When I last wrote in the Reporter in October we were all turning our clocks back as we headed into winter but now it's only a matter of five weeks before we “spring" into summer time and put the clocks forward an hour at the end of March.

It’s been good to see the days lengthening and the daffodils starting to flower across the area. Daffodils are seen as a sign of hope so it always cheers me up whenever I see them. It won’t be long before all the trees and bushes are bursting with leaves and as we race towards springtime at the middle of March, hopefully the weather will pick up as well.

I’ve been really busy in the intervening weeks with various council meetings and events, my National Park duties, and surgeries. I’ve also been supporting community groups across my ward. I’ve supported Haldane Youth Group with their successful bid to the cost of living capital fund so that they were able to refurbish two of their rooms to create a hub with different zoned areas, including creating a warm space where several different activities can take place.

The spaces will be warm and some of the services provided will help with online resources that those attending might not have access to at home. This will allow them to study, research, and complete homework in a warm, secure and supportive setting.

I’ve also been working with some community activists so that we can develop a food pantry in the Lomond Ward. We’ve held some planning meetings, visited potential property, and also visited the Dalmuir Barclay Pantry to see what services they provide and how they do it.

I am really amazed by their passion and dedication and the really positive impact they have on people and the local community. We’ve learned a lot over the past few months and a bid was submitted for funding but it’s a slow and steady process and I am slowly learning how to be patient.

I’m really excited about the prospect of setting up a pantry as I know how much it will mean to the people of Haldane, Jamestown, Balloch, Tullichewan and Levenvale. Not everyone will need to use our pantry but we have a really strong community and when we finally get the funding we need, I am hoping that everyone will rally round to help make it a lasting success.

I’ve also been engaging with “Time for Tully” to learn what their plans are for the future to see how I could help them. I’m hoping that over the coming months I can help them to find some funding to support their planned activities. I will give you all another update in my next column.

Thank you for taking the time to read my column and let's all hope that the springtime brings some nice sunny weather.