Listening and Visioning 2nd November update

 

STRANRAER STILL NEEDS YOU!

15-second video to get the atmosphere

This is a long one, so grab a cuppa.

The room was buzzing. So much to take in. The people just kept coming through the door. At the end of the night, there was just one cake left. 

So what have we been doing at Creating Stranraer since the last meeting?

1. In the beginning, the people requested more colour and vibrancy. It took time to find the right person to add that colour. We have made significant progress and commissioned the artist, Mr Tragic O'Hara (above in the pink hat, but you probably guessed that!) to become the first professional street artist for the town. 

Tragic has already added colour and inspiration to the Skate Park at Stair Park when we stopped by on our way to speak with the teenagers at the Academy to find out what they wanted from Stranraer. This skate park will be replaced in the near future and Tragic will work with local children to add creativity and inspiration.

2. To compliment Tragic's inspiring art project, we are creating an Inspiration Exhibition. This is an opportunity for you to create artwork to be exhibited around the town early next year. Think about what inspires you. You don't have to be an artist. It could be a photo of a family member, a quote or statement that inspired you and because of it you made a life-changing decision. 

At the moment, the students at Better Lives Partnership and the new art students from Stranraer College are taking part. Just send an email to me at janet@stranraerdevelopenttrust.co.uk for more information and to take part. The more the merrier. When we share inspiring stories we inspire others and they inspire others and the world goes on.

3. Creative Hub - It was also noticed that we have many artistic and creative people in the area but there was no place for them to gather. We have been working with Mr. Gillespie and his sons, on how to create a space for artists in the shop at the top of King Street where the art will be. We are in need of builders and volunteers if you can help? This will be a place where people can hang out, and play the piano - I have been given a free one - share ideas and develop the town how they want it to be. It will also be the home of Creating Stranraer, with a view to it becoming an artist cooperative, with an artist in residence.

4. I was also asked for a live webcam with a view across the harbour for the world to see Stranraer. The DG9 Radio could also be aired in the background. I thought this a brilliant idea, so got to work. Stephen, from DG9 Radio, said it was possible to do. All I needed was a room with a view and wifi. That is where I hit a brick wall. The latest is that we can add that to the new harbour plans but that is going to take some time. Work in progress.

5. Look out for some rebel wild seed planting in the town in the Spring. This was suggested at the July Listening and Visioning meeting. Ivan Rudd, from the RSPB a the Mull of Galloway, joined us to explain how and why this is a great idea. Please send an email and let me know if you would like to be part of the rebel team :)

These are just a few of the things we have been working on. I believe it takes a community to build. community, so I have also been getting to know people from the town. 

Special guests at the Listening and Visioning Meeting

Here is a summary of the passion in the room. 

I asked two questions to encourage everyone to envision what Stranraer IS like and could be like if we get together and make things happen. 

1. What are three reasons you would come to Stranraer? Here is a selection. If you would like to add to the list, drop me an email at janet@stranraerdevelopmenttrust.co.uk

• Curling
• Friendly people
• Good food, local produce, and cafes - Gillespie's Award-Winning potato scones
• Vibrant events/festivals - Oyster, Jazz, Park Fest, skiffies
• Coast and sea  (Loch Ryan) - sailing, water sports, fishing 
• Stranraer speed and open spaces, peaceful life and to escape the rat race.
• Work - there are plenty opportunities for creative people.
• Walking and hiking - it is great this is being even more developed.
• It is the central town for the Rhins
• Links to Ireland
• The third oldest Football club in Scotland
• Gardens - Logan Botanic Gardens, Glenwhan Gardens, Castle Kennedy

There were many more ideas too. It is great that we already have so much. I then asked this question.

2.  Where do you like to visit in Scotland and why? 

• Glasgow and Edinburgh for - art, shopping, theatre, festivals, and history. 
• Oban - fishing, sailing, boats and facilities, chandlers, fuel, etc. Apparently, there are incentives around the town for visitors. Perhaps something we could build into the story of Stranraer.
• Highland and Islands for distillers, hiking, and outdoor activities.
• Perth, Stirling, Glen Coe, Aberdeen for art and culture, and anywhere in the Western Isles.

I glean from this that what attracts people is quality, friendliness, and the outdoors. Stranraer already has so much, it is time to build on this.

We will now take this information and add this to the Place Plan that is being created. The Place Plan is a serious document to support future funding applications. Your thoughts and ideas are essential to make REAL progress with the wonderful town of Stranraer in making it a home, a holiday destination, and a world-renowned creative space for many. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF THE LISTENING AND VISIONING MEETING ON THE 2ND OF NOVEMBER

PLUS MORRISONS FOR PROVIDING THE INGREDIENTS FOR THE FOOD.

The next Listening and Visioning meeting will be in January. These meetings are like no other. It is now time to be taking action, so the next meeting will be very action-oriented. 

Make sure you don't miss out. Go to www.creatingstranraer.co.uk scroll down and register to our mailing list. That way, we can keep you up to date and you can share your ideas too.