Spring Tea Event now going digital!

Everyone is invited to a Virtual Spring Tea taking place for residents of Carstairs Junction, Sunday 29 March at 2pm, via a Facebook Live video on the Community Action Lanarkshire Facebook page.

The original event was planned to take place at the same time in Carstairs Junction Hall, but current government guidance on social distancing made this impossible. Every effort is being taken by organisers to ensure that the spirit of the original event remains.

Keeping in line with current government guidelines on social distancing, residents are being asked to gather their families around devices in their home, with tea, coffee, biscuits and community spirit. Results of the recent Community Survey and winners of the Photography Competition will be announced via the Facebook Live video, by Lynda Johnstone of Community Enterprise.

Digital attendees will be able to ask questions and leave comments as Lynda presents the survey results, which asked residents what they value most and what they find most challenging about living in the area, as well as any project ideas they have for Carstairs Junction. People will have a chance to give feedback on the results, helping to flesh out any proposed project ideas.

There will also be an option to speak to Community Enterprise over the phone about any issues relating to the plan, immediately after the broadcast up to 4pm, on 07898 983 931.  Lynda will also be happy to take your call week commencing Monday 30 March 2020.

The Virtual Spring Tea is part of the Community-Led Action Planning process which was launched in Carstairs Junction in February with a Free Community Ceilidh.

The Community-Led Action Plan, due to be launched in May, will identify the community’s priorities over the next five years, highlighting projects that the community would like to work on together to make their community a better place to live, work and play. The plan will be able to be used as evidence by community groups seeking funding or by organisations who deliver services in that community.

Sarah O’Sullivan, Community Action Lanarkshire says, “Coronavirus looks set to send communities into lockdown – but alternatives to physical events are being sought, and the Virtual Spring Tea provides a space to come together in these difficult times. Community spirit is alive and well and we’re looking forward to people grabbing their laptops, computers, tablets or mobiles to come together for the future of the Junction.”

Winners of the Carstairs Junction Photo Competition, which is also taking place as part of the Community-Led Action Planning process, will be announced at the Virtual Spring Tea too. Photos submitted to the competition will also be posted on the Community Action Lanarkshire Facebook page for all to see.

The Community-Led Action Plan is being co-ordinated by a specially formed Steering Group, made up of representatives from Carstairs Community Council, Carstairs Junction Londis, Carstairs Junction Primary School, Carstairs Junction Welcome All Hub, Carstairs Parish Church, Healthy Valleys and The Playbarn.

The Plan is funded by LEADER with support from Community Action Lanarkshire. It is being delivered by Community Enterprise.

Residents still have the opportunity to fill out the survey before 24 March. They can do this online here, or pick up and drop off a paper copy from Carstairs Junction Londis.

To find out more about the Carstairs Junction Community-Led Action Plan, contact Community Action Lanarkshire on 07986 798 098 / info@ruraldevtrust.co.uk.