COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTRE

Our first project, which was the provision of a community youth centre and multisports area is now complete and very well used. 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

Update 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.

 

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

Secretary

Mrs Pauline Watkins
Glen Fruin
Port William
DG8 9QP
Tel 01988 700501

Chair - Shaun Dodds

Treasurer - Paul Carrigan

e-mail enquiries@portwilliam.com

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.