'Community News'
EAST AYRSHIRE SPORT COUNCIL AWARDS CEREMONY
The East Ayrshire Sports Council Awards Ceremony took place at the Galleon Leisure Centre, Kilmarnock on Tuesday 27 January.
East Ayrshire Sports Council promotes the development of sport in East Ayrshire by supporting and advising local voluntary sports clubs, promoting joint work between member clubs and organisations and ensuring best practice and standards amongst member clubs.
The Sports Council Awards recognise outstanding achievements of individuals involved with sport and leisure either as a performer or coach / volunteer for their hugely valuable time and effort in developing a magnificent range of sporting and leisure activities in East Ayrshire.
A record-breaking 19 awards were presented and a large number of nominations of extremely high standard were received from all sports clubs affiliated to East Ayrshire and the Sports Council.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, who attended the ceremony, said: "I am delighted about the high standard and number of nominations we received for the awards. It's so pleasing to see the passion, commitment and involvement with sport at various levels throughout the authority. It is important to recognise the contribution that individuals make to sport within East Ayrshire and I was impressed with the high calibre of nominations received. Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up for their outstanding achievements during 2008!"
The following awards were presented at the ceremony:
Disabled Sports Person of the Year - made to a disabled person who has exhibited one or more of the following attributes in connection with their sport: dedication, effort, fair play, determination, performance/Improvement and popularity.
Service to Sport Awards ? made to a person who has shown outstanding commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in their sport over a considerable period. Nominees could be one of, or a combination of, the following: coach, committee member; volunteer or fundraiser.
Performance of the Year Award ? presented to an individual who has had significant achievements in their sport, having demonstrated a high level of performance and significant success in competition.
Club of the Year - honouring the magnificent work of the sports clubs in East Ayrshire and recognises the club's pro-active approach to development including: commitment to developing coaches and volunteers; development of pathways for athletes to develop; development of links between clubs and schools, access to structured competition and partnership working between National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities and other Clubs.
Jim Higgins Youth Sports Personality of the Year Award - this award recognises the contribution that young people, under the age of 18, have made to sports clubs through their dedication, effort, fair play, determination, performance and popularity. Young people are the future of our sports clubs and it is important that we encourage and nurture them and allow them to grow in their various roles in sport as participants, volunteers, coaches and role models.
East Ayrshire's Leisure Development Services also presented the following awards on the night: Sessional Employee of the Year; Young Leader of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Nominees were selected for their determination, dedication, fair play and popularity with colleagues and participants.
For more information or to affiliate to East Ayrshire Sports Council please contact Evelyn Milligan, Club, Coach and Volunteer Development Officer on 01563 576718 or evelyn.milligan@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
A full list of the winners and runners-up is set out in the table below.
East Ayrshire Sports Council Awards 2008
Winner Runner Up Runner Up
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Disabled Sportsperson of the Year
2008
Scott Connelly
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Jim Higgins Youth Sports Personality of the Year
2008
Lyndsay McCreath East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Jim Higgins Youth Sports Personality of the Year
2008
Georgi Black East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Jim Higgins Youth Sports Personality of the Year
2008
Sarah Murray
East Ayrshire Sports Council & Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils
Winner
Service to Sport Award
2008
Eddie Cassidy East Ayrshire Sports Council & Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils
Runner Up
Service to Sport Award
2008
Ian Higgins East Ayrshire Sports Council & Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils
Runner Up
Service to Sport Award
2008
Stewart Bennett
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Individual Performance of the Year
2008
Peter Kirkbride East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Individual Performance of the Year
2008
Allan Lusk East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Individual Performance of the Year
2008
James Reed
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Sports Club of the Year
2008
Sports for Special Needs East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Sports Club of the Year
2008
K.A.W.L.C East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Sports Club of the Year
2008
Aquarius Gymnastics Club
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Sessional Employee of the Year
2008
Iain McGregor East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Sessional Employee of the Year
2008
John Jones
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Young Leader of the Year
2008
Sarah Stevenson East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Young Leader of the Year
2008
Tammy Burns
East Ayrshire Sports Council
Winner
Volunteer of the Year
2008
Jack Fleming East Ayrshire Sports Council
Runner Up
Volunteer of the Year
2008
Laura Fowler
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The Spring Spectacular Concert, presented by East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service, will give the opportunity to two hundred young musicians from across all of East Ayrshire to perform at the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock on Thursday 5 March at 7:00p.m.
Councillor Jim Roberts, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning said: "There will be a wide variety of groups performing on the night; East Ayrshire Senior Choir, Intermediate Choir, Brass Band, Pipes and Drums, Senior String Orchestra and Double Bass Choir. One of the many highlights of the night will be the first performance of 'A Sense of Place, A Sense of Time' for Brass Band and Choir by the composer Alan Fernie. This work was commissioned as part the Homecoming 2009 celebrations and looks at the heritage of East Ayrshire through music."
Tickets are available from the Box Office, Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock on 01563 554900.
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450 S2 pupils from secondary, special and youth strategy schools in East Ayrshire found out that they 'could do it too' at a workshop event organised by the Council's Determined to Succeed team.
U CAN DO IT 2! was organised by the Determined to Succeed team in conjunction with Business Liaison Officers from the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. Appropriately focused Career Education is one of the main strands in this initiative as it is important pupils are aware of local and national opportunities and have the chance to talk to and work with employers.
Councillor Iain Linton, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning said: "This was a highly successful day due to the immense amount of work put into the workshops by all 15 organisations represented. I would like to thank PULSE recording studio, Spirit Aerosystems, British Energy, Arnold Clark, Debenhams, EAC Childcare, Diageo, Royal Marines, SEAM media, Ayr College (Construction), EAC Building & Works (Plumbing & Joinery), Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, NHS, Kilmarnock College (Hair & Beauty), The Park Hotel, Ayr College (Fashion) and EAC Building & Works (Heating & Electrical). The young people had a great day and were very enthusiastic participants in the workshops."
Following an introduction by John Wilson, Links Officer in Arts and Education, pupils attended two interactive workshops and then had the opportunity to visit all other workshops to gather information.
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INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE BARD
The Ayrshire branch of the world's largest police friendship organisation recently held its homecoming event named 'A Tribute to Robert Burns'.
International Police Association members from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England travelled to the event at the Howard Park Hotel in Kilmarnock where they joined with local members and friends and representatives from East Ayrshire Council.
Guests were treated to the very best of what Robert Burns has given our nation in music, poetry and history. The haggis was addressed by David Johnstone; Tam O'Shanter was performed by Iain Shaw and the toast to the Lassies came from Willie Carson. Willie Stewart performed some excellent versions of Burns' songs and the Toast to the Bard was presented by Donald Reid. Pipe Major Iain McDowall ensured that there was plenty of music to suit everyone.
Leader of the Council Douglas Reid had the opportunity to meet up with another Douglas Reid who was actually `coming home` for the event! Douglas, who has lived in England for over 40 years and is a retired police officer, said: "My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed our trip home and to join with old and new friends made that all the more special."
The local branch presented unique homecoming certificates to visitors outwith the Association on the night.
Councillor Douglas Reid said: "This was a memorable evening for all who attended and my congratulations go to everyone involved in organising it. They managed to attract people from England and Northern Ireland back to the home of Rabbie Burns and this is what Homecoming is all about."
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NEW INSTALLATION AT HISTORIC BARONY A FRAME SITE
Today, Thursday 5 February will see the completion of another major milestone in the restoration of the historic Barony A Frame. The final installation of interpretation material describing mining, work done on the Barony Colliery site, and the lives of the mining community, is the end of the first stage of restoration of the historic structure.
The A Frame restoration project was funded by a partnership of thirteen funders including East Ayrshire Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and Coalfields Regeneration Trust. The project also won an audience telephone poll for the People's Millions Lottery Award in December 2007. To date around £1.5 million has been spent restoring the A Frame, the only remaining structure of its kind in Britain.
Councillor William Menzies, Chair of Trustees of the A Frame Trust said: "This is a great day for us; many people have worked long and hard to achieve the restoration of the A Frame for over ten years. Today is the end of the first stage of restoration work but we are already planning to go on to the next stages in development of the site. We have education packs which can be used by primary schools across East Ayrshire and hope to have a classroom on site in future. At the moment we're developing plans to recruit and train volunteer guides from among retired miners in the area. We want the A Frame site to be a fitting memorial to the men interred here, those who worked on site and to the mining industry in general."
Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration added: "The Barony A Frame restoration project is a credit to East Ayrshire and is a fitting tribute to our proud industrial past. Officers from the Council have worked very hard with the Barony A Frame Trust to secure funding for the restoration and the development of the project. I am sure this partnership will continue to work very successfully as the project moves forward."
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16 year-old Ross McBride was named Cumnock's Young Citizen of the Year at a special awards ceremony held earlier this week.
In 2007, the Cumnock Academy pupil saved his friend who had fallen off a bridge into the river at Woodroad Park. Ross ran down to the banking, jumped in and hauled his friend, who was unconscious at the time, out of the river and kept him warm at the banking while calling an ambulance and trying to bring his friend round. Thankfully, his friend was fine after the incident, thanks to Ross's quick reaction.
Ross is also involved with Ayr United's Under 17s where he plays in goal.
Provost Stephanie Young presented Ross with his award and said: "It was an honour to present Ross with a quaiche, the first time this has been awarded for bravery. I was extremely impressed by this articulate and personable young man. He is an inspiration for youngsters throughout East Ayrshire."
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£8m plans for Cumnock Regeneration get underway
The regeneration of Cumnock town centre moved a giant step forward this week as the planning application for a new £8m office development was lodged with East Ayrshire Council.
The new office development is the first phase of the Cumnock Town Centre Regeneration Project which aims to revitalise the town centre and re-establish Cumnock as the principal town in the southern part of East Ayrshire. The Project aims to provide more jobs in the town centre, expand and enhance the available retail provision, enhance public realm and town centre environment, and implement an improved traffic management and parking strategy.
The development on Greenholm Road will provide quality, modern accommodation for East Ayrshire Council and partner agencies, to provide a range of services on a co-location basis. The Council have confirmed that approximately 150 employees will relocate to the new offices as part of a review of its existing office accommodation provision.
Services moving to the Greenholm Road development include planning and building standards, community planning, libraries, roads, registrars, housing, social work and Community Learning & Development. They will be vacating a number of substandard buildings at Lugar and elsewhere in Cumnock.
Proposals contained within the office building application, which extends to 2990 square metres (32,185 sq ft), include:
? 3 storey "L" shaped building;
? Shared reception for all services;
? Civic square forming the principal entrance to the building;
? Registrars office with integrated marriage suite;
? New local library;
? Additional car parking for the office development.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: "I am delighted to announce receipt of this planning application as it marks the start of an exciting period of regeneration and renewal for Cumnock Town Centre.
"When completed, the whole project will provide opportunities for shopping, education, leisure and recreation for the people of Cumnock and the surrounding communities. East Ayrshire Council is fully committed to the regeneration of Cumnock and the new office development is a key element of that."
Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Environment & Regeneration added: "This new office development will improve access to a number of local services, offering local people a one door approach in the heart of the local community. Following planning approval, construction could begin as early as summer 2009.
"We estimate that some 70 jobs will be created on the site throughout the construction period, giving the local economy a much needed boost. Approximately 30% will be local jobs employed by local sub-contractors or direct labour."
The development is being delivered and managed as part of a joint venture partnership, with East Ayrshire Council having entered into a joint venture contract with Deanway Muir Ltd. Deanway Muir itself is the result of a partnership between Deanway Development and the Muir Group.
Alex Galbraith, a director of Deanway Muir Ltd said: "I am delighted that Deanway Muir is fulfilling the role of private sector partner to East Ayrshire Council in bringing forward the regeneration of Cumnock town centre. The planning application lodged this week is the first tangible step in that process and is a major milestone in bringing the project vision into reality."
The joint venture company has appointed a full team of technical consultants, including architects, engineers and surveyors to develop the project. Davis Langdon is the appointed Project Manager.
Marion Gilliland, Chair of the Cumnock Town Centre Liaison Forum commented: "This is a very exciting time for Cumnock and the local business community. The new office development will bring much needed investment to the town and is a sign of a more positive future facing Cumnock."
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The gardens of Caprington Castle and Dumfries House will be 'open for charity' in the next two weeks as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme.
On Sunday 8 February, you can visit Caprington Castle gardens in Kilmarnock between 12.30pm and 4pm. Caprington stands in an ancient landscape bordered by the River Irvine. The mixed woodland policies are covered in snowdrops and there is also a walled garden with fruit trees, vegetables and flowers in season. In addition to being able to see the gardens, there will be a plant stall and homemade teas. Admission is £3.50 for adults and children under 12 go free. All proceeds go to charity.
On Sunday 15 February, the gardens of Dumfries House will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to view many wonderful trees, some dating back to 1700, others planted a century later. Species include sycamore, horse chestnut, beech and oak. The sequoia avenue leading to the avenue bridge was planted in the late 19th century. An extensive partly walled garden survives and other features include the dovecot, dated 1671, the laundry, stables, coach house and an early 19th century water powered sawmill. Admission is free and any donations for charity are welcome.
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JUSTICE SECRETARY SEES STREETSPORT CAGES IN ACTION
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill visited Galston recently to see the benefit that the 'CashBack for Communities' fund is having in East Ayrshire.
Mr MacAskill went to see a StreetSport Cage that has been proving very popular with young people in Galston over the last 18 months. The CashBack fund which Mr MacAskill launched in January 2008 will help to ensure that local youth organisations can continue to provide a comprehensive programme of local free diversionary activities, like the Sport Cages, throughout the year. The fund comes from assets seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
New Sporting Futures, a youth sport initiative developed by East Ayrshire Council's Leisure Development Services, launched the 'StreetSport Cages' scheme across the whole of East Ayrshire in 2007. The Cages or 'Outdoor multi-use Games Areas' provide sports activities which are built in residential areas that have been identified as hotspots by East Ayrshire's Anti-Social Behaviour team and local police. These state of the art games areas provide free night time sporting activities for 10 ? 18 year olds, allowing young people to get involved in activities including football and basketball.
Mr MacAskill was interested to learn about how the cages play a key role in combating anti-social behaviour and how young people becoming actively involved in positive activities can lead to a reduction in the fear of crime within local communities. He got the chance to see young people taking part in the football Neighbourhood Sports League fixtures that are currently being run at the Cage.
The StreetSport Cages also operate in Shortlees, Onthank, Bellsbank, Auchinleck, Dalmellington, Hurlford, Netherthird, Patna, Kilmaurs, Stewarton, New Farm, Dalrymple, Crosshouse, Newmilns, New Cumnock, Darvel, Catrine, Logan, Barshare, Rankinston and Ochiltree.
During the summer the CashBack fund will be used to launch a new high profile initiative called 'StreetSport Icon' which will provide three young winners with the opportunity to gain professional contracts with Kilmarnock Football Club.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "StreetSport Cages provide an excellent opportunity for young people to participate in sport virtually on their own doorsteps. These facilities are supported by our local Police and Community Wardens who recognise the benefits of the positive activities being provided to young people. We were glad to be able to show Mr MacAskill how successful the Cages have been in Galston and, indeed, all over East Ayrshire."
Provost Stephanie Young added: "This is an excellent project that helps to curb anti-social behaviour and underage drinking and allows the young people of East Ayrshire to become involved in activities which are both positive and healthy."
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RISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE OFFICIAL OPENING
Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill has officially opened East Ayrshire Council's Risk Management Centre on Wednesday 28 January.
This state of the art facility provides a range of services for the people of East Ayrshire, including CCTV surveillance and emergency response unit, all aimed at reducing crime levels, vandalism to property and improving community safety.
The centre monitors 49 public realm cameras which cover all the major towns and villages within East Ayrshire. CCTV cameras cover a large number of Council properties, including schools, and a further 26 properties are scheduled to come on line in the near future.
The centre manages the community alarms system which provides assistance to vulnerable people. Receiving an average of 7000 calls a month, the community alarms system currently has 3448 subscribers. Clients signed up to the system can place requests for home help visits or request assistance if, for example, they suffer a fall in their own home. Smoke detection within a property can also be reported to the centre for action. Operators in the centre also monitor the telecare equipment linked to community alarms.
The Risk Management Centre works very closely with the Council's Emergency Planning Unit to provide additional support during emergency situations. In addition, the Council's Helpline for out of hours enquiries, including housing repairs, and the Antisocial Behaviour Helpline are both managed by the centre.
All of the services provided by the Risk Management Centre are interlinked. Footage from the CCTV cameras can assist the Community Alarms team and can also provide valuable evidence for prosecution purposes. As a result the Centre has established close partnership links with Strathclyde Police, which has led to a decline in the level of crime within local towns.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "I was very pleased to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill to Kilmarnock to open the Risk Management Centre. The Centre provides much needed support to vulnerable members of our community through the Community Alarms team whilst our public realm cameras provide support to Community Alarms and our partners in Strathclyde Police. The Centre promotes partnership working while helping to protect our properties from vandalism. Our residents feel safe walking the streets and our shops protected from shop lifters. The Risk Management Centre will continue to grow and expand the service it provides to local residents making our communities 'Safer and Stronger'."
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£17 Million Investment For South Ayrshire’s Housing Stock
South Ayrshire Council will be spending £8.6 million on day to day repairs and maintenance and £8.4 million on upgrading and improving some of the 8,316 houses it owns in the coming year.
Bookstart Rhymetimes At Carnegie Library
The Bookstart Rhymetime held at Carnegie Library in Ayr is one of the many fun events run by South Ayrshire Council’s library service to ensure that babies, toddlers and pre-school children gain access to free resources.
Working Together To Make A Difference
Months of behind the scenes discussion came to fruition yesterday when a unique partnership approach was launched.
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Scottish and Southern fuel price cut
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Right to Buy temporarily suspended for some tenants in Cumbernauld and Moodiesburn.
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Membership of the Traditional Arts Working Group confirmed.