Review of the year

Jan 4 2013 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

Continuing our review of 2012 we take a look at the stories that made the headlines in the Irvine Herald.

JULY

Irvine singer Sean Kennedy lands a deal to sing at the opening of the Olympics. The 25-year-old is to sing at the Olympic Village and he plans to make a it a trip to land his big break.

Brave Rebecca Pilkington amazes doctors as she undergoes excruciating surgery to correct her curved spine. The Greenwood Academy pupil vows to get back to the football pitch in no time, much to the delight of mum Karen.

A pair of identical twins, Carol and Claire Forsyth, 22, celebrate double success as they graduate from Strathclyde University. Even stranger they graduate in the same subject, chemical engineering.

Kilwinning residents celebrate as the return of the Corsehill Gala is a huge success. Retired head teacher Mary McKee crowns Carly Sutherland Queen of the Corsehill.

AUGUST

Libraries in Irvine and Kilwinning have to order in more copies of racy 50 Shades of Grey as women are desperate to get a hold of the bestseller.

Lovely Emma Morrison is crowned Marymass Queen. The sun comes out for Emma and her royal family as Irvine enjoys its biggest day of the year.

Plans for a new 15 minute fast train for passengers from Irvine to Glasgow are revealed much to the delight of commuters in the town.

Irvine’s Braveheart Charity, set up in memory of Zak Scott, who lost his life when he was just 14 years old, is in the running for a brand new £250,000 house in a national competition.

Irvine couple Annie and Jim Montgomery survive two strokes to open a second pub in the town. The determined couple, who feared they would spend the rest of their lives in wheelchairs, defy the odds to open The Keys and The Harbour Lights.

SEPTEMBER

The Irvine Herald is re-launched with a brand new look for readers. Dad Martin McDonnell prepares to take part in the European Screwball Rally to raise money and awareness of Cerebella Ataxia, a rare form of cerebral palsy that his children Liam and Jessica suffer from.

Irvine’s Townhouse is sold for £1 as part of a deal to between the Common Good Fund and North Ayrshire Council. The deal means the council will have to spend £3.7 million upgrading the landmark building.

A new art studio opens in Irvine’s Rivergate Centre, a hub where the plans for the new Bridgegate go on show for people to see and pupils from the town’s secondary schools work on stained glass designs for the Trinity Church.

Kilwinning dad Craig Potter gears up to run the Loch Ness marathon to raise money for Crosshouse Hospital’s intensive care unit. The doting dad wants to thank them for caring for his son Colm who was born 11 weeks early.

OCTOBER

Irvine Herald reporter Ross Dunn signed up to grow a moustache for Movember, raising awareness of cancers affecting men.

Annick Primary teacher Jenny Ryrie was crowned Scottish Slimmer of the Year at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow. The 29-year-old from Kilwinning shed an amazing seven stones.

Former Irvine Royal Academy pupil Gregg Donohoe, 20, earned his wings by passing his Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

Irvine’s St Andrew’s Church hosted its first blessing ceremony for pets in the town. Dogs, cats, rabbits and even a horse could received a blessing.

NOVEMBER

Irvine Sub Aqua Club make a splash as they are given £10,000 from the National Lottery’s Awards for All. The club plan to buy equipment and recruit new members with the cash.

Pupils and staff celebrate as the brand new Dreghorn Primary opens its doors. To mark the occasion they walk from the old school to the new one as family members and residents line the street to cheer them on.

Irvine is featured in a new fantasy novel by former resident Mairi Craw. She creates a Marymass-style festival in her novel called Fairymass much to the delight of Irvine’s Carters’ Society.

James Watt student Lori Anne Alison from Stevenston wins a national competition for her make-up artistry skills. Lori Anne wins a two week internship at Illamasqua’s flagship store in London and £2000.

Lanfine Hall caretaker Eddie Hamilton is crowned a community champion for his devotion to the centre and the people who use it.

DECEMBER

Irvine couple receive a Christmas bonus to the tune of £20,000 thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery. Lucky Brian and Fay Wilson celebrate their news with their family and friends and Fay vows to give up work to spend time with husband Brian.

Great news for Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern as the group is given £8000 from the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Community Partnership Board. Centre volunteer and RBS worker Lisa Stewart nominates the group for the funding.

Irvine actor Rab Affleck lands a role in hit show Doctor Who. He has to keep tight-lipped about the plot and his character but is thrilled to star in one of his favourite television shows.

Community policewoman and football coach Siobhan Kay travels to London to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. She is named Unsung Hero for her work in girls’ football and is nominated for the award by star player Erin McAuley.

Pennyburn couple Scott Caldwell and Gemma Fullarton are overwhelmed when neighbours and friends rally round to make sure their Christmas goes ahead after a house fire.