PORT WILLIAM 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 is the installation of floodlighting. We are delighted to announce that Dumfries & Galloway Council have agreed to fund the cost of this.The centre is being well used despite the bad weather - the children don't seem to ming the rain, they are having fun!!! (Even in January). Work has begun on the installation of floodlighting, but has had to be temporarily stopped due to flooding. Youth Groups meet on wednesdays and Fridays, so come along. Details are available from any of the committee or Youth Leaders. During the last year we have also been working with Kirkinner, Garlieston, Sorbie, Kirkcowan, and The Isle of Whithorn communities to try and secure funding for a paid, shared, youth worker to work alongside volunteers. We have been promised funding from Lloyds/TSB and The Robertson Trust which will create a job within the area and we hope that our other projects will bring more work to the village.

HARBOUR BUILDING

Update February 2008

The Trust has completed the Feasibility Study on 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. 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.

Port William Community Development Trust 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.