Present: John Drysdale (Chair), Robert Drysdale, Jim Rae, Mary Mackenzie (Minutes),
Hazel Matthews
Public: Kevin Dean
- Welcome and Apologies. – Mary Harkness (Secretary), Andrew Gladstone (Treasurer),
Cllr. Katie Hagmann, Cllr. Jackie McCamon, Cllr. Richard Marsh - Minutes of last meeting; approval and matters arising.
Approved, Proposed RD, Seconded HM - Police Matters/Report – none received
- Notified Public Concerns – none received
- Reports and Updates:
Treasurer’s Report – none – AG absent
KCDT Report – meeting on 6/10/25
a) An offer of a £5,000 grant has been made to KCC to cover contingencies arising.
Accepted unanimously.
b) CAP survey closed 13th October – 100 responses received online & by paper
form. A follow-up session is being planned in the Hall, date to be confirmed.
c) Assistance with Winter Fuel applications, in the Hall on 8th November 10-1pm
Planning – none - Elected Members Report – no D&G Councillors present
- Correspondence –
Donation request from Envy Cheerleading of Stranraer to go to world championships in
Florida next year. Agreed that this is not within Kirkcowan’s remit, and unable to assist
individuals, but will advise about other sports funding available.
NHS D&G – requesting that we remind and encourage everyone to take up their COVID
and Flu vaccination appointments.
Letter from M. McIntosh regarding village planters – written before minutes of last
month’s meeting were published – suggesting stone troughs on plinths be used instead
of recycled plastic as this would be more in keeping with the village. KCC decision to buy
‘New Forest’ self-watering planters was already agreed at last meeting. These look similar
to the existing oak planters. - Airies & Balmurrie Fell Benefit Funds (Held by D&G Council)
KCDT grant request to fund Community Action Plan has been processed and funds
received.
Now KCDT requesting £75,500 from the funds to cover the 2025-26 Winter Fuel
payments (302 homes at £250). Unanimously approved.
It was also agreed that the best way to pay for the 16 new village planters would be to
apply to this fund and include an allowance for sufficient compost and plants. The total
cost for this will be £10,500. Application forms will be completed by MH. - CREPL grants
Discussion about a schedule of expenses already made by CC, plus expenditures already
agreed (to clean the bus shelters, defib box and road signs – £150; fixings for the Xmas
tree and the tree itself – £250) as well as proposed microgrants to local groups for
community events or Christmas celebrations. A formal offer and acceptance will be
needed for these. The grants will be paid directly into the bank account of the group,
with a report on how it was spent expected. MH will send out the offers and AG will
make payments. Unanimously agreed.
These payments, totalling £3,500 are being made from the October 2024 grant, and the
Oct 2025 grant will be available as soon as CREPL accepts the above account. - Any Other Competent Business
15’ cut Christmas tree to be arranged by AG, as well as a live, root-balled tree to be
planted nearby. Plenty of lights still in storage. A post-borer for fixing & stump grinder to
remove the old tree stump will be required.
KD – The Union Flag will be flown from 3rd – 15th November for Remembrance. Including
for King Charles’ birthday on 14th.
AG will lay a wreath on behalf of KCC on Remembrance Sunday.
Date of next meeting – 17/11/2025