Kelty Development Trust

Member's Newsletter.

Two Years On

It has been two years since Kelty Development Trust was set up and we are holding our AGM on Thursday 29th May at 7:00pm in Kelty Community Centre. we would love to see you there, to hear what our guest speakers have to say and put your views across.

 Since we began our research, into how best we could create and, crucially be able to maintain the kind of facilities we need in Kelty, we found that some communities have learned to gather community assets as a way of subsidising their projects. this means talking seriously about taking into community ownership land or buildings which can make a profit and/or a regular income. the monies from such assets would be invested in facilities right here in Kelty.

We already set up with our Memorandum & articles of Association and our activities so far have proved fruitful, but it is time to take the next steps:

• Increase, and improve the skills of, the Board of Directors
• Learn as much as we can about Community Ownership
• Take advantage of any opportunity which may arise

What has the Board of Directors been doing

It has been another busy year for the Board of Directors.

 In July we visited various parks in and around Stirling to get design ideas, pioneered by Sue Gutteridge, an expert in this area, and she has agreed to help when required.

In September we held a very successful 'away day' to hone our skills and review our plans with help of staff from Carnegie college. Later in September we launched the keltyvillage.com web site.

In November we organised a competition for the schools and Kelty After School Club, to create a logo for the Trust. The theme was 'Putting the heart back into Kelty' and the kids really put their hearts into it.

In December we held a forest festival to coincide with the sale of Christmas Trees. This was hailed a success (but we must do something about the cold when we do it again next Christmas)

In January we began our book keeping course, to ensure directors can understand financial accounts, though it was open to anyone from kelty who was interested in book keeping.

In march we held an event to celebrate International Women's Day, with a walk round Blairadam Forest and a Mexican Lunch. We hope to do similar events in the summer.

In April we visited Twechar where the Community Centre had been under threat until members of the community took it over. They could now employ workers where they relied on volunteers before, provide training, serve healthy meals in the cafe, promote healthy activities for all ages and interests and provide work space for local social enterprises. A full report will be given at the AGM And here on this web site.

Finally

A big thanks to those who have served the Trust as Directors over the past year and, for various reasons, had to move on. A particular mention must be made of Gordon Young who died suddenly at Christmas. As secretary and one of the four who did the spadework and research needed to set the Trust up, Gordon did a power of work. He will be sadly missed.