Only two floats at the Gala: why Newmilns needs you

At the last Newmilns Gala in 2019, only two floats took part. The new Community Action Plan uses that small, telling fact to make a big point: the town's future depends on its residents stepping forward.
The Newmilns & Greenholm Community Action Plan 2022–2027 includes an unusually candid section asking why some of the community's hopes have not yet come true. It identifies three main obstacles.
The first is funding. Local groups have applied for many grants over the years. Some succeeded, but the plan admits that more often they did not. Groups are competing hard for every pound, often against many others across East Ayrshire and the rest of the country.
The second is ownership. Residents know of buildings and pieces of land around the town that need to be refurbished, repurposed or simply removed. But many are privately owned, and the owners do not always share the community's views. Local groups can talk to owners but have no power to force them to act. The plan says residents' frustration has been passed on to East Ayrshire Council, and conversations are continuing about whether the council has enforcement powers or could use compulsory purchase orders.
The third is involvement. The Newmilns Regeneration Association, the Community Council, the Gala Committee and the tenants and residents associations all need new members, and events need volunteers.
The plan puts it plainly: everyone wants more community spirit, more events and real change, and all of those wishes include the word "we". It argues that residents should not always expect others to make the difference.
Recognising that not everyone can do everything, the plan lists simple ways people can help:
• join the NRA as a trustee, the Community Council, the Gala Committee or a local tenants and residents association
• shop locally under the "Love Newmilns, Love Local, Shop Local" banner
• support the Love Newmilns Lotto, which raises money for local good causes
• volunteer at local events and join organised litter picks
• help plant, water and look after the flower planters and beds
• keep your own doorstep and street clean, and pick up after your dog
• use the recycling service rather than dumping household items in gardens or on the street
The message is simple. Newmilns and Greenholm has plenty of ambition. What it needs now is more hands. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the NRA at hello@lovenewmilns.org.