Provost Report
North Ayrshire Council · 18 September 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 18 September 2024 and its agenda
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PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 17 June – 8 September 2024 The attached report gives a summary and brief details to Council, of meetings and events attended by the Provost of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Anthea Dickson.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 1 PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 17 June – 8 September 2024 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Prizegiving, Lockhart Campus, Stevenston, 17 June On 17 June, I attended the prizegiving ceremony at Lockhart Campus in Stevenston. This was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the pupils and acknowledge all their hard work. Summer Cabaret, Irvine Royal Academy, 20 June On 20 June, I was at Irvine Royal Academy for their Summer Cabaret event. I am always delighted to attend events like these, which highlight the exceptional talent we have in our schools and the support and encouragement the young people receive from staff. Film Premiere, St. Palladius Primary School, Dalry, 21 June On 21 June, I attended the premiere of St. Palladius Primary School’s film, “St. Palladius Grows” which documented the school’s journey towards sustainability. The documentary was created by the pupils who learned all aspects of documentary making as well as knowledge about their environment. They brought so much enthusiasm to this project. Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra Summer Concert, Town Hall, Ayr, 22 June On 22 June, I attended Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra’s Summer Concert in Ayr Town Hall. The performances from the incredibly talented young people were excellent. The Orchestra offers so many opportunities and experiences to their members from throughout Ayrshire, which results in some memorable concerts. 250th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service, Old Parish Church, Irvine, 23 June On 23 June, a thanksgiving service took place in Irvine’s Old Parish Church to mark its 250th anniversary. Many local organisations and special guests attended the event. The Council has been integral to the history of the Church, and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read a lesson.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 CHA Tenants’ Association Conference, Seamill, 26 June On 26 June, I attended Cunninghame Housing Association’s Tenants’ Conference in the Seamill Hydro. The conference also marked the 40th Anniversary of CHA. The conference is arranged by a working group consisting of tenants, which ensures that topical issues are addressed. Marymass Festival Patrons Night, Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, 27 June On 27 June, I attended the Marymass Festival Patrons’ Night in the Harbour Arts Centre. The purpose of the event was for the Marymass Committee to launch the festival programme, introduce this year’s Marymass Queen Elect and her Marys and thank the patrons for their continued support. Fullarton Care Home Open Day, Irvine, 28 June I visited Fullarton Care Home on 28 June, on their annual open day. It was great to be given the opportunity to chat to some of the residents and members of staff. A fun filled afternoon was arranged for the residents, featuring some live music and various activities. Armed Forces Day, Irvine, 29 June On 29 June, the Depute Provost attended the Armed Forces Day Service in Irvine. Arranged by the Irvine Branch of the Royal British Legion, the service acknowledged all those currently serving in our Armed Forces. Garnock Valley Youth Forum Coffee Morning, Bridgend Community Centre, Kilbirnie, 17 July On 17 July, the Garnock Vally Youth Forum arranged a coffee morning, in Bridgend Community Centre, to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. It was good to see the community support for such a great cause and the commitment of our young people. Meeting SSAFA Branch Chair, Provost’s Office, Irvine, 22 July On 22 July, I had an introductory meeting with Elaine McFadyen, who has recently taken on the role as Branch Chair for SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity). It was good to hear about her plans to provide support to veterans and to work with other similar organisations to provide a greater service.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 Provost’s Visit, Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, Kilbirnie, 24 July On 24 July, I visited the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed in Kilbirnie. It was uplifting to hear of the growth, development and community engagement that is going on. Another splendid example of the excellent work carried out by volunteers in our communities. Provost’s Visit, Garnock Valley Allotments, Kilbirnie, 24 July Also on 24 July, I visited the Garnock Valley Allotments and met up with members of the organisation. It was very pleasing to see the development and use of the allotments and a visit allows the opportunity to speak to the people involved and get their first-hand views. It is also important for me to be able to thank community volunteers for the work they carry out for the benefit of others. Provost’s Visit, Dalry Community Garden, 25 July On 25 July, I met up with another group of volunteers at the Dalry Community Garden. The garden was looking beautiful, and it is most impressive how it has brought so many in the community together for different uses. Party in the Park, Dalry, 3 August On 3 August, I visited Party in the Park in Dalry, a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining event with loads of community involvement and participation. Another notable example of the work carried out by volunteers in our vibrant communities. Three Towns Growers Annual Duck Day, Ardrossan, 3 August On the afternoon of 3 August, I attended the Three Towns Growers’ Annual Duck Day event in Ardrossan. This fun-filled event captured the commitment of the volunteers, behind the Three Towns Growers, to their local community and showcased the variety of produce grown and the increase in biodiversity at that location. Scottish Young Carers’ Festival, Dunfermline, 8 August On 8 August, I attended the Scottish Young Carers’ Festival in Dunfermline. The event brings young carers together to have fun, meet new friends and have a meaningful break from their caring role. A key part of the Festival was to provide a platform for young carers to engage with key decision makers and raise awareness of the issues they face daily. Drama for Wellbeing Showcase, Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, 9 August On 9 August, I attended the Drama for Wellbeing Showcase in the Harbour Arts Centre. Through the power of drama therapy, young people were empowered to connect, express
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 themselves and address crucial mental health and wellbeing issues. Young people from our primary and secondary schools, did an amazing job sharing their work with others. Marymass Festival Opening Ceremony, Irvine, 15 August On 15 August, I officially opened this year’s Marymass Festival at Irvine Townhouse. On the evening, Gordon Storrar was announced as Captain of the Carters’ Society for 2024 and the Marymass Queen Elect and her four Marys were presented with their sashes. Many people attended the reception, including community group representatives, festival patrons and supporters. The event signified the start of the 12-day programme of events. Kirking of the Captain of Irvine Carters’ Society, Old Parish Church, Irvine, 18 August On 18 August, I attended the “Kirking” ceremony in the Old Parish Church. This started with a parade from Irvine Townhouse to the Church and was followed by a service marking the continuation of Gordon Storrar’s term as Captain of the Carters’ Society. Many community organisations attended this traditional event. Meeting Marymass Queen Elect, Cunninghame House, Irvine, 19 August On 19 August, I hosted a visit by the Marymass Queen Elect and her Marys in Cunninghame House. I heard all about what the festival means to them and their families and about their ambitions for the future. Former Provosts Joan Sturgeon and Pat McPhee visited too and shared their Marymass experiences and imparted some words of wisdom. West of Scotland Schools Showcase Concert, City Hall, Glasgow, 20 August On 20 August, I attended the West of Scotland Schools Showcase Concert in Glasgow. The event featured the Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. The programme included Symphony Fantastique and Un Cafecito by Denis Linas. Among the performers were pupils from Kilwinning Academy, Auchenharvie Academy, Largs Academy and St Matthew’s Academy. TACT Awards, New Scots Volunteers, Saltcoats Town Hall, 22 August On 22 August, I was delighted to attend this awards ceremony and recognise the dedication of two exceptional groups of volunteers.- firstly, the ESOL volunteers who have been excellent in their commitment to helping New Scots develop their English language skills, and secondly the group of New Scots themselves who have made such a positive contribution to the community through their volunteer work.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 5 Marymass Saturday, Irvine, 24 August On 24 August, thousands of people gathered for the traditional Marymass Saturday celebrations in Irvine. A host of community-based activities took place alongside the traditional elements of the Festival. I hosted a reception in Irvine Townhouse prior to the crowning of the Marymass Queen. My guests included my fellow councillors, chief officers and a wide range of community representatives. After the parade to Irvine Moor, I hosted the annual Marymass luncheon, where I welcomed guests representing many local community organisations. This gave me the opportunity to thank these volunteers for the tremendous work they carry out. I encouraged community groups to support each other and get behind the Marymass Festival Committee by fundraising on their behalf throughout the year. To start this off I encouraged my guests to donate to the Festival Committee, that afternoon. A total of £912 was raised which will go towards next year’s Festival. Marymass Festival Church Services and Carters’ Lunch, Irvine, 25 August On 25 August, I attended the traditional Divine Services at Irvine Old Parish Church in the morning and at St Mary’s Church, early evening. The inclement weather did not stop the parades taking place to each event, which were well attended. In between the services, I attended the annual Carter’ Lunch in Irvine Golf Club and where we reflected on the success of the previous day. Violence Against Women Conference, Fullarton Connexions, Irvine, 30 August On 30 August, I attended the Violence Against Women Conference in Irvine. The conference featured a presentation by North Ayrshire Women’s Aid on the findings of Dr Briege Nugent’s latest research on post-pandemic service provision. The keynote speaker was Dr Jane Monckton -Smith who delivered Homicide Timeline Training and Suicide Timeline Training. This was a very illuminating and informative conference and highlighted the need for everyone to be better informed in recognising that domestic violence is a form of coercive control. Opening of the 2024 Largs Viking Festival, 31 August Thousands of people descended on Largs for the opening of the 2024 Viking Festival, on 31 August. I was delighted to take part in the opening parade and then give an official welcome, on behalf of the Council, on the festival stage. The Festival Committee, who are all volunteers, have put in a huge amount of work in arranging the Festival, which is firmly established in Scotland’s annual events programme. I hosted a reception in the afternoon to thank the Festival Board, Committee Members and supporters for the exceptional work they do for their local community.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 6 Garnock Valley Carves, Manse Field, Beith, 7 September On 7 September, I attended Garnock Valley Carves, in Beith. The event featured carvers from home and abroad, who are given four hours to create their carvings from large logs. The results were most impressive. The event included entertainment for all the family and attracted visitors from near and far. The event is run by volunteers, who dedicate their own free time for the benefit of their local community. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council