Summer 2018 here in East Kilbride has been a warm and wild one. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things that happened over the holidays.
EK Summer Fest
At the beginning of the holidays, The Village Arts Centre held their annual Summer Fest.
Over the course of the weekend around 4000 people came along to enjoy the activities, games, and live entertainment that was on offer.
As well as just the clear skies and warm weather, local youths were drawn to visiting the fun-fest by this year’s theme – celebrating Scotland’s first ever Year of the Young People.
Youngsters were included in magical storytelling, garden games such as snakes and ladders, and got to try out their skills in the increasingly popular yarnbombing.
In addition, various musical acts performed over the weekend for everyone attending.
Morrisons’ Plastic Recycling Scheme
As of July, Morrisons Lindsayfield is one of two stores in the UK to test out reverse vending machines.
These machines reward customers with points, vouchers, or money in return for empty single-use plastic bottles.
Customers can return a maximum of 20 bottles a day and receive 100 Morrisons More points in the form of a coupon for each one brought back, which can then be spent in store.
The company hope that this six-month trial will encourage recycling and that soon everyone will want to reduce the impact of plastic on the environment.
Disturbance in the Village
After increasing incidents of disorder occurring in the Village, including an armed robbery at the One-0-One convenience store on Montgomery Street, local traders are urging for action to be taken to prevent anti-social behaviour.
A rise in crime in recent weeks has put the conservation area at risk of becoming a “no-go” zone, according to businesses there.
A meeting took place in late July where enraged business owners and residents claimed Lindsay House (the South Lanarkshire Council-run homeless unit) was at the centre of the recent problems and that its occupants were intimidating locals and visitors.
Representatives from Lindsay House said there had been an increase in anti-social activity, but they were working hard with the police to tackle them.
EK Open Cattle Show
Crowds of people attended the East Kilbride Open Cattle Show at the Natural Museum of Rural Life to see some of the farmyard favourites at the beginning of August.
There was plenty of fun to be had for everyone with the cattle classes, showjumping, dog show, Owl Magic, the Scottish Ferret Association and the Tractor Ted Live UK Tour.
On top of that there was an arts and crafts stall, a greyhound sanctuary visit and even a sheep Grand National – which was very popular with the younger ones.
Although the weather in EK this summer has been far better than most, the dry spell didn’t last, with the rain reappearing on the day.
Show secretary Amy Steel said:
“The show was a great success – despite the weather not playing ball.
“We had sunshine and then really heavy downpours but folk still had a great time.”
Community Transport Charity
The non-profit East Kilbride Community Transport charity will continue to help the public thanks to housebuilder CALA Homes (West).
As part of its 2018 bursary, the company donated £1250 to the organisation, to assist their work in helping many people within the community get out and about.
EK Community Transport offers service to those in the town with no access to conventional public transport services due to availability, accessibility, affordability or safety and security concerns.
Chairperson Ina Cumming said:
“We are very grateful to CALA for this £1250 bursary as this donation will go directly into continuing to provide our transport service to those who need it most.”
EK Thistle Raise 50th Anniversary
East Kilbride Thistle used their 50th anniversary celebrations to raise awareness for prostate cancer at their charity match last Sunday.
The Jags paired up with Dukla Pumpherston and the sides played out a gripping 3-3 draw at Showpark.
Thistle’s line-up featured their 1983 Junior Cup winning hero Joe Reilly, Aberdeen legend Robbie Winters, and ex-Dundee United striker Andy McLaren, as well as other familiar faces taking part.
Jags director Peter Kelsall said:
“It was a good day and everyone enjoyed it. We were treated to a lot of goals and it was great to support such a good cause.”
On the day a total of £100 was raised and, with their own contribution, the Jags hope to double that.
- by Alison Kealy, Sub-Editor for East Kilbride
- Sources: East Kilbride News, The Daily Record
