About Dalbeattie Community Initiative

Dalbeattie Community Initiative was formed in September 1997 in response to a number of local business closures and the subsequent negative impact on the local economy and the community.

The Initiative’s aims and objectives are:

To act as a catalyst within the community, to respond to local needs and effectively reflect local priorities in order to promote and encourage the economic, social and physical regeneration of Dalbeattie and the surrounding area.

MEETING DATES FOR 2022

Meetings (apart from the AGM) will be held at the Birchvale Theatre, Maxwell Street on Tuesday evenings from 7pm until 9pm.

If you wish to attend a meeting, please contact Michelle.

The meetings for 2022 will be on the following dates:

25^th January
22^nd February
29^th March
26^th April
31^st May
28^th June – Annual General Meeting
26^th July
30^th August
27^th September
25^th October
29^th November

Meetings are not held during December.

MEMBERS OF STAFF

The Initiative (DCI) currently employs the following people:

Michelle McRobert
Business Manager

Michelle operates from our office at 16 High Street. She maintains the company's administration, and the development and management of our projects and services. In doing so, she collaborates closely with DCI Directors, staff and volunteers as they take forward their work.

Jenni Kingan
Initiative Shop and Visitor Information Point Co-ordinator

Based at our shop at 16 High Street, Jenni coordinates the Initiative Shop, dealing with such matters as stock selection, presentation, and pricing policy, and supervises the group of volunteers who provide the essential staff which make the Initiative Shop work for the community.

Maria Rawlings
Project Development Officer, working on Rocks and Wheels.

Maria is working with the volunteer community team to develop their ideas into a viable business model for the site property and ground space of the old Dalbeattie Primary School.

Tom Marshall
E-bike coordinator

Tom joined the team in January 2020. He coordinates the Dalbeattie E-bike project, offering confidence building and led rides on our fleet of e-bikes. He is supported by a team of local volunteers.

Donna McKnight
Dalbeattie Food Bank
Coordinator

Donna joined our team in November 2020. The Initiative has partnered with Castle Douglas Development Forum on their Stepping Stones project, and as a result has created a part time employed position. Donna is the main contact for the food bank, and is working with a team of volunteers to open the foodbank on five evenings a week (from 6pm to 7pm, at 71 High Street) for those in need. Contact Donna at donnamck.dci@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERS/MEMBERS

The Initiative recognises and highly appreciates the commitment from all individuals who give up their time and expertise to assist with many of the projects. Without the dedication of volunteers we couldn’t fulfil any of our project aims. This level of commitment is recognised and highly praised by all Directors, members and staff of the organisation.

Individuals volunteer for a variety of different reasons, some like being part of a team, others like to meet new people and many feel a connection to a particular project. Whatever the reason for volunteering new faces are always welcomed and anyone wishing to offer their services can do so by contacting Michelle.