A terrible price being paid
I would like to say a few words about the so-called war against terrorism in Afghanistan which has now morphed into a war against drugs, namely heroin.
Since this war has started, poppy growing and heroin production has rocketed boosting profits for the Taliban and drug barons in this country in turn leaving a trail of misery and despair here in Scotland where heroin use has doubled over the last few years, not to mention the cost to the NHS, social services and ultimately the taxpayer.
Of course we must never forget the sacrifice and professionalism of our troops but I shake my head and wonder what a terrible price is being paid by these same troops and their families and friends for what seems to be a useless war in a far off land which props up an undemocratic and corrupt administration in Afghanistan.
KeirHardie, the main founder of the Labour Party, has been in the news recently, I doubt if he would have been impressed by this state of affairs.
The Carrick Learning Centre
Backed by South Ayrshire Council, the Carrick Learning Centre has announced a major new range of courses for the Autumn/Winter session.
A few months ago the very future of the centre was put at risk by the withdrawal of courses and support by Ayr College.
A major amount of time and effort has gone into providing a new varied range of courses for many needs.
I would ask everyone to please make good use of this fine resource; if we as a community do not, it will be very difficult to justify its continuation.
Given the tough economic climate facing every public service in the near future, my message is please make good use of the Carrick Centre so that we do not lose it.
The Friends of the McKechnie
The Friends of the McKechnie held their 120th anniversary celebration last Saturday.
They have also celebrated the re-opening of the McKechnie Institute after the installation of new windows, roof repairs and stonework renovation.
This was a much needed maintenance project which the Friends had identified and pushed for over a lengthy period. Their perseverance has been rewarded by South Ayrshire Council's investment of 43,000 in this very important local facility.
I would like to pay tribute to this dedicated band of volunteers who provide a superb range of subjects and exhibitions every year in the McKechnie. Please given them your support.
Another Community Group which is undertaking sterling work in the town is the StumpyCorner Working Group.
This enthusiastic group has already brightened up the StumpyTower area by having the gable wall painted.
It has also produced and displayed the colourful banners which brighten up and inform visitors to the area.
The group will shortly be distributing a questionnaire asking for your ideas or thoughts for future suggestions to enhance this public place. This will be an opportunity to influence further improvements in this historic part of Girvan.
Finally the work of the Girvan Strategy Group is taking forward ideas for the future of the harbour area.
The main priority of course is a replacement swimming pool.
This group has attended many meetings and workshops contributing its time and ideas, I thank every one of them. I remain fully committed to that process and aim to prove the doubters wrong.
For many reasons the shine and optimism has gone out of Girvan over many years in spite of the many community groups and attractions in the area.
My burning desire is to restore local pride and vitality to Girvan and South Carrick.
Stop Press: I notice yet another major new oil find has been discovered in the NorthSea to add to the Catcher Oil Field discovered last month.
The Blakeney Oil Field is estimated to have between 60and 100million barrels of oil. All of this almost 40years after the unionist parties at Westminster told us the oil was only a short term windfall. Oh, how easily we were deceived.
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Weather for Girvan
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
