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Bill Miller, chairman
of the Maybole New Church Committee and of Carrick
Centre Ltd welcomed a large crowd to what he
described as “this historic occasion when we
celebrate the commencement of the construction of
the Carrick Centre with the Maybole Parish Church.”
He continued, “This has been made possible by an
enormous amount of work by very many people here in
Maybole and further afield. “I want to express my
especial appreciation to the generosity of the
Church of Scotland Trustees who have encouraged us
so much in our fundraising and planning and without
whose wholehearted support in these difficult times
we could not be enjoying this celebration. |
“Also, I would like to thank Maybole
Council of Churches who have wholeheartedly encouraged us to
build this Centre for the benefit of the whole community
here in Maybole. “And personally, I would like to
acknowledge the leadership we have enjoyed from our Interim
Moderator here in Maybole, Mr Jim Skinner, without whose
wisdom and guidance we would not be standing here today.”
Other speakers included Dr Ian Trushell,
representing the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland,
and Rev. Bob Mayes, representing the Presbytery of Ayr. Mr
Miller then invited this year’s Gala King and Queen of
Carrick, Robert McEwan and Alix Anderson, to help him dig
the first hole on the site.
On behalf of the wider Maybole community,
David Kiltie explained that the new Carrick Centre is “a
partnership project between the congregation of Maybole
Parish Church and local community groups in Maybole.”
He continued, “The aim is to build a new
community facility, right in the heart of the town, which
will include the parish church and have modern space to meet
the needs of church groups and local voluntary
organisations. “The Carrick Centre will have a youth
facility, a coffee shop, conference and community
facilities, as well as the new Maybole Parish Church.
“The project to build a new church has
been ongoing for quite a time now, but it was only three
short years ago that a joint management committee was formed
from the congregation of Maybole Parish Church and
representatives from local voluntary organisations. “This
new committee was formed to create a community charitable
company limited by guarantee to make funding applications to
funders for the community facilities.
The new site has been cleared ready for
construction work to begin, and this innovative project is a
clear partnership between the Church and the community. The
centre is being built by the Church of Scotland but from
next year the intention is that when built the new community
company will lease it and operate it. A truly innovative
project and shows remarkable generosity by the Church.”
He then thanked committee members and
fund raisers; architect Raymond Angus; Fleming Buildings
Limited; those who would providing the entertainment during
the afternoon, the choir of Maybole Parish Church, the
Gardenrose Primary School Choir, Maybole Majorettes, Aileen
Robertson School of Highland Dancing, and Maybole Pipe Band;
John Paterson for the use of his digger; John Jamieson and
Fleming Buildings for the sponsorship of the golden T-shirts
which were given to young people taking part to remind them
of the historic occasion; the ladies and gentlemen who
prepared the barbecue and the other refreshments; Gala King
and Queen of Carrick, Robert McEwan and Alix Anderson; SAC
and Ayrshire Leader, and the Church of Scotland.
Mr Kiltie finished by thanking Bill
Miller, “He has really been the driving force behind this
historic project. “This will not just be a place of worship
but a real community resource for the whole of Maybole and
surrounding villages. “It is an ambitious project - an
exciting one.” |
