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220622 Provost's Report

North Ayrshire Council · 22 June 2022
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 22 June 2022 and its agenda

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Page 1

PROVOST’S
REPORT
For the period covering: 19 May – 12 June 2022 
The attached report gives a summary and brief details to Council, of
meetings and events attended by the Provost of North Ayrshire
Council, Anthea Dickson.

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PROVOST’S REPORT
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PROVOST’S REPORT
For the period covering: 19 May – 12 June 2022 
Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in several events, including:
Opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh, 21
May
On 21 May, I was in Edinburgh on my first official engagement as Provost. The event was the
opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.  Many other local authorities
throughout Scotland were represented at this annual event. I took part in a procession to the
Assembly Hall which was followed by the Official Opening Ceremony and ended with a reception
hosted by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. 
Barmill Jolly Beggars’ Burns Club, Platinum Jubilee Celebration, Beith, 28
May
On 28 May, I attended the Barmill Jolly Beggars’ Burns Club, Platinum Jubilee Celebration, in
Beith. My congratulations go to the organisers of this community celebration which was enjoyed
by many. Events like these bring people together and put the spotlight on the hard-working
volunteers who do so much in their local community. 
Cunninghame Choir Concert, Community Centre, Beith, 29 May
I attended the Cunninghame Choir Concert, in Beith Community Centre on 29 May. This was
their first concert in two years. The evening presentation started with some audience
participation prior to treating the audience to a performance of Fauré's Requiem. They were
wonderfully led by Tiffany Vong, accompanied by Maciej Granat, and supported by guest soloists
Tamsin Birch and Michael Longden. The concert also raised money for DEC Ukraine.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration, 2-5 June
Some of the amazing work that goes on in our communities was highlighted during The Queen’s
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, I attended as many events as I was able but was aware of many
other events taking place throughout North Ayrshire at this time and my appreciation goes to all
those who arranged and supported these activities.

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PROVOST’S REPORT
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In the afternoon of 2 June, I took part in Beith’s Platinum Jubilee events, which included a special
parade, performances, raising of the jubilee flag and an official proclamation by the Town Crier. 
On the evening of 2 June, I had the pleasure of lighting Irvine’s Beacon alongside Depute
Lieutenant Evelyn McCann and Jayden Smith, Coastwatch Volunteer of the Year. This formed
part of the national Platinum Jubilee celebrations where over 1,500 beacons were lit throughout
the nation, Commonwealth capitals and UK Overseas Territories in recognition of Her Majesty
the Queen’s remarkable 70 years on the throne.
On 5 June, I along with the Depute Lieutenant and colleagues attended the Platinum Jubilee
Service, in Old Parish Church, Irvine followed by the Big Jubilee Lunch in the Church Hall.  This
was a great opportunity for me to meet representatives from the many voluntary organisations
in the Irvine area.
Arran Pride, Isle of Arran, 4 June
On 4 June, I was delighted to attend and support the first ever Pride event on the Isle of Arran.
It was heartening to see so many individuals, groups and organisations taking part, not just from
the Island but from throughout Scotland. 
The atmosphere was incredible and was testament to the wonderful inclusive country in which
we live. The event was a celebration of our individuality and culture and instilled me with a great
sense of Pride. My thanks go to the organisers and to all those community groups and
organisations who supported the event.
Heritage Centre Visit, Saltcoats, 9 June
On 9 June, I along with some colleagues visited the Heritage Centre in Saltcoats. I viewed the
current exhibition "Following the Lights: the history of Scottish Lighthouses" and looked at the
wonderful artefacts pertaining to North Ayrshire that are on display. I would encourage you to
visit if you have not done so already.
Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Irvine, 9 June
On 9 June, I visited Mr and Mrs Auld from Irvine who were celebrating their Diamond Wedding
anniversary. I was delighted to be able to congratulate the couple on behalf of the Council.

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PROVOST’S REPORT
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Sir Tom Hunter School Challenge, Centerstage, Kilmarnock, 9 June
On 9 June, I attended the Sir Tom Hunter School Challenge where the finalists got to pitch their
ideas to a panel of judges.  Garnock Campus represented North Ayrshire and successfully
presented their product “mindfulness munchies” and went home with £1500 for their school. 
Congratulations to everyone involved.   
Cancer Research UK, Race for Life, 12 June
On 12 June, I was invited to start Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life event at Irvine Beach
Park. I was delighted to lend my support to such a worthwhile cause. Race for Life, in partnership
with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including
bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer,
children’s cancers and leukaemia.    
Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band, Jubilee Concert, Dreghorn, 12 June
On the afternoon of 12 June, I was entertained by Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band at a concert
held in Dunlop Memorial Hall, Dreghorn. The theme of the concert was The Queen’s Platinum
Jubilee. The concert was excellent and enjoyed by all. 
Councillor Anthea Dickson
Provost North Ayrshire Council