OIR celebrates Ayr 800

As part of the Ayr 800 celebrations, Opportunities in Retirement (OIR) is promoting the Tam O’Shanter Trail, which it helped to develop several years ago. OIR is producing an up-to-date leaflet with detailed information about the trail.

This leaflet will be on display at and available from the Tam O’Shanter Inn, and a poster will also appear in the window of the Inn.

On Tuesday 5 April 2005, OIR No.1 Walking Group will walk the Trail from the Inn – dressed in period costume. Thereafter, throughout the summer months, OIR hopes to supply a guide or guides on one specified day per week to lead tourists and others interested along the Trail.

Jean Day, the leader of OIR Calligraphy Group, has designed a commemorative Ayr 800 tea towel. Notable events from Ayr’s 800 years of history have been inscribed in impressive calligraphy, and are illustrated by line drawings crafted by leaders of some of OIR’s Art Groups. The initial production run of 500 tea towels was sold out within a fortnight, and a further supply has been ordered to meet the demand. The tea towels are most impressive, and are on sale at £2.50 each. The firm producing the tea towels also suggested that packs of notelets could be supplied to the same design, and these are now on sale at £2.00 per pack at the OIR office, 61 Main Street, Ayr.

OIR is a large organisation, with approximately 1,800 members. It offers around 70 interests and hobbies "for the retired, by the retired". Its leaders give their skills and knowledge on a voluntary basis, and members agree that for many the organisation has been a lifesaver and a new beginning.

Enquiries: OIR Vice-Chairman Amy Kinnaird
Telephone: 01290 700606
E-mail: amy.kinnaird@virgin.net

About Ayr 800

In 2005 the historic town of Ayr in Scotland marks the 800th anniversary of King William the Lion of Scotland signing a Charter in 1205 proclaiming Ayr to be a Royal Burgh.

Ayr Guildry, an association of local business people which itself dates back to 1325, is currently organising Ayr 800, a 12 month long calendar of events to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

Brian Martin of Ayr Guildry said: "It seems fitting and appropriate to celebrate 800 years of Ayr’s history in as many different ways as possible.

"Since the inception of this project, I have been amazed to discover the number and diversity of clubs, associations and groups that flourish in our town. Ayr 800 provides them all with a magnificent opportunity to play a prominent part in our year of celebrations.

"For people and businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry, Ayr 800 offers the chance to attract visitors who might otherwise not have come to our town in 2005.

"And Ayr 800 provides an additional platform for local businesses to promote their products, skills and services to the world."

Brian Martin concluded: "Regular updates to the calendar of events will be posted on the Ayr 800 website at www.ayr800.co.uk

"All businesses, clubs, societies and individuals who would still like to take part in this great celebration of our town’s history will be most welcome, and should get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Enquiries:
Brian Martin, Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 442103.
John Hay, Clerk to Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 264091.

Website:
http://www.ayr800.co.uk

Issued on behalf of Ayr Guildry by Fame Publicity Services.
Media enquiries:
Murdoch MacDonald
Fame Publicity Services
10 Miller Road
AYR, Ayrshire
Scotland KA7 2AY

Telephone: +44 (0)1292 281498
E-mail: famepublicity@aol.com
Web: http://www.famepublicity.co.uk