Cllrs Campbell, McFarlane, Little and Grant with residents and guests at the 21st birthday celebrations
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River Ayr Tenants Association celebrated its 21st birthday in style at a special event held within the Recreation Centre located next to block 2 at Riverside Place in Ayr.
The Association was formed by a group of enthusiastic residents who wanted to bring everyone together to socialise and to discuss topics of interest to them and it's a format that has provide to be a great success.
Joe Lafferty, Chair of the River Ayr Tenants Association said: "We have always had a very active group of residents. When we came up with the idea of a Recreation Centre South Ayrshire Council listened to our views and set about working positively with us to provide something suitable for the residents. We now have a dedicated facility for residents and it has really changed our lives.
"There are over 300 residents living in the flats and the Recreation Centre has become a lifeline to many of them. With over 60% of tenants living on their own, some who do not have any family to meet up with, it is a safe place to socialise, learn and have fun and has led to many residents feeling less isolated."
The Centre which has a ramp for ease of access, a large multipurpose room, a computer room, kitchen and toilet facilities was officially opened 18 months ago by local Councillor Elaine Little.
Local Councillors from Ayr West and Ayr North were at the celebration along with other invited guests to enjoy the special occasion. The Centre was transformed with decorations inside and out to mark the 21st birthday and there was a special celebration cake. Resonance, a classical guitar group, filled the air with music for everyone to enjoy.
Councillor Douglas Campbell, Housing and Customer First Portfolio Holder said: "I am very proud of what the River Ayr Tenants Association has achieved in the last 21 years. I was at their first meeting and never imaged that I would celebrating this very special birthday in it's own Recreation Centre. The residents knew what they wanted to achieve, they talked to us and we listened."
Councillor Nan McFarlane, Social Services Portfolio Holder said: "The Centre is used to provide a wide range of services for the residents including computer classes, Tai Chi, musical evenings, bingo, Burns Suppers, and much more. It has an important role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents and hope to see it continue for many years to come."
Local elected member Councillor Elaine Little commented: "I along with the residents of the high flats and others worked very hard to get this facility established. It was my great honour and pleasure to officially open the Recreation Centre, it has brought residents even closer and given them an ideal place to meet, have fun and enjoy themselves. I am sure that the Tenants Association will go from strength to strength in future years."
Councillor Bill Grant who joined in the celebrations said: "I am a regular visitor at the Recreation Centre and have had the pleasure of speaking at their Burns Supper and taking part in many other events. The joy it has brought to the lives of many is something everyone involved in the project should be very proud of."
The residents fund all their activities themselves, any profits they make go straight back into their Association to fund facilities, activities or to meet various running costs.
Tenants regularly meet for musical evenings or 'Tramp Suppers' – where they treat themselves to a take-away meal followed by a quiz. Ross and Carol Adams who are professional musicians regularly entertain the residents for free. As special times of the year such as Christmas, New Years, Easter when many people can feel isolated with no family members to celebrate with the Centre provides a great place for residents to join together.