News & Updates
As we begin settling into the new ‘norm’ we have to prepare for the next ‘crisis’. It looks like tough times ahead for everyone. Beith Trust’s focus and goal remains a mix of support & development. Projects like ‘Lend an Ear’, Garnock Valley Helping Hands and Free Food pickup points can make the difference between floating and sinking for families and individuals struggling with difficult life circumstances. Similarly, volunteering to help others or upskilling through work-related training, or our Glasgow University Activate Course can bridge the skills and confidence gap that give people a leg up in life. Let’s not leave out the ongoing improvement of amenities at Geilsland Estate which is attracting visitors, supporting new enterprises to grow and creating real living wage employment opportunities that put money in local pockets and contribute to a thriving community. Our latest project is the renovation of Geilsland House, which is currently subject to a design exercise. This begins to re-imagine how Geilsland House may be used in the future. It provides Beith Trust with a starting point for future renovation works which will bring the building back to life.
Geilsland Hub
We continue to trail activities at Geilsland and since we re-opened after lockdown we’ve hosted a variety of events; from Weddings to Biker Festivals to monthly craft fayres and dog shows. As we settle into more of a pattern we intend to further analyse what will work best on the Estate. Our accommodation continues to be very popular, often hosting very diverse groups of people visiting Ayrshire for the first time. Geilsland Cottages are quite unique, accommodating 60 people between 7 houses across 2 units; Cunninghame & Garnock. In addition to the commercial activity on site, we also operate a programme of recreational learning and development events such as comedy nights and beer halls. All of this activity is designed to help put Beith on the map as a hub of activity and development.
Beith Astro
Beith Astro, in the heart of our community, is a very important aspect of our work. Not only in terms of managing the football pitches, but also in providing a program of activities and services for families and individuals. Growing Spaces, Outdoor Play, Mum and Toddler Groups, Free Food Fridays, Holidays Camps with lunch provided, and Campfire sessions all operate regularly from Beith Astro.
Music Project
We have lots of different music activities coming up at Beith Trust. We will have our weekly guitar and drum lessons for beginners starting on October 5th and running for 10-week blocks. These lessons are aimed at young people who are looking to pick up a new skill. Our Campfire sessions are also making a return this month at Beith Astro, running every Tuesday from September 27th. These sessions will involve art, music, and crafts, and will be a great time to socialise and make new friends. Last, but certainly not least, we have our Band Factory project, running for a week during the October Holidays! Band Factory is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians to play together in a band, rehearse, and even get to perform at our Beer Hall Mainstage! Book into our music activities here;
Guitar Lessons – Drum Lessons – Band Factory
Lend an Ear & Garnock Valley Helping Hands
For many of us, rushing around in our busy lives, it can be hard to find the time to get everything done. However, there are many people for whom the days are long, lonely, and isolated; and the cost of living crisis has the potential to worsen this significantly. Lend an ear telephone befriending is a group of volunteers who make regular weekly calls to people who have been referred by health professionals, friends, or family. Garnock Valley Helping Hands is a group of volunteers who re-distribute quality used baby clothes and equipment to young families who are struggling to make ends meet. You can engage with these projects by checking out the following links:
Lend An Ear Volunteer – Lend an Ear Referral – Helping Hands
Workshops and Volunteering
We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team. We have various different projects running across the Trust that could always use an extra helping pair of hands. Currently we are recruiting for volunteers for our Lend an Ear project, our October Beer Hall, e-bike project, and our gardening group.
Over the next three months we are hoping to run various workshops for the community; including Mind & Draw, ceramic sessions, and our Activate course that is run by Glasgow University and a great addition to the CV! All Beith Trust volunteers receive certified training and learning opportunities. You can volunteer with the Trust or book into our workshops and training opportunities below.
Mind & Draw – Ceramics – Activate – Volunteer with us – Donate
GV E-Bikes
In partnership with Dalry Community Development Hub and our friends at Kilbirnie Community Council, we have secured 20 e-bikes which we are loaning as part of our free e-bike project. If successful, it will be upscaled across the 3 towns of the Garnock Valley. To date over 35 people have taken up the offer of a free e-bike loan; which has proved to be hugely successful! We’re also running a 5-week cycling course which will cover maintenance, cycling confidence, and e-bike training as well as a weekly lead cycle in collaboration with Trinity Active Hub. Book your free space at these below. To loan your own e-bike from us, please complete the following forms and we’ll be in touch!
Expression of Interest – Essential Skills – Beith Trust Sign-up – 5 Week Cycling Course – Weekly Lead Cycle
Beer Hall
Beith Beer Hall is back! Join us on Saturday, October 22nd for a day full of fun, beer, and live music! We’ll be having some familiar faces at the beer hall this year with the return of the wonderful Fizzbuz and their prosecco and spirits bar, and delicious Thistly Cross Cider. Along with this we’ll have our usual new host of beers, ales, and IPA’s from local brewers there will be something for everyone to enjoy. We’ll also have our usual amazing lineup of local bands and singers to get you up on the dancefloor (dad dancing is welcome necessary). Tickets are available below.
Pumpkin Picking
Come pumpkin picking at Geilsland Estate! We’re hosting our first ever Pumpkin Picking event at Geilsland Estate this Autumn and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ll have loads of pumpkins for picking, lots of autumnal activities, and fun! This event is open to all ages but we ask under 16’s are accompanied by an adult. We have three timeslots available on the day and pre-booking is necessary! We’re expecting these tickets to go fast so don’t hesitate; make sure you get yours now! Tickets are only £5 per person, and each person is entitled to one pumpkin; just in time for the spooky season. Please remember to purchase one ticket for each person who will be coming to the event!
Activate Course
Are you interested in our Activate course? Starting in September the course will cover important aspects of community development and activism. This free course is perfect for anyone interested in activism, volunteering, and community development. Completion of the course guarantees an interview for the undergraduate course at Glasgow Uni. Even if you don’t take if forward, its an invaluable foundation course to anyone inspired to drive change in the community. If you’re interested in taking part on this brilliant course please complete the enquiry form below and we’ll be in touch with more details as soon as we can.
