Markinch Matters
A newsletter issued by Markinch Community Council on behalf and for the people of MARKINCH
Whilst everywhere there are cuts, Community Spirit costs nothing but can do so much to help
make a difference in Markinch.
In 2012, apart from the regular monthly meetings, the Community Council were represented at a
number of activities, from involvement with the Highland Games Teas, the planting of the
“Queens Tree” in John Dixon Park in celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee, representing the
community at the Remembrance Day service, to helping with the Christmas Tree Lights “Switch
On” and the Family Party organised by the Community Trust.
So What’s Going On in 2013?
Markinch Primary School
Markinch Community Trust
September 2012 saw the first attendance at a
Community Council meeting of three
representatives of the “Pupils Voice”,
accompanied by Mrs Forbes, headmistress.
They presented issues that were important to
them and they have made a difference. We
wish them well when they move on to
Auchmuty High School and they’ve been
invited to maintain contact with the
Community Council. We’re looking forward to
meeting their successors, listening to their
concerns and, hopefully, making a difference!
Working in conjunction with the Community
Council, the Trust was set up as a Charitable
Organisation in January 2013; its purpose is
“To advance citizenship by encouraging and
promoting community participation and a
sense of community spirit within Markinch”.
The Trust organises the town’s Christmas
Festivities and has set up the popular Café
Pavilion at the Highland Games to raise funds
for the event.
Following on from the “Open Day” in April,
the Trust is aiming to produce a Community
Directory this autumn.
Markinch Resilience Plan
Luckily, disasters don’t happen often in small
towns but it is helpful if people know what to
do in the event of a major incident. A
government initiative, the “Community
Resilience Plan” identifies key issues that
could be important in helping to prepare the
community and assist the emergency services
in the event of an incident in and around
Markinch. The “plan” provides a guide for
what should be done in the case of events
such as a serious Traffic Accident; a Major
Fire; even supporting elderly residents
who’ve been cut off in bad weather.
Resilience Plans are designed to give support
during an incident and help to get the
community get back to normal after the
event.
Markinch Citizen of the Year
The 2013 Markinch Citizen of the
Year was Shane Fenton, who received his
certificate and Trophy at the Highland Games.
The award recognises the work Shane has
done for the Games and for many other good
causes in the town over the last 40 years.
Tullis Russell Educational
Enterprise (TREE Ltd)
This unique facility, set up by Tullis Russell
and three local Community Councils including
Markinch, is targeted to open later this year
and will be part of the Fife “Doors Open” day
on Sunday 15th September (11am – 4pm).
This ultra-modern building (accessed from
the mill road and to the right just before the
gate house), is built using recycled and
natural materials and the latest techniques to
reduce its carbon footprint.
Targeted mainly at school children, the
educational aspect of the displays covers four
areas:- energy, climate, bio-diversity and
resources and how with a different approach
to these we might improve our carbon status.
The aim is that visitors young or old will take
away concepts of reducing the carbon
footprint to use in their own community.
Lomond Hills Regional Parks
Partnership (LHRPP)
The Lomond Hills Regional Park covers a
large area ranging from Kinglassie to
Strathmiglo and Lochore and includes some
of Markinch.
Being part of the park is an asset to Markinch,
with many of the visitors coming through the
town. The LHRPP and Markinch Community
Council are committed to supporting
investment in:- new signboards; controlling
poaching, theft and off road vehicles;
maintenance of gates, paths, etc.
The Community Council recognises the
efforts of the many people, some of whom
are volunteers, who organise and carry out
these many functions in the Lomond Hills
Park and who help look after the trees and
wild life that exist within its boundaries.
Markinch Floral Enhancement
The Community Floral Enhancement Grant
had been ring fenced with a view to using it
to go towards tidying up and re-planting the
banking (referred to as the “Heather Bank”)
at Markinch Station. However, the steepness
of the slope makes the site a health and
safety issue, which First Scotrail has agreed
to review; aiming to create an attractive, low
maintenance site.
With the “Heather Bank” project being set
aside, some of the grant has been used to
buy plants for the tubs around the town; the
remainder is being considered to give a
brighter aspect on the western approach to
Markinch in 2014.
The Michael Wood Sports
Institute
The new Sports Institute opened to the
public in July. This superb facility caters for
all the sports offered in the previous building
but in a more manageable and stylish
manner. It also has a low carbon ethos with
water capture and recycling systems.
At the preview, the air conditioning was
certainly appreciated on an unusually hot day!
Balbirnie Allotment and Markinch
Environmental Awareness Groups
More than a year has passed since the first
plots were occupied at Balbirnie Walled
Garden allotments and the hard work is
showing; with masses of produce grown,
fences erected and friendships made; not to
mention the increase in the number of plots
and a sizeable waiting list. Both the
Allotment and Environmental groups have
also been actively working on the Markinch
EAT’S project, aiming to grow edible plants
and fruits in public spaces in and around
Markinch. We've planted a mini orchard
outside the walled garden and planters will
be going in at the station and 252 Memorial
Hall. Keep your eyes peeled!
Markinch Core Paths
With the theft of the strimmer and tools the
Core Paths have not been cut back this year
and have become overgrown and difficult to
use.
Currently the Community Council is looking
for grants to buy new tools which, albeit late
for this year, could make a good start to
opening up the paths for 2014.Whilst we
have two or three people offering help, what
is needed are some more volunteers who are
prepared to undergo training and give the
occasional hour to help keep the paths open.
Markinch Heritage Group
A very popular group within Markinch, the
Heritage group have recently researched the
“Brae’s Loan path, a 2 mile circular walk close
to Markinch. Beginning at the Northall
cemetery, the path is filled with history and
legend, together with signs of early coal
mining and early farming techniques along
the way.
The cemetery is also thought to be known as
Dalginch, an assembly point where justice
was administered. In more recent times the
association is with prominent Markinch
families such as Tullis (Tullis Russell), Haigs
(Haigs whisky) and the Balfours of Balbirnie.
Markinch District
Community Choir
The choir was founded in 2011 and has gone
from strength to strength with more than 50
members singing at their recent “Sell Out”
summer concert in Markinch Town Hall.
They’re still recruiting new members and the
first session of the new season starts on
Wednesday 21st August, 7-9pm at Markinch
Parish Church Hall, Kirk Brae, Markinch.
Markinch Amateur
Operatic Society
In 2014, the society will present their 75th
show, an updated version of Annie Get
Your Gun! Rehearsals start on 24th
September, 8pm in the Town Hall. Come and
join in either onstage or behind the scenes.
For more information, contact
E: secretary@maos.org.uk
T: 01592 754537
Markinch Plus
It's almost a year since the new play park
was built and it's been so nice to go along
and see it being so well used, though the
mum's and dad's could try out the gym
equipment a bit more!!! Markinch Plus would
like to continue doing more in John Dixon
Park but we need more committee members,
so look out for the posters for our next
meeting in September.
Markinch Community Policing
Early in 2013 the police meetings, held on
alternate months, joined up with the
Community Council meetings at the 252
Memorial Hall. Although, like most areas,
Markinch has its share of incidents where the
law is broken, fortunately, most of the crimes
are low key offences i.e. traffic offences,
disorderly conduct or theft and with a high
detection rate.
In addition to the normal report, the
Community Safety Officer attended the May
meeting giving an informative presentation
with good advice for the community
Markinch Community
Council
What’s in it for YOU?
It’s your chance to let Fife Council know how
you would like to see things in Markinch
It’s your opportunity to hear what Fife
Council is proposing for Markinch
It’s your chance to invite Fife Council to
consider your views on Health, Planning,
Roads and many other issues.
With regular updates from the Primary School
and the Community Police and reports on the
Environment, Planning, Health and Heritage,
the Community Council is working to enhance
Community Spirit.
Meetings are open to the public and tend to
be relaxed, offering something for everybody.
Come along and catch up on recent events,
have your say on Markinch’s future.
A Word from the Chair
Despite the economic climate, 2013 has been
a positive year, with an increase in
Community Councillors and volunteers who
are making a difference in the community.
Some of the issues that have been tackled
this year include:- a new and up to date
website has been created with a link to a new
Facebook site; a new Citizen of the Year
trophy was presented; a positive approach to
sustainable floral enhancements and a view
to their future; the establishment and
opening of the TREE Centre and, of course, a
re-vitalised Newsletter.
Markinch residents are already enjoying
their involvement in many projects around
the town. Come and wave your community
spirit flag; spend a few minutes watering a
flower or half an hour helping to clear a path.
The meetings are held monthly, except July
and August, and are generally held on the
first Wednesday in the month.
_____________________________
If you would like more information on any of
Email Chair@MarkinchCC.org.uk
these items or if you have an issue relevant
OR
to Markinch and its community that you feel
Tel
01592 769473
should be put to the Community Council,
please contact
_____________________________
You are invited to the next meeting and AGM which will be held
at 7pm, 4th September in the 252 Memorial Hall, Betson Street
“Markinch Matters” Newsletter reserves the right to refuse or amend any submissions and accept no liability for any omission or inaccuracy.
It is with regret that many Markinch organisations and activities have not been included in this newsletter. However, your contributions are
important to us and we look forward to receiving news and information from you for the next issue.
Printed by Fife Council, Central Print Unit.
Email: central.printunit@fife.gov.uk