Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council 

Home Security Advice from Police Scotland:
https://www.facebook.com/AyrshirePoliceDivision

Ayr Your Views - Public Realm consultation
https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations/ayr-your-views/

Ayr Station Hotel Community Action Group

Scotrail announce services from Ayr all back to normal from Thursday 20 December with temporary ticket office and station facilities remaining.
Well done SAC and the rest of the Taskforce Now the Structural Survey can begin.
Regards,
Esther (Chair)

Unconventional Oil and Gas Consultation

Quality of care review of NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Survey

We are working with our colleagues in the Quality Assurance Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland to gather the views of people who have received care from NHS Ayrshire and Arran as a patient or service user in the last 12 months, or been a relative, carer or friend of someone who has received care from NHS Ayrshire and Arran in the last 12 months. This is part of an organisational review as part of the testing phase for a new Quality of Care Approach.

You can give your views via an online survey at http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HYDPA/

In addition we will be hosting 3 discussion groups during November and these are detailed on the attached invitation. If you would like to attend one of the discussion groups, booking details are included on the invitation.

Please feel free to share the link and invite with other groups or organisations.

Kind regards
Sharon, Katrina & Gillian
Gillian Macfarlane
Administrator
Scottish Health Council - Ayrshire & Arran & Lanarkshire
42 Lister Street
Crosshouse
Kilmarnock. KA2 0BB
Tel: 01563 825801/01698 206403

NEW LITTER / DOG WASTE BIN

Following concerns raised by local residents, FHMCC and HKRA requested a new dog waste/litter bin which the Council has placed on the grass area at the junction of Craigholm Road and Overmills Road - near the pathway leading to the Scottish Water compound. This should prove to be a great help to all local residents, dog walkers and pupils of Kyle Academy in our efforts to reduce litter in the area. Thanks to SAC and everyone who helped with this successful project.

Kyle Academy and Southcraig School

A huge shout out to the Eco Teams of Kyle Academy and Southcraig School who shared first place in Provost, Helen Moonie's Footprint Challenge.

The team from Kyle ran ‘War on Waste’ and ‘switch off’ campaigns while Southcraig embarked on litter picks of the school and Ayr beach and water saving and switch off campaigns in their campus.

Congratulations to our local Eco Warriors on their joint award.

New Growth for FreshAyr

After Queens Court, FreshAyr has been incubating over the winter, but a lot of growth has been happening during this fallow period and we are now looking forward to a fertile year. We have recently been given the use of the kitchen in the Smoking Goat to experiment with our food concept.  During May we’ll be exploring a menu that centres around bread/baking and foods made fresh from scratch. The use of the Smoking Goat also allows us to start to develop our Creative Strategy and form a Curatorial Team to lead our projects.  To this end, there will be a regular meeting on a Thursday at 6 pm with some nibbles and from the beginning of May a jamming session encouraging original material with film shorts until 9 pm. Currently, we are exploring the possibility of a series of pop up events in a couple of empty units near the Smoking Goat and an outdoors event in the Loudon Hall Court Yard, and we are looking for proposals. On the bigger picture, we have been exploring the possibility of developing the underground car park at Davison Place and expect to be doing something along the lines of our Watt Bros Building HAPPENING for Doors Open Day at the beginning of September, as part of the process towards our long-term proposals, to make it a creative incubator spaces. We have had a number of conversations to discover the creative needs of makers and audiences.  One of these went down very well in Dundee.  Discussions have also taken place with UWS with the potential of something in October or November. Would you like to find out more about Our Creative Aspiration story which will form the backbone of our Creative Strategy Plan? This is currently being worked on by our architects, Collective Architecture, and audience consultants, Culture Republic. We are planning a public meeting around June/July this year to let people know what FreshAyr has done since its inception and reveal our future plans.

Proposed New Council Offices, High Street, Ayr

Message to Community Councils:

Public Meeting: Ayr Town Hall: 18 April 2018 at 7 p.m.
Proposed New Council Offices, High Street, Ayr

We in Fort, Seafield & Wallacetown Community Council wish to bring to your attention the proposal by South Ayrshire Council (SAC) to build a new Council Office building on the Riverside site in Ayr High Street. SAC are to be commended in providing the impetus the finance to kick start the redevelopment of this vitally important site. This is designed to encourage other developers in providing commercial and social use input commensurate with a vigorous and exciting area within the approved Masterplan.

This Masterplan was greeted with popular acclaim. However, the office block does not, in our view, accord with this Masterplan and has gathered an unprecedented number of objections (300+) to the planning application from the general public.

Our Community Council feel duty bound to let the community have their say and have therefore arranged this meeting to assess the opinion and consensus from the community. We welcome all members of the Ayrshire community and their Community Councillors to attend and can offer a spokesperson from each Council time to address the meeting on this subject, for say, 10 minutes each. I look forward to hearing from you wit an indication as to whether you wish to speak and if your Council and wider community can attend.

J Norman McLean
Chairman
Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council

#CelebrateCCs

During April the Scottish Community Council's website plan to highlight the work carried out by Community Councils and have asked that we post information of our goings on. So if you see older information popping up on our facebook page and preceded by #CelebrateCCs, this is why. Please like and share our posts with your online friends and family.

Holmston Primary garden vandalised

What a shame. Having worked very hard to create the schools outdoor learning area, Pupils and Staff were disappointed to say the very least when the garden was trashed by vandals who destroyed much of the hard work the girls and boys of the school have put in to this project.

Work is now underway to recreate the garden area and the pupils are working very hard to get it ready for the spring. The community council wish the pupils and staff all the best in recreating their garden and have donated money and plants to help them get started.

Ayrshire Homes

South Ayrshire Council External Funding Newsletter June 2016

Download the South Ayrshire Council External Funding Newsletter June 2016 here.

South Ayrshire Befriending Project is currently recruiting volunteers! For an application form please telephone 01292 264000, email info@bfriend.org.uk or download from our website at www.bfriend.org.uk.

The South Ayrshire Befriending Project (SABP) is a small, locally-run charitable company (limited by guarantee), based in Ayr and is looking to recruit new Board members. We wondered whether you would be able to circulate this within your group to see if anyone would be interested.

The Project was established in 1996 and has a proven track record of providing an effective befriending service for socially isolated and vulnerable young people (aged 8 to 18) within South Ayrshire, focusing mainly on those with social or emotional difficulties, but also including some with whose social isolation is attributable to learning difficulties or diagnosed medical conditions. In its sector of expertise, the Project has been accredited as Excellent with respect to the Befriending Networks' professional standards of good practice.

With budgeted annual expenditure of less than £150,000, and a small employed staff team of 5 (required to carry out the functions of planning, co-ordinating and administering the Project's day-to-day activities), the SABP supports around 50 young people each year through the provision of 1:1 befriending and group activities.

A small Management Group of unpaid volunteers is responsible for strategically overseeing the work of the Project's paid staff and unpaid befrienders.

The Project is constantly seeking to ‘recruit’ suitably qualified/experienced people on an unpaid voluntary basis to work alongside, or as a member of the Project's Management Group.
In particular, the Project is looking for people:

• who have a genuine interest and concern for the welfare of children and young people (aged 8-18) within South Ayrshire whose lives are disadvantaged due to social or emotional difficulties, and/or diagnosed medical conditions or learning disabilities.
• ideally with some experience of :
  • working in an organisation/establishment (e.g. schools, social work, child care charities, etc.) involved with the ‘set’ of children and young people whom the Project aims to assist; and/or
  • Knowledge / understanding of governance applicable to the voluntary sector (including current relevant legislation applicable to Charities, employment, health & safety at work, child protection, etc.);
  • Fundraising;
  • Financial planning and management;
  • Staff management, policy development and decision making; and
  • ICT skills and data protection.

• commit to attending the meetings of the Management Group (which meets approximately once every six weeks from 7pm for up to about to 2 hours);
• contribute constructively to the decision making process involved in the development of SABP as a charitable organisation;
• assume responsibility for the governance of SABP; and
• support the work of the paid staff and unpaid volunteer befrienders, undertaking the daily running of the project.

Ayr residents face seven weeks of road delays with Scottish Water work

Ayr faces seven WEEKS of potential hell on the roads as Scottish Water rip up pipes.
Temporary traffic lights will be used on Holmston Road, on Dongola Road at its junction with Holmston Road, on the Station Road-Holmston Road double roundabouts on the A79 and A70 and on the Castlehill Road-Holmston Road double roundabout.

Only that the schools are off will save there being complete chaos in the area - one of the three main arteries into town.

There will also be a road closure on Belmont Road, at the level crossing, for about six weeks as part of seven weeks of work starting on about July 11. During this six week period of work, temporary traffic lights will be used on Fenwickland Road at its junction with Belmont Road, Belmont Avenue at its junction with Belmont Road, Nursery Road at its junction with Belmont Road and Meadow Park at its junction with Belmont Road.

There will be a road closure in place in Mill Brae for one week from July 5 as part of seven weeks of work to upgrade pipes.

A Scottish Water spokesman said: “We will do everything we can to complete our work and lift the road traffic management as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience to road users and thank them in advance for patience.”

Food waste bags

Did you know that rolls of food waste caddy bags are for sale at Forehill Library?

Save the trip into town and pop into the library instead.

Sale of Holmston House

South Ayrshire Council are in the advanced stages of selling Holmston House and the use to which the building will be put may have an impact on our area.

The Community Council have contacted South Ayrshire Council to ask for further information about the sale and the planning zoning for the site. We were advised that the building is zoned for offices but that renovation of the property into dwellings would be looked on favourably.

At this point in time South Ayrshire Council say that they unable to provide other information on the sale. They advise that all reports concerning the sale have been confidential and as yet are not available for publication.

We will keep you updated with any further information by posting on our notice boards, website http://www.fhmcc.org.uk/ and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FHMCCAYR/.

Meantime if you are interested in approaching the council with questions of your own you can do so by contacting Valerie Andrews, Executive Director of Resources, Governance and Organisation, County Building, Ayr. KA7 1DT, 01292 612466, Valerie.andrews@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Parent power puts child safety in the spotlight at Ayr's Forehill Primary.

Volunteers needed for hospital meal times

One of our local residents is look for volunteers. Giill says;

“Hi everyone, I work for NHS Ayrshire & Arran and am currently looking for some Mealtime volunteers for Ayr and Biggart Hospitals. Volunteers need to be over 18 years old and ideally able to volunteer on a regular weekly basis. Training and ongoing support is available. If you are interested, or would like to find out more, please private message me or give me a call on my work telephone number 01292 513669. It might be you will need to leave a message but be assured I will get back to you. I would be very grateful if you could share this request with anyone else who you think could be interested.”

If this is something that interests you, please get in touch with Gill by phone.

BBC Children In Need

BBC Children in Need awards grants each year to organisations supporting disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5ysD3mLQYYRPRLNZ032LjM7/grants

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/pudsey/grants/CN0187_Grants_Listings_Scotland.pdf

Ayrshire Achieves

Do you know someone working in the NHS who has gone the extra mile to help you? It could be someone who works in a hospital ward or behind a desk; it could be a clinician or a volunteer.

Now you have the chance to recognise the contribution of health workers and volunteers through the Ayrshire Achieves 2016 awards scheme.

Ayrshire Achieves, funded by NHS Ayrshire & Arran's Charity Fund, is a staff recognition scheme which applauds excellence and innovation, demonstrates continuous improvement in the quality of care and celebrates exceptional achievements during the year.

Click on this link http://www.nhsaaa.net/ayrshireachieves.aspx for more information.

DOG WORRYING (DISTURBING) SHEEP IS A CRIME

This letter is to bring to your attention an increase in the number of sheep worrying reports received in the Ayrshire area. As lambing time approaches, Police Scotland has taken the decision to contact your community to highlight the seriousness of this crime and the penalties it incurs.

Please click on the image to download the letter as a PDF

Parking on Pavements

A local Resident brought to the attention of the FHMCC, South Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland that there are a number of cars in our area parking on pavements and footpaths.

In Scotland, parking on pavements is set to become an offence if the Scottish Government pass a bill currently being debated — http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/91535.aspx

Parking on corners at a junction has also been discussed and we would like to remind drivers that according to the Highway Code, cars should not be parked within 10 meters of a junction.

Please consider other drivers and pedestrians when parking your car.

Did you know Forehill Library is more than “just” books

There's a lot going on in our wee library and we encourage all our residents, from 0 to 100+ to drop in and see what's on offer!

If you'de like to use the library as a meeting place for a group activity or as a social meeting place, let the team at the library know or drop us a message here on Facebook.

Kyle Stroke Group

Kyle Stroke Group meet in Kingcase Church, Waterloo Road, Prestwick, every Tuesday from 1.00pm until 3.00pm to give some positive and convivial engagement to Stroke suffers and a little respite for their carers and partners.

We need a few more volunteers to help us set out tables and chairs and square the meeting room when we're finished. Volunteers are also free and encouraged to mix and chat with the group members and join in our activities. Visit us on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Kylestrokegroup

If you would like to come along and help please contact John McGuire on 07921083325 or the group leader, Diane Barclay on 07952660267. Many thanks

Castlehill Woods

Do you use the walkways and/or park within Castlehill Woods?

Would you be interested in joining a team of volunteers to help clear over-growth and make the pathways neater and more accessible? If so, please get in touch, either here, on our Facebook page or by sending us a PM for further information.

Ayrshire Litter Volunteer Network

The Ayrshire Litter Volunteer Network was founded on 22nd August 2013. It is a Community based partnership of like-minded individuals who have great concern for the quality of their local environment and are aiming to promote greater community responsibility.

They are asking for Volunteers from all over South Ayrshire to join their “adopt a street” initiative with the aim of keeping local areas litter-free.

If you would like to get involved in this worthwhile local cause please contact the ALV on their website at https://www.alvn.org.uk/contact.asp or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Ayrshire-Litter-Volunteer-Network-149651811909404/timeline

Forehill Library at 31-33 Mt Oliphant Crescent is a hive of activity! Your local library is an ideal place to spend some time and is open to all ages 0-100! Why not check it out and try something new?

There are board games and jigsaws, a knit and natter group, a colouring book station and as colouring books are increasingly found to be a good source of therapy and relaxation- adults are catered for here too!

Tea and coffee is 50p a cup.

You can make use of the computers within the library, or you can take your own laptop and share the FREE wi-fi.

Forehill, Holmston & Masonhill Community Council is looking for suggestions for activities that you want to see at your local library.

Message us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHMCCAYR or email secretary@fhmcc.org.uk with your suggestions.
It's YOUR community so please get involved!

Fast Forward (Scotland)

This scheme, founded in 1987 is a voluntary organisation which promotes the health and wellbeing of young people through quality education and research, focusing primarily on the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco misuse. This is done by listening to, challenging, informing and involving young people. The aims of Fast Forward are:

• To engage with, and empower, young people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
• To develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of practitioners working with young people.
• To work with and support parents, carers and communities on issues of young people’s health and substance misuse.
• To inform policy and to disseminate good practice.

Fast Forward aims to help organisations and individuals to build and sustain work that will contribute to long-term positive change for young people and the communities they are part of. Through training and consultancy work, the organisation provides individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills to develop health education with young people. Drug education programmes, training courses, workplace drug training, volunteering opportunities, research services and publications are available to individuals and organisations for young people in Scotland aged 12-25 years.

Fast Forward's areas of work include:

• developing and promoting peer education;
• delivering substance misuse education and prevention (drugs, alcohol and tobacco);
• providing volunteering opportunities for young people;
• engaging young people in all aspects of health and wellbeing;
• supporting capacity building in communities and agencies;
• providing training to adults, practitioners and young people; and
• developing and producing innovative resources and publications.

Fast Forward offers a wide range of training, which can be tailored to each organisation’s needs. Training can be delivered in Edinburgh or at locations throughout Scotland. Work can be commissioned on a wide range of issues involving young people. Fast Forward has worked in every local authority in Scotland, and in close collaboration at community level with a number of other partners. These have included: health boards (health promotion departments, drug action teams), local authorities (community education, schools, social work, housing, and community services), voluntary organisations and training providers.

Further information on the full range of support opportunities is available from the Fast Forward website.

There are no published deadlines.

http://www.fastforward.org.uk/

Good Morning Service - Free of charge for those aged 60+ years living in South Ayrshire

The charity provides telephone befriending and alert calls to older people. Every morning, 365 days a year, Telephone Befrienders call out to members at a pre-arranged time to check that all is well and for a good blether. We take an active interest in people and over time hope to become a “good friend on the phone”, someone to share a laugh with or simply be there to listen and give emotional support in difficult times.

If our Good Morning Call goes unanswered and the person can't be located we will alert nominated contact persons or the emergency services to a potential health problem. Help will be sent, 365 days a year.

• Additional Good Night Calls in Winter
• Monthly social outings, our Get Togethers
• Pass on warnings of bogus callers from Police Scotland
• Connect people into their local communities

http://www.goodmorningservice.co.uk/services.html

Congratulations to Kyle Academy

Congratulations to Kyle Academy who were nominated finalists in this year's prestigious National Scottish Education Awards 2015, held recently at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow.

Kyle was nominated for their Learning Through Technology program.

New Community Notice Boards

Forehill, Holmston & Masonhill Community Council are chuffed to let you know that we have installed new community notice boards throughout the area - on the gates at Castlehill Woods, at Forehill Library and on the railings of Holmston Primary School. We want to use the notice boards, and our website and facebook page, to advertise local events and clubs and also to make sure our community is kept up to date with all the goings on at the fhmcc community council.

If you have a local group or event you would like to promote please let us know. Contact us on facebook, our website, by email at secretary@fhmcc.org.uk or by phone, 01292 284692 or better still, come along to one of our meetings on the last Tuesday of the month, at Kyle Academy at 7pm.

Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council Election Formal Results

View the Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council Election Formal Results Notice March 2015

South Ayrshire 1000 - Citezens’ Panel

South Ayrshire Council with its partners in the public and voluntary sectors, wants to survey attitudes and views on public services and policy issues.

Citizens’ Panels are a way for local people to provide feedback on a range of issues and influence decision makers. The South Ayrshire Citizens’ Panel is called “South Ayrshire 1000” as it is the intention to have 1,000 members on the Panel. We have managed to recruit around 850 people who live in South Ayrshire who volunteered to http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/sa1000