by Ron Ireland | Mar 29, 2020
A South Ayrshire farmer has voiced the concerns of many regarding the potential spread of the Coronavirus into rural areas. A number of people are suspected of leaving their local areas to exercise in the country, including walking sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path which cross farmland, potentially risking the health of farmers and landowners. Trail Manager, Dr Jimmy Begg said that the Ayrshire Coastal Path management team fully supports the farmer’s concerns about a small proportion of selfish people walking close together in groups, and perhaps travelling in shared cars, who risk spreading Coronavirus into our country areas. However, we hope that recent instruction by the UK and Scottish Governments will result in everyone now remaining at home, or close to home, to protect our population. If not, our overworked front line NHS staff, and the most vulnerable in society, will likely bear the tragic consequences of the actions of a thoughtless minority. PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND EXERCISE...
by Ron Ireland | Mar 10, 2020
Our winter social event took place this year, once again at the Heads of Ayr Bracken Bar. More than 30 pathminders and guests congregated in this welcoming informal venue for an evening of fun and games. Greetings were more awkward than usual due to the Coronavirus scare and there was much hilarity as attempted kisses and handshakes were rejected in favour of fumbled fist-bumping and elbow-knocking. Didn’t they know they were coming for a finger-buffet? Bracken Bar Team Bar owner David Semple and staff members Christine and Liz worked hard to keep us all well fed and watered; all the time with wide smiles and friendly chit-chat. Thanks folks. After the hugely enjoyable buffet it was time for the main event of the evening. This year it was BINGO with the objective being to keep Jimmy Begg from winning at all costs (last year’s quiz winner). John Dunlop did a sterling job as the caller and it was clearly evident that his experience of 40 years ago at Butlins had not been wasted. As well as all the traditional name associations with the numbers, John introduced some topical ones such as “Covid 19”. Bob Gibson (who should be blamed congratulated for the bingo idea) was the caller’s assistant whose job it was to tumble the balls in a low-tech version of the real thing. John’s frequent innuendos with reference to Bob and the balls are probably best forgotten. Bob the Balls and Caller John Mhairi Ireland got off to a good start by winning the first two games – “beginners’ luck” she said. Doreen Aitcheson and Sue Swaine completed...
