Children’s Ward Presentation 2011
The District Grand prior Rt. Em Fr John M. Turner accompanied by the Im. Past District Grand Prior Peter C. Watson KCT presented our annual donation of sweets and goodies to the Children’s Ward at Crosshouse Hospital; the Ward Sister thanked the District on behalf of the Children at Crosshouse for their kindness and said that the sweets would be distributed to the children in time for Christmas.

Sam O'Callaghan
Rt.Em.Fr. John presents a cheque to young Sam towards his fund.

Fishing Competition - McBlain Trophy
The preceptory fishing competition was held at Dalvennan fishery Patna on Sunday the 12th June where 22 fraters and Friend's fished for the honours. The weather was a bit cold for June and this may be the reason that most of the fish were caught in the morning on intermediate lines and lures. Our thanks to all who supported the competition and brought along raffle prizes, to frater Stevie Miller for Wendy,s wonderful soup, to all who sponsored the trophies and Dalvannan fishery for their hospitality.
1st V.Em.Fr. Jim Edgar, Crosbie                  4 Fish 9lbs 12oz
2nd Fr. Tam Stuart, Moira Union                    3 Fish 8lbs
3rd Fr. Eddy Cowan, Catrine&Sorn               3 Fish 7lb 8oz
Heaviest Fish Fr. Tam Stuart, Moria Union   3lbs 8oz

District Golf Competition - Watson Salver
The annual DGPA golf competition took place at Ravenspark Golf Club, Irvine on Sunday June 5th when 11 fraters battled in near perfect weather conditions to try to win the Watson Salver. Scoring was high but the reigning champion, Peter Millar of Cunningham Preceptory, was unable to repeat his exploits of 2010. The clear winner with a score of 42 points was Doug Hollingworth, handicap 10, of Ayr Preceptory, followed by Robert Bain, handicap 17, of Largs with 39 points. Third place went to newcomer Tom Adams, handicap 3, of Ayr with 35 points.
Immediate Past District Grand Prior, Peter Watson duly presented Doug Hollingworth with the Trophy and a bottle of the good stuff. The special “Booby” trophy was presented by the District Grand Prior, John Turner, to Jack Adams of Loudoun Castle for his sterling efforts in coming 11th.
A subsequent raffle of prizes generously donated by various fraters helped to raise the sum of £163 for the DGP Charity Fund. A most enjoyable and successful day was had by all and the organisers wish to express their thanks to those fraters who participated and/or donated prizes.
Competitors were-
Tom Adams (Ayr) Jack Adams (Loudoun) Robert Bain (Largs)
Tom Dunlop (Ayr) Jim Gourlay (Crosbie) Doug Hollingworth (Ayr)
George Hood (Garnock Vale) Eddie Lawless (Cunningham) Robert Little (Loudoun)
Peter Millar (Cunningham) Scott Singleton (Cunningham)

Our thanks once again go to golf organisers Tom Dunlop and Doug Hollingworth.

MacKean Bowling Competition 2011
The Annual MacKean Bowling Competition was once again held at Springside Bowling Club on Saturday 21st May.
Past President Joe Wallace handed the green over to District Grand Prior John M Turner, who thanked him for the use of the club and the facilities, then it was “Game On”.
The weather was very poor, with the rain falling steadily throughout the day. In the absence of our bowling convener V. Em Fr. Jim Edgar, the District Grand Seneschal, Ven. Fr. Iain Murray deputised and did a fine job of keeping things moving along under very difficult circumstances. I would like to thank both Jim, for all his hard preparatory work in setting everything up in advance, and Iain for all his hard work on the day.
On a dreich, cold, damp day the ladies of the club lifted our spirits by serving delicious hot soup mid-afternoon which was greatly received by the fraters.
The final was contested by the Preceptories of Cunningham and Catrine & Sorn, with Cunningham winning a closely contested game by 5 shots to 4.
Cunningham Rink:
Lead Eddie Lawless, 2nd George Young, 3rd Willie Lindsay, Skip Ian Tremble
Catrine & Sorn Rink:
Lead Joe Hodge, 2nd Jim Dobbie, 3rd John Steel, Skip Tam Allan
I would like to thank Fr. James McCrindle for selling raffle tickets and all who donated prizes which enabled us to obtain the magnificent sum of £180.00 for the District Grand Prior’s Charity Fund.
Another very successful, although slightly soggy day.

J.M. Turner
D.G.P.

Church Service 8th May 2011 - The Old High Kirk Kilmarnock
Fratres last year I started my report by saying that “The Lord is guid tae his ane” as last year we had a lovely spring Sunday evening, we were not so lucky this year it being a colder and windier evening but it did not deter the fratres of Ayrshire and sister districts once again mustering at The Old High Kirk Kilmarnock for our annual divine service to be conducted by the Rev. Robert Travis, Minister of Irvine Old Parish Church.
District Grand Prior John M Turner was supported by I.P.D.G. P. Rt.Em.Fr. Peter C Watson K.C.T. and P.D.G.P. Rt.Em.Fr. J Draper K.C.T. and the following commissioned officers, Ven.Fr. Iain Murray District Grand Seneschal, Em.Fr. Sam Dickson District Grand Sub-Prior, V.Em.Fr. J Edgar District Grand Prelate and V.Em.Fr. Ross Campbell District Grand Secretary and Fratres of the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire, and it was their pleasure to welcome Rt.Em.Fr. James R Hodge P.P. K.C.T., Grand Seneschal of the Great Priory of Scotland. Rt.Em.Fr. Gavin K Wardrope P.P. G.C.T. Grand Constable of the Great Priory of Scotland. along with Rt.Em.Fr. Jock McKinnon G.C.T. Past Grand Prior of the Great Priory of Scotland.
Representing sister districts were Rt.Em.Fr. John West District Grand Prior of Dumfries & Galloway, accompanied by Past District Grand Prior John Taylor and Ven.Fr. John Cowan, Rt.Em.Fr. Tom Anderson, District Grand Prior of Forth Valley and fraters of Forth Valley, Rt.Em.Fr. James M Pettigrew District Grand Prior of Strathclyde and Strathclyde Fratres. Members representing Sister Orders Most Excellent Companion Gordon Booth Grand Superintendent of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ayrshire. and Companion David Ramsay Depute Grand Superintendent.
On Entering the Church the Fraters were welcomed with music from Flautist Ven Fr Alex Richmond of Muirkirk. After all were seated Rev. Robert wished all a very warm welcome after which he invited all to worship. The readings were by Ven Preceptor John Weir of Crosbie Troon & Ven. Preceptor Stuart Hamilton of Moira Union. The Reverend Robert expressed all our feelings when he welcomed Sheila Carswell back to our service, as far as I am aware last year was the first time in over twenty five years that Sheila has not graced and enriched our service with her singing.
During the Offering being uplifted the congregation was regaled by music from Flautist Ven.Fr. Alex Richmond of Muirkirk, and congratulations to Ven.Fr. Reid Allan, District Grand Mareschal, for the manner in which he carried out his duties.
At close of service, the fratres and families, due to the inclement weather, enjoyed an indoor Pilgrims fare so ably laid on by the Ladies of the Guild. DGP John closed the evening by presenting a bouquet of flowers to Sheila and to Rev Robert for his wife. A donation was uplifted and presented to the Ladies of the Guild as a thank you for their hard work.
DGP John thanked all who had travelled from near and far to join in worship with the members of the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire and wished all a safe journey home.
V.Em.Fr. J HH Edgar P.P. DG Prelate

Great Priory March 2011
The fratres of Ayrshire turned out in large numbers yet again for the Muster of the Great Priory of Scotland. The District Grand Prior must be proud of the number of fratres from Ayrshire who continue to give their support at each Muster of Great Priory.
It was a particularly memorable day for Ayrshire fratres with Past District Grand Prior Peter Watson P.P. receiving his KCT.
Next the Grand Officers were installed by the Grand Seneschal, Ayrshire's own Rt.Em.Fr. Jim Hodge P.P. KCT, with V.Em.Fr. Jim Edgar P.P. installed as Grand Beaucennifer, V.Em.Fr. David Park P.P. as Grand Second Aide and V.Em.Fr. Ross Campbell P.P. as Dep. Grand Mareschal.
Grand Master's Guard of Honour was then installed with yet more Ayrshire fratres. Ven.Fr. Reid Allan was installed as Captain of the Guard and Ven.Fratres Denis Morton, Tom Dunlop and David Murray as members of the Guard.
At the election for Grand Master's Council V.Em.Fr. David Park and V.Em.Fr. Ross Campbell were both elected.
In all, a successful day for Ayrshire.