Netherthird, Craigens and Skerrington action plan launched

The Netherthird Community Garden played host to the launch party on Friday afternoon – and as if to give its own special blessing to the event and the hard work put by the volunteers behind the action plan, the sun smiled on the whole afternoon.

As well as launching the area’s Second Generation Action Plan, the party was also a chance to look back on, and celebrate, the achievements of the last five years, including the upgrade of the Netherthird Community Centre, the new Netherthird Primary and Early Childhood Centre, and the community garden itself and the events that it hosts.

Children from the school and ECC were at the heart of Friday’s events, with a series of performances throughout the afternoon.

The garden now hosts the Netherthird Youthy group for young people every year as well as an annual ‘summer scheme’, with more than 200 children attending.

East Ayrshire Council chief executive Eddie Fraser attended the event (Image: Contributed)

Elsewhere, the last five years have seen children attend Visions Leisure Centre for free swimming lessons, while young people in the area are now looking forward to a summer of fun, trips and picnics in the park – much of which might not have been possible without the efforts of volunteers working on the action plan.

Reflecting on the success of Friday’s event, Phyllis Perriman, from the steering group which drew up the action plan, said: “Our nursery and primary school were amazing and the children’s performance was brilliant.

"The core of our community is the volunteers.

“We have great support from our community. Working in partnership with the council, and partner organisations, opens new doors and we would encourage all communities to work with these organisations."