ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The members of the Kelburn Wind Farm Community Fund met earlier this year to decide how they would distribute this year’s fund of  £49,000 amongst the 19 successful applications.

Drew Cochrane – Chairman said; “Once again we have had an impressive and diverse range of applications which we unanimously agreed to support. From Largs the applications ranged from The Boys’ Brigade, Youth Theatre, Brisbane Observatory, Gymnastics Club, The Viking Festival and Barrfield Users Group. In Fairlie we are supporting the Community Association and the Fairlie Primary Parents group. Cumbrae sought support for the Tourist Association, Cumbrae Parish Church and SONORO to name three.

“We had a total of 23 applications seeking £100,000. Because of the demand on our funds we had to be strict and apply our application guidelines. Sadly this means we were unable to support all of the applications. But hopefully those who were unsuccessful this year will apply again in 2018.

“In the six years of making awards we have distributed in excess of £250,000 through the generosity and support of both the wind farm owner TRIG and RES, who undertake the day-to-day management of the Kelburn Wind Farm."

Members of the Kelburn Wind Farm Initiative are: Joan Rae, Elizabethe Marshall, Alan Hill, Alex Gallagher Alistair Green and David Boyle.

The names of the successful applications and their projects are below:

Largs Rotary - £1500
Applied for support funding on 2 projects in association with Largs academy. 1. Euroscholar pupils 2. Rotary Leadership Award (RYLA) 4 pupils

The grant will enable us to support pupils whom it is believed will benefit from the experiences that they will undergo. In the case of Euroscholar the pupils spend time with pupils from other countries at the European Parliament. The Rotary Leadership award involves pupils attending an ‘outward bound’ type of course. All the projects are aimed at adding to the skills and experiences that the pupils acquire in their normal day to day activities.

Largs Boys Brigade - £6000
The Boys Brigade requested support funding to replace the bus, which was more than 10 years old. In addition to safety and environmental benefits the new bus will be used to constantly transport members of the brigade to competitions, camps and events and would also be used to transport schoolchildren across the communities of Largs, Fairlie and Skelmorlie to events taking place in N Ayrshire.

Viking Festival - £6000
The festival is an annual major tourism event held in Largs. The funds were part of an overall budget for international artists and performers participating in the Festival. Including the Red Devils free fall team – Entry to the Festival, with the exception of the Viking Village is free. Last year the festival attracted 64,000 visitors, adding in excess of £300,000 to the local economy.

Largs Golf Club - £1000
The funds were used to upgrade a number of areas and infrastructure in the club house to improve access for the disabled and introduce new windows and a new automatic temperature controlled heating system.

Largs Twin Towns - £1500
The grant was made to enable us to send a team of young people to the 2018 Twin Town Games in Andernos our twin town. The Games last over 5 days/ 4 nights at a weekend. The date has not been finalised but is usually May/ June.  The grant is used to subsidise the cost of travel by air for the team members.  The purpose of the exchange is both sporting and cultural.

Firth of Clyde Rowing Club - £1000
The grant enabled the club to source a second box trailer to improve the storage of equipment  which was previously stored outside, exposed to the elements. The modern fit for purpose box trailer ensures that the club maintains its position in Largs in a tidy, organised state, thereby assuring its continuing presence at Largs Yacht Haven.

Largs Youth Theatre  - £2500
Funds were used to support the cost of interns and students in the 2017-2018 season. Primary benefit is a social support service to the community which encourages and attracts youth in the area to participate at a professional level in theatre productions to encourage interest as a possible future career ion the srts.

Largs OIR - £1500
OIR Largs was founded in 1987 to encourage and facilitate the organisation of 20 distinct activities for those who have retired and/or have reached the age of 50.  The Computer Group is one of the activities that have operated for many years without the need to utilize external leaders. The grant allowed OIR to update our ability to provide courses on computer tablets. Previous experience shows that some members ( including beginners) will arrive with the  latest models, so it is important  for tutors to have up to date equipment.   The rate of change in the technology is extraordinary. Tablets are certainly easier to use than they used  to be but many older people need help, especially beginners but also some with years of experience.

Largs Gymnastics Club - £2000
The application was to provide additional and support funding to existing fund-raising activities to cover the costs of attracting national and international coaches to train the members of the club to competition standards at both national and international levels.

Lodge St John - £1000
Many of the buildings in Largs are more than 100 years old. The property of Lodge St John is no different.  Members recognised the need to upgrade the external fabric and improve the carbon footprint of the building at a cost in excess of £10,000.They embarked on a local fund raising programme, which will result in the re-surfacing of the front of the building and replacement of windows with high quality double-glazing units.

Barrfield Users Group (BUGS) - £2000
This submission was based on the upgrading of the circa-1970’s lighting system in the theatre. In addition to improving the audiences’ theatrical experience and range of shows presented there are also strong environmental and economic benefits through introducing the latest lighting rig namely; lower energy use and subsequent reduction in costs.

Fairlie Community Association - £3762
Funds were required to install a new audio visual system including wall mounted speakers, amplifier, projector, drop-screen and other operating equipment in Fairlie Village Hall for the benefit of current and future users.  The sound equipment will be used at our own classes (zumba, ballet, etc.), group activities, parties, functions, etc.  In conjunction with the new projector and screen, the system allow us to offer film nights, fundraising race nights, workshops, show sports events.

Fairlie Primary School - £2000
For many years parents and visitors came to the school to see their children perform in concerts and presentations but were unable to see their children. The parent council wish to buy the school staging and extra microphones for the sound system and a secure storage location for the equipment. The school hosts many plays, concerts, nativities and prize giving shows. The funds were used to enhance the school productions and inspire our children and to the benefit of the community.

Garrison Model Railway - £1000
In recent times the Garrison Model Railway exhibition has become a featured tourist destination on the Isle of Cumbrae. This year the funds awarded allowed the club to build new lines, upgrade its rolling stock and create historic Scottish train journeys including Glasgow and the West Highland way. The visitor attraction plays host to School parties and tourists from across the world.

Cumbrae Parish Church - £2595
Of all the applications this year the new community development project at Cumbrae Parish Church was the most ambitious. As a long and well established part of Cumbrae’s religious and community infrastructure members of the parish set about creating awareness and fund raising to build a new multi-purpose facility. In funds were awarded to support the creation of a “commercial-standard’ kitchen to allow the many inter-generational groups to serve food and drinks for both residents and visitors to the island.

SONORO - £1200
SONORO Community Choir is a proven and popular project in the community with more than  70 members – representing approximately 10% of Millport’s adult population. There is a wide age group from 11 to 90 In addition to promoting choral music making, it also provides an opportunity for members of the community to meet and socialise. SONORO sought funds to provide members of the choir with Music Folders and items of uniform.

Cumbrae Community Development - £3500
The provision of public toilet facilities is an expectation for all in todays society. The Cumbrae Community Development Company became responsible for this provision in April 2017. Their immediate priority was to upgrade historic facilities. In the long term the toilets will be replaced.

Cumbrae Tourist Association - £1910
Tourism is one of the main contributors to the economy of the Isle of Cumbrae. Hanging baskets of flowers are a common feature across the island. This year North Ayrshire Council withdrew funding for this service. The Tourist Association submitted an application to support this project.

Millport Bowling Club - £500
Established in 1871 Millport Bowling Club is in easy walking distance from the main pier. This year the club decided to upgrade its main entrance to incorporate access of the disabled, at a cost of several thousand pounds. The club enjoys one of the most breath-taking panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde. Its greens host many club and national tournaments.