230517 ProvostsReport
North Ayrshire Council · 17 May 2023
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 17 May 2023 and its agenda
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PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 20 March – 7 May 2023 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: 20 March – 7 May 2023 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Provost’s Visit, West Kilbride Environmental Group, West Kilbride, 20 March On 20 March, I visited West Kilbride Environmental Group and met the volunteers who have taken responsibility for the development and maintenance of some community gardens and green spaces throughout West Kilbride. We met at Garratt Gardens, a former quarry, which has now been developed into a gardening hub. Provost’s Visit, Largs Resilience Team, 20 March I went to Largs in the afternoon of 20 March, to meet some of the members of the Largs Resilience Team. I got an insight into some of the impressive work they carry out. Not only do they support local events and services, but they help strengthen links between community organisations and share their knowledge further afield. The Team is an asset to the North Coast. Christian Aid Lent Lunch, Clark Memorial Church, Largs, 22 March On 22 March, I attended the 50th Anniversary of Christian Aid Lent Lunches in Clark Memorial Church, Largs. It is estimated that over the years the lunches have raised more than £60,000 for the relief work that is carried out by Christian Aid. Garnock Spring Concert, Garnock Campus, 23 March I attended the Garnock Campus Spring Concert on 23 March. The standard of the performances was outstanding. It is always a pleasure to attend events like these which highlight the talents of the young people in our schools.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 HMS Dasher Memorial Service, Ardrossan, 26 March On 26 March, I attended the HMS Dasher Memorial Service in Ardrossan. Arranged by the Saltcoats, Stevenston and Ardrossan branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the commemoration marked the 80th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Dasher where 397 lives were sadly lost. Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Presentation Evening, Ardrossan, 29 March On 29 March, I was delighted to present the Gold Awards at the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Presentation in Ardrossan Civic Centre. This was an excellent evening celebrating the achievements of our young people, hearing about their experiences and their learning. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme has such a positive impact on those who take part, and it is great to be able to acknowledge each participant’s effort. North Ayrshire School’s Flagship Concert, Dalry Primary School, 30 March I attended the North Ayrshire School’s Flagship Concert in Dalry Primary School on 30 April. The concert featured North Ayrshire Schools’ Junior and Senior Orchestra, the Training and Senior Concert Band and the Chamber String Group. This was the first Flagship Concert since the Covid pandemic which made it extra special to see all the musicians performing together again. I got the opportunity to congratulate every young person that took part and commended them on their recent successes at the Ayrshire Music Festival, Scottish Concert Band Festival and the Scottish Pipe Band Championships. Lady Margaret Court Opening Ceremony, Millport, 17 April On 17 April, I was delighted to attend the official ceremony making the completion of Lady Margaret Court on Millport. The 18 affordable homes consisted of general needs houses, amenity bungalows and homes for wheelchair users. All were built in accordance with the greener standard, ensuring that they are as environmentally friendly as possible. St Colm’s Gardens Opening Ceremony, Largs, 17 April Also on 17 April, I attended the official ceremony to mark the completion of St Colm’s Gardens in Largs. The development replaces the former St. Colm’s Place sheltered housing complex which was demolished back in June 2021. The 29 homes at this development have contributed towards the Councils target of building 1,625 new homes across North Ayrshire by 2028.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 Ship Ahoy! Exhibition, Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, 22 April The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine hosted the Ship Ahoy! Exhibition on 22 April, which I officially opened. This exhibition was arranged by a group of like-minded volunteers with a passion for West Coast of Scotland maritime history. There were many interesting exhibits on display including at least thirty model boats from the 1900’s to the modern day, all built with an unrivalled passion which showed in the splendid finish. The Men’s Shed and the Scottish Boatbuilding School were also at the event. West of Scotland Padel Championships, Industrial Estate, Stevenston, 23 April On 23 April, I attended the LTA Grade 1 Scottish Padel Championships hosted by the West of Scotland Padel Club in Stevenston. Eleven local members were competing in the event which attracted competitors from all over the UK. The Club is run by volunteers and is open all year round. Moorpark Primary Topping Out Ceremony, Kilbirnie, 26 April On 26 April, I, along with school pupils, carried out the official topping out ceremony at the new Moorpark Primary School in Kilbirnie. It is envisaged that this will be come a vibrant and sustainable learning centre for the whole community, within and outwith school hours. I look forward to the completion later this year. Barmill Jolly Beggars Concert, St Columba’s Church, Kilbirnie, 30 April An excellent afternoon of entertainment took place in St Columba’s Church in Kilbirnie on 30 April. Arranged by Barmill Jolly Beggars Club, the event featured performances from pupils from Garnock Campus and Kilwinning Orchestral Flutes. It was wonderful to hear the versatility of the flutes when played with the full range of different sized instruments by such accomplished musicians. When people come together in celebration and performance, it brings about a certain civic pride in all of us and highlights all the positive aspects in our towns and the people involved in making events like these happen, with one organising group raising funds for another community need. John Gault Day, Commemoration of his birth in Irvine, 2 May I joined members of Irvine Burns Club and Irvine Lasses Burns Club as Angus Middleton, President laid a wreath at the site of John Gault’s birth in 1779 in Main Street. It is fitting that we remember such accomplished former citizens.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 “Slow Down When Someone Dies” Launch, Fullarton Hub, Irvine, 4 May On 4 May, I attended an event in Fullarton Hub hosted by No-one Dies Alone Ayrshire, a charity providing compassionate care to people in our communities who are alone and dying. As well as hearing about the work of the organisation, “Slow Down When Someone Dies” a book written by two trustees of the charity Pushing Up The Daisies was launched. It was a fascinating afternoon learning about choices available to families to help them come to terms with death of a loved one. It is always great to hear about the excellent work that goes on in our communities to support our residents when they need it most. Ardrossan WW1 Memorial Centenary, Ardrossan, 5 May On 5 May, I joined the Depute Lieutenant, members of the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, our MP, local members and members of the public in Ardrossan to mark the centenary and rededication of the World War One Memorial. One hundred years has passed since this memorial was first unveiled, to mark the lives lost in the1914-1918 War. Although a considerable time has passed, we will always remember those lives lost in this war and in subsequent wars and conflict and for the ultimate sacrifice paid by these brave service men and women. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council