Dunadd community needs you!
Do you live in the Kilmichael, Kilmartin or Ford area? Then your community needs you, writes Rita Campbell.
Dunadd Community Enterprise has big plans and wants to hear what people in the area think.
The draft community plan will be presented at a series of community consultation events following the annual general meeting on Thursday January 11.
The enterprise company is seeking to identify a number of infrastructure schemes that could benefit from funding support for the regeneration of village centres.
A big issue raised by employers in the area is the lack of accommodation available for staff.
So the enterprise group is looking into establishing community-owned housing and energy schemes.
The feasibility of cycle and footpaths is also being considered.
“I wouldn’t have been able to dedicate the last 25 years without the support of my husband Neil Skewis and our children Alistair, Sara, Johnny and Dyett. Their support has allowed me to dedicate the last 25 years to supporting people.”
She added: “This MBE is not just for me, it’s for every social care worker in Argyll and Bute. They are the ones who go out and support people in their homes every day of the week.
“There are so many people that I am so proud of.”
Meanwhile Sheena, 62, has worked in her role as a community support assistant at the sheltered housing in Inveraray for over 30 years.
In that time, she has supported several hundred individual older adults and their families in promoting independent living.
She ensures the overall wellbeing of the residents and
Other aspects of the plan include promoting tourism by establishing events and developing the area’s art and musical strengths.
Refurbishing village halls and plans to re-establish Kilmartin Shop and Post Office through community ownership are also among the highlights of the plan.
David Smart, chairman of Dunadd Community Enterprise, is hoping as many people as possible will attend the AGM and consultation events.
He said: “We want to hear what people think of our plans; is there anything missing?”
Mr Smart added: “We are a small group and recognise that we need to operate as a project-based group, rather than an entity that delivers services.
“Over the last 18 months we have been developing a new community plan with the aim of applying for funding for a development worker to bring the actions and objectives of a is the first point of contact for them in a range of issues, providing a professional operation of complex issues in the ever-changing world of health and community care.
As well as being the emergency first aid responder, she consistently engages with local people, schools and businesses to allow the people of Chalmers Court to retain importance in the community.
Sheena organises various events at Chalmers Court, including coffee mornings and lunch clubs where family and friends can join their relatives.
Every new tenant is made to feel welcome, and Sheena encourages each new person to attend the events to help them to integrate.
She provides conversation, particularly for tenants with no immediate family.
Sheena has previously been voted as Inveraray’s “Unsung Hero” by the town’s citizens. new plan to life.
“We will present the draft plan at the AGM and will be holding further community consultations to allow as many residents as possible to see the plan and give feedback and shape our future work.
“We want the views and opinions of the Dunadd constituency to help shape the final plan.”
The enterprise group is also seeking two new directors, without which there is a risk it could fold, the chairman said.
Dunadd Community Enterprise AGM takes place on January 11 in the Glassary, Kilmartin and Ford Parish Church, Barrmor View, Kilmartin, at 7pm.
It will be followed by a community consultation from 7.45pm-9pm. The next consultation event takes place in Ford Village Hall on Thursday January 18, from 3pm-7pm. And the third is on Thursday February 1, from 3pm-7pm in the Glassary, Kilmartin and Ford Parish Church, Kilmartin.
Speaking from work this week, Sheena said: “It was a lovely surprise, it really was. I am quite shocked. I have been 32 years in Chalmers Court in February.
“I have had the same job, in the same place for 32 years. For me, it’s about getting to know the tenants and meeting their families.
“It actually feels like a big happy family affair in here.
“It has been a privilege to know the people that have been in the complex and getting to know their families too.”
Scottish secretary Alister Jack said: “My warmest congratulations go to all the Scottish recipients of the King’s New Year Honours.
“Scots are well represented in His Majesty’s list, which showcases the best of Scottish talent - including sport, the arts, community, education, business, charity, policing and healthcare.”