North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson had a busy diary in the run up to the festive period - including being entertained by talented musicians and showing her support for the Ayrshire Hospice.
Provost Dickson’s diary is always crammed with interesting appointments and events across the region.
In a five week period from the end of October, events she has attended include:
October 28 - Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra Concert in Kilwinning Abbey.
November 2 – The council’s inaugural Employability Awards to present prizes with Council Leader Marie Burns.
November 3 - North Ayrshire and Arran Scouts awards event in Saltcoats Town Hall to present awards to the adult volunteers.
November 7 - Young Musician of the Year event in Irvine Royal Academy, where talented pupils entertained.
November 8 – The launch of The Mount Project in Townend Community Centre, Dreghorn. The council’s Irvine Locality Team has worked in partnership with Greenwood Academy to develop a new approach to encouraging non-attending pupils back to learning. Part of the initiative is offering pupils a barista skills qualification and additional study support outwith the school environment.
November 11 – An Armistice Day Service at Watson Memorial Garden in Irvine and, the following day, the Remembrance Sunday parade and service in Irvine. Depute Provost John Sweeney attended services in Saltcoats and Stevenston.
November 17 - Depute Provost John Sweeney attended the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, Scottish Branch, annual luncheon in Glasgow to hear how fairgrounds impact on our local community and contribute to the economy.
November 19 - “Winter Across the Atlantic”, Cunninghame Choir’s latest concert, which was held in Beith Community Centre.
November 23 - A Carers Rights Day celebration event in West Kilbride Village Hall. The event highlighted and promoted the rights of unpaid carers across North Ayrshire, and thanked them for their efforts. Provost Dickson was joined by Carers Champion, Councillor Nairn McDonald.
November 23 – Hosting a reception at Irvine Townhouse in recognition of the volunteers serving on the Ayrshire Area Support Team. East Ayrshire Provost Jim Todd and Councillor William Grant from South Ayrshire Council attended to thank AST members for the amazing contribution they have made to the lives of others.
November 24 – Being at the council’s Cunninghame House headquarters in Irvine to mark the start of the 16 Days of Action Campaign by raising the White Ribbon flag. This gesture is in support of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
November 30 – Promoting Ayrshire Hospice’s Light Up a Life Campaign with a photocall at the Christmas tree in Bridgegate, Irvine. You can find out more about the campaign and - donate to the hospice - here: https://bit.ly/3U8rRNY
November 30 – As part of 16 Days of Action, Provost Dickson attended the showing of Hystayria, a thought-provoking drama based on the real stories of Ayr’s barbaric witch trials, at Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre (HAC).
December 1 – The big reveal of the Kindness Mural, in Dalry Community Garden, along with Council’s Mental Health Champion, Councillor Jean McClung.
Provost Dickson said: “It gives me great pleasure to get out and about in our communities - meeting people, attending events and finding out more about what makes people tick.
“The events are fine examples of the vibrant communities we have here in North Ayrshire, and show how our people support not only each other, but also some fantastic causes. I would like to thank everyone for their contribution.”
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