Barrmill Jolly Beggars held a jolly charabanc jaunt to The Scottish Borders, Moffat, Traquair House, Peebles and fnished up what was a memorable away day with High Tea at Castle Douglas on Saturday, June 20 2009. There was a merry bus load from the Beggars, Kilbirnie Roserbery BC and the Dalry Braw Lads and each and every one did relish a great day down country byways in the borders. Morning coffee was taken at Moffat being heading via Grey Mares Tail and St Mary's Loch to Traquair. Afterwards they enjoyed the afternoon ini Peebles where the Riding of the Marches was being celebrated and there was a lovely atmosphere in the busy town. Retracing our steps we headed for Castle Douglas arriving at 6.00 pm to enjoy a first class High Tea in the Douglas Arms Hotel. Our VIP guest was Peter Westwood, Editor of the Bursian Magazine and writer of several books about Robert Burns and Jean Armour. Peter was introduced by Bob Wark, President of the Beggars, and in a fascinating talk, he showed the cronies a variety of manuscripts relating to Robert Burns and spoke about some of the myths surrounding Scotland's bard. He was thanked by Donald L Reid, Hon President and Secretary of Barrmill Jolly Beggars.

1st OPEN NIGHT -MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2009

Warnock Longridge, Assistant Secretary, writes: Barrmill Jolly Beggars welcomed an excellent turnout of cronies for their recent first open night of the new session. President Bob Wark welcomed everyone and after dealing with some business matters, he introduced Andrew Dick of Kilmarnock who took as his subject: The Covenanters.

Who were the Covenanters? Stated in a most simplistic way, the Covenanters were those people in Scotland who refused to subscribe to the belief of the Stuart kings (The Divine Right of the monarch) that the spiritual head of the Scottish Church was the king. The Scots knew only one Head of the Kirk and that was Jesus Christ. Many signed the National Covenant in 1638, and from then until 1688, persecutions and punishments of all kinds - fines, torture, executions, murder, transportation--were the weapons used in an attempt to quell this "rebellion".

In an illustrated talk, Andrew Dick highlighted the historical and social background to what became known as ‘The Killing Times’ (1638 – 1688) when there was wide-spread religious persecution in many parts of the West of Scotland, not least in Ayrshire. He explained that the tenacity and the sacrifices of the Covenanters ensured that we today enjoy civil and religious freedoms.

The Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association was established in 1966 with a view to preserving the many memorials which date from the ‘Killing Times.’ The membership of the association totals approximately 400, and all members are volunteers. Many members visit and care for the memorials, carrying out simple cleaning and tidying operations. More difficult, technical work is carried out by professional sculptors, who are paid from association funds.

Charitable status was granted in 1993. A newsletter, extending to twelve pages, is issued to members three times per year. Members pay a minimum nominal subscription, but many members donate more than the minimum amount, which ensures that the association has sufficient funds to continue with their work.

Following an interesting talk with some find illustrations taking the listeners on a journey across Ayrshire, a comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Past President Jim Walker who presented the speaker with a gift on behalf of the club.

The next meeting of the Jolly Beggars takes place on Monday October 5 at 7.30 pm in Beith Masonic Hall when the speaker is a former Beithian, Bill Craig now residing in Kilwinning. Bill takes as his subject: The Supernatural. This rather spooky title relates to an illustrated talk focusing on his hobby of photography. Jolly Beggar members are reminded that the annual subs of £5 are now due to be paid. The 65^th Annual St Andrew’s Dinner will be held on Friday November 27 in Beith Masonic Hall when the speaker is well known Burnsian, Gordon Middleton, of West Kilbride.

For further information about the Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club contact: Donald L Reid, Hon President & Secretary, on 01505-503801 or E: donaldleesreid@hotmail.com or E: heraldbeithnews@hotmail.com