It is intended to extend the use of the facilities to other local groups including pensioners, those with Alzheimer's/Dementia, and a friendly hub for those who would otherwise find themselves suffering from isolation. It is centrally located and it is intended to offer a wide range of activities from bingo, cards, dominoes to book exchange, colouring books, nostalgia and gentle exercise. As those who suffer from Alzheimer's and Dementia are susceptible to certain colours it is intended to repaint internally(£400) and also offer a change of coloured crockery (£100). Whilst materials for the activities would also have to be obtained (£200).  The Function Suite are also keen to offer a variety of entertainment each month for the general public to attend including music, race nights, etc (£300).  We feel that the Function Suite can play an important role in the integration of people from all age groups, genders, ethnicity and will try wherever possible to be all inclusive.

Irvine Burns Club are seeking funding to provide trophies and book prizes for those pupils nominated to represent their schools at a “Champion of Champion” event held in Wellwood Burns Centre and Museum and demonstrate their skill in presenting their chosen poem. It is intended that there will be three categories, Primaries 1-2; Primaries 3-4 and Primaries 5-7.

Those nominated by their schools are also eligible to compete in the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs Schools’ Competition held later in the year.

If successful there they can go forward to perform at the Robert Burns World Federation National Festival. In the recent past several of our young people have been successful at this stage.

There are 11 Primary Schools in the Irvine Area and it is hoped that all would participate.

We seek funding to purchase 36 trophies at a cost of £20 each (£720) and 36 book prizes at a cost of £7.50 each (£270) a total of £990.

Any unused trophies and book prizes purchased would be held for use in following years.

To provide a low cost (for families) familly fun day for all to enjoy.

Pony / Donkey £650.00

Alpacas £250.00

Petting Zoo £160.00

Inflatables £650.00

Face Painter  £150.00

"Recovery Rejoice: A Sober Celebration of Christmas & New Year" will be an evening of entertainment designed to fill the holiday season with joy, connection, and hope. The event venue is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Inviting people from the whole of the Recovery Community to join us on 28th December, including both voluntary & statutory sectors (event will be ticketed to ensure numbers don't exceed venue capacity)

The heart of the celebration lies in the music and dancing. We will have DJ spinning uplifting tunes that inspire everyone to hit the dance floor. Participants can relax &  unwind while dancing the night away to tunes from the 80's & 90's up to present time.

A night of festive games, adding an element of friendly competition and laughter to the occasion. From old school festive games to interactive challenges, there's something for everyone to enjoy. These activities not only provide entertainment but also encourage bonding among attendees.

One of the most magical moments of the event is when Santa makes a surprise visit. Santa's arrival brings smiles to all faces, as he personally hands out small, thoughtful gifts to each guest. This traditional touch reminds everyone that the spirit of giving and generosity transcends sobriety.

Throughout the evening, the air is filled with laughter, conversations, and the sound of people coming together in unity. It's a celebration of life, recovery, and the strength of community. "Recovery Rejoice" ensures that individuals who might have spent past holidays feeling isolated now have a place where they can create cherished memories, experience the joy of the season, and know that they are not alone on their journey to recovery.

Venue - £80

Food & Soft Drinks - £200

Entertainment - £100

Festive Decorations - £50

Santa Visit - £50

Gifts for attendees - £200

We will soon create a large (1 hectare), shallow wetland at Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve in Stevenston to benefit biodiversity and make the reserve a more interesting and enjoyable place to visit. We received planning permission last year, and one of the planning conditions was that an archaeologist oversees the creation of the wetland to ensure that the groundworks don't disturb any undiscovered archaeological relics that might be at the site. Before we can apply for funding to create the wetland, we need to fund the production of an archaeological method statement, which will then be signed-off by NAC, allowing us to move forward with the creation of the wetland. The single cost is an Archaeological Method Statement (which sets out for NAC how the archaeologist will oversee the construction of the wetland) at £318.

Auchengate, and in particular Dundonald Crescent, is home to an abundance of wildlife, beautiful views, and families with young children. Our committee members, with the help of those families, contribute a very diverse mix of skills and experience, and are coming together to help our residents by volunteering time, services and knowledge to improve and enhance the look of our estate, whilst building relationships and community spirit. Due to the cost-of-living crisis and the cost of garden maintenance equipment, such as lawnmowers, many of our residents cannot afford the extra expense that comes with garden maintenance, or simply do not have the time due to working whilst supporting young children, or the knowledge to use such equipment safely. This is where DCERA can help.

We would like to purchase two items for our community.

1. Currently, a member of our committee volunteers his time to cut the grass on the front and rear gardens for 25 out of 76 properties within the estate. He generously does this with his personal old mower which is not reliable or fit for purpose for this capacity of work on a weekly basis. We are looking to buy a new mower from a local company that will provide us with great aftercare and a service plan, to be used by two members of the committee to share the responsibility and workload. DCERA will also be covered with liabilty insurance.

2. We intend to buy a good quality, heavy duty gazebo, that will be bespoke made with our DCERA logo. This will be used regularly at events within our estate and further afield for fundraising, drop-in sessions, community barbecues, boot sales, sports and games, and a whole host of other uses.

Cost of Lawnmower - £450

Cost of Gazebo - £600