Creating Stranraer - Listening and Visioning Meeting 25th August 2022

 



Welcome to your update from the Listening and Visioning meeting 25th August 2022

Wow, these meetings just keep getting better. A special thank you to all who came and took part plus the people who volunteered to help (I couldn't do it without you). And, of course, all the people who make these meetings nothing like any other town meeting you have ever been to. If you haven't been yet or want to register early, the next meeting is on the 2nd of November. CLICK HERE for details. 

Fig and Olive Deli, for donating a delicious goodie bag for the prize draw. 

Gillespie's Bakers for donating the delicious cakes and being great supporters of the art projects.

Carole McShane, from the Stranraer Academy, for bringing the canapes for us to taste.

And Tia MacLeod, for closing the evening with her guitar and her beautiful voice. 


"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead 

Let's start with the updates.

Imagine these are the seeds that are sprouting. If you haven't seen my 'seed metaphor' video, CLICK HERE to watch it.

The key seeds that are sprouting from the last meeting are:-

1. What's On Guide. After my meeting today with the FreePress team, we are going to start with a column for free community events with a view to creating more space in the newspaper and include advertising space for paid events alongside the community column. The step after this would be a glossy What's On Guide perhaps coming out Monthly. This would require more planning so to get the What's On ball rolling we will start with the column. 

2. Street Art.  - This is really picking up speed. After securing a wall for some professional street art, we now have an advert circulating to find the perfect artist to do the job. This artist would also provide community engagement with schools and artists. 

3. Artist Hub - This is currently at the planning and development stage and I will be working with the local artists to get creative and develop this space to make art accessible, fun and affordable. This is for all art forms, visual, digital, written, musical and more. We even have a free piano for people to call in and play. This is wonderful for health and well-being. This idea has so much potential. 

4. Wildflowers for the birds and bees - Last month there was a great suggestion to brighten up the town with wildflowers and throw seed balls around the town. This won't be as rebellious as it sounds as we will first consult land owners but it will be fun. In the Spring, we will arrange a late-night walk throwing the balls. This will be for all generations and will bring the community together. Ivan Rudd, from the RSPB at the Mull of Galloway, will be speaking at the next Listening and Visioning meeting on November the 2nd, to tell us more information. 

The main part of the meeting was focused on discussing ideas for professional Street Art and what the people of the town would like to see.

At this meeting, it was apparent that the heritage of the area was important, from the sea, our connection to Ireland, sport and the people. It was felt that all these offered some inspiration. The younger people in the room would like to be inspired by a person who has achieved or done something a little out of the ordinary.


The name of Elsie MacKay came up. She is quite a woman and very inspiring.


The book, West Over the Waves, by Jayne Baldwin, tells the story.

In the coming weeks, I will be engaging with the community and the children in the schools, to take this project further and get the conversation going about who is inspiring and who gets the pride of place on the wall. Have your say on FaceBook, @creatingstranraer or send an email to janet@stranraerdeveopmenttrust.co.uk


I always like to give the opportunity to businesses to showcase their work. This month, carol Jones brought a selection of her handmade, personalised Christmas Cards.

If you would like a personalised gift card, contact Carol at carol.20@live.co.uk






See you at the next event on the 2nd of November, 6 pm. Look out for any community engagement and come and share your ideas. 

       See you soon.

       Janet x




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