Riccarton Parish Church
21 OLD STREET KILMARNOCK, KA1 4DX
Charity Number SC006040
The Buchanan Centre
In the middle of the last century the Buchanan sisters set up a Trust, which stated that the interest from the capital sum be devoted to certain projects and the residue had to be divided among ministers of Riccarton and Kilmarnock. One half of this residue was to be given to the minister of Riccarton. This sum was sufficient to distribute coal and groceries among the needy, and amounted to little more than one hundred pounds. In the process of time all the other projects disappeared and the total interest was divided among the ministers. This amounted to two thousand pounds per year in the case of the Riccarton minister. The Trust stated that the money be used for charitable and benevolent purposes. The problem arose of how to distribute such a sum in small amounts, such as coal, etc., and added to this was the government directive that any such gifts be deducted from government help.
The minister of Riccarton at that time had a glebe which had been used as a tennis court and clubhouse but was now derelict.
Such a piece of ground seemed ideal for experiment and it was decided to supplement pensioners' incomes with meals at cost price. The Trust's statement of "charitable and benevolent" purposes, could be interpreted (according to the Trust's lawyer) by the minister as 'anything that helps anybody'.
Two second hand prefabs were purchased and voluntary labour erected these. An executive committee was formed for administration. The prefabs consisted of a kitchen, a dining room and a room for a Playgroup. The first day six people turned up, and they were served by eight voluntary helpers. This was the beginning of a massive development.
As Riccarton Church was not an affluent church, it was decided not to ask the church for any financial help. Both sides of the work continued to grow and be self-sufficient.
Two years on it was decided to erect another two prefabs to cope with the demand. The luncheon club expanded into a 'meals on wheels' service.
In 1976 a local trust (Witchknowe Trust) decided to wind up and gave four thousand pounds to the Buchanan Centre. It would have been easy to invest the money and use the interest but the Executive decided to erect a large industrial building which would eventually become a games hall.
The concrete pillars and 30' high roof was erected and the area measured 60’ x 30’ This would provide three badminton courts and five aside football etc. The other work in the prefabs continued.
Manpower Services, a government training scheme which was set up at this time created the possibility of further expansion. 30 men were involved in this project of expansion.
This work has continued in a wonderful way.
The care of the elderly is paramount in the centre's thinking. The main criterion is the meals on wheels service and luncheon club. This work has grown considerably e.g. The whole town of Kilmarnock is covered . The centre provides each day meals at the luncheon club and meals on wheels for housebound. Drivers and helpers (all volunteers) take hot meals to the elderly or people in need from Monday - Friday.
Some church organisations also use the centre for their activities.
Although the centre is church based it is open to all irrespective of race, creed or culture.