Community Development Trust
COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTRE
Our first project, which was the provision of a Community Youth Centre (for session times see events page) and multisports area (MUGA) is now complete and very well used (to make booking). We received major funding from BBC Children in Need, Leader+ and Awards for All, but the various community groups within the village all supported the project financially as did members of the community by attending the various fundraising activities which were held.
The total cost of the project was £120,000 and the third and final phase was the installation of floodlighting which was funded by Dumfries & Galloway Council – this has allowed the court area to be used for longer periods even in bad weather – the children don’t seem to mind the rain, they are having fun!!! (Even in January).
The Trust succeeded in obtaining funding from Lloyds TSB and The Robertson Trust to provide two youth workers to work alongside volunteers in the five Machars villages of Garlieston/Sorbie (Monday), Isle of Whithorn ( Wednesday), Kirkinner (Thursday) and Port William (Friday). All ages of young people are catered for.
HARBOUR BUILDING
May 2009
The Trust has completed the Feasibility Study, a Business Plan and revised Concept Plans for the Harbour Project and results show that there is over 90% support for the development, especially for a heritage type centre with tea room facilities, crafts, a gym, and low cost accommodation which will encourage walkers and cyclists to the area, bringing with it trade. We also propose to include a place to house the lifeboat and provide a training room for the crew.
This is a wonderful opportunity to aquire a community owned asset which will also create jobs in our village. The Big Lottery – Growing Community Assets has accepted our outline proposals and assigned a member of their team from Highlands and Islands to work with us to take us through to the next stage.The project is currently working through these various stages and we are waiting with bated breath, hoping for final approval. This is all very exciting.
December 2013
We’ve done it! PIRSAC have secured a grant of £240,300 to upgrade its boat and build a dedicated lifeboat shed. The award came from the Dumfries and Galloway European Fisheries Fund after an application from the Port William Development Trust on behalf of PIRSAC was approved.
PIRSAC chairman George McKenzie, along with Pauline Watkins and Paul Carrington from the Development Trust, were celebrating on Wednesday night with the volunteer lifeboat crew after hearing the good news.
Mr McKenzie, who has been campaigning hard for years to get the lifeboat upgraded, said: “The Dumfries and Galloway Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) approved 90 per cent of the requested amount from European Axis 4 match-funding money. Dumfries and Galloway Council and Marine Scotland provided 50 per cent each of the 90 per cent and the remaining 10 per cent will come from PIRSAC.
“The project is to buy a fully-equipped rigid inflatable rescue boat complete with self-righting equipment which will comply with the Maritime Coastguard Agency’s code of practice.
“The development of the inshore boat shed will also integrate with FLAG’s local development strategy and will benefit the fisheries sector and the community, improve working conditions and safety, and keep our fishing vessels and aquaculture safe.
“A proposed tea shop and heritage exhibition also supports FLAG’s diversification strategy and the council’s tourist strategy. This will improve visitor numbers to Port William and increase the dwell time, having a positive impact on the local economy. But as an independent lifeboat we will still need ongoing support to help sustain the buildings and equipment.”
THE TRUST
The Trust has been granted Charity Status.
This is an important achievement and will be a major factor in bidding for further funding. It will require a subsequent alignment of our constitution to reflect this change.
WATER SPORTS
The Trust continues to be involved with The Solway Firth Partnership – into the development of Luce Bay, and as soon as details are available these will be published.
CONTACT The Community Development Trust:
by e-mail : via our Contacts Page
Secretary- Mrs Pauline Watkins
Glen Fruin
Port William
DG8 9QP
Tel 01988 700501
Chair – Mrs Anna Thompson 01988700644
Treasurer – Paul Carrigan Tel: 01988 700394
Just before Christmas 2007, the Trust won the very presitigious LEADER+ VIBRANT COMMUNITIES AWARD and has been shortlisted for awards from SCOTTISH URBAN REGENERATION FORUM and BRITISH URBAN REGENERATION AWARD and THE QUEENS AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE for the development of the new youth centre.
