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One of the members of Ayrshire Farmers Market, Petrie Fine Foods showed off all their tasty produce at the Eco-Fair held in the courtyard at the Dean Castle in Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Howard and Eileen

Howard and Eileen Wilkinson run their business from their farm in Fenwick and all the savouries, cakes and puddings are hand made by Eileen! Their extensive range includes vegetarian and gluten free products and can be bought at any of the farmers’ markets throughout Ayrshire or by mail order.

Howard invited URsTV to attend one of the many Farmers Markets to find out exactly who is involved and what their future goals are. Keep watching this space for updates and check out the leaflet on the next page for more detailed information.

Related posts:

1. Heal the Earth heading for Eco-Fair

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Early on Friday morning in Campbell Street, Darvel, Jim and Mary Ann Gebbie received an unexpected and unfortunate surprise when they went out their front door. Their Almera had been parked as usual outside their house but this morning the car had been totally written off!

Jim and Mary Ann's Nissan Almera now!

Having lived in this house in Darvel for over 25 years without incident Jim and Mary Ann confirmed Campbell Street itself was usually quiet with light traffic on most occasions.

A total mystery, they telephoned the local police station who took all their details and did a door to door search for answers. Two police officers knocked on the door of Stephen and Barbara King just across the road who had received a delivery that very morning. Barbara waited in as she was expecting their new Dish Washer they had bought from Curry’s. The Dish Washer had been delivered just after 8 am – about the same time as the Almera had been smashed to such an extent it had pushed into their neighbour’s car which had been parked close by!

After the Almera had been hit a large white delivery van was seen leaving Campbell Street at full speed without leaving any contact details behind.

Damage at back of car caused when Almera was pushed into their neighbour's car!

Shortly after the police received the delivery details from Barbara King, a representative from the White Van Man’s insurance company turned up at Mr and Mrs Gebbie’s door to make an assessment of the damage! The insurance rep explained the driver had not been aware he had hit anything that morning which was the reason he did not stop and leave his details!

Which seems rather strange because the insurance representative from the driver’s company certainly turned up pretty quickly.

About the same time as the insurance rep was sweeping up the debris from the road, URsTV met up with Paul Whittering who runs Lanfine Contract Limited with his brother. Lanfine is a local textile manufacturer based in Campbell Street and it would appear a member of their staff actually witnessed the accident taking place that morning.

Unfortunately, this member of staff had already left for the day and would not be returning to work until Monday morning.  Mr Whittering has kindly allowed us to contact him on Monday to ask his member of staff for a short interview to help fill in some more details.

If there are any other witnesses to this incident please contact us or send in your comments on this article.

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While taking a break from filming in Germany, Vincent travels to Bavaria to visit an old medieval castle, with things not turning out quite as he had planned…

Another brilliant episode from the seventies horror series ‘The Price of Fear”, for your listening pleasure!

Listen with the lights out and some candlelight for maximum effect, but be prepared, this tale is not for the faint hearted!

This radio show is in the Public Domain and is brought to you courtesy of radiolovers.com.

Related posts:

1. The Price of Fear – Speciality of the House
2. The Price of Fear – Blind Man’s Bluff
3. The Last Man on Earth (1964)

A chance meeting with a strange old blind man whilst taking the train to visit friends, leaves Vincent chilled.

I gleefully present to you another little macabre tale from the inimitable, Vincent Price. Coming to you, once again, courtesy of good ole Radiolovers.com

This radio show is in the Public Domain.

Related posts:

1. The Price of Fear – Speciality of the House
2. The Price of Fear – Cat’s Cradle
3. The Last Man on Earth (1964)

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URsTV went back to visit the Heal the Earth Ayrshire group at the walled garden in the Dean Castle Country Estate on Sunday. What a difference from our last visit! The well planned layout is coming together and many of the raised beds have been completed with many already growing a wide range of vegetables to be harvested in the near future!

Rough layout plan for the walled garden

A large number of fruit trees had been planted in December last year and they are all now looking very healthy, although still too immature to be producing any fruit yet – unfortunately! Snow Drops and Daffodils have also been planted but I think the frost is keeping them underground for the moment.

There was also a mention of perhaps having a beehive or too – just point me in the right direction if there is honey to be eaten!

Although from the videos on this article it appears the garden is quite grey and lifeless, it is actually quite exciting because spring is just around the corner. Once the various colours start appearing it will be completely transformed!

Jan and Jenny take new visitors round all the time!

There are various tanks positioned around the garden which will collect rain water and a supply of water from the nearby river is being worked on as well.  Although the newly constructed pond was iced up, once the water plants and various wildlife have been put in this might even persuade some of the ducks at the Dean Castle to migrate over!

There is also a neat little track taking you all through the whole orchard area where there will be benches positioned strategically to soak up the sun and watch all the activity below.

The Heal the Earth Ayrshire group will be having a stall at the Eco-Fair in the courtyard at the Dean Castle on Sunday 7th March between 12 and 4 pm. They will be running tours on the hour throughout the day to their community garden with a maximum of 12 per tour. The last tour will leave the Dean Castle at 3pm.

Some of the group on Sunday

Members of the group will be available on the stall to answer questions and you can get more information about growing your own veg. You can also ask about getting a raised bed in the community garden to produce your own harvest (hint: the staff at URsTV LOVE strawberries!).

In fact there are too many new projects being started and completed all the time – pop down to the walled garden any Sunday and see the group in action!

More pictures on next page….

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Related posts:

1. Heal the Earth – Ayrshire
2. Petrie Fine Foods – Stall at Eco-Fair

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2010 is the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese New Year and Chinese Dragons brought colour and loud firecrackers to the centre of Kilmarnock in great style today!

Fantastic Chinese Dragon!

The Chinese New Year is the most important of the Chinese holidays and is a time of feasting with all members of the family, fireworks and the giving and receiving of various gifts. It is a 15 day holiday beginning on the first day of a new moon (14th February this year) and ending with the full moon on the day of the Lantern Festival (28th February this year) which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The actual length of the Chinese New Year celebrations varies from country to country and in China can last for over a month!

But the celebrations in Kilmarnock today were appreciated not only by the local Chinese community, but also by everyone else! The fantastic colours just had to be seen although we did manage to take quite a few photographs as well as the videos.

Glasgow Hong Lok - Dragon and Lion Dancing Team

The day of celebrations started off with a bang at midday at The Cross in Kilmarnock as the huge crowds welcomed in the Year of the Tiger in spectacular style with Chinese entertainment, firecrackers and, of course, Scottish pipers!

Festivities commenced after a formal opening by Provost Stephanie Young and Thomas Ho, Chairperson of the Chinese Association. Firecrackers were set off and the long and colourful procession made its way along Bank Street, Nelson Street, King Street and then returned to the Cross and up to the KULOC Centre (the local Chinese Association) in Portland Street. Chinese drums were beating throughout the whole procession and vibrant colours from traditional Chinese costumes mixed well with the traditional Scottish garments worn by the Pipers.

Special Guests to Celebration Lunch

KULOC Chairperson Thomas Ho invited special guests to a reception at the KULOC Centre which included Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas Reid, local MP Des Browne and MSPs Willie Coffey and Cathy Jamieson, as well as a representative from the Chinese Consulate in Edinburgh.

The Year of Tiger has certainly kicked off with a very promising start. The tiger is a sign of courage. This fearless, fiery fighter is revered by the Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts.

People born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well-liked because of their charming personalities. Famous Tiger People include Agatha Christie, Demi Moore, Diana Rigg, Hilary Swank, Jodie Foster, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Queen of Scots, Penelope Cruz, Queen Elizabeth II, Tom Cruise and of course URsTV’s very own Moira Heron was also born in the year of the Tiger so perhaps this will be an auspicious year for URsTV as well!

Scotland certainly paves the way to showing how a variety and diversity of cultures can form a wonderful and close-knit community.

East Meets West - A Wonderful Partnership!

As you can see from the videos and pictures everyone had an absolutely fantastic time and the Dragon and Lion Dancing Team from the Glasgow Hong Lok certainly put us all into the festive spirit.

Don’t forget to send us any of your photographs or stories of today’s events and we will post as many on the URsTV site as possible!

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Stranraer is located in the south west coast of Scotland with fantastic views of the Firth of Clyde and set in the region of Dumfries and Galloway, an area which is full of history, rich in opportunities and the perfect location to get away from it all.

Firth of Clyde coastline

Just over the border from England and less than two hours drive from Glasgow, Stranraer is Scotland’s gateway to Ireland which is only 90 minutes away by fast ferry!

Agnew Park is the first – or last – sight of Scotland for more than two million travellers each year who use the ferries to cross between Ireland and Scotland. The Park draws on its marine location and heritage in the design of benches, railings, pavements and other features. Agnew Park has a wide range of leisure facilities for all ages! From young to old there is something for everyone to do.

More on next page….

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1. Kay Park, Kilmarnock – A Great Day Out

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Yes, their first pantomime may be over but the St. Joseph’s Players’ fantastic production of The Lion, the Witch and The Wedding will be available on DVD very soon!

Moira as Belle

The above video is a glimpse of some of the highlights of the show which was absolutely brilliant! What talent!

Want to hear some absolutely amazing news? Moira Fairbairn who played Belle really did meet her prince! Yes Ian Stephenson who played Prince Hayver met Moira through the St. Joseph’s Players, fell in love and they have now set the date to be married! Fairy tales really can come true!

Some more amazing news – Moira entered a St Valentine’s Day competition run by the Kilmarnock Standard which was offerring a prize for the most romantic story ever. Yes, you’ve guessed it – they won! Let’s face it – how can you beat that for the most romantic tale ever!

Ian as Prince Hayver

So want to see the whole fantastic show? Contact Nicola Stewart at the St Joseph’s Players website to order a copy of the DVD!

http://stjosephsplayers.synthasite.com/

The St. Joseph’s Players are now rehearsing for their new production which you should be able to see in June. Dates have still to be confirmed so watch this space!

Related posts:

1. Curtain Up This Weekend for the St Joseph’s Players!
2. A Review of The Lion, The Witch and The Wedding by Suze Laing

A corner view of the Lodge

Chatelherault is about 20mins drive from Glasgow and is a fantastic place, just outside the town of Hamilton. The Chatelherault Lodge itself is a beautiful construct, belonging to a former Duke of Hamilton as his getaway house, and many will see why when they visit!

The land the lodge sits on is vast and open making it a perfect picnic area. The location of Chatelherault gives a fantastic view overlooking nearly all of Hamilton, beautiful day or night!

It has a nature trail which leads from Strathclyde Country Park – suitable for dog walking or cycling. It even has a children’s play park to keep the kids entertained, with benches provided nearby for those worn out and hassled parents!

An impressive building!

Chatelherault is a restored William Adam hunting lodge with a Visitor Centre set in a 500 acre country park with superb views north to Ben Lomond. Ten miles of footpath in an historic landscape and Avon River gorge including ancient oaks and extensive semi-natural woodland. The Visitor Centre has permanent and temporary exhibits, café and shop. There are function and conference rooms for hire. There is also an historic garden, picnic and barbecue sites and an adventure play area.

William Adam - 1689-1748

Chatelherault was built in 1732 as the hunting lodge and summer house for the wealthy Dukes of Hamilton. Designed by the famous Scottish Architect William Adam when he was 43 years old, Chatelherault now serves as the magnificent gateway to the Country Park. William Adam referred to the lodge as the “dog kennels at Hamilton”. While some dogs were indeed kept at this hunting lodge, there was also a banqueting pavilion and walled gardens.

The restored buildings house an exhibitions gallery, interactive displays, large gift shop, cafe and reception area as well as meeting rooms and conference/wedding space. Visitors can view the Duke’s private Banqueting Room, apartments and formal gardens.

See next page…

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This is the true story of a Russian cruiser which sank off the coast of Stranraer just over 100 years ago. A monument was erected near the small hamlet of Lendalfoot 3 years ago which is now a fantastic picnic area ideally situated to take in the breathtaking scenery over the Firth of Clyde.

The 1st Class cruiser Varyag was the first in the series of Russian protected cruisers built as part of the program “for the needs of the Russian Far East”. On 20 April 1898 the Russian Emperor Nikolai II approved the contract to build a protected cruiser by the American Company “William Cramp & Sons”. The building cost was estimated at just over $2 million without armaments.

The keel-laying ceremony took place on 10 May 1899. On 19 October 1899, the Varyag cruiser was launched in the presence of the Russian Ambassador to the United States A.P. Kassini and other officials representing both countries.

The ship was first tested in July 1900. A storm broke out during the test. However, the cruiser passed the harsh weather test with flying colours having set the against-weather speed world record among its own class cruisers at 24.59 knots.

Russian Cruiser Varyag

The crew from Russia hoisted the pennant on the Varyag’s main mast on 2 January 1901 and the vessel was officially commissioned into the Navy.

The vessel made a few trial cruises around the Delaware Bay and left America for good.

See next page…

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The big freeze hits Scotland and it looks like it’s here for some time yet according to the Met Office.

The last official White Christmas was five years ago, when snow fell across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Midlands, the North-East and far South-West.

The Frozen River Thames in 1677

The interest in snowy Christmases has its origins in the colder climate of the period 1550-1850 when Britain was in the grip of a ‘Little Ice Age’  – now that really was a climate change!

Winters were particularly persistent and severe in the winter between 1813 and 1814 which was the last winter that a ‘frost fair’ was held on the River Thames in London – imagine walking across the River Thames – fascinating!

Back then, however, the colder climate was not the only factor that allowed the river to freeze over in London: the Thames was broader and shallower and there were no embankments which meant that it flowed more slowly.

Last night bookies were offering 7/4 against snow falling in London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Leeds, Liverpool or Manchester on Christmas Day so hopefully someone will win some decent cash for the festive season!

Keep your fingers crossed for a White Christmas and don’t forget to send in your photographs.

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Beauty

The gentle rains stopped falling and Selisha stomped her front two hooves and shook out her silvery mane. She pointed her long shining horn towards the east and stared longingly. A tickling nudge from her mother Shanara and she turned to meet her.

The strong passionate love emanating from her mother was almost overwhelming but Selisha’s saddening heart ached for every moment of that love and she could not even put into words what was causing her torment. The large gentle brown eyes which now held her spellbound also looked saddened. Impulsively, Selisha reached out to comfort her and her mother regarded her with surprise.

“Daughter of my heart, your sadness searches so desperately for help and yet you seek to aid me? Could such compassion not have spread over my entire family so it would not overburden you, my once bright eyes of my herd? We are so close to the celebration of the Day of Ochra and yet your dark burdens seemed to weigh you down so painfully now. What ails you my child? Just by telling me your burden will be so much lighter.”

Magical

Almost at the same moment as Selisha was about to voice her sorrows, her caring mother had voiced the one day of the entire year which she did dread. The one day when her whole herd celebrated the day of the birth of the Great Stallion Ochra who fathered all the children of all the herds of their world. The one day when she felt more alone than ever before, and as each year passed, as much as she tried to fit in, it just got harder. All her brothers and sisters and cousins and friends were beginning to notice her separateness, for want of another word, and the more they noticed the wider the gap became. They didn’t understand. Selisha celebrated every day of the year as she believed each day was a gift from the Great Spirit of Nature and every day should be celebrated until she returned to the place of her birth for the very last time. Selisha also believed that very last day should be the greatest celebration of all because then she would be returning to where she truly belonged.

Bewitching

Lifting her head and with as much pride as she could put into her stance, Selisha replied, “Mother of my heart, my sadness is nothing to your love and devotion to me and my family. Your troubles are like tall trees to my fine pieces of grass. Come, let us prepare for the celebrations….” And she jauntily trotted off, head high in the air towards the main group of the herd. Sighing and determined her mother followed, overtaking her daughter at a fast gallop. Selisha watched her mother proudly, noting how many members of her family and the rest of the herd lifted their heads to watch the beauty that was her mother.

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From 7 to 18 December 2009 a new summit is being held at Copenhagen to discuss how to tackle climate change. How much is this one going to cost the environment?

Hundreds of politicians from all over the world will meet and be put up in first class accommodation and they will all have to travel to the venue of the summit.

Have they not heard of video conferencing?

Copenhagen - Capital of Denmark

When Britain hosted the summit in Gleneagles three years ago, it spent only £12.7 million on the event itself – little more than a tenth the cost of the Japanese summit. The bill for policing the event in Scotland was £72 million. Think about it. This is the cost of one summit. If they stopped having summits they could end world poverty and reduce their carbon footprint by cutting down on air travel at the same time!

The one concensus  in the scientific world is that worldwide emissions will have to fall by 2020 if the world is to have any chance of averting catastrophic warming. After that date we will have runaway climate change with no possibility of reversing the damage. Well that is what the politicians say so it must be correct, right?

The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

No one can predict with certainty where temperatures will be in 100 years time, But the one thing that is indisputable is that, as CO2 levels continue to rise, the trend in global temperatures has not recently been rising as the computer models predicted, but has been flattening out and even dropping.

The whole concept of Global Warming was based on the projections of the computer models relied on by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (the IPCC) in 2007. But these are simply models of possibilities not statements of fact. Since 2007 many scientific facts have emerged to disprove the predictions of the IPCC’s computer models.

Think about it. If computer models could accurately predict the weather for the next hundred years perhaps a computer model could be produced to end world poverty!

Whether you believe mankind is causing a drastic change in climate or not the only course of action is to plan for the worst case scenario and we can only trust the politicians to do just that.

Too  much reliance has been put on the accuracy of these computer models and yet it is on their projections that the politicians in Copenhagen will make decisions which will by far be the most expensive set of measures ever proposed by politicians in the entire history of our planet. Or not. Seems the politicians cannot even stay in the same room together….

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	The purrs, the paws, the fur, The claws. Feline aristocracy at its best.
In stealth, in play, Hunter by night And day.		The game, the strategy, An overwhelming curiosity, What a glorious recipe.
	Free fall in slow motion They glide as they fall.
Empathic creatures of old, Definition of elegance And infinite calm.		Ferociously maternal, Impeccably so.
	Independently dependent. Constant contradictions
Infectious and contagious Humorous antics abound.		Cat affinity Is now.

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The Price of Fear was a Horror/Mystery Radio serial produced by BBC Radio during the 1970s. The host and star of the show was Vincent Price.

This show stands out in Price’s radio career as some of the episodes were based on fictional adventures of Vincent Price himself, playing himself, while others had him merely introducing the macabre tale of the week.

Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be bringing more of these fantastic old radio shows to URsTV for your listening pleasure.  Without further ado, I give you my favourite, “Speciality of the House”.

This radio show is in the Public Domain and is brought to you courtesy of radiolovers.com.

Related posts:

1. The Price of Fear – Cat’s Cradle
2. The Price of Fear – Blind Man’s Bluff
3. The Last Man on Earth (1964)