230621 Provost's Report
North Ayrshire Council · 21 June 2023
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 21 June 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 8 May – 11 June 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: 8 May – 11 June 2023 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Completion Ceremony, St. Michael’s Wynd, Kilwinning, 9 May On 9 May, I was in Kilwinning to officially mark the completion of the incredible St Michael’s Wynd development. This project follows on from the first phase development which saw 40 new homes created for tenants in 2012. This second phase provides 79 modern, energy efficient homes, including the homes within the new sheltered housing unit. Both phases have contributed towards the Council’s target of building 1,625 new homes across North Ayrshire by 2028 which is one of the biggest and most ambitious house building programmes in the country. Provost’s Visit, Farm Basket, Towerlands Farm Community Centre, Irvine, 10 May On 10 May, I visited the Farm Basket at Towerlands Farm Community Centre, in Irvine. Volunteers from Broomlands and Bourtreehill Community Association have worked hard to establish the larder to assist local families, by tackling food poverty with a dignified approach. The work carried out by these volunteers is inspiring and I was only too happy to visit and show our appreciation for all the excellent work that they do. Provost’s Visit, ‘Side Larder, Community Centre, Springside, 12 May On 1 May, I visited another excellent food project this time at Springside Community Centre. The ‘Side Larder’ provides great support to those in the local community facing difficulties. It was great to meet up with those involved with the project and hear not only about how the larder operates and the benefits it brings to families living in the local area but also of the activities and social events in the Community Centre.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 Irvine Incorporated Trades, Annual Burgh Ball, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, 13 May The Depute Provost attended the Annual Burgh Ball, hosted by Irvine Incorporated Trades on 13 May. This event has been running since 1975 and celebrates the ancient and Royal Burgh of Irvine. The Depute Provost proposed the toast to the Royal Burgh and acknowledged the voluntary work carried by the Incorporated Trades. Cunninghame Choir Spring Concert, Community Centre, Beith, 14 May On 14 May, I attended, Cunninghame Choir’s Spring Concert, in Beith Community Centre. For over 40 years the Choir has been performing and producing outstanding concerts. The Spring Concert was fantastic and well put together and was a joy for music lovers from the Garnock Valley and beyond. It also marked the end of Tiffany Vong’s 6 years as Musical Director, and the choir members, and the community, wished to thank her and wish her every success in the future. Opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh, 20 May On 20 May, the Depute Provost attended opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Many other local authorities were represented at this annual event. The Depute Provost took part in the procession to the Assembly Hall which was followed by the Official Opening Session and ended with a reception hosted by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Scottish Young Solo Performer of the Year, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, 21 May On 21 May, I attended the Scottish Young Solo Performer of the Year in the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow. 31 young people form throughout Scotland took part in this prestigious event. The winner of our own Singer of the Year Competition, Macy from St Matthew’s Academy, represented North Ayrshire. Each performance was exceptional, and all were worthy winners. Provost’s Visit, Friends of Redburn- Community Cafe, Irvine, 22 May On 22 May, I was delighted to visit the Redburn Centre in Irvine. The Friends of Redburn operated a warm hub over the winter, providing free community lunches, adult arts and craft activities and an afterschool family arts and craft club. The Group have been working in partnership with a community interest company “Lets Learn Outside the Classroom” and have gained further funding to continue to provide these services this up until the summer holidays.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 This is an example of good partnership working directly benefiting the local community. The work of the volunteers involved in this project is inspiring. Ground-breaking Ceremony, New Early Years and Primary School, Montgomerie Park, Irvine, 24 May I carried out the official ground-breaking duties on 24 May, for the new Early Years and Primary School at Montgomerie Park, Irvine. We already have a portfolio of wonderful schools and this new one will add to the many fantastic facilities. The fact that it will be our first Passivhaus school makes it extra interesting and exciting, and I very much look forward to the school being ready for our young people. Summer Show, Lockhart Campus, Stevenston, 24 May Also on 24 May, I attended “Sunshine on Leith”, the summer show by the pupils at Lockhart Campus. The show was excellent, and the hard work put in by both staff and pupils in the run up to the event was evident. Like the many people who attended I had a thoroughly entertaining evening and was inspired by all the performers. Provost’s Visit, Irvine Youth Legacy Hub, Irvine, 25 May On 25 May, I visited the Youth Legacy Hub in Irvine. I heard about all the excellent work that is carried out by Irvine Youth Forum, the activities that they are involved in and the role they play in tackling and reducing anti-social behaviour in the town centre. The Hub is a great venue for our young people to share their views and opinions and have a voice in the way we shape the services we provide for the youth of North Ayrshire. Provost’s Visit, Irvine Clean Up Crew, Irvine, 29 May On 29 May, I took part in in Irvine Clean Up Crew’s Litter Pick and Scavenger Hunt. The volunteers involved do a fantastic job in keeping Irvine Beach and the surrounding area clean, attractive and welcoming. They work tirelessly behind the scenes clearing up after others to ensure visitors get the best possible experience when visiting Irvine beach. With the fine weather this year, this has been even more challenging. I would encourage everyone to spread the message to keep North Ayrshire beautiful by disposing of rubbish responsibly.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 Provost’s Visit, Coastwatch, Irvine, 29 May Also on 29 May, I visited Coastwatch in Irvine. The Coastwatch station is staffed by volunteers who keep watch around the Ayrshire coast from Troon to Ardrossan. This excellent service provides a staffed watch room, a beach patrol and trained first aiders. Coastwatch volunteers also provide a vital link with the emergency services and are generally a great community resource. Arran Pride, Brodick, Isle of Arran, 3 June On 3 June, I attended Arran Pride, which is now in its second year. Many groups and organisations both locally and nationally took part in this wonderful event celebrating diversity and inclusion. There was an excellent representation from our Youth Services with over 20 young people over the six localities attending. Provost’s Visit, Language Cafe, Irvine 7 June I visited the Language Café on 7 June held in the Temple of Art Café in Irvine. A weekly meeting was set up after members of the New Scots community asked for an opportunity to boost their language skills in an informal and relaxed setting. The Group now meet every Wednesday afternoon where they can find out about what is happening in the local area, get help from volunteers to fill in paperwork, improve their English-speaking skills and find out more about Council services and support. This is a great resource helping people integrate into the community, make friends and communicate better. Auchenharvie Academy Celebrating Success Ceremony, Stevenston, 7 June On 7 June, I attended Auchenharvie Academy’s Celebrating Success Ceremony. I was delighted to attend this event which highlighted the skills and talents of our young people and their achievements at school. It is important to recognise these successes and encourage our young people as best we can. Keep Scotland Beautiful, Beach Award, Irvine, 8 June On 8 June, I joined volunteers from Irvine’s Clean Up Crew as a flag was raised to acknowledge that Irvine Beach received the Keep Scotland Beautiful Beach Award. This is down in no small measure to the volunteers who continually arrange litter pick-ups and support all the clean-up services that are already in place.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 5 Young Rock & Pop Musicians of the Year Competition, Town Hall, Saltcoats, 8 June On 8 June, I attended the Young Rock & Pop Musician of the Year Competition in Saltcoats Town Hall. The event was sponsored by Ardrossan Music Experience and featured performances by our young people from schools throughout North Ayrshire. The standard was extremely high and each of the finalists had the opportunity to work with singer/songwriter, JJ Gilmour in a one-to-one mentoring session. A great night of musical entertainment ensued highlighting the talents and ability of the young people and the excellent support and encouragement they receive from staff. DYW/HSCP Project Launch, Trindlemoss Day Opportunities, Irvine, 9 June On the 9 June, I along with the Lord Lieutenant officially launched two excellent projects at Trindlemoss Day Opportunities in Irvine. These innovative community projects are funded via NAHSCP and Developing Young Workforce. The projects are Baristamoss, a mobile Barista and The Glam Hideaway, a beauty room providing nail, hair and make-up treatments. Similar projects have been an enormous success and give those participating new skills and employment opportunities. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council