ANNUAL REPORT 2018
In July 2018 the members of the Kelburn Wind Farm Community Fund met to decide how they would distribute the 2018 fund of £51,173 amongst the 28 successful applications.
Drew Cochrane – Chairman said’
“Once again we have had an impressive and diverse range of applications which we unanimously agreed to support.
“In 2018 we received a total of 34 applications seeking in excess of £117,000. As in previous year, due to the excessive demand on our funds we had to strictly adhere to our application guidelines. Sadly this meant we were unable to support all of the applications. But hopefully those who were unsuccessful this year will apply again in 2019.
“In the previous 7 years we have made 155 awards distributing in excess of £315,000 to worthy community led projects across the area. This is entirely due to 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. The names of the successful applications and their projects are below”
LARGS
Visually Impaired - £1000
In support of a series of local community and social activities to help the registered visually impaired members of the town including events at Christmas, Easter and the summer trip to Blackpool.
St Columba’s Church - £650
The St Columba’s experience is an important tourist attraction in Largs. Funds were awarded to match funding and assist in the upgrade of the centre’s computer system and subsequent staff training.
Routenburn Golf Club £3000
The application set out a number of structural repairs and improvements the Members had agreed to undertake in the year. These included replacement of windows, repairs to the entrance and installing heating in the Ladies toilets.
Churches Holiday Fund £400
Established in 1996 it works with children across all Churches in Largs to create educational and social support during the school holiday periods to provide a wide range of activities to keep the children occupied and entertained. Funds will be used to buy craft products as part of the on going educational programme.
Folk Night £1200
Largs Folk Nights was founded to revive interest in modern folk music to Largs. The nights have been running since October 2017 with audiences each month of 50 - 70 people.
Funds will be used to purchase a quality PA/ Sound/ Lighting System to enhance the sound quality of the performing artists/ musicians and maximise the audience experience. The systems will also provide flexibility in the use of different venues.
Tennis Club £1159
The importance of coaching young players to competition standards is essential if tennis is to survive in Largs. The club has initiated a youth training programmes for existing and new young players. To achieve these objectives the club is working closely with schools in the town and Largs Academy Campus where it runs Tennis camps during the school holiday periods.
Chest Heart & Stroke £500
The funds will be used to support the main activities of the group, which is affiliated to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. The main focus is to bring together stroke and heart attack survivors, to meet on a regular basis to discuss progress and treatments across Scotland, UK and the rest of the world.
Flower Club £500
Has been in existence since 1976 with the aim to teach the skills of floral art. Since its inception the Club has presented exhibitions and seminars to achieve its objective. As a result of progression the Club requires a portable sound system, which it can use across Largs and North Ayrshire.
Thistle Curling Club £1000
Youth training and course improvements were the two main features of the application. Improvement courses for current members and to introduce a new youth development programme at the same time, to encourage more people into the sport. As a member of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club since 1838, it is one of the oldest Curling Clubs in Scotland.
Resilience Team £2000
The Largs Resilience team is a local volunteer force, which provides support emergency services across Largs and North Ayrshire. Their application was to request support funding to buy a “Van Box Trailer” to transport the groups emergency equipment.
Horticultural Society £400
Founded in 1841 the Horticultural Society is one of the oldest institutions in Largs. It organises the town’s Annual Flower Show. Funds were awarded to support the education of 8-10 year olds in the appreciation and use of flowers in everyday life.
District Carers Group £1000
As an entirely voluntary group it does not receive funds from any private or government body. Its purpose is to provide relief and support and reduce social isolation amongst those in the community who are burdened with responsibility of being “The Family Carer.” The group operates 48 weeks and provides a weekly respite to those who need their support
Haylie House Care Home £4000
The application was to support a £70,000 project to build and upgrade existing external maintenance buildings in the grounds and to house the new mini-bus.
Museum & Historic Society £2500
As one of the few historic visitors centres in the town, the museum undertakes research into local history and collates local artefacts for display.
To allow the Museum to display more of the town and area’s history, additional display cabinets were needed
Academy PTA £5000
Following a years trial of new software, the PTA wanted to purchase a five year educational package of "Show My Homework". This will support educational attainment of over 1,000 pupils within the North Coast for the next five years. It will help keep pupils on track and keeps teachers and parents up to date with results etc. It means that parents/carers feel more involved in their child/children's education. It is a very inclusive software package.
Helter Skelter £3000
Helter Skelter is a teenage drop in Café, providing organised activities for teenagers aged 12 to 18 from Largs and surrounding area. It is a registered charity run by volunteers. The building is owned by teenage members and held in trust on their behalf. For over 17 years Helter Skelter has provided a valuable community resource and a safe environment for teenagers to meet up, make new friends, built confidence and life skills and have fun. The application is to acquire new fire safety equipment along with an updated fire safety audit and new CCTV equipment.
Skate Park Community £2500
As its name suggests this project is a community led project involving parents,’ children and community leaders. Skateboarding is a fun sport for many children, who campaigned to build a skate park in Largs, the funds will be used to upgrade the park and introduce new features with the intention to offer a facility, which would merit recognition as a competition venue.
Angling Club £1500
The Angling Club was founded in 1944 –it has four15 foot boats for fishing on the Muirhead Reservoir. Due to the constant water level fluctuation it is nor possible to use safe moorings. The Club decided to buy two boat trailers to allow members to take the boats to the water when required.
Thistle Community Club £3000
The funds are in support of a major refurbishment to install new showers in the away players dressing room and to upgrade the kitchen
Family History £1200
The primary function of the association to offer help and assistance to those who wish research their own family history. The funds will be used to continue the digitisation of old parish records – pre 1855 and other local indexes and records.
Lunch Club £1000
The Lunch Club, established 5 years ago, is the successor to the Meals on Wheels service and is a voluntary body providing meals to those in need. The funds will be used in support of this important social service.
FAIRLIE
Fairlie Gala £5000
The Fairlie Gala is one of the most important weekend summer events for both the village and the surrounding area. It is the one weekend when 90% of the village participate as either organisers or participants. The community benefit is the main purpose of the gala, to re-acquaint old friends and neighbours or meet new friends and neighbours.. The application sought funding support to cover a number of capital items and contribute to the Gala day’s costs. These included; purchase a catering size gas barbecue; purchase of an apple press; increase in the number of activities over the Gala to include continuous musical entertainments on the main stage throughout the weekend; Hiring of play equipment including various large inflatables, assault course, large climbing wall etc.; upgrading the excellent fireworks evening in November.
Yacht Club £4000
The Jetty at Fairlie Bay provides both access and egress to all users of the water born facilities at the bay. As part of the continuous maintenance and repair programme to ensure compliance with Health & Safety laws a major programme requires the support from across the local community as well us from those who use the club.
Organic Grower £550
To establish a new seed library to enable the local community to grow their own food, meet new people through the plant swaps and workshops we will be hosting, provide education on the importance of locally grown food from seed, teach seed saving skills, share best practices and bring seed saving to more people. To show people how to go about creating their own seeds for free in order to grow flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Being outdoors and active promotes good mental health and well being. This will be the first seed library in Scotland within a public library
Community Trust £1230
The application was for funds to erect a new timber platform and steps to allow a safe and permanent access to the shore at Southannan Sands beach south of the village.
CUMBRAE
Millport Golf Club £2000
Disabled access has become a major priority for the Club. The existing accesses are difficult and need upgrading. The work entails building a new, and lower angled ramp and broader walkways affording easier use of both internal and external, facilities for members and visitors.
Field Study Council £4000
The grant will help to create an outdoor classroom to teach students and adults about the environment including how to lessen their impact on it, how to improve their conservation skills and how to increase sustainability. The outdoor classroom would not require electricity or power. It will provide a new and innovative way of engaging with students and promoting learning. We will use this grant to turn an area of wasteland into a learning space. We will use locally sourced recyclable materials ie pallets to create a seating area and fire pit. By removing the rubble and replacing it with top soil, grass and willow we will increase biodiversity in the area.