Troon's Going Out - Issue 270 - April 2020

Issue 270

Troon’s very own community paper delivered to 7,000 homes and businesses Tough Times For Troon

We know these are tough times for our lovely town. We've tried to do our bit by including as much helpful information in this Troon's Going Out as we could.

First off, if you’re not already doing so, please follow government and NHS advice on social distancing and self isolating. Remember that even if you feel fine you can still be carrying the coronavirus. We've included telephone numbers and the latest guidance we could in this issue.

We asked our contributors to, rather than send a list of cancelled events, to think about how they can use their space to provide details of how their members can keep in touch, and we have a reflective piece from the Rev Prentice-Hyers and advice on personal trainer Ryan Johnson on keeping fit around the house.

We’ve issued new hygiene safety and social distancing instruction to distributors.

Keep safe everyone, and let’s hope Troon gets back on its feet as quickly as possible.

April 2020

New Coronavirus Support Group A new group, called Troon, Loans and Dundonald Covid-19 support Group has launched to support people affected by the Coronavirus Crisis.

If you are over 60 and self isolating, you can get in touch to ask for support with shopping, organising mail drops, urgent supplies, or simply a friendly phone call.

You can contact Joanne Redford, who is the group co-ordinator, using the group’s Facebook page or 07864 957178.

Cancellations Corner We hope this will be a short lived feature, but wanted to list events that were definitely being cancelled or postponed. These include the Rotary Club Annual Fiddlers Concert, the Troon Flower Club meetings, Troon Arthritis Group Meetings, the Troon Ladies Lunch meeting on 1st April, OIR meetings on 8th April and 13th May, the Troon 10k, the Marr Capella Concern, Troon Primary’s Fairtrade Event on 18th March, forthcoming Girls Brigade meetings, group beach cleans, and the Probus AGM, and, sadly, the Troon Taxi Day. We hope normal service will be resumed in the near future.

Irvine and Troon Cancer Care Please note, at present, we are continuing to supply transport to cancer patients although we have now imposed a limit of one patient per car. We need volunteers both for driving and for office staff.

Contact us on 01294 311887 for further information.

Troon Rotary

Troon’s Going Out

Rotarian Mike Schirwing presents the 'Rotary Youth Speaks' shield to the winning Struthers team of Grace, Gem and Elsie. The team did a wonderful job of proposing the topic of "This house would ban the sale of all drinks in plastic bottles as a move to tackle climate change.“ Hopefully the P7 pupils will go on to join Marr College debating society next year.

Troon Rotary Club President Lance Moffat presents certificates and a shield to four clever youngsters from Troon Primary, the winning team of the Primary School Quiz. The team will now progress to the District Final of the Rotary competition.

President Lance Moffat was happy to present Award Certificates for Troon Rotary Young Photographer of the Year to two Marr College students. There was an increased number of entrants this year and Becky Cox and Dan Murray were the two well deserved winners.

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GOING OUT Next issue published Friday 24th April

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Cllr Bob Pollock The coronavirus is now starting to impact on every aspect of our lives and the council website and social media pages will be regularly updated to how this is affecting services so please keep an eye on them.

Every effort will be made to minimise the impact and spread of the virus whilst protecting employee and public health. However, the focus will be on maintaining delivery of critical services such as Home Care, Community Alarms, Child and Adult Protection Services, Residential Care, Justice Services, Emergency Property Repairs, Environmental Health, Waste Management and Homeless services.

For many people, the impact of coronavirus may be financial so telephone service will be available offering money, welfare and benefits advice, including access to crisis grants and food bank vouchers. Please call 0300 123 0900. Buildings will be closed and staffing is in place to handle the majority of your enquiries by phone, rather than asking customers to come into any of our customer facing buildings. Facilities are available through the council website to make remote payments. You will still be able to register a birth, death or marriage in person, by appointment.

To reduce spread of the virus, the following services will be closed; all swimming pools and activity centres; golf and bowling green club houses (courses and greens will still be maintained and able to be used); all libraries; museums and galleries; and all community lets have also been cancelled.

Councillors surgeries will be cancelled until further notice but I can still be contacted by email, telephone for assistance.

Troon has been twinned with the French town of Villeneuve since 1987 and there have been many successful visits and events between both towns in the intervening years. The current Twinning Committee, many of whom have been in post since the inception have now retired and volunteers are needed to keep the association going. Anyone interested please contact me.

Congratulations and well done to the volunteers from The Friends of Troon Beach who have been nominated as Clean Up Scotland Heroes by Keep Scotland Beautiful for their continuous hard work in keeping Troon Beach litter free in conjunction with Council services. bob.pollock@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Telephone: 07583 035894

Troon Community Council Odd Object Competition 2020 This annual event for primary school children and their families will take place between 2nd April until 21st April with some modifications!

104 shops have signed up for this (the most ever) and will place an item in their window which they do not sell, e.g., a tin of beans in the hairdressers. An entry form should have been issued from the school but if you need one please email lindapmatheson@gmail.com and she will send one.

Prize giving will be delayed until the present crisis is past. And please abide with the safety precautions issued by NHS Scotland to minimise the risk of passing Covid-19 around the community particularly distancing yourselves from others. Do not take part if you or any member of the family has any symptoms of the infection.

Troon Fairtrade Initiative Fairtrade Fortnight - We hosted the annual Big Brew in Troon Old, which raised £400 for our charity Traidcraft Exchange; £75 worth of Traidcraft goods were also sold. Thank you to 1st Troon Boys’ Brigade and Captain George Powell and all other helpers and supporters. Also thanks to Muirhead Co-op Pioneer Cara Crowe for the donation of milk and butter.

Portland and St. Meddans donated money from their own events and stalls were also held in St. Ninians and Symington.

Symington Primary School held a successful Big Breakfast on Thursday, February 27th. The children learned how Fairtrade helps communities through the premium attached to every item. A local farm provided eggs and the Co-op donated a selection of breakfast items, including cereals, fruit, etc.

Church Conference The annual Fairtrade Churches Conference took place on Saturday, March 14th in Prestwick South Church.

Coronavirus - the virus will also curtail our sales for the foreseeable future, so if you can help by buying food or other items, please contact me by phone or email and I will arrange to get it to you.

I wish everyone well in this most difficult time.

Val Gwynne

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What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are to: • Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.

• Avoid non-essential use of public transport.

Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this.

• Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Use remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.

Support your local businesses

• •

Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces.

Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

Significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you: • Are over 70.

• Have an underlying health condition.

• Are pregnant.

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

Troon's Going Out would like to encourage you, whenever you can, to support your local businesses. The business community puts a lot into the town - Taxi Day wouldn't be the same without the brightly decorated shop windows and fundraising, the Odd One Out Easter event helps keep anyone with a small child entertained over the Easter holidays, and Wintertainment helps us get ready for Christmas. The local businesses also attract tourists and visitors to our town.

At the time of writing, restaurants and bars have closed or shifted their business model delivering takeaways, and beauty salons have closed their doors too. Some shops are closing and many have invested significantly in new spring stock. Some traders are able to continue providing a no contact service.

Please, please do what you can to support local

businesses. We've included a new home delivery directory in this issue, aimed at bringing mutual benefit to shops, consumers and ourselves while this uncertain period continues.

As well as shopping locally using these new and existing delivery services, you can, for example, offer to prepay your next hair cut or manicure.

If you're going to be shopping for a birthday present at some point in the future anyway, please consider bringing this forward and buying from a locally owned company.

Hopefully we will all be back out within a few weeks, having an ice cream on South Beach, a drink in our favourite pubs, browsing for a new dress or scarf to wear to a meal out or a concert. But please, in the meantime, help our businesses pull through this, so they're still all with us on the other side.

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Please shop local where you can, buy only what you need and stay safe 4

Cllr Peter Convery

Staying Active While Staying Home

I appreciate that in these stressful times with the threat of Coronavirus facing each of us, it is very difficult to think about anything else.

Good hygiene is imperative at this time; catch sneezes and coughs in paper handkerchiefs and dispose of at home. Sanitise hands frequently or wash with soap for 20 seconds.

Avoid greeting people with an embrace, a kiss or a handshake and try not to touch your face until you have washed your hands as the infection enters via eye, nose and mouth.

It will be crucial to insure that our elderly residents and any other vulnerable people are well looked after during this crisis so I would advise everyone to keep up to date with the announcements from both the UK & Scottish Governments and follow the advice given.

Hopefully we can get through this by looking out for each other.

Cllr Peter J Convery 01292 612375 Email: peter.convery@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Thank you to everyone doing what they can to limit social contact and lessen the spread of this horrid virus. This is a collective effort to save lives and we all have a part to play, even if we are simply staying out of the way.

We have a chance to change other habits too - ones that could make a lasting difference to the nation’s health for decades.

A healthy immune system is your last line of defence. Sitting about consuming a diet of toilet rolls and pasta won’t cut it!

As a fitness professional, I try hard to persuade people to avoid having high calorie, low nutrition options readily available, as it’s too easy to make the wrong decisions.

If you’re shopping less, or certain things get scarce, embrace the opportunity to break poor eating habits. Get inventive and explore better options. Promise yourself the habit of a daily latte and muffin were from the old life, before we were all rudely reminded of the huge importance of health.

Many of us may end up self-isolating or homeworking. Reduce the time spent sitting or lying down. Break up long periods of inactivity. I’m sure there’s plenty of jobs around the home and garden that will get your heart rate up. A brisk walk is a welcome escape each day for those that can.

Promise yourself that you will exercise at home for at least 20 minutes per day. Do it with the kids to wear them out, or solo with your favourite music on for some much needed ‘me’ time.

Marching up and down on the spot, swinging your arms, is a start, or evolve a more complex routine that suits your space and needs. Tins or books can be substitute weights - get your heart rate up and burn calories, using your imagination and desire to change. There are endless videos online showing home workouts for every level.

Along with other local businesses, Troon’s fitness professionals have seen numbers drop, so reach out and ask us questions. You can reach me on my Facebook page, Personal Fitness Troon.

When stuck at home the old excuse of “I don‘t have time” simply doesn’t cut it. Stay active and seize the opportunity to make changes for the better.

Ryan Johnson is a personal trainer with his own studio in Troon.

Volunteer Appeal Can your organisation help in South Ayrshire?

With more measures being introduced to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), South Ayrshire Council needs the help of communities to reach out to the most vulnerable residents. This could include providing shopping essentials, a hot meal or maintaining some form of contact each day.

Many local organisations already have plans to support vulnerable residents and families in the local area and the Council can support them with additional resources to enhance the provision they already have in place.

If your organisation is interested in offering support or would like any additional support, please get in touch with the team via C19.CommunitySupport@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01292 616101 providing your organisation’s name, contact details, telephone number and email address and someone from the team will be in touch.

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1st Troon Company The Girls’ Brigade

Coronavirus Information

(Registered Charity SCO 10980)

This information was taken from the NHS Inform, UK Government and South Ayrshire Council on 23rd March. However, the situation is very fluid. Please check online or, if you don't have access to the internet, with friends or relatives for updates. Resources are:

At the end of January we had a Scottish-themed evening to celebrate the Bard's birthday. The Juniors made some very colourful shortbread kilts and the Brigaders designed their own shortbread biscuits.

As part of our Japan/Olympics topic the girls have enjoyed using our new indoor archery equipment and javelins. We were very grateful to Sandy from the church's property committee who took the girls' bug hotel designs and built our GB bug hotel.

While it is now in situ in the church's garden the horrendous weather on every Monday evening since it has been installed has prevented us from fitting it out for its new residents.

Hopefully it will be completed over the next few weeks.

At the end of February we had our joint GB/BB church service with many of the girls taking an active part. As this was also a joint service with Troon Old and Portland churches it was great to see all the young people in a very busy church. On the Saturday evening before the service the Juniors enjoyed a "popcorn and movie" night.

As part of their "Circle of Life" badgework, the Brigaders welcomed two representatives from the Cooperative Funeral Care who chatted to the girls about "memory boxes". The Memory Boxes, which are taken to care homes and day centres by Co-op colleagues, are filled with memorabilia.

The memory boxes are used to encourage people with dementia to engage with the memorabilia, prompting conversations about the past.

This tied in as a great follow-on from the dementia-friendly course the Brigaders completed earlier in the session.

The girls then got an opportunity to ask some very interesting questions.

It was a very informative evening.

On the same evening one of the Juniors (Paige) was chosen at random to switch on the large cross on the side of the church building. The whole Company huddle outside to see the cross being illuminated. It is hoped that the light from that cross will bring some brightness into the dark times in which we now all find ourselves.

At the beginning of March the Juniors and Brigaders joined with girls from other Companies within South Ayr Division for a competition evening of fun, games and crafts. It was an enjoyable evening with Amy J from our Company taking second place, while Becky and Chloe H came third in the Brigader competition. Congratulations to everyone who took part.

In the middle of March we received word from our Girls' Brigade HQ that due to the Covid-19 virus we had to cancel all of our GB weekly meetings and events until further notice. This means that we will be unable to meet on Monday evening and also that our Brigaders will no longer be able to visit the residents in Belhaven Care Home. Furthermore our planned activity weekend in April at Lapwing Lodge has had to be postponed.

Nobody knows what the next few weeks are going to bring to our town, so we just hope and pray that everybody in Girls' Brigade and the wider community stays safe and healthy and hopefully we can all return to normal as soon as possible.

For further information about the Company or Girls’ Brigade in general please contact Mrs Ray Campbell (Captain) at gbtroon@btinternet.com

NHS Inform - www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus NHS Ayrshire and Arran - www.nhsaaa.net UK Government - www.gov.uk/coronavirus South Ayrshire Council - beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus If you or anyone in your household has a high temperature or a new and continuous cough - even if it’s mild: * Everyone in your household must stay home for 14 days and keep away from others. * DO NOT go to your GP, hospital or pharmacy. * Go to nhsinform.scot to check symptoms and follow the specialist medical advice. Only call NHS 24 (111) if you can’t get online or your symptoms worsen. * Protect older people and those with existing health conditions by avoiding contact.

Guidance for staying at home is available on NHS Inform, and includes not having any visitors.

Save the NHS Number NHS staff are making an increasing number of telephone calls to patients in order to deliver clinical care.

Calls generated from NHS Ayrshire & Arran come from the telephone number 0800 678 3393. Members of the public are asked to store this number in their phones, so that they recognise the number if we need to call.

Pharmacies Local pharmacies are working reduced hours, which are subject to change; check current information before presenting at one. If you feel unwell with a cough, shortness of breath or fever; please do not go to a pharmacy.

Sick notes If you need a sick note due to coronavirus, don’t contact your GP or NHS 24. You can download an isolation note directly from NHS Inform here https://bit.ly/isolation-note Council services South Ayrshire Lifeline can assist with telephone befriending, food pack deliveries, prescriptions, telephone befriending, hearing aid batteries and signposting. They can be contacted on 0800 432 0510.

South Ayrshire also have a range of other useful information on their websites. This includes the latest information on help for businesses, bin uplifts and bereavement services.

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: washing your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.

Looking after your mental wellbeing Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping or miss other people. Things you can do that may help: Exercise at home.

Spend time doing indoor hobbies you enjoy.

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or go into the garden.

You can also go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others.

West Coast Fest Rescheduling West Coast Fest has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday 26th September 2020 at Troon Concert Hall.

West Coast Fest brought to you by JJ Event Bars is an exciting festival style event that will celebrate the very best of gins, spirits, beers, ciders and cocktails. Meet the makers, sample new drinks, learn in a master class or simply enjoy a great day out with friends!

More information is available from the JJ Events Bar Facebook page.

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Cllr Craig Mackay The comments I want to make this month all help illustrate that the public’s views do genuinely influence what the council does.

Troon Together - this has been the biggest community consultation in Troon in recent years, with a healthy level of engagement from local residents. The findings were presented at a recent public meeting, and have identified a number of clear priorities for the town. The final report is well worth a look, and can be found at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/thrivingplaces/troon.aspx Barassie Station parking - sketch proposals were brought forward by Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) for parking bays at the bottom of Adam’s Gate, intended to relieve pressures around Barassie Station. Local residents voiced some genuine concerns about the impact this would have on the surrounding streets. These were brought to this month’s meeting of Troon Community Council, which ARA also attended. It was clear from the points raised by the public that this was not the most appropriate solution, and it was agreed that further discussions with Network Rail, ScotRail and SPT were needed to hopefully use land at the station itself for additional parking.

Harling Drive - the cycle route under construction has proved to be contentious, despite having clear support from previous consultations including Troon Together. This was also discussed by the Community Council, and again with ward councillors and ARA the following week. As a result, we agreed that a revised layout be considered.

Council budget - much of the savings agreed in this year’s budget are internal efficiencies, but where there is an impact on council services the consultation responses helped prioritise which savings to make.

Coronavirus - staff are working hard to ensure critical services such as home care, child & adult protection services, residential care, emergency property repairs, environmental health, waste management and homeless services are all delivered. South Ayrshire Council are also providing a telephone service offering money, welfare and benefits advice, including access to crisis grants and food bank vouchers - please call 0300 123 0900.

My surgeries are cancelled for the time being, but I can still be contacted on craig.mackay@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or 07583 036870.

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April Update from Troon Old Parish Church We are aiming to establish regular online services of worship and explore other ways to safely unite the congregation in worship and prayer.

Church Building Opening Times The sanctuary will remain open during set hours, for private prayer and meditation, with details being communicated as soon as possible.

Troon Foodbank The Church building will continue to open for the use of the Foodbank as needed, the details currently being worked out.

Advisory Team There will be the establishment of an advisory team to coordinate our ministry of care to the congregation and parish.

Communication Updated information will be communicated to congregation members through flyers posted out, as well as other forms of print and social media. Please continue to phone the church office as usual for current info.

Church Office Please continue to phone the church office as usual on 01292 313520 for current information or assistance and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Church Services Cancellations The usual Sunday services, groups, coffee morning and gatherings have been cancelled by all churches.

Rev David Prentice-Hyers The opposite of fear isn't courage; it is love. John, the evangelist, writes that perfect love casts out all fear. Such aphorisms are easy to preach but hard to practice. Nevertheless, Love, even our messy human love, does cast out fear. You may have seen the photo of the son perched outside his father's quarantined care-home window. Both grown men are gazing at each other, through the glass chatting away on the telephone. My blood pressure drops just imagining the photo. Even imperfect love casts out fear. Love also lends strength.

I'm touched by the creative ways we are finding to connect and support each other. You can't quarantine love, and there need be no shortages of kindness. In the strange and challenging days ahead let us tap into the creative and robust love that is within each of us.

As a person of faith and follower of Jesus Christ, such love is of God, and God's love never ends. But regardless of your faith or lack thereof, there need be no limit to love and kindness. Love does cast out fear, and it also lends strength. My spiritual mentor and grandson of Kilmarnock furniture makers often spoke these words in troubling times: May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord's face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God give you grace not to sell yourself short; Grace to risk something big for something good; Grace to remember that the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth, and too small for anything but love.

So may God take your minds and think through them.

May God take your lips and speak through them.

May God take your hands and work through them.

May God take your hearts and set them on fire. for the sake of God's love and justice and peace in this world.

Amen.

Troon Church of the Nazarene Union Street, Troon, off Templehill God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear. Ps.46.

In the coming month we will be joining in worship on Sunday at 11am, on-line through our church Facebook page. Our on-line services will continue with the planned Easter theme as follows: Apr 5th Mary and the perfume jar - John 12:1-19.

Communion Service.

Apr 12th Mary at the tomb - John 20:1-18.

Apr 19th Thomas’s doubts - John 20:19-31.

Apr 26th Peter starts again - John 21.

Good Friday Apr 10th 11.00 am Mary at the cross - John 19.

If you’d like to join us on-line please contact us by phone or e-mail so that we can connect up. A pastoral network is in place. If you’d like to be connected in this for a simple chat or practical help please contact us and we will endeavour to do what we can.

For more information contact Pastor David Rudge Tel 01292 679282 email troon@nazarene.org.uk Website https://www.nazarene.org.uk/troon-page-1

St Ninian’s Troon www.stninianstroon.org.uk FB: Saint Ninian’s Episcopal Church Troon Please check our Facebook page and Website for updates on how we will try to help in the coming weeks.

On a more positive note St Ninian’s hosted a wonderful World Day of Prayer service on 6th March. The turn-out was most encouraging and a huge thank you to everyone who took part in any way. The Service on the theme 'Rise, take your mat and walk', was written by the Christian ladies of Zimbabwe and the display of fruits, craft and other items represents the country. The Bible is open at John 5: 2 - 9, the bible passage for the service. The evening was rounded off with refreshments in the Hall.

The Creative Community Group recently had a Stand at the Scottish Quilting Show at the SEC promoting the work of the community group and the Wall Hanging that they made. It was a great opportunity to chat with people about the group and a great deal of interest was shown in our various projects and many folk took the time to stitch a leaf onto our latest panel or purchase kits to make a pin cushion. We look forward to being able to resume our meetings soon.

St Meddans Well March didn’t quite go the way we may have planned but that’s what life is often like. Many of us will have been thrown a curved ball in life way before this virus got on board. The bible says “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.

Trust in God, and trust also in me…. I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14, verses 1 & 27. It’s often at times like these we find ourselves drawn back to our faith and trust in God. Our services may no longer be taking place in our church buildings but we would invite you to get involved in the life of the church from wherever you find yourselves as much of our work will continue online.

At the time of writing we don’t have all the programme of events but you will be able to find out what is happening by logging onto our website https://www.stmeddans.org and our Facebook pages https://www. facebook.com/stmeddans (you don’t need to use facebook to visit these pages as they are viewable without being logged in).

We also have a parents page with online Sunday school and are hoping to develop more in the coming weeks - https://www.facebook.com/stmeds sundayclub/ - its called ‘when life gives you lemons!’ They’ll be lots to do with your wee ones and some prizes too.

Finally we know that lots of folk in Troon have rallied already to make sure no one is stuck during isolation and we would echo there is a team ready in St Meddans to help anyone, please don’t hold back. We are part of a fantastic community. If you need anything please simply call Tel: 07591 332235.

We are thankful for the joint service on Sunday 15th March in Portland Church when our friends from the three Church of Scotland churches worshipped and prayed together for the final time for a while.

For further information watch the external church notice board, check online through the links given above. For pastoral care or other information you may also ring the church office 01292 3117750 or email stmeddanschurch@gmail.com. SC015019.

Troon Baptist Church The Cabin (adjacent to Troon Library) This is the way, walk ye in it. Isaiah 30:21 We cannot grow into entire sanctification; but after we attain this experience, we must grow into all the fullness of Christ. We are not saved and filled with the Holy Spirit to do any special work, but simply to let God work through us.

Oh, we are so desperately concerned about erecting the scaffolding in our lives to build a great work! When God begins to remove it - the scaffolding of our works, etc. - we begin to totter. And when our scaffolding falls, and we are sitting among the ruins, the Holy Spirit whispers, “That was not my staff, upon which you should rest. So I am removing it. You are the work I am after, not your little works. I want you where I can work through you.”

For God’s sake, let Him do what He likes with you.

Prayer Thought: Help me, God, never to hesitate to embark on the path of duty You set before me.

For more information contact Pastor Russell Brooks.

Email: pastor@troonbaptistchurch.org Website: www.troonbaptistchurch.org

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Cllr Phil Saxton

Troon Flower Club

Muirhead Activity Centre: No further information has come from the Scottish Government at time of writing. It has been intimated that there is a good chance there will be a public meeting, so will keep you updated.

Coronavirus: Most meetings of the Council will be postponed due to the situation with the COVID-19 virus. Work will continue, however, the Council will be operating limited services on all operations from customer services to housing maintenance programmes; leisure facilities will close and we will continue to follow national guidance on schools. The intention is to continue the service to the most vulnerable, such as day care and looking after the elderly and infirm. In the coming weeks please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns.

Budget: We have delivered a budget that commits to the people of South Ayrshire; no sports or leisure centres will close and no compulsory redundancies within the organisation. We have increased the council tax by 4.84% and 1.84% was to secure the retention on the sport and leisure centre facilities. Changes will be made within waste management; there will be increases to sports and leisure charges and increases to the hire of council premises and sports pitches. Overall, with savings made of around £7million, we have achieved setting a budget on time and mitigated any severe cuts.

Contact Details: Philip.saxton@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Telephone: 01292 314729 or 01292 612177 or please write to me at: Labour Group Office, South Ayrshire Council, County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr KA7 1DR.

During our February meeting (unfortunately our last one this session) we had as our demonstrator Karine Murray from East Kilbride, her topic for the night being ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. She told members of her love of market gardening and how, as a youngster, she would help her grandparents in their market garden - both inside and outside the greenhouses. She also spoke of the importance of insect life, and in particular bees, in the propagation process.

Her floral arrangements highlighted her love of the market garden.

In these times of uncertainty, we look forward to some better weather ahead and getting out into the garden again to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Portland Parish Church of Scotland Charity Number: SC003477 Church Office: 01292 317929 Locum Minister: Rev. M.E. Prentice-Hyers www.troonportlandchurch.org.uk, office@troonportlandchurch.org.uk Anyone in need of pastoral care is requested to contact the church office by email or telephone. A message from the minister will be recorded and uploaded to the church website each week and will be available from the front page of the website. Any more information we get will also be published on the website. We all hope and pray that this current situation will be over as soon as possible.

Our Lady of the Assumption and St Meddan The contact details for the support group of Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan are below. Volunteers can provide regular contact as well as helping with shopping or collecting prescriptions.

Email - Ourladytroon@outlook.com. Tel - 01292 313541 - please leave contact details and someone will get in touch.

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Dr Philippa Whitford MP

The Sky Above You - April 2020

With life now totally dominated by the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us are understandably anxious about what it means for ourselves and those we hold dear. It is hard to predict exactly what will happen but, what we do know, is that our lives will be very different in the coming weeks and months.

Meantime, there are positive things we can do and I was delighted to see the Going Out team have offered to advertise the voluntary community groups which are already springing up. Those who are feeling well, and aren’t in any of the high-risk groups, are arranging to help those who are stuck at home. Reducing social contact will involve major change for all of us but for those living alone who need to self-isolate, either because of Covid infection or due to an underlying condition, it will be a very lonely time and it is important we all pull together to offer support. People will need help to get their shopping and medicines but they will also just need someone to talk to - whether by phone, via Skype or over the hedge! Please swap phone numbers with those who live alone or are frail in your block, on your street or in your community groups.

Just calling them for a chat every few days, to ask how they are and see if they need shopping, will make a big difference. This kind of interaction will become increasingly important as the outbreak progresses.

Whilst many of us now live much of our lives online, there are still a lot who don’t and getting information to them is vital.

Back at Parliament, in the Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union, I questioned UK Government Minister Michael Gove on the future of the inshore fishing industry. Much has been made of the supposed benefit to our fisherman of ‘taking back control’ yet, the UK has always had the power to reform the sharing of fishing quotas! The vast majority of fishing quota has been bought up by a few large companies, particularly in the north east, leaving our local fishing industry heavily dependent on shellfish. As shellfish is not subject to quotas, small in-shore fishers won’t gain anything from leaving the Common Fisheries Policy but will face increased bureaucracy and tariffs, as well as possible shipping delays, that will increase their costs and decrease the value of their catch. Given the advantageous arrangements for Northern Ireland, some boats may consider registering there so they can land their fish straight into the single market. This would damage the onshore parts of the industry such as the harbour and fish market. After a UK Government advisor recently described agriculture, fishing and the food industry as ‘not critically important’, Mr Gove provided little reassurance regarding the Brexit promise of a ‘Sea of Opportunity’ for fishermen.

Dr Philippa Whitford MP for Central Ayrshire 14 Eglinton Street, Irvine KA12 8AS Tel: 01294 311 160 email: philippa.whitford.mp@parliament.uk

By Duncan Lunan

The night sky about 9pm, mid-April 2020 Drawing by Jim Barker

The Moon will be Full on April 8th, which will be a Supermoon, full at its closest to Earth, and the brightest Moon of the year. The Moon will be New on April 23rd.

The planet Mercury is invisible in April. Europe’s Bepicolombo probe to Mercury, named after the pioneer of planetary slingshots, will perform one on April 13th as it passes the Earth, to turn inwards towards the Sun. Venus is at its most brilliant in the evening sky in April, setting half an hour after midnight by the end of March. Venus passes in front of the Pleiades open cluster in Taurus on April 3rd, and the Moon is near Venus on April 26th.

Mars is in Capricornus and rises with Saturn about 3am in early April. The Moon is near Mars on April 16th.

Jupiter rises in Sagittarius about 3am in April, about half an hour before Saturn. The crescent Moon is between Jupiter and Saturn on 15th April.

Saturn is close to Jupiter throughout this month, as above.

Uranus is too close to the Sun to be visible in April, in conjunction behind it on April 26th.

Neptune in Aquarius is also invisible in April, after superior conjunction on the far side of the Sun on March 8th.

After a long gap between meteor showers in the first quarter of the year, the Lyrid shower peaks on the night of 21st to 22nd April, with no Moon to spoil them.

Meetings of the Astronomers of the Future Club in Troon are on hold until further notice. For more information contact Alan Martin on 07947 331632.

Duncan Lunan’s latest book “From the Moon to the Stars”, a collection of space travel stories old and new relating to the Moon and Project Apollo, illustrated by Sydney Jordan, is now available from the publishers at https://othersidebooks.wordpress.com, as well as on Amazon or through booksellers; details of that and his other books are on Duncan’s website, www.duncanlunan.com

Good Companions The first event of our Lottery funded year was the monthly lunch at the Wheatsheaf which was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed!

Unfortunately, as you all know, the events that were planned for the next few months have been cancelled due to this awful coronavirus! All events be rescheduled to a later date. All members will be notified as soon as we can arrange a new date. Because of the situation the period of the Grant has been extended.

The recent event unfolded rather quickly and all the hard work of the Committee was for nothing, but once everything comes back to normal it will be… normal service as usual!

The schedule for all the events for the coming our months has been cancelled and a new schedule will be available as soon as the all clear is sounded!

I know the petanquers will be missing their Tuesday morning of fun, hilarity, banter and of course… petanque! Keep practising in the garden until then.

After the panic and The Sack of Morrisons with the empty shelves, I now realise that if all that food is consumed, the need of toilet rolls will be justified! We will keep in touch by phone and email with any updates.

To all our members in isolation, look after yourselves. Eat, drink, exercise and be merry!

Committee Contacts:Lionel:- phone - 01292 310819 email:- lionelm1935@gmail.com Morag:- phone - 01292 310819 email:- mocamsk@gmail.com

Troon Probus Club Tom Barclay gave a fascinating post-dinner talk on the history of Libraries, at the South Beach Hotel. Starting from papyrus scrolls and ink in Egypt, spanning the Age of Enlightenment, the use of parchments, vellums and eventual books and printing presses, he then told us about the progress towards Public Libraries.

In the 1850s the Public Libraries Act was passed and benefactors such as Carnegie encouraged the opening of libraries to the general public.

Mobile libraries were introduced for use in rural areas.

The future of libraries is uncertain nowadays, with the widespread availability of computer access. Time will tell.

Troon Probus can be contacted through on Jim Donaldson on 01292 318635.

Troon Ladies’ Lunch Club Linda Rayner was the speaker at the March meeting of Troon Ladies’ Lunch Club. She gave a presentation of a tour, starting in Los Angeles and covering the Western States of America. She showed images of famous landmarks like The Grand Canyon but also of the history, scenery and wildlife of this part of the USA.

O.I.R Popular local artist Ronnie Russell has always been around Troon but in fact he was born in Fife with family roots in the North East. With keyboard and crayon Ronnie soon had members and guests singing and laughing with him at last month’s meeting as he reminisced and mimicked a huge range of Scottish personalities.

The short Tuesday O.I.R walks will continue but without a coffee rendezvous.

All other group activities and the popular Sunday lunches have been suspended subject to ongoing government advice.

Marr Capella They hope to start rehearsals later in the year for their Christmas Concerts which are scheduled for the 9th and 10th of December. The Choir would like to wish everyone good health and thank audiences for their support and look forward to entertaining you again in the future.

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Marr Rugby Roundup

Troon Football Club Troon’s last league game took place at Portland Park on Saturday 29th February. The visitors were the current league leaders in the West Premiership, Kilwinning Rangers. In a spirited performance, the Seasiders secured what could prove to be a very valuable point with a 1-1 draw, lifting us to 13th position in the league & out of the relegation zone. The following Saturday saw Troon eventually play the 2nd round of Ardagh West of Scotland cup-tie away to League One leaders Ardrossan Winton Rovers. This game had previously been postponed on three occasions with the recent storms. Troon secured a 1-2 victory with a great solo run from Dean Fulton producing the equaliser. John Gemmell - in the 94th minute secured the win with a tremendous free-kick from 25 yards. Troon have been drawn to play the winner of the Maybole v Cambuslang Rangers tie in round three. At the time of writing it is not known when the football fixtures will re-commence.

The club’s brand new website has all the match reports and all club news, and further details can also be accessed on the club’s Facebook page or Twitter feed.

When the football returns, give your local football team your support. It’s a great afternoon’s sport and well worth the admission money. You won’t be disappointed!

Marr’s Greg Montgomery on the attack at Aberdeen in Marr’s 52-17 win

Senior Rugby Since Going Out’s last edition Marr’s 1XV have played two league fixtures, winning both, and remain at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a lead of two points over second placed Currie Chieftains and a game in hand.

A narrow home win over Glasgow Hawks on 29th February was followed by a comfortable victory at Aberdeen on 7th March.

Things have moved fast since that time, though sadly not on the rugby field! At the time of writing the SRU Championship committee has ordered that no rugby be played until at least 1st July and is considering options for finalising the 2019/20 season. These range from abandoning the season to the award of league titles and promotion and relegation issues based on certain criteria. Their decision may well be made before you read this column. The position regarding the Cup is also to be made and Marr’s outstanding semi-final tie may be carried forward to the start of next season.

Whatever is to happen this has been a remarkable season for Marr Rugby and the best in the Club’s history on the brink of their 50th season as full members of the SRU. Our 1st XV are top of the league and have reached the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. In addition Marr became only the sixth club to have their name engraved on the Bill McLaren Shield and both our 2nd XV and 3rd XV teams finished their league campaigns near the top of their respective leagues.

Midi/School Rugby There is little to report at present but we will give a review of the season in the next edition of Going Out. For the up to date situation visit www.marrrugby.com or contact marrrugbydev@gmail.com Mini Rugby Marr Mini Rugby have enjoyed a relationship with Kelso Rugby for the last twenty five years and many of those who took part in the Borders Mini tours for both sides in the early years have gone on to play for the senior XV teams. Sadly this year’s tour had to be cancelled but will hopefully be resumed next year.

Both indoor and outdoor training at Mini rugby has been cancelled for the season in accordance with all rugby in Scotland but we hope to restart after the School holiday break in August.

www.troonfootballclub.co.uk

Troon Thistle Y.F.C While the resumption of football activities may be some time away, we mean to be ready for it and we will work on plans to keep the club’s members informed and involved.

It is our intention to carry on with other activities in a positive manner as far as is allowed by legal and medical advice.

Troon Thistle YFC 50th Anniversary In 2020, Troon Thistle YFC plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our founding - we would wish anyone/everyone who has had an association with the club to be part of the celebrations and especially if you can provide stories, photos, etc. which we could use in these events - contact John or George at the club.

Events confirmed for June include a Day of Football and a Walk-in Exhibition of Memories and we will continue to work to ensure that these events, or alternatives based on best practice and advice, can be staged to mark this important anniversary for the club.

Contacts/Media Age Group contacts can be found on our website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/troonthistle and we have various Facebook pages plus contact John Irvine (President) on 07478 507750 or George Grant (Secretary) on 01292 318069.

Troon Bentinck Ladies Golf Club A new season begins for our Bentinck lady golfers and I must say it was lovely to eventually get out and play our first round of 18 holes over Fullarton. Hopefully the weather will improve and we can all enjoy our golfing season.

Pictured right are a group of our ladies ready to participate in the Marion Smith Qualifier. I would just like to wish all our members good luck for the coming season.

Should you be interested in joining a ladies' golf club that is welcoming and friendly which plays in Troon using all three of the municipal golf courses, please contact us via our email bentinckladies@yahoo.co.uk or find us on Facebook, Troon Bentinck Ladies. We’d be delighted to see you.

Troon Friends of the Ayrshire Hospice Troon Friends of the Ayrshire Hospice would like to thank everyone who attended the recent concert by the Aeolian Male Voice Choir in Troon Old Parish Church.

There was a varied programme of modern and classical music together with anecdotes and a particular thanks to the young soloist for the evening Jennifer Price who was a delight to listen to with her choice of repertoire.

From Ticket Sales and a very generous donation by the Aeolian Choir of £300 the amount raised for the Ayrshire Hospice on the evening was £724.

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