A HEARTFELT message of thanks has gone out to the residents of Tarbolton for making 2023 a special year in the village, as thoughts turn to making 2024 equally memorable.
The tribute was issued by Tarbolton Community Council as its members looked back on a year of “significant accomplishments” that gave the village a new prominence in the Ayrshire events calendar.
Among TCC’s most notable achievements in the year just finished included organising a Coronation fun day in honour of King Charles III, at just three weeks’ notice, and holding the inaugural Light Up Tarbolton event at the start of December.
And at grass roots level, TCC’s own year included unveiling a brand new identity and interactive website – as well as welcoming its youngest ever member.
South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell joined Santa and Mrs Claus at Tarbolton's Christmas lights switch-on on December 1
The community council has already begun making plans for the year ahead, and has earmarked Saturday, June 1 for a gala day – while it also plans to set up a new community club in the village.
A spokesperson said: “From dynamic youth involvement to successful community events, the community council has been at the forefront of making Tarbolton an even better place to call home.
“The year commenced with a fresh start as the Tarbolton Community Council unveiled a new brand identity and launched an interactive website.
“Embracing the power of youth, the council welcomed its youngest member ever, a 16-year-old enthusiast, further enriching the diversity and vitality of the team.
Villagers hard at work planting bright flowers in Tarbolton
“In a remarkable feat in May, the community council, with just three weeks' notice, orchestrated a Coronation Fun Day in honour of King Charles III.
“The event drew over 1,500 attendees, showcasing the community's spirit and commitment.
“Importantly, the day was entirely funded by the council, offering a festive and memorable experience for all, free of charge.”
The community council also spent much of the year working hard to enhance their local environment to make the village more appealing to both residents and visitors.
The junction of the B730 and B744 on the edge of the village was tidied up
The TCC’s spokesperson continued: “A complete replanting of the main street transformed Tarbolton into a vibrant and colourful haven, symbolizing the commitment to create an inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.
“Recognition came in July as Tarbolton Community Council received commendations from the Royal British Legion Scotland Competition 2022.
“The council was commended in the Large Communities Without Gardens category and very highly commended in the Small Communities Without Gardens category for the Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries, and Galloway area.”
As summer turned to autumn, and autumn to winter, TCC secured funding from the Robertson Trust’s Wee Grants Scheme to establish a community club, which is expected to launch in the spring or early summer of this year.
Tarbolton's Christmas tree lent a festive glow to the village
But the biggest day in the village’s 2023 calendar came at the beginning of December, with the switching on of Tarbolton’s first ever Christmas lights display.
TCC’s representative continued: “A collective effort from The National Lottery Community Fund, Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions, and Hayhill Development brought nearly £7,000 in funding for the inaugural Light Up Tarbolton event held on December 1.
“This event, illuminated by the brand-new Christmas lights, successfully brought together nearly 2,000 community members to celebrate the festive season.
“Looking ahead to 2024, following the success of the Coronation Fun Day, the Tarbolton Community Council is excited to announce plans for a Gala Day on Saturday, June 1st (TBC).
The Tarbolton war memorial looking at its best after volunteers carried out improvements along with South Ayrshire Council's Locality Hit Squad ahead of Remembrance Sunday
“This event promises to be a highlight, fostering community spirit and engagement.
“Tarbolton Community Council expresses gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and supporters who have played a role in these achievements.
“The council remains committed to its mission of making Tarbolton a thriving and vibrant community.”
Some 2,000 people turned out for the switching on of Tarbolton's first ever Christmas lights display
Plans for the gala day are still in the very early stages, but the community council is holding a planning meeting at the Tarbolton Community Campus on Wednesday, January 24 at 7pm, and is inviting everyone in the village who’s interested in helping out to come along and share their ideas.
If you’d like to help out but can’t make it on the night, email social@tarboltoncc.co.uk.
To keep track of TCC’s activities, and everything that’s happening in the village, see tarboltoncc.co.uk or the ‘Tarbolton Community Council’ page on Facebook.
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