Month: May 2016
Stonehaven Recreation Grounds Update
Over the last few years there has been a considerable degree of interest in the land that the recreation grounds occupy. This interest has come from other local groups outside of the Trustees who run the grounds and the Trustees (who are all unpaid volunteers) have purposely not commented on these ideas. What is perhaps not common knowledge is that the Trustees are bound by the restrictions within the Trust deeds for the grounds which stipulate that the land must be used for recreational purposes.
Recently, there has been a significant development due to the Long Lease (Scotland) Act. This act came into force in November 2015 and meant that the title to the recreation grounds land passed to the Trustees of the grounds. This act does not change the bounds of the Trust nor the requirements placed upon the Trustees to use the grounds for recreational purposes.
However, having this land now opens opportunities for the Trustees to develop greater and more varied recreational facilities. It has been sad that Stonehaven has suffered a loss of facilities over the years, such as the squash courts at the old County Hotel. With this in mind, the Trustees are seeking the opinions of the Stonehaven community on what recreational facilities they would like to see at the recreation grounds and we have developed a short online survey to gather your views. We should stress that this survey is only the first small step in examining what the community would ideally like to see and would use at the grounds and how much redevelopment of the site would be needed to fulfil this requirement.
After this initial data gathering exercise we will happily share the results and if and when any draft plans are to be put forward, then the Trustees will engage with feedback sessions and input from the wider community. We would greatly appreciate your thoughts and our survey can be found via a link on our Facebook page or directly at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SRG-future
Thanks for your time and input and we look forward to receiving your comments! Hopefully we can use this as a starting point for delivering improved recreational facilities for Stonehaven.
Missing Piece?
The mental health foundation have developed a great animation for mental health awareness week which is happening this week. Click on the link;
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/relationships-missing-piece-wellbeing-puzzle
Have Your Say!
Friends of the Mill of Benholm need your help.
They are working with a team of consultants on a feasibility study looking at the future of the Mill.
This is your chance to have your say and the more responses to the Survey Monkey link below the better, so please try and find 5 minutes to complete the survey and please forward the link on to anyone else that you think might be interested.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Mill_of_Benholm_Community
A public meeting is being held at Johnshaven Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 15th June where there will be the chance to explore different ideas for the Mill … this is another important opportunity for the community to get involved so please put the date in your diary.
Hillhead of Auquhirie Community Wind Farm Fund – Open Day
Kincardineshire Development Partnership are holding an open day on 2 June at Stonehaven Community Centre from 10 am to 1 pm for any groups/organisations who would like help with:
- Completing their application form.
- Checking completed forms and attachments required.
- More information on the fund itself.
The Hillhead of Auquhirie Wind Farm Community Fund opened for applications on 1 April. Applications to the fund can be made from groups and projects which benefit the communities living in the community council areas of: Arbuthnott; Catterline, Kinneff & Dunnottar; Mearns and Stonehaven & District.
Blue Energy, the energy company who developed the Hillhead of Auquhirie Wind Farm, has established the Community Fund which will see £12,420 per year (index linked) available to support local community projects during the 25 year lifetime of the wind farm. The fund is administered by Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP) and managed by a Decision Making Panel made up of members of the local community councils.
The fund is open for applications from 1 April until 30 June. A panel made up of representatives from the community council areas along with a representative from Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP) will then meet in August to consider applications.
We actively encourage community groups and projects within the area of benefit noted to apply for this fund.
If you are unable to make this event but would like some help please do not hesitate to contact KDP:
Tel: 01569 763246
Stonehaven Recreation Grounds
Over the last few years there has been a considerable degree of interest in the land that the recreation grounds occupy. This interest has come from other local groups outside of the Trustees who run the grounds and the Trustees (who are all unpaid volunteers) have purposely not commented on these ideas. What is perhaps not common knowledge is that the Trustees are bound by the restrictions within the Trust deeds for the grounds which stipulate that the land must be used for recreational purposes.
Recently, there has been a significant development due to the Long Lease (Scotland) Act. This act came into force in November 2015 and meant that the title to the recreation grounds land passed to the Trustees of the grounds. This act does not change the bounds of the Trust nor the requirements placed upon the Trustees to use the grounds for recreational purposes.
However, having this land now opens opportunities for the Trustees to develop greater and more varied recreational facilities. It has been sad that Stonehaven has suffered a loss of facilities over the years, such as the squash courts at the old County Hotel. With this in mind, the Trustees are seeking the opinions of the Stonehaven community on what recreational facilities they would like to see at the recreation grounds and we have developed a short online survey to gather your views. We should stress that this survey is only the first small step in examining what the community would ideally like to see and would use at the grounds and how much redevelopment of the site would be needed to fulfil this requirement.
After this initial data gathering exercise we will happily share the results and if and when any draft plans are to be put forward, then the Trustees will engage with feedback sessions and input from the wider community.
Thanks for your time and input and we look forward to receiving your comments! Hopefully we can use this as a starting point for delivering improved recreational facilities for Stonehaven.
Curious about Crowdfunding?
Following the results of a survey to Aberdeenshire communities and businesses, economic development has arranged two free information and awareness raising events on Crowdfunding, which will be delivered by Tim Wright, an internationally recognised expert on the topic.
Tuesday 31st May 2016 – Woodend Barn, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QA
The event will run from 6-9pm
Bookings through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curious-about-crowdfunding-tickets-25371907057
Tuesday 7th June 2016 – Station Hotel, Station Brae, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, AB41 9BD
The event will run from 6-9pm
Bookings through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curious-about-crowdfunding-tickets-25376581037
SOS
Take part in Village SOS to help community development in rural Scotland
Over the last 18 months, Village SOS has successfully supported 14 community projects in Scotland – with a further 17 currently receiving ongoing support. The support, in the main, comes via Rocket Science and Forth Sector Development, with many of these coming to completion over the next few weeks. The Village SOS programme offers 3 or 6 day mentoring packages as well as 3 days free consultancy to new, developing or existing community projects that benefit residents in rural communities across Scotland, Some examples of projects that have participated in the programme include Nigg and Shandwick Community Council; Garrison House; and Glasgow-based charity, the Advisory Group. If you’d be interested in accessing the Village SOS programme, see details and case studies. The programme runs until 31st August 2016.
National Mental Health Awareness Week
In support of
National Mental Health Awareness Week
16th – 22nd May 2016
Healthy and supportive relationships promote mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of mental ill-health. This is a celebration of the connections, the relationships and the people in our lives that add to our wellbeing and protect and sustain our mental health. From family and friends, to colleagues, neighbours and communities; taking notice of those connections that make us feel good, give us a sense of belonging and help us feel safe and supported.
What’s happening in Kincardine & Mearns?
Monday 16th May – Health Walk –leaving from Pillar Kincardine Office 42-46 Barclay St Stonehaven at 10.30 or by arrangement.
Booking essential – please call 01569767222 or email info@pillarkincardine.co.uk
Tuesday 17th May – Pillar Presents – Stonehaven South Church from 12noon to 2pm
For an invitation or to book a place call 01569767222 or email info@pillarkincardine.co.uk
Wednesday 18th May – Portlethen Health Walk. Meet at 10am in the Jubilee Hall, Cookston Road, Portlethen
Monday 16th to Friday 20th May – Behind the Mask display in Stonehaven Library Window
For a full copy of the South Aberdeenshire programme contact info@pillarkincardine.co.uk
Community travel grant available
Outdoor activity is recognised as good for our mental and physical wellbeing.
While many can easily get out to enjoy Scotland’s wonderful nature it can be more difficult for those with limited independence; the elderly, those with disabilities and people with a long-term illness, for example.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) wants to help everyone have the chance to enjoy what many people take for granted and is offering 50% travel grants to community and similar groups through the Buchan Countryside Group. Many people simply need some practical help to get their first taster of the outdoors and can use the confidence gained from this first adventure to continue exploring.
The grant is open to groups operating in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Cairngorm National Park. Attractions include nature reserves, wildlife centres, country parks and a network of footpaths that link up our open spaces.
For more information and application details. see the Buchan Countryside Group website.
Scottish Natural Heritage is the government’s adviser on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland. For more information on SNH please visit their website.
GRAMPIAN FAMILY FUN DAY
GRAMPIAN FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 14th May, 2016 11am – 2.30pm Portlethen Other Activities : Adult size Bouncy Castle, Candy Floss Machine, Balloon Modeller, Sound & Light Beam, Storytelling, Animates Please note that this event is primarily for people with disabilities, their families and carers. Booking is essential http://grampian-fun-day.eventbrite.co.uk Or contact 01569 764221 to book a ticket or therapy slot |
Academy AB12 4QL
KINCARDINE AND MEARNS AREA COMMITTEE BUDGET 2016/2017
The Area Committee has a small budget which can be used to ‘top up’ other funding sources in cases where otherwise there would be inadequate funding to allow something to happen.
The use of the budget has to be within guidelines agreed by the Council and in line with themes agreed by the Area Committee. These are listed below.
To apply, please click on the link for an application form; https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/funding/kincardine-and-mearns-area-committee-budget/
and return it to: Area Committee Officer Karen McWilliam – karen.mcwilliam@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Criteria for the Use of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee Budget 2016/17 onwards, agreed by Area Committee (22.03.16).
- The budget should be used to enable the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee to respond to local needs by adjusting the level of Council Services within its Area and supporting projects which respond to local needs. Projects will be favourably considered if they have clear evidence of community economic development and emerged from, or take cognisance of:
K&M Communities 