March was another busy month for the civic office and with so many events taking place South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie, and Depute Provost William Grant were out and about celebrating individuals and organisations who do so much work to help put something back into our communities.
The civic office started the month on a positive note with an event at Turnberry to mark a milestone date for Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems. The company has now been operating at Prestwick airport for the last twenty years and is a great success story in South Ayrshire's thriving aerospace industry. South Ayrshire Council lent its support to International Women's Day (IWD) which is the global campaign to promote equal rights for all. The Council helped to raise awareness about the IWD campaign theme of #pressforprogress online through Twitter, as part of its wider work to ensure equality in the workplace and in the community. The Provost and Depute Provost also shared stories of their inspirational women with Provost Moonie talking about Dame Elish Angiolini, while Depute Provost Grant sang the praises of Tina Turner. You can watch the videos here.External link 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War which provided a poignant moment for Provost Moonie, who represented South Ayrshire at the official opening of PoppyScotland Ayrshire in Kilmarnock. Fundraising for this worthwhile cause will be taking place across Scotland in the coming months, with people asked to continue to support the charity in South Ayrshire. This year is also the centenary of the Royal Air Force which emerged during WW1. A 100th birthday celebration was held at the RAFA club in Prestwick. This was the first in a number of events planned for South Ayrshire this year tied-in to this landmark year. If the music was anything to judge by then spring was definitely in the air. The Provost represented South Ayrshire at the latest in the Ayr Concert Series with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera delighting the audience at Ayr Town Hall. Alongside other memorable performances from the Ayrshire Symphony Concert and at the Ayr Choral Concert, the Provost was impressed by the breath of talent on display at the Prestwick Academy Young Musician of the Year, as well as a separate performance from pupils at Kingcase Primary. Congratulations too from the Depute Provost, William Grant, who marked the SAYR School Jazz Band's 20th anniversary in style! The Consulate General of India, Edinburgh and The Bihar Community of Scotland invited the Provost to take part in a pan-Ayrshire event to celebrate Bihar Diwas at Patna Primary School. Bihar Diwas celebrates the formation of the state of Bihar in India, with the region's largest town being Patna. The event brought people from across Ayrshire together to experience the region's rich heritage, culture and food. If you would like the civic office to recognise anyone in South Ayrshire, get in touch by phoning 01292 616 685 or emailing provost@south-ayrshire.gov.ukExternal link