Painting the complex white

Handing over the paint: John Callander of Barr Construction, Colin Begg director of Kinning Park Complex, Councillor Allison Hunter, Phil Moss of Johnstone’s Paints and Emily Roff events manager at Kinning Park Complex.

Kinning Park Community Complex is being spruced up thanks to Barr Construction and Johnstone’s Paints. They have donated 200 litres of paint which will be used by volunteers to give the busy centre a much needed make-over.

Built in the early 1900s as a primary school. It was saved from closure by a longterm sit in by local people who saved it for community use. The building is host to a range of activities including Zumba classes, public meetings, sports clubs, music workshops, art shows and live music events.

The venue has been crying out for re-decoration for sometime but the committee feared funds would be hard to come by as the income they receive from tenants and groups who use the facility is tied up in the everyday running of the building.

Barr Construction and Johnstone’s Paints work together on such projects as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes. Said Barclay Chalmers, managing director of Barr Construction: ‘We are committed to working with local communities to support initiatives which provide resources for people and generate training and employment opportunities. We were happy to step in and donate paint along with Johnstone’s Paints as part of our ongoing drive to keep Scotland’s communities alive.’ Johnstone’s Decorating Centre on Watt Street, near Kinning Park, supplied the paint.

Colin Begg, a visual artist and director of Kinning Park Complex, said: ‘At a time when money is tight, support from Barr Construction and Johnstone’s Paints makes a tremendous difference to our facility. There is so much going on here for local people and we’re starting to drum up a reputation as the place to be in the arts community, so keeping the place in decent nick is really important to us to keep attracting users.’

The facility is entirely community-run and currently welcomes hundreds of people each week.

Local Councillor Allison Hunter – who was born and grew up in the area – stopped by the complex to support the project and meet those involved. She said: ‘Kinning Park Complex has been a huge asset to the local area for many years and is well deserving of a make-over as it is a truly fantastic facility. I am grateful for this kind donation and hope people continue to use the centre for many years to come.’

Teddy Bears head for Richmond Park

If you go down to the Richmond Park on Sunday 17 July, you’ll get a big surprise! Teddy Bears will be having a picnic, thanks to the Oatlands Community Resource Committee (OCRC). They’ll be with their young friends each of whom will have an accompanying adult. Everyone will tuck into their own packed lunch and go treasure hunting.

This is one event from a full summer programme organised by the new committee and part-time manager, Lisa Gillen, at OCRC. An even bigger event will be a Family Fund-raiser Fun Day on Sunday 14 August starting at 2pm.

Said Lisa: ‘There will be stalls selling all sorts of wonderful things, raffles, tombola, a bouncy castle, face painter, DJ, maybe some Hip Hop………..’

All money raised will go towards activities for local people at what used to be called the Blue Hut but that will change colour as soon as paint is obtained (donations welcome!!!) ‘This helps keep our wee centre open,’ said Lisa. ‘So please show your support and come along….it will be good fun for all.’ She also hinted that a VIP has been invited, but more about that when the VIP confirms…

A regular daily programme includes a Kids’ Club, a Meet and Greet tea and chat session for newcomers and to meet neighbours in this growing district, a Pensioners’ Club, Bingo, Supermarket bus and Zumba – which is so popular a second class is being considered. A college course starts on Monday 29 August covering computer skills, adult literacy and local history but places are limited so sign up quickly. And The Oatlands Press Gang of kids is about to produce their first, monthly, newsletter.

On Sunday 24 July OCRC will hold a sponsored walk around the ‘Ducksy’ in Richmond Park when everyone is invited to join in.

Come October school holidays the committee plans to have a play scheme in place with volunteers and those who plan to pursue a career in childcare. Anyone keen to train for this form of child care should contact Lisa at the OCRC, 8 Logan Gardens, Glasgow, G5 0HP. As a registered charity the organisation can provide all training and process the vital Enhanced Disclosure Certificates.

On the down side, the area still awaits the long promised shop, children’s play park and the critical re-vamp of the listed St Margaret’s church building as a community centre.