Gatehouse Community Champion, Tarena Dickie, is making waves in the Galloway community. In an interview featured in Galloway People, Tarena shared her inspiring story of community involvement and dedication. Married to self-employed building developer Kris, Tarena, 45 years old, is a mother to Ayden, 15, and Olivia, who happens to be celebrating her 12th birthday. Alongside her role as a part-time hairdresser, she also manages the family business accounts.
Tarena’s passion for her community shines through her involvement in various community projects. She is an active member of the local Community Church led by Pastor Chris Barrett and a key member of the Gatehouse Christmas Lights and Gala Committee. The committee organizes the popular Gala Week in Galloway, which includes events like the torchlight procession and Grand Parade, drawing over 2,000 participants this year.
The catalyst for Tarena’s community work was the passing of her father-in-law six years ago. Inspired by his wish to see more swings in a local play park, Tarena took on the project as a tribute to him. Despite initial challenges, with the community’s support and fundraising efforts, they exceeded their target and raised £100,000 for the Riverbank Park redevelopment.
The completion of Riverbank Park brought immense joy to the community, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. Children were thrilled to have a new play area, fostering social interaction and easing the impact of isolation. The success of this project motivated Tarena to spearhead the upgrade of Garries Park, proposing a multi-use games area (MUGA) for community use.
While faced with funding challenges for the MUGA project, Tarena’s perseverance paid off with significant contributions from various sources, including the Coastal Benefit Fund and the Holywood Trust. The MUGA, costing £170,000, was officially opened by the Dumfries and Galloway Council chief executive, Dawn Roberts. The community MUGA will soon be available for school and public use, further enhancing community facilities.
Tarena’s dedication to community projects highlights the impact a passionate individual can have with community support. As she looks ahead to future projects like the Garries Park upgrade, Tarena remains grateful for the backing of funders, supporters, and the community. Her story is a testament to the power of community spirit and collaboration in achieving positive change and upliftment.
In conclusion, Tarena Dickie’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of community engagement and collective action. Her commitment to enhancing local facilities and fostering community spirit has brought tangible benefits to the Gatehouse community. Through her leadership and determination, Tarena has shown that with a strong community backing, any challenge can be overcome, leading to lasting positive impact and a sense of togetherness.