East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid is an independent voluntary organisation, founded in 1982 and run by women for women and their children.

Provost Gillian Renwick and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid have set themselves a series of physical challenges in the run up to the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival (31 August & 1 September 2024) to raise funds for this worthwhile cause.

They are looking for your support as they walk, cycle, swim and learn new skills in pickleball.

The Provost’s Summer Challenge activities are as follows:

• Community Swimathon (1-29 August)

A 25,000 length swimathon – calling on the community to contribute to the tally of lengths at the three local swimming pools. Regular updates as to how many lengths have been completed will be reported on our social media platforms.

• Walk (7 August)

A 9 mile walk which will start and end in Kirkintilloch, taking in part of the Join Muir Way. The Provost and Depute Provost will be joined by members of Walk, Run and Cycle East Dunbartonshire (WRCED) – a community group with over 100 members who are all keen on getting active in the area.

• Pickleball Tournament (22 August)

Joined by a number of elected members, the Provost and Depute Provost will compete in a mini pickleball tournament in one of East Dunbartonshire’s leisure centres. Pickleball involves players using a smooth faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net. The sport resembles tennis and is becoming increasingly popular.

• Cycle (19 September)

The Council’s Outdoor Education and Awards Officer, Alan Smith, will lead the Provost, Depute Provost and members of WRCED on a 18km cycle from Kirkintilloch Marina to Twechar. The group will pass the new outdoor centre, stop and climb Bar Hill, before cycling back to the Marina.

East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid vision is of a strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals are equally safe and respected, and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse - and the attitudes that help perpetuate it. No woman or girl in Scotland should be subjected to violence or abuse of any kind (physical, emotional, sexual or psychological). Please donate if you can.