220921 Provost's Report
North Ayrshire Council · 21 September 2022
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 21 September 2022 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: 13 June – 4 September 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 • • • 1 PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 13 June – 4 September 2022 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in several events, including: Ayrshire Hospice, Forget-Me-Not Display, Troon, 16 June On 16 May, I attended the Ayrshire Hospice forget-me-not display at the Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon. The display consisted of a sea of hand-crafted forget-me-nots in the grounds of the hotel. This launched their appeal to the Ayrshire community to donate in the memory of a loved one. I was delighted to lend my support to such a worthwhile cause. Queen’s Baton Relay Visit to Arran, Brodick, Isle of Arran, 19 June On 19 June, I was delighted to join residents and visitors on the Isle of Arran to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay. The event celebrated the significant role of sport in our communities, and everyone was encouraged to get behind Team Scotland in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. David Dickie Retirement, Community Centre, Beith, 8 July On 8 July, I attended Mr David Dickie’s retirement event in Beith Community Centre. Mr Dickie had served Beith Community Association for 48 years, which is an impressive achievement. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our local communities, and I was very keen to attend to show our appreciation of his service. Three Towns Growers Duck Day, Ardrossan, 16 July On 16 July, I attended Three Towns Growers Duck Day in Ardrossan. This fundraising event was a great success and enjoyed by many. Events like these highlight some of the excellent work that goes on in our communities throughout North Ayrshire. Making Waves Festival, Irvine, 23 July On 24 July, I attended the Making Waves Festival at Irvine Beach Park. The Festival saw the return of live music to the area for the first time in 25 years. A range of live music and special events made up what was a fantastic programme of weekend events. The event intended to put Irvine on the map, showcasing the place and the community assets available that will be
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 developed and enhanced as part of the ground-breaking £30m investment in tourism assets in North Ayrshire through the Ayrshire Growth Deal. Feis Arainn, Arran High School, 29 July I attended the Feis Arainn in Arran High School on 29 July. I was treated to a concert of traditional music, culture, and Gaelic language. Traditional music tuition and Gaelic arts experience was offered to young people from the age of eight during the Feis which culminated in the concert which was enjoyed by all. Through the Lens Photo Competition, Trinity Active Travel Hub, Irvine, 6 August On 6 August, I presented the prizes to the winners of the “Through the Lens” competition organised by Trinity Active Travel Hub. Thanks to the entrants, we received some stunning images of parts of North Ayrshire. The images highlighted what a great place we live in and how attractive it is to visitors. Marymass Festival, Irvine, 11-22 August Marymass Festival took place from 11 until 22 August and I was delighted to formally open the Festival at Irvine Town House. During the period of the Festival, I attended the Kirking of the Captain at Irvine’s Old Parish Church, I welcomed the Marymass Queen and her Marys to Cunninghame House, I welcomed a delegation from Irvine’s Twin Town, Voisins and I received guests from near and far to a special reception on Marymass Saturday. The festival was an enormous success this year, and the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes by volunteers is admirable. SeaSalt Streets Community Event, Saltcoats, 13 August On 13 August, I was given a tour of Saltcoats Town Centre by SeaSalt Streets, a group of local volunteers looking at ways to improve the area. The Group use creative approaches to enhance the look of the Town. I was delighted to hear from the Group about their plans and the recent initiatives they have been involved with. Mrs Nancy Phillips 100th Birthday, Kilwinning, 13 August One of the duties I get to conduct as Provost is acknowledging a resident of North Ayrshire when they reach their 100th birthday. On 13 August, I visited Mrs Nancy Phillips of Kilwinning who was celebrating her birthday with her family and friends and I presented her with a basket of flowers and special card.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 Largs Viking Festival, 27 August – 4 September, Largs I attended the opening of this year’s Largs Viking Festival on 27 August and was delighted to formally welcome local people and visitors alike to the annual event. Thousands of people attended the 9-day festival which was an overwhelming success. The Festival showcases North Ayrshire at its very best. The Viking Festival Board, who are all volunteers, produce the annual event which goes from strength to strength each year. My thanks go to everyone involved. Retirement Presentation, Glengarnock, 31 August On 31 August, I was happy to visit Mr Jim Walker, veterinary surgeon covering the Garnock Valley, on his final day of practice. The local community raised over £2000 to show their appreciation of Mr Walker’s work over the years and I was extremely delighted to present the cheque to him. Irvine Burns Club Concert, Irvine, 31 August Later in the evening of 31 August, I visited the Irvine Burns Club for a tour round the Club and museum before enjoying a wonderful concert where the Calgary Burns Club singers performed. It was truly great to hear some of the traditional Scottish songs sung with such beautiful voices. Thank you to the Club and to the Calgary Burns Club singers for such a special evening. Garnock Valley Locality “Getting to Know You” Event, 6 September On 6 September, I attended a “Getting to Know you” event held at Bridgend Community Centre in Kilbirnie. This provided an opportunity for members of the Garnock Valley to meet the newly elected Community Reps. Irvine Royal Academy Senior Prizegiving, 7 September I was delighted to be asked along to Irvine Royal Academy Senior Prizegiving held on 7 September. It really was special to see the pupils being recognised for their achievements during the past year, made even more so, given they have adapted to new ways of learning during the Covid pandemic. My thanks to teachers, school staff and of course, to the pupils, for letting me be part of your celebrations. Passing of our Majesty, the Queen, 8 – 9 September I was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of her Majesty, the Queen on 8 September. The country has lost a great Head of State, one who was bound to a life of public duty. On behalf of the Elected Members and the people of North Ayrshire, I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to the new King and to the rest of the Royal Family.
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 Books of condolence have been set up through North Ayrshire and I will attend the Service at St Giles cathedral as Provost of North Ayrshire to pay last respects on behalf of the Elected Members of North Ayrshire Council and our communities. Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council