Food waste bags
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.

DOG WORRYING (DISTURBING) SHEEP IS A CRIME
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

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!

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

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.
South Ayrshire 1000
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

The Scottish Government has recently set up a national website highlighting the role of community councils.
See the letter below.
Scottish Government letter to Community Councils. November 2014
www.communitycouncils.org.uk

GET INVOLVED — Your input is what will help our community come together.
We would love to hear from you. We want this website to be about you. Send us your pictures, share your memories, tell us your stories about our area and we will publish them on our webpages. Let us know if you, or someone you know in the area, is celebrating a special occasion.
Check our website and facebook pages for forthcoming competitions.

Come to our meetings. FHMCC meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 7pm in Kyle Academy and we extend a warm welcome to local residents.
Please email us seven days before the meeting with you agenda item
Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FHMCCAYR

Email us at secretary@fhmcc.org.uk

Phone Us on 07935 169 749

Ward 4, Ayr East area map
Ward 4, Ayr East area map
Click picture to enlarge


Sunset over Glencairn Park taken on the 11th March 2014
Sunset over Glencairn Park taken on the 11th March 2014
Click picture to enlarge


News Archives 2015

 

Check out the Ayrshire Police Division facebook page for regular news updates at:
https://www.facebook.com/AyrshirePoliceDivision

 

 

KYLE CYCLE TRACK

 

Pupils of Kyle Academy along with Community Officers will continue work on the upkeep of the Kyle Cycle Track this year.

Located in the grounds of Kyle Academy, the track is free to use, and available to local residents of all ages. It's a fantastic, (and safe), way to enjoy a great, open air activity with family and friends.

Anyone who would like to help with the upkeep of the cycle track can find out more by by emailing chris.campbell@south-ayrshire.gov.uk. Boys and girls who volunteer to help will be rewarded with an all expenses cycle day out later in the year.
Ariel view of Kyle cycle track

Kyle Academy pupils and Community Officers working on the cycle track

 

 

Notice Boards Vandalised

 

Notice Boards Vandalised

Once again, our notice board at Forehill Library has been vandalised. This damage has rendered the board both unsafe and unusable. The cost of our notice boards (and repairs) are paid for from Community Council funding—which is not an unlimited budget. The Community Council will discuss whether another repair is affordable and we will update you on this in early December. Meanwhile, if you are aware of vandalism in our community, please report this to Police Scotland on 101.



 

 

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL BUDGET PLANS — HAVE YOUR SAY!

 

Planning the Budget

The Council are currently working on their budget plans for financial years 2016/17 – 2018/19 including proposed cuts to spending and services.

They are now seeking YOUR opinion and are inviting you to make your views known to them by visiting www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/balancing-the-budget

This is a fantastic opportunity to have your opinion taken into account before final decisions are made by South Ayrshire’s Councillors.

DON'T LOSE THIS UNIQUE CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR FEELINGS KNOWN.

YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR VIEWS NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2015

 

 

 

Forehill Library Knit and Natter group received a donation of wool from FHMCC.

Forehill Library Knit and Natter group received a donation of wool from FHMCC.

The group meets each Thursday afternoon at 2pm in Forehill Library. These busy knitters have been working on woollen baby hats for newborns at Crosshouse Maternity unit and knitted squares to be made into blankets and woollen slips for the 'Chipshop Baby' charity in Africa. The chipshop baby charity was so called because someone decided that every child deserves more than being born and wrapped in newspaper.

 

Our well known resident and happy knitter, Dot, pictured here, was very pleased to accept our donation and says the lilac wool will be put to good use for their upcoming projects! Thank you for all your work, ladies!

 

 

Victory in Europe Day

“Seventy years ago, at 7.40pm on May 7th 1945, Winston Churhill asked the British Ministry of Information to make a short announcement. This proclaimed that, ‘In accordance with arrangements between the three great powers, tomorrow, Tuesday, will be treated as Victory in Europe Day’. On the streets of London, people in their thousands celebrated by holding impromptue street parties but what happened in the Auld Toon on that historic day?

One of our local residents, 94 years young Esther Miller, shares some of her war years memories.

Although I was born in Motherwell, I lived Biggleswade in England when war was declared and was employed with His Masters Voice which was, and is today, a well-known company within the music industry. It was the weekend of 3rd September which changed our lives forever when the news was announced that Britain was at war. We listened in silence to the speech by the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, and could only wonder what was to come. To help defend our towns in the event of an invasion, the Home Guard rolled out giant balls of barbed wire across roads and bridges – at that time, this was our only deterrant. We were not ready for war. Our army was fighting with all it's might and the country was about to meet a new type of hero in the men of the Royal Air Force. Churchill said of them, ‘Never in the history of mankind have so many owed so much to so few’

Next door to our house was a farmer's orchard which the Government took over and transformed into an aerodrome to support the spitfire and hurricane planes being sent out on bombing missions and aerial dogfights. Huts were built for the pilots to live in and to hold training sessions. When the sirens started, we would head to our Anderson Shelter – the shelter was dug six foot into the ground and lined with corrugated iron and there were four bunks for us to sleep in. When we headed to the shelters I would see the pilots running to their planes and I tried to count how many took off and the next day how many came back. The enemy arrived at around the same time every night, in the early evening, on their way to London, and I was able to tell the difference between their aircraft and ours. Their engines sounded a steady low thumping nose while ours were smooth and steady.

I was called up to serve in the war effort and was sent to a munitions factory in the Midlands working for the aeronautical society, alligned to the RAF. The factory was built below ground so it was camouflaged and would fool ‘Gerry’ if they invaded. My job was to inspect newly made bombs to ensure the ingredients for explosion were accurate and I would stamp the bomb with my own personal stamp. Inspectors wore brown all-in-ones made of special material. We had covers for our shoes and turbans for our head. Any hair exposed would be dyed orange by the chemicals and myself and lots of my friends would pull a tuft of hair out of the turban to proudly announce the work we did. The factory had to be kept at a certain temperature because of the explosive ingredients needed for the bomb making and one awful side effect from this happened when the doors were opened to let in some air, encouraging giant beetles to head to the heat ; they did in their droves and you couldn't help standing on them. They crunched loudly under your feet. I have hated beetles ever since!

In 1943 I met the love of my life, a soldier returning from Cairo, (one of the dessert rats), where he had been stationed for six years. We married and returned to, and settled in his home town of Ayr while he continured to carry out army duties in Glasgow. On the day of the cessation of hostilies, we had already retired for the night. Although we knew by then that peace was imminent we didn't know when it would be announced. When we heard the town bells ringing we got up and opened the front door but the street was quiet. The celebrations that rocked London were celebrated very low key in Ayr and I think in other parts of the country too. I, my family and freinds and the entire country had been through years of war, fear and loss. Words can't describe the relief and thankfulness I felt at that time, and also deep sorrow for friends and family who had given their all in defence of our country”

Author - Anne Stewart

 

 

A FISHY TALE

 

Our very own Forehill Cafe has been nominated for the best Scottish fish ‘n’ chip shop in the Scottish National Fish and Chip Shop competition, 2016. The Cafe is in the top seven to go forward to the final and the winner will progress to the U.K. finals.

I don't know of anyone in Ayr East - and way beyond our own wee border - who hasn't tasted the fantastic fare from Forehill Cafe. We wish them the very best of luck. It won't be a fishy tale if they win!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-33608358

 

 

Kyle Academy

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.

 

 

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is keen to hear your views about the environment and how you interact with it and invite you to join them for a light buffet and interactive workshop at the Mercure Ayr Hotel, Dalblair Road, Ayr on Wenesday July 1st from 10am till 12.30.



Topics covered will include:-

  • How important is the environment to you?
  • How does the environment help us in our day to day lives?
  • To what extent do you feel involved in decisions about the environment?
  • How do you currently help to look after the environment?
  • What could help you to do more to look after the environment?

As a thank you for taking part you'll receive a £20 shopping voucher at the end of the workshop.

Translation services can be provided as required if requested at least 72 hours in advance.

Please register your interest at:
http://tinyurl.com/SEPAsignup or by telephoning Hannah on 0131 225 5600.

 

 

Fire Station

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

From 19th June till 27th June, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is coordinating a national week of publicity and activities to improve fire safety for older people.

During this week firefighters in Scotland will be holding a national ‘week of action’ which they hope will help prevent accidental house fires. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are asking Members of the Public to help reach those most vulnerable in the community - people over the age of 60 are at high risk, accounting for almost two-thirds of those killed. Common factors for this, along with age, were smoking, ill-health, living alone and limited mobility.

Free home safety visits, which only take about 20 minutes to carry out, can save lives, you can even get free smoke alarms fitted if you require them. To book a free visit for you or someone you know call 0800 0731 999 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk.

 

 

New Community Notice Boards

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.

 

 

FHMCC Co-option‏

Notice is made that a new individual has been duly co-opted onto Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council until 31March 2016 at the meeting of Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council held on Tuesday 26th May 2015. Proposed and seconded per our published minutes. These minutes in local notice boards and our web pages.

  • Mrs. Allison Russell. 14 Greentree Park, Ayr,KA73SZ

Anyone wishing to comment on this co-option should do so to the Community Council Secretary as detailed below, no later than 30th June 2015.

 

John McGuire
Secretary
Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council
54 Roman Road
Ayr, KA73SZ

Phone 01292 280173
Email: johnmcguire998@hotmail.com

June 1st 2015.

 

 

 

Audit and Governance Panel Job Vacancy

Audit and Governance Panel Job Vacancy

South Ayrshire Council are seeking applications for the role of lay Chairperson of the Audit and Governance Panel. This is a totaly independant role, is fixed-term until 31st May 2017 and has a remuneration of £5,000 a year. It is the first post of it's type within South Ayrshire Council.

If you would like to know more about the post, what background is required and to tender an application, visit this link to the Council's website, http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/your-chance-to-be-councils-first-independent-audit-chairperson.aspx

The closing date for applications is midday, 22nd May 2015

 

 

Darlington Church Restoration Project Survey

Darlington Church Restoration Project Survey

The Community Council have been asked to participate in an intriguing survey concerning the old Darlington Church which sits on corner of Main Street and North Harbour Street - it previously was used by the Borderline Theatre Company. The survey is open to all members of the public and we thought we would highlight to you that there are possible changes to the use of this building. The proposal is on a non-profit basis and it is to transform the building into a Columbarium. Yes we wondered too. A Columbarium is primarily used to store urns and provides families with a pleasant place to visit and remember loved ones. Before moving forward, there is a need to gauge the level of public support for this type of initiative so if you would like to find out more and participate in the survey you can do so at http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AyrColumbariumProject?x=25

 

 

Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council Election Formal Results

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

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

 

 

Glencairn Park Drainage

Drainage work at Glencairn Park.   Drainage work at Glencairn Park.   Drainage work at Glencairn Park.

“Work has been ongoing over the last week at Glencairn Park to assist with drainage in the area. Groundsmen have laid boulders and 70 metres of piping underground. The area will always be water-logged, but hopefully this work will prevent flooding and allow for more rapid draining of the playpark area during the winter months.”

Thanks to Samantha Stewart for this story and pictures.

 

 

Orchard House and Hamilton House

Following on from Christmas 2014, Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council delivered boxes of chocolates to the Residents of Orchard House and Hamilton House. Fhmcc Santa, Secretary John McGuire, visited Orchard House just before Christmas with the gift wrapped presents and we hope all of the Residents enjoyed their sweet treat.

 

 

War and Disability in Scotland, 1939–1950

 

The Entrepreneurial University

A new disability history project ‘War and Disability in Scotland, 1939-1950’ is being funded by the Hudson Trust and being carried out by their team at the Scottish Oral History Centre at the University of Strathclyde. They would love to interview anyone with a disability in Scotland who would like to share their experiences of working during or just after World War Two. They would also love to speak to families, co-worker and advocates who have stories to tell. Any help you could give them in advertising the project or in finding oral history respondents would be greatly appreciated!

 

More details below or Download and Print the article here!

 

War, Work and Disability. Become A Part Of Scottish History

War, Work and Disability. Become A Part Of Scottish History

You might be interested in, and able to help with a new project being run by the Scottish Oral History Centre (SOHC), based at the University of Strathclyde. The SOHC want to hear from people who were disabled or became disabled during the period 1939-1950 or from their advocates, family and co-workers. During the war huge demands were made on the working population of Scotland to meet production targets for munitions and other goods. With the departure of many workers to the armed forces employers began recruiting disabled people to help fill the gaps in the essential services at home. By 1941, a wartime employment service for disabled people (aged 16 or over) had been put in place which also provided help to those who had been wounded in battle and were undergoing rehabilitation.

Some research has been done on this subject but the personal stories of those directly involved are scarce. Indeed, it is almost impossible to access the Scottish experience. However, by creating an oral history archive for Scotland the gap in knowledge will begin to be filled providing an important and valuable resource that can be used as a platform to stimulate research and disseminate and improve knowledge.

David Walker, who works with the SOHC, would love to hear from anyone who thinks they could help with this project. So, were you, or do you know anyone who was disabled and who worked during the war years? Did you or do you know anyone who helped the disabled in the workplace during the Second World War period? This includes all those who worked for disability organizations. It doesn’t matter where you are based as David is able to visit you and capture your memories using a digital audio recorder. So, if you, or anyone you know fits the bill and want to become a part of Scottish history then why not contact David in the first instance on 0141 444 8367 and leave a message. Or, you can email him at david.walker@strah.ac.uk