We’re delighted to be able to launch CuparNow’s community directory – a listing of 80 clubs, groups, organisations, societies and more that are active in supporting our town.

Working with many in Cupar, we have collated the 80 organisations’ names, contact details, location (where relevant) and digital links to websites and social media channels.

Just click on the block below to visit online …

The directory’s database is live and we will maintain it – adding information when required, including listings for anyone we have missed along the way. We would ask all to check our directory and, if any of the information for the organisation you represent requires amending, just let us know by email via this link and we will be back in touch to verify before updating.

This leads us on to an update that’s just been shared by a number of the town’s organisations all with an eye on the year ahead …

Cupar & District – Events Planning 2021

Every city, town and village across Scotland will have entered 2021 in the hope that the year ahead could not possibly be a repeat of 2020. Cupar in Fife is no different. So, before Christmas, an informal group representing some of the largest community organisations across the area of “Cupar & District” (Bell Baxter High School’s catchment area) came together – online, of course! – to review the events that had been cancelled in 2020 and to ask the question ‘what if?’ should continuing Covid restrictions, or even lockdowns, affect the plans for 2021.

The groups represented included Cupar Community Council, Kilmaron School, Children’s Gala, C in the Park, Cupar Arts, the Falkland Society, The Sunshine Kitchen, Cupar Rotary, Cupar Heritage & Museum, and Fife Voluntary Action, with the discussions steered by Cupar Development Trust.  The group’s challenge is to identify what activities and events can still be offered this year – adjusting the plans to reflect any ongoing restrictions.

So much was lost in 2020 – events that had taken months of planning were cancelled and other activities were either scaled back, relocated, rescheduled or postponed. The cost in lost hours of effort by the many community partners cannot be ignored, but it is vital to keep up the area’s enthusiasm.

Bill Pagan, Chair of CDT, explains: “This is a uniquely challenging time. We appreciate how difficult it is to keep smiles on faces, while running a business whilst juggling all the Covid-19 related processes or tackling home working and managing home schooling. Each of the collaborating organisations is keen to develop ideas which will give people in the community some things to look forward to. Additionally, some of the programmes will have educational content.”

A further gathering last week agreed to look at creating ‘virtual’ events where physical gatherings will not be possible. Steven Stewart, one of the organisers of C in the Park,  also on the CDT Board, says: “Even now, we are aware of many activities that are being planned online – from society talks to some performances that will be delivered virtually.” Steven adds: “Cupar is lucky to be the country’s only digital improvement district. Through CuparNow, we are able to engage with thousands at home and abroad – bringing a whole new opportunity for engagement and interaction beyond what might otherwise have been possible. There’s a lot to explore.”

The group make clear that they have to be “realistic about plans and expectations”. Sadly, events in the annual calendar in May and June are already being postponed or cancelled including The Fife Show (a busy and happy event we all look forward to each May).  Regrettably too, it is feared several other well-loved local events will have to be cancelled.

Isla Lumsden of Kilmaron School says: “None of us know when we will be able to enjoy face to face events again. We can all hope whilst, at the same time, plan for events that can be enjoyed safely by Cupar & District’s families.”

The group is optimistic about the second half of 2021. Steven says: “Planning goes on for activities and events this coming autumn. We very much hope that Cupar Museum will be open as well as the Duncan Institute Library which is celebrating its 150th birthday in its 151st year! And we have outline plans for an Art Treasure Hunt and a day-long music event “C in the Park”. The Haugh Park will rock!”

For live events, the group’s core focus is on September and beyond. September will see a medieval-themed day with 100 or more primary school children in costume participating. There will be visits by medieval characters making proclamations, storytelling, art tasks and a short orchestral concert – and a medieval banquet too! Continuing on a cookery theme, a Food Trail and Fair showing off local produce and suppliers is planned. Musical entertainment will add to the air of celebration.

Another possible event – and a first for Cupar & District – is a ‘gathering of societies’, allowing all the area’s clubs and societies to showcase what they do.  It will provide a chance for them to recruit new members.  There are so many opportunities for taking part, across the area, so those who are prepared to contribute to the community should find a group which suits their needs.

Bill McSeveney of Cupar Rotary says: “We are starting a programme of contacting other local organisations in order to hear about the current and ongoing challenges they face. CuparNow has built a database of some 80 local groups – clubs, societies and more – so everyone is able to search for possible pastimes, activities, hobbies and interests and sign-up to become part of the town as never before.” The group invites all to get involved – now. One might say “Click & Collect” your interests!

No matter the event, ‘welcoming’ will be needed – a task for which the area’s many young people’s groups are ideally placed – students, senior school, scouts, guides and cadets – your town needs you!

Bill Pagan concludes: “Cupar at Christmas tried to do their usual wonderful job of ensuring our town had a real festive spirit in 2020. Sadly, they were restricted by Covid but still managed to light the town centre throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays. We know they are working hard on plans for 2021 – surely, we can all hope that Cupar At Christmas will return to its usual busy, noisy and happy self at the end of November this year.

We urge everyone – our pre-schoolers, our senior citizens and everyone in between – to become a part of our plans to deliver on every front this year. Whether online or face to face, your Cupar, and our surrounding area, needs you!”

 

Thanks for reading.

We would like to thank all who have engaged and encouraged us to build this unique database – with a particular note of thanks to Cupar Development Trust, Cupar Rotary Club and the town’s Community Council.