Lighting up lives through community investment
A £6,580 grant from the Falck Renewables Auchrobert Community Fund will help Thornton Road Community Centre Association (TRCCA) install a new storage facility to increase their space and provide power for a Men’s Shed. Electricity will allow members the use of powered tools and light for the darker days in winter.
Since 2018 TRCCA has secured over £36,000 in grants from the Falck Renewables Auchrobert Community Fund. These included a 50% contribution to the purchase of the Community Centre, a community-run facility that provides a social focal point for the community. A total of 140 people of all ages use the centre on a monthly basis attending a range of classes and groups such as a youth club, Healthy Valleys and Olive Leaf cafés and exercise classes. The availability of outside space enabled the creation of a Men's Shed.
Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed (KBMS) was established early 2019 and a container purchased using TRCCA’s own funds was installed in May in the grounds of the centre. Several of the club’s 20 members helped each week to kit out the container and prepare it for occupation. The support from the local community helping with the heavy work and by donating tools and other necessities, was invaluable. The grant paid for the cost of installing electricity to the container.
“Working in partnership with TRCCA means that KBMS can play its part in trying to address the issue that older men tend not to socialise as much as older women do, and to address concerns such as loneliness and isolation.”
Graham Stewart, Secretary of KBMS
“We are very proud to have instigated the Men’s Shed in the village, which will provide a space for people to socialise and use or learn skills, and to work closely with the KBMS Committee.”
Dennis White, Chair of TRCCA
The grant also enabled the purchase of a second container. This will be used by the Centre to store chairs, tables and equipment. This will free up space within the building and reduce congestion.