February and March are always busy months for the Civic Office as everything gears up for Easter.

A celebration of all things Chinese took place in February marking Chinese New Year. There were events all across South Ayrshire and Carrick Academy put on a colourful extravaganza to mark the Year of the Pig.

Depute Provost Grant attended an Ayrshire Hospice ‘thank you’ event in Troon. The hospice celebrates its 30th birthday this year and this event was its chance to say thanks to everyone who has supported it.

Provost Moonie attended the Ayrshire Business Women’s Annual General Meeting in Irvine, meeting inspirational women from all over Ayrshire.

The provost attended the Duke of Edinburgh Award presentation, which saw 81 Gold, 124 Silver and 298 Bronze DoE awards presented. South Ayrshire has some of the highest numbers of 14 to 25-year-olds who take part in the programme.

Provost Moonie was also involved in a presentation at Belleisle Conservatory as part of the Peaceful Towns art competition. Artwork created by winners Morven Easton and Shaun Morgan from Marr College will now travel 6,000 miles to Hiroshima, Japan, later this year to spread a message of peace, hope and love. The competition was inspired by ginko tree ‘peace seeds’ donated to South Ayrshire by Mayors for Peace.

The provost was on hand to welcome the Ayrshire Association of Burns Clubs Annual Schools Competition to Belmont Academy. This prestigious competition always attracts quality performers and this year was no different with an impressive array of recitals, singing and music.

International Women’s Day was a chance to celebrate the valuable contribution women have made and continue to make in society. Provost Moonie took part in various events to promote the initiative, visiting the Indian Consul in Edinburgh where Consul General Anju Ranjan gave a talk on women’s rights.

Last year, teachers from Alloway Primary School went to Bandawe in Malawi to help improve education especially for young girls. Head teachers Ernest Chirwa and Francis Juma from Bandawe All Girls Secondary School and Bandawe Primary School were in South Ayrshire following an invitation by Alloway Parish Church. Provost Moonie gave the teachers a warm welcome and heard about the difference donations and support from people in South Ayrshire is making.

Ayr Town hall was the venue for the Employability and Skills Celebration of Success event. Provost Moonie presented certificates to 59 graduates and 28 modern apprentices who have worked with the council in lots of areas including waste management, business administration, hospitality and social services. There were also placements in property and grounds maintenance and with external organisations in childcare and hair and beauty.

Congratulations to anyone who has celebrated a significant birthday or anniversary recently. The provost and depute provost have been meeting people across South Ayrshire celebrating Diamond Wedding anniversaries and 100-year birthdays.

If you would like the Civic Office to recognise anyone in South Ayrshire, contact 01292 616 685 or provost@south-ayrshire.gov.uk