Douglas and Glespin community news

Apr 24 2008

A NUMBER of meetings have been held recently following the village summit on January 26. They provided a number of local groups and organisations with the opportunity to meet and discuss how they might be able to work together more effectively and avoid duplication or overlap of activities.

At a recent meeting, the group decided on the name Douglas Talking, as effective communication was something they believed in.

At its simplest, Douglas Talking is a partnership of existing groups who recognise the need to meet together and share information.

They have four main areas of interest: communication (discussing what each group is concerned with and communicating that information to the wider community); participation (encouraging individuals and groups to get involved in Douglas Talking); exchange of information (creating a space where groups and individuals can share any information and ensuring that duplication of activities and resources is avoided); ideas generation (creating a place where people can share their ideas on how to improve the village).

A number of issues concerning communication were discussed at the last meeting. These included a community newsletter, community council website, the local press and a village notice board.

Members of the group will investigate implementing these suggestions. To date, the following organisations have been involved: Douglas Community Council; Communities on the Edge Project (COTE), Douglas; St Bride’s Community Group (Community Hall); Douglas Coal Yard Development Group, and members of the former DVRAP.

Other parties who wish to be involved, or who would like to find out more, should phone 07747 447 719; Helen on 07824 480 514 or Sarah on 07824 480 515. Information is also available by e-mailing johngold@sup.org.uk sarahpeters@sup.org.uk or helengavin@sup.org.uk

Or go along to the next meeting, being held in the St Bride’s Centre on May 28 at 7pm.

WINNERS of games at the Over-50s Club on April 15 were: dominoes — Jimmie Lawrie; challenge dominoes — Jean Crawford; whist — Jenny McAdam; bowls — J. Hastie and J. Morris.

THE Second Glance charity Shop in Main Street, Douglas, raises funds for the St Bride’s Centre (Scottish Charity SC020530). All your unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac, books etc. would be appreciated. They also re-cycle old clothes and material. No electrical goods.

ST Bride’s Guild have their mystery trip on Saturday, April 26, when transport will leave from the Douglas Arms Hotel at 10.30am. The cost of £20 should be paid to Betty McFarlane by today (Thursday).

A COFFEE morning and sales table will be held at the St Bride’s Centre on Saturday, May 10, from 10am till noon. Donations for the sales table should be given to any member of the Guild. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Christian Aid.

THE WRI have their next meeting in the St Bride’s centre tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm when Rev. J. Stanley Cook will give a talk on hats. Competitions for the evening are filled baked potato and a favourite brooch.

Seats are available for Loch Lomond Shores and Stirling on Saturday, May 24.

REV. David Easton led morning worship at Douglas Valley Church on Sunday.

An invitation has been received to visit the Flower Festival at Glencaple Church, Abington, this weekend. Articles for the magazine should be given to Jimmy Clarkson by Sunday.