colin Dempster on guitar, and keen to form a musical group within the Church, teamed up with Session Clerk, Marshall Halliday on Viennese horn and organist Helen Doig, transferring to the piano, to lead the congregation in the cheerful singing of "Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my Heart."
Continuing in his sermon the story of Jonah, the man on the run from God but who was given another opportunity after three days in the stomach of a big fish, the Rev Dempster stressed the importance of making the most of a second chance.
Earlier, the minister had announced that the sum raised as a result of the Gift Day in June had now reached 4,371 and thanked those who have contributed to this wonderful total and went on to express his appreciation to all who had helped in any way to the success of the Holiday Club.
He also intimated that Mearns Coastal Parish would be providing the catering at this Sunday's open day at the St Cyrus Nature Reserve and asked that anyone wishing to donate items of food to get in touch with Elizabeth Thomson on 01674 850 161.
This Sunday's services will be held at the usual times of 10 a.m. in St Cyrus Church and 11.30 a.m. in Johnshaven Church. The following Sunday, July 25, there will be only one service in Mearns Coastal Parish and that will be a family service in Johnshaven Church at 11 am when refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the service.
Bowling Club
Stung by Edzell B.C. the previous week the Johnshaven bowlers redeemed themselves on Thursday night by taking three points off Kincardineshire League leaders, Stonehaven B.C.
Boosted by a count of six shots at the fourth end, the home rink of Fiona Dundas, Roy Mowatt, Bett Beedie and Alan Robbie made an excellent start against D. Houston, H. McGillivray , G. Buchan and B. Hendry steadily establishing a lead until they were 13-3 up at the half way mark.
Then they faltered, losing five of the next seven ends, including counts of four at the twelfth and three at the penultimate until, only one shot in front at 15-14 and the momentum with the visitors, the abyss beckoned.
However, collectively they kept their nerve, consolidating their position until they lay four shots and with Brian Hendry twice failing to alter anything, the pressure was off Alan Robbie who was able to play a nothing bowl and lead his rink from the green narrow, but worthy, winners by 19 shots to 14.
At the Recreation Grounds, doing well to hold their own for most of the match against P. Hay, B. Corstorphine, A. McAllan and G. Penny, the Johnshaven rink of Meggie Hann, Brian Hann, Alan Black and Bryan Duff were only two adrift, 6-8, after eleven ends.
Losing four at the twelfth knocked them back a bit but they countered purposefully with three consecutives singles before being hit by another count of four, 9-13, but again responded defiantly with three shots at the last to narrow the gap to only four, 16-12, just enough to give Johnshaven the extra point on shots differential over the two matches.
A satisfying night, then, for Johnshaven's bowlers who were due to play their final league match of the season against Portlethen B.C. last night.
Friday's hat night winners were Mary Brebner and Eck O'Brien by a margin of 10 shots.
The second leg of the annual match against Bervie B.C. has been arranged for Sunday August 15 at 2 p.m.
Putting
Due to holiday commitments there was a smaller entry than usual in the family foursomes competition for the Major L. Kerr Thistle Trophy. On a balmy Monday evening the father and son pairing of Michael Craig, Snr and Jnr, continuing their remarkable run in the event, won the trophy for the seventh consecutive time by defeating the mother and daughter partnership of Jean Stephen and Fiona Anderson by 3 and 2 in the final.
In the semi-finals the Craigs defeated Keith and Gavin Brown 3 and 2 while Jean and Fiona eliminated Liam and Alan Beedie 4 and 3.
This Monday's competition is for the Cup and all are welcome.
Prize Bingo
The next prize bingo evening at Wairds Park will be held on Saturday, July 24 with the doors opening at 6.30 p.m. and eyes down at 7. Price of admission is 1.50 which includes refreshments and two bingo books. Extra books 25p each. Raffle. All welcome.
Memories
Twenty years ago Benholm and Johnshaven Parish Church held one of their most successful fetes ever at Wairds Park and, although the weather was not brilliant, it was better than the previous week when heavy rain blighted the RNLI gala at the harbour.
Fete convener, Roddy Clark, welcomed several hundred to the fete which was opened by Angus District Councillor, George Norrie. During the afternoon all the traditional stalls were well supported while the innovative mini-auction proved a tidy money spinner.
There was fun for all ages, pancakes and burgers were popular throughout , entertainment was provided by the Gordon School of Dancing and the Montrose Town Band and at the end of a very busy day the organisers expressed their warm gratitude to all who had supported the event which raised a record-breaking 1,250.
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Weather for Stonehaven
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
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