Clean Air to Breathe
2025-09-06 • No comments • • Irvine
The waste incineartor currently being built at Oldhall West is due to begin operations around the turn of the year. It will only be allowed operate once Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have issued a permit. Once the permit is issued the company operating the incinerator is responisible for controlling emmisions , monitoring them, and self reporting.
Waste incinerators are associated with a rise in air pollution, including to Nitrous dioxide, which is considered to cause 'significant' harm to humans, even at levels lower than those permitted in the UK.( see photo for quote) As there will be no other independent monitoring of emmissions our group is seeking funds to by the equipment to monitor Nitorous Dioxide emmisions ourselves. Currently the only public air quality monitoring station is in the centre of Irvine, at the cross. We understand there will be two points for monitoring at the waste incinerator, one on the back-up diesel generator ( checked every 5 years) and the other on the stack. None of these existing monitoring arrangements wil give a real idea of air quality changes inthe wider area around the incerator once it begins operations.
If our results, are as , we hope ,that there is no rise in air pollution in the Irvine area we can publicise this reassuring information. In the unfortunate event that we find that emissions are dangerous to health we can alert SEPA and the appropriate action can be taken to protect locals.
One of the reasons why locals are so concerned about this possible threat is that they were alarmed by the 2 battery fires in Kilwinning, which caused significant changes to our air quality. The plant in Kilwinning had all it SEPA permits. Many locals feel that the permits were not adequate to provide real proection and they wish further reassurance about potential threats from this larger plant, closer to Irvine.
The cost of a hand held monitor suitable for the job is around £500. This is the only equipment we are seeking funding for. Our group has a bank account.
I attach a document which explains the dangers of emmissions from waste incineratros, with partuiclar reference to the gas we wish to monitor.
Irvine Flowerbed Buddies
2025-09-06 • 1 comment • • Irvine
The aim of the project is to support volunteers involved in the Irvine 'Adopt a Flowerbed' scheme through offering basic tools, bulbs and seeds. It will offer a chance to come together as a supportive group to share hints and tips as well as seed and plant swaps for use in the flower beds. The project will promote physical activity, social inclusion, positive mental health and enhanced wellbeing.
A Facebook group will be set up to share photos of the flowerbeds and events organised to bring volunteers together. The aim is to build a supportive community amongst the 'Buddies' while helping to enhance the Irvine locality for both locals and visitors alike through the maintenance of its flowerbeds.
The approximate costs applied for are:
Bulbs and seeds: £540, gardening gloves: £21.60, hand trowels: £51.84, Seed trays £46.08, plant labels: £11.98, seed envelopes:£19.99, refreshments: £96.78, Promotional flyers: £31.99, tote bags: £17.74, room rental for year (monthly x10): £162.
Additional costs involved such as soil improvement, compost, additional plants and bulbs and protective gear will be sought through fundraising and donations.
Dirrans Gardening group
2025-09-12 • No comments • • Official position 1 • Kilwinning
The volunteers work tirelessly each week to keep on top of weeds, plant growth, grass, and pruning. This can feel like an endless task, but the motivation of our volunteers never wavers. Every volunteer has previously used the service themselves, and they are passionate about giving something back to the community that once supported them.
Our vision is to make the garden a welcoming, calming space that others can enjoy — a true extension of the outdoors where people can experience the physical and mental benefits of being surrounded by nature.
To help combat the ongoing issue of weeds, we have recently started using membrane and stones. However, over time these materials degrade and need to be replaced. This year, we hope to refresh the garden’s weed prevention measures to make the space easier to maintain and allow our volunteers to focus more on planting and enhancing the garden’s visual appeal rather than the constant battle with weeds.
Funding requirements:
- Garden stones: We require approximately 4 tonnes of stones at a cost of £157.01 per tonne.
- Tree loppers: We need to upgrade our tree loppers (x1) at a cost of £33.36.
- Amount left over will be spent on the following:
- Perennials: Introducing more perennial plants will reduce long-term costs while maintaining a vibrant, colourful garden that encourages bees and insects. Costs range between £5–£20 per plant.
- Fruit & vegetable area: This year, we successfully grew strawberries, potatoes, and cooking apples. We would love to expand this area further, as it supports our cooking groups and allows us to use fresh produce grown onsite. For example, a plum tree costs £39.99.
Our team also builds wooden planters on-site, allowing us to expand our planting efforts in a sustainable way.
The garden plays an important role in accessibility for people who use our service, some of whom have limited or no access to a private garden. We provide raised beds and a measured walking loop, which is used for mindful walking and physiotherapy practice. These measured laps help service users gradually increase their walking distance, build confidence, and track their progress.
The sensory element of the garden — including herbs, lavender, and other fragrant plants — creates a therapeutic environment, providing additional mental health benefits.
With funding support, our volunteers will be able to focus more on developing the planting and visual beauty of the garden rather than spending most of their time fighting weeds. This will create a lasting, positive impact for everyone who uses and enjoys this special space
Picnic in the Park
2025-09-10 • No comments • • Kilwinning
Community Gala day. Some costs based on 2025 costs.
Costings -
Kids entertainers - £560
First Aid - £300
Public Liability - £200
further costs but these are associated with paid for wristbands for inflatables and fairground rides that are sold ay the event.
Art in Mind Developments
2025-09-12 • No comments • • Arran
The specialist Print maker would spend time servicing our printer and preparing and delivering two or three teaching sessions. Arran Visual Arts pay all tutors the Scottish Artist Union Rate of pay which is £44.90 per hour. 10 hours would therefore be £449.
We have a lot of art materials in both venues. But the starage space is a shared space, so improving the shelving would allow beetr use of all materials we have.We would either use ready made storage units or a local joiner to fit shelves in a cupboard. Ready made units are approximately £200 each and we would need 2.
“We are awaiting a quotation from a joiner for fitted shelving, but we expect it to be in the region of £250.
The total costs will be £999”
Marymass Community Christmas Pantomime 2026
2025-09-12 • No comments • • Community Wealth Building PB
This year we running a Christmas pantomime fundrasier for the running of the festival, this is open for all of the community at a reduced rate. For 2026 we'd like to offer showings at a even more of a reduced rate. This year the cost of tickets are £10 per person where normally the tickets are £16. Next year we'd like to have the opportunity to greatly reduce the cost of the tickets for school children. We'd like a friday showing for schools to make it acessible for lower income families. Ticket will be at the reduced cost of £3. We will be running other days which will be open to the public which will generate an income. The income we make will be reinvested back into the festival planning and organisation of the festival celebrations for the year ahead.
Pantomime Booking (Geeza a Break Productions ) - £1800
One off hall hire (Volunteer Rooms) - £200
Garnock canoe club
2025-09-14 • No comments • • Garnock Valley
We meet at kilbirnie loch every Thursday evening between April and October to paddle on the loch . In winter we move indoors to Garnock community campus pool , where members learn life saving skills in the water , and how to keep themselves safe in the water . We have week about for youths and adults .
The club provides the boats , kayaks , paddle boards and life jackets to members , thus ensuring there is no barriers to anyone despite cost .
All members are encouraged and supported to do training to become coaches and can find support to build on their experiences.
We have a family friendly atmosphere that encourages newcomers to try out new activities with support and experience of other members .
There is opportunities to go on camping trips , and days away at different locations. these are great for building confidence in people of all ages . The club is great for mental health , keeping fit , and allowing people to socialise in a safe and suppprtive environment. We hoping to use our funding for maintenance to our boats and possibly replace some older ones . The boats will be roughly £200 each to repay and update . we have no running costs , or building rentals to consider .
Ripple Effect Saltcoats -- Melbourne Park Revival
2025-09-12 • 3 comments • • Three Towns
Ripple Effect Saltcoats intend to reinstate an 18 hole putting green complete with flags. We also will include 2 or 3 target bowls rinks with numbered target circles, a possible french boules area and a large fixed chess and draughts board. It is hoped to include a table tennis court as well.
Ripple Effect Saltcoats see this project as another step in the regeneration of Saltcoats shorefront. It will also complement the proposed redevelopment of Melbourne Toilets.
Breakdown of costs : 60 x Minigolf putters @ £7.78 = £466.80 :100 x Minigolf balls = £72.60 : 18 x hole cups: £181.80 : 18 x Aluminium Flags = £86.80 : 2000 x Standard scorecards = £30.00 : 500 x Scorecard pencils = £20.85
TOTAL (incl Vat) £1030.62
Wee School Pantry
2025-08-25 • No comments • • Garnock Valley
We are looking at suppling fresh meat parcels with a value of £20 per pack, including things like mince,chicken, bacon and sausages. We hace on average about 50 members that use our pantry every week. 50 packs at £20 would cost £1000. We would be using a local butcher keeping our business local and cutting down on transportation costs and fuel emissions.
Keeping our Service Free
2025-08-26 • No comments • • Irvine
Our charity was set up to provide free transport to the Irvine community who were diagnosed with cancer and requires treatment in any hospital within Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Once the patient has had treatment we will continue to support them with transport for non-cancer related treatment. We have around 40 volunteer staff within drivers and office. None of our staff are paid other than our drivers who are paid mileage expenses. For us to provide this service the charity must raise over £65000 per year which is all raised through donations, fund raising activities and through grant applications like this. All our drivers are paid a mileage allowance at 50p per mile which is calculated at 45p per mile plus an additional 5p per mile for extra passengers.
The £1000 would breakdown as 14 runs to Glasgow at 71 miles at 50p per mile = £1000This would allow us to take a maximum of 42 patients to appointments.
The £1000 if used for local hospitals within Ayrshire it would breakdown as 33 runs to local hospitals at 30 miles at 50p per mile = £1000. This would allow us to take a maximum of 99 patients to appointments.