Provosts Report
North Ayrshire Council · 14 May 2025
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 14 May 2025 and its agenda
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 17 March – 4 May 2025 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 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 17 March – 4 May 2025 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Provost’s Visit, Cranberry Moss Art Group, Cranberry Moss Community Centre, Kilwinning, 18 March On 18 March, I visited Cranberry Moss Art Group in Kilwinning. This group have been running for approximately three months, and now many of the members have started painting at home to further their learning. It is hoped that an exhibition can be arranged at a later date to display the artworks and individual achievements. It was good to get an insight into some of the activities that are delivered in our local communities. Provost’s Visit, Take Time Families, Kilwinning Library, 19 March On 19 March, I visited the Take Time Families project at Kilwinning library. This group provides support to families focusing on mental health and wellbeing. Members of the group are encouraged to build toolkits that support positive wellbeing outcomes for the whole family, and it was a good to chat with the parents and young people who enjoy the guided and mutual support. Cyber Explorers Conference, Ardeer Youth and Community Centre, Stevenston, 21 March On 21 March, I was delighted to welcome everyone to the first Cyber Explorers Conference in North Ayrshire. Cyber Explorers and the CyberFirst programme, inspire and encourage young people to learn about how they can boost their cyber skills, and it is fantastic to see such rich engagement and enthusiasm for computing science in our schools and communities. Those who have taken part are energised and most importantly knowledgeable of the cyber landscape, not only the dangers it poses but also the wealth of opportunities it can bring.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Young Enterprise Scotland, Ayrshire Regional Finals, UWS Ayr Campus, 21 March On 21 March, I attended the Young Enterprise Scotland, Ayrshire Regional Finals in Ayr. There was plenty of evidence of creative talent and entrepreneurialism on show. Congratulations to Garnock Campus’ Young Enterprise team, Valmoss, for winning the Sustainability Award. Provost’s Visit, Kilwinning Transition, Kilwinning Academy, 27 March I was in Kilwinning Academy on 27 March to visit the transition group, Primary 7 young people across the Kilwinning locality cluster schools come along in preparation for their move to the Academy in August. The group navigate the changes between primary school to secondary school with various activities and programmes to ensure young people feel as comfortable as possible with the move. CLD Celebration Event, Civic Centre, Ardrossan, 27 March On the evening of 27 March, I welcomed everyone to the Community Learning and Development, Celebration Event in Ardrossan Civic Centre. During the evening, we heard more about the fantastic work carried out by the CLD Team – whether through youth work, adult learning, or volunteering in the community. We also had the honour of presenting three awards. The first two were named in the memory of two incredibly special individuals, Shirley Morgan and Alex Pettigrew, who made a profound impact on our communities. The third was a special recognition award, celebrating outstanding dedication and service. HMS Dasher Memorial Service, Ardrossan, 30 March On 30 March, the Depute Provost attended the HMS Dasher Memorial Service in Ardrossan. The event, which was arranged the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston Branch of the British Legion, started with a parade and was followed by a wreath-laying service. The HMS Dasher sank, off the coast of Ardrossan, in 1943 with the loss of 379 lives. Creative Arts Showcase, Irvine Royal Academy, 31 March On 31 March, I attended the “Believe in Better” creative arts showcase at Irvine Royal Academy. This was a celebration of the SQA work produced by the senior pupils in art, photography, music and music technology.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Duke of Edinburgh Awards Presentation Evening, St Matthew’s Academy, Saltcoats, 2 April On 2 April, I was in St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats for the North Ayrshire Duke of Edinburgh Awards presentation evening. The event showcased the commitment, dedication and resilience of the participants. I was extremely delighted to present the gold awards on the evening to the worthy recipients. North Ayrshire Schools’ Flagship Concert, Garnock Community Campus, Glengarnock, 3 April I attended North Ayrshire Schools’ Flagship Concert in Garnock Community Campus, on 3 April. As always, the event was an overwhelming success and featured the senior and training concert bands, junior and senior orchestras, the chamber string group and special guests. I am always inspired by the incredible talents of our young people in our schools across North Ayrshire. Garnock Valley Men’s Shed Re-Launch, Kilbirnie, 12 April On 12 April, I attended the re-launch of the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed in Kilbirnie. This initiative has given men a place in which to work, share their skills and to inspire others. The membership has grown so much so that the group have assisted in setting up, another Men’s Shed in Dalry and supported the establishment of a further five Men’s Sheds in North Ayrshire. The dedication of these men is inspiring and is a legacy for the former chair, who recently passed away. Arran CVS 60th Anniversary Celebration, Arran, 26 April On 26 April, the Depute Provost attended Arran CVS 60th Anniversary celebration in Arran High School. The event offered residents the opportunity to connect with a wide range of community groups, explore volunteering opportunities, and learn more about local services. Approximately 300 community members attended, making the day a success in raising the profile of volunteering, gathering public feedback, and highlighting the vital contributions of community groups to the wellbeing of Arran’s residents. John Galt Day, Irvine, 2 May On 2 May, Irvine Burns Club recognised the birth of John Galt in Irvine on 2nd May 1779. Galt became the Club’s first Honorary Member in 1828, and the Club is a member of the John Galt Society. I was delighted to attend this ceremony which took place at Galt’s birthplace at 167 High Street, Irvine.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council