Raploch Big Fun Day Big Success!
Families gathered at Raploch Centre yesterday to enjoy a whole array of fun, games and entertainment, during the Big Fun Day for the local community. The Day celebrated the regeneration of the area as this year marks the beginning of the rebuilding of the area, breathing new life and vigour into the community
The event was organised by Sunsol International on behalf of the Raploch Regeneration Project to thank the community for their patience and support as Raploch is being rebuilt with new homes, education and health facilities.
The main event of the Big Fun Day was the five-a-side football tournament for primary school children. The inaugural tournament is named after one of Raploch’s most famous sons, Billy Bremner. It was attended by his former coach, Pat McGuigan, Stirling Provost Colin O’Brien and former Rangers star and former Stirling Albion Manager, Kevin Drinkell. Pat McGuigan said it was a great day for Raploch.
Bride of Allan won the trophy but Raploch pledged to bring it home next year.
Terry Butcher, Manager, Motherwell FC, gave a message of good luck to all the teams who were taking part, adding that “Community Spirit is essential to bring everyone together”.
Children also had the opportunity to train with the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Rugby Union and members of Stirling County first team.
Local Theatre Company Stageworx staged an exciting dancing workshop for budding pop idols of all ages.
Move aside Fireman Sam as Stirling Fire Brigade demonstrated their Big Engine! There was fun for all the family including bouncy castles, paintballing, balloons and free personal radios donated by Raploch Radio. The unanimous response from everyone was that it had been a great day.
Malcolm Chisholm, MSP, Minister for Communities, gave his whole-hearted support to the event; “Raploch is a proud and strong community, and the regeneration of the area will bring new opportunities and renewed vigour to its people”.
Anderson Bell Christie, the Master Planners for the Redevelopment of Raploch, enthusiastically supported the event by donating new football equipment. Karen Anderson believes “The community is beginning to see action on the ground. This is a really wonderful thing and a reason for celebration”
Organiser of the day David Stirling of Sunsol International, was delighted to be involved; “The Big Fun Day is happening because of the hard work and involvement of lots of people in the community including schools, youth groups, SFA, SRU and Stageworx. It is great that Kevin Drinkell came along to show his support to the children and it was an honour to have Pat McGuigan here as well.”
The following quotes are from some of the children on the day at Raploch;
Stuart Kilbene, 8, " I had a great day. My favourite bit was when somebody took a penalty and I saved it!"
Stephanie Lafferty, 8, " I had a really good day. My favourite thing was the bouncy castle and I liked the dancing too"
Brandon Kilbane, 8, " I loved trying out the rugby. It was the first time I ever played it"
Courtney McColl, 8, "I had a great day. I loved joining in with the dancers and the trophy presentation because my cousin got a medal and I was really proud of him".
Liam Waghorn, 10, said "I had great fun and want to come back again next year"
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For further information please contact David Stirling or M.C. Lagan, Sunsol International on 0131 308 4107 email david@sunsol.co.uk or mc@sunsol.co.uk
Interviews and quotes can be arranged by contacting M.C. Lagan 0131 308 4107 mobile 077 462 49665 email mc@sunsol.co.uk
Notes to editor
The Big Fun Day took place at Raploch Community Centre, Glendevon Drive, Raploch, Stirling FK8 1RY on Sunday 26 February from 11.00 – 4.30.
The Raploch Partnership Board’s vision is “to develop a 21st Century community, consulted at every step of the way. Through effective partnership working, we wish to build a community where people choose to live, work and visit with new homes, education and health facilities, within a sustainable environment.”
Their vision is underpinned by one core principle: “Community Benefit is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that to be successful change must be influenced by the people who will be most affected by it”.
While the wider area of Stirling has witnessed a significant increase in economic activity and prosperity in recent years, Raploch has been unable to share in this prosperity. Raploch has become an increasingly excluded community, and the gap between it and the rest of Stirling is stark.
The Raploch story is one of higher unemployment rates, poorer health, poorer quality housing, lower educational achievement and a lack of choice and opportunity.
Today, Raploch remains as one of highest in the Forth Valley deprivation index. For this reason it was designated Urban Regeneration pathfinder status by the Scottish Executive in June 2004.
Over the last 24 months, there has been extensive consultation and engagement with residents, local business and the Community Planning Partnership. Through this process, a physical master plan for the area has been agreed.
Raploch Regeneration Project www.raploch.com
Sunsol International www.sunsol.co.uk
Billy Bremner was born in Raploch in 1942. He was the inspirational captain of the legendary Leeds United football team of the 1960s and 1970s. As an Scottish International, Bremner was at the forefront of Scottish football's rise in the 1970s after years in the wilderness. He made his Scotland debut in 1965 against Spain, played in the famous 3-2 victory against world champions England at Wembley in 1967 and captained his country at the World Cup in West Germany in 1974. He won 54 caps in total, scoring three goals, and is in the Scotland hall of fame. He died in 1997 aged 54.
Kevin Drinkell. The former striker made an impact with 19 goals in 42 matches in his short time at Ibrox, after moving from Norwich in 1988.
