CentreStage News

CentreStage Notice: Old Mill Road - Roadworks

Ellis with her cycling teammates (Ellis third from left) CentreStage choir member goes for gold in Berlin! Ellis Wilson, heads to the Special Olympics in Berlin on 11th June Here at CentreStage we are proud of all the achievements of our participants and when someone as talented as Ellis Wilson lets us know she is heading to the Special Olympics in Berlin to compete we couldn't not shout about her achievements. Ellis is a much loved and 'well kent' face around CentreStage taking part in our Gospel Choir, Oor Wee Choir and our Creativity Cafe every week, regularly taking to the stage during our shows and events and showcasing her wonderful art that she creates. It also turns out that the arts are not where her talents stop, Ellis has been involved in the Special Olympics GB squad since she was a youngster where she competed in horse riding. However, this time she is switching her horse for the bike as she heads to Berlin for this summer's games to compete in cycling. Here is Ellis' athlete's profile:

Young people graduate from Connect programme CentreStage and Ayrshire College celebrate the achievements over 50 young people On Wednesday 17th May, over 50 young people from schools across East Ayrshire graduated from the Connect programme, a partnership programme between CentreStage and Ayrshire College which seeks to provide opportunities for young people not engaging fully with school. The celebration event brought together all of the young people who took part this year along with their teachers and parents to showcase some of the impressive work they have been involved in. This year, the young people were working towards Creative Industries Award Levels 4 and 5 for the first time, which focuses on developing basic knowledge and understanding of practical aspects of the creative industries. It is aimed at those who may want to explore the many activities and opportunities available in the creative industries sector, including: theatre and performance, television and radio broadcasting, music and video. They supported our wider team in building and painting many of our sets for CentreStage shows such as Through The Deep Dark Wood, Elf and flagship show, The Wedding Singer. As well as creating 3D scene boxes which were entered in to a prestigious competition and many other creative activities. CentreStage was also able to provide a wider range of skills, helping the young people work on their life skills, such as making soup and baking alongside our signature singing and performing opportunities which all went towards creating a holistic set of skills for them all. Please watch our video for the highlights from their time with us:

The rededication of Kilmarnock Academy War memorial to mark 100 th anniversary. CentreStage hosts service to mark important date On Friday 24 th March, ex-service men and women, members of the Royal British Legion along with Deputy Provost and East Ayrshire councillors gathered at CentreStage, in the former Kilmarnock Academy building, to rededicate Kilmarnock’s first war memorial on its 100 th anniversary. The memorial was unveiled on 24 th March 1923, 4 years before the Town’s own memorial. The Kilmarnock Standard of the time described it; ‘The Stateliness of its proportions, its simplicity and dignity and quiet restfulness, hold and charm the eye’ The Kilmarnock Academy memorial recognises those who fought and died in the Great War who were pupils and masters of the former school. Alongside readings and a history of the war memorial itself, invited guests also listened to music from CentreStage’s Unlikely Lads and other musical performers with songs such as Oh Danny Boy and The Green Fields of France before Stewart Finlay, Royal British Legion read ‘For The Fallen’ preceding the Last Post. Deputy Provost, Claire Allison, was invited to lay the wreath to mark the service. CentreStage maintains the War Memorial, which is open to the public, and there is also a book of biographies of the men who are named on the monument itself. Members of the public are welcome to view the memorial at any time within CentreStage.

Is It Us Or Is It Hot In Here? CentreStage hosts first health event focused on menopause On Sunday 5 th February 2023, CentreStage, hosted over 200 women at our first menopause education event with expert health professionals speaking alongside CentreStage’s signature musical performances. On Sunday 5 February, 200 women gathered at CentreStage in Kilmarnock to hear from health experts, take part in health promoting activities, and participate in a fun and interactive CentreStage performance with a menopause twist! Thanks to funding from NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Public Health team, Dr Jocelyn Skaaning and an experienced line-up of expert colleagues lead discussions on hot topics covering perimenopause and menopause, treatment for symptoms, HRT and alternatives (hormone replacement therapy), lifestyle, diet and exercise advice, sex and contraception after 40 and vulval health. 80% of the women who attended said they left feeling more confident than they did beforehand in their menopause knowledge and understanding. Please watch our video for the highlights from the day:

Tree of Trees gifted to CentreStage Ayrshire charity, CentreStage Communities, has received the gift of a special tree from the “Tree of Trees” sculpture which stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The spectacular 21-metre ‘Tree of Trees’ sculpture featuring 350 British native trees was created outside Buckingham Palace as an exciting centrepiece of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations in June. The sculpture reflects the joyful Jubilee tree planting which has swept the nation as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project (QGC), inspiring people and organisations to plant over a million trees during its first season, from October to March. The 350 trees that formed part of the sculpture were set in recycled aluminium pots embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher and are now being gifted to selected community groups and organisations to celebrate their work and inspire the next generation of tree planters across the nation. Her Majesty planted over 1,500 trees all over the world during her 70-year reign. The gift of the tree is a thank you for all the valuable and tireless work that volunteers and individuals undertake for the benefit of their communities. It is also a celebration of the diverse communities that come together for the benefit of all, often using the natural environment to improve health and wellbeing. The trees planted across the country as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy will continue to spread this message, in honour of her extraordinary service to her country and her people. CentreStage joins over 300 organisations from across the UK who were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name. Presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, the tree was planted on Tuesday 11 th October 2022 at CentreStage attended by Fiona McKenzie, Founder and Paul McColgan, CEO and Chair Willie Mackie with some of our volunteers who are integral to the day to day running of CentreStage. Paul McColgan, CEO of CentreStage said: “We are delighted to be chosen to receive a tree from the Queens Green Canopy Tree of Trees. We have created a close-knit community here in our arts and wellbeing hub at CentreStage and are grateful to the QGC for recognising us as part of the wider community of Ayrshire in bringing people together regardless of background or ability to take part in the arts. This special tree represents the hope and aspiration we want to share with our participants here. “As one of over 300 organisations across the UK, CentreStage is proud to become part of the living legacy in honour and loving memory of Her Majesty.” The Lord-Lieutenant Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE remarked: “I am delighted that CentreStage have been chosen to receive this tree as it recognises the significant contribution that they make to the wider community in Ayrshire through their wide range of activities. “  Provost of East Ayrshire, Jim Todd, said: “CentreStage is a huge part of the East Ayrshire community and it is fitting, given the very positive and aspirational work it does with people of all ages, that it has been chosen to receive this special tree. Having it at CentreStage will be a wonderful way for current and future generations to remember Her Majesty and the importance of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.”

Paul McColgan appointed as Chief Executive Officer CentreStage is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul McColgan as their new CEO. Paul brings a wealth of experience that is closely aligned to the charitable aims of CentreStage which are the relief of poverty, tackling social isolation, enhancing wellbeing, and supporting people achieve their potential through participation in the arts. Paul has spent the past 20 years as CEO of anti-poverty charity Community Renewal Group, an organisation established to tackle poverty, unemployment, and health inequalities in Scotland’s most deprived neighbourhoods. Prior to co-founding Community Renewal, Paul was Director of Economic Development at Unity Enterprise, where he led a range of initiatives that supported young disabled people to fulfil their career potential. In 2019 Paul was voted Social Enterprise Champion of Scotland. Chair, Willie Mackie said: “Paul brings with him a real grounding in business with an exemplary background in social enterprise, a combination that CentreStage will thrive on and benefit from hugely over the coming years as we strive to have a positive impact on our local community and beyond.” Fiona McKenzie, Founder of CentreStage said: “We are absolutely delighted to have a person with Paul’s calibre joining us to lead CentreStage forward at this very important stage in our journey. With someone who has a strong background in social enterprise and experience of changing the lives of communities we believe we can move CentreStage into the next phase in our new home as we work towards our charitable aims” Paul McColgan said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been appointed CEO and it’s a great privilege to have been given the opportunity to lead the organisation in the next stage of its development. I have always heard very positive things about CentreStage, but its only when you get the chance to experience the welcome, the sense of belonging, and the joy around the place that you begin to appreciate the magic that makes it unique as a charity.” 

Dr Willie Mackie appointed as Chair of CentreStage CentreStage is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Willie Mackie as the new Chair. Willie joins CentreStage with vast experience, notably in the financial industry but more recently as Interim Chair of Scottish Enterprise, serving on the Board of Prestwick Airport and past Chair of Ayrshire College. In November 2019, Willie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of The West of Scotland in recognition of his contribution to business, skills and economic development. Outgoing Chair, Eleanor McLaren said: “Willie brings a wealth of experience as a non-executive Director, connections across the breadth of Scotland and a real passion for the work of CentreStage. His credentials are second to none and we give him the warmest of CentreStage welcomes”.  Fiona McKenzie, Founder of CentreStage said: “We are delighted to have someone with Willie’s experience and passion joining our CentreStage family as Chair. We are excited about the future of the organisation as we move into a new phase in our new home at the former Kilmarnock Academy and with Willie’s leadership, we are sure we will make a difference to people’s lives across Ayrshire and beyond. We also thank Eleanor for her exceptional hard work and dedication to CentreStage over the past 5 years”.